According to recent reports from an Apple Insider, Cupertino plans to consolidate its software stack under a single branding strategy, starting after WWDC later this month.

Apple joins the rest of the pack

Though the company refused to comment on rumors, Bloomberg spoke with Apple insiders who confirmed that iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will all see their disparate version names brought under a single umbrella.

Like Microsoft, which named its Windows versions after the year they were released throughout the '90s and early '00s, Apple’s new plan is to add the upcoming year to the end of each operating system.

For example, while we currently have iOS 18 and watchOS 12 due to the respective distance in their original launch dates, they’ll now be called iOS 26 and watchOS 26, respectively.

This move also mirrors what Samsung did with its Galaxy phones starting in 2020, moving straight from the Galaxy S10 to the S20 that year. However, unlike Samsung, Apple will be naming for the year ahead.

See also: WWDC 2025 preview: iOS 26, Apple's video game plans, Apple Intelligence, Mac Pro M4 Ultra

The Bloomberberg report observes that iOS 26 will be launched in 2025, similar to how car manufacturers have operated their branding model for decades.

What else can we expect at WWDC 25?

The name changes aren’t all we should expect from Cook and Co. this year, though.

Early rumors suggest Apple also plans to renovate many aspects of iPad OS, bringing a more “Mac-like” experience that includes improvements to productivity, app window management, and multitasking.

Of course, a modern tech conference wouldn't be complete without an AI update. In that arena, reports say Apple could open up its AI models to third-party developers to take advantage of Apple Intelligence on supported devices.

The company also reportedly has plans to launch a new “AI-based battery management feature” to increase battery life for iPhones, whatever that’s supposed to mean.

Stay tuned for all the latest on June 9, when Apple leaders will take the stage at its annual developer conference.

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Apple’s shift to OLED displays is less of a matter of will they, won’t they, and much more a matter of when will they, and how much more will it cost me? It’s one of the worst-kept secrets in tech. with the switch, plain as day, appearing so far out on the horizon it has me doubting the curvature of the Earth.

Thanks to a recent leak, purportedly outlining Apple’s OLED plans up until the distant future of 2029, we may now have our best look yet at what’s in store and what to expect — along with a few exciting surprises along the way.

Leaked Apple roadmap 2024-2029: Oléd, Oléd, Oléd!

The leaked roadmap, supplied by reputable tech tipster @Tech_Reve on Twitter/X, showcases Apple’s plans for the remainder of the 2020s — at least in regards to OLED display tech across its catalog of products.

Take this leak with a side order of salt lick, as not only can the information not be verified, but Apple is well known for changing its plans at a moment’s notice. However, similar roadmaps have leaked in the past and held up fairly well (though, admittedly, they don’t typically leave a company’s five-year plan more exposed than a Playboy centerfold).

Starting midway through 2024, the roadmap indicates the first devices beyond Apple’s iPhone to make the leap to the new display tech: an 11-inch and 13” OLED iPad Pro. It marks a subtle shift in size from the usual plus-sized 12.9-inch model, but nothing as drastic as the rumored 14-inch iPad Pro model recently canned by Apple at the last minute.

It’s then ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ for the next 12 months, likely to make room in the spotlight for Apple’s other upcoming display tech: Micro-LED. Expected to arrive at some point in 2025, Apple’s in-house manufactured Micro-LED panels are reported to feature in a refreshed Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra.

However, Apple’s ultimate goal is to eventually outfit the iPhone with Micro-LED displays too — though no word on when this switch might take place is currently available.

Back to our roadmap, the next wave of display upgrades could arrive in 2026 via Apple’s 14-inch and 16-inch OLED MacBook Pro laptops. A year later, in 2027, the MacBook Air looks set to follow suit — adopting OLED displays for both of the Air’s 13-inch and 15-inch models.

Flash forward another 12 months and the OLED rollout is completed with 21.5-inch, 27-inch, and 32-inch iMacs receiving the same refreshed display. 

But wait, there’s more

While we’ve covered the typical Apple stomping grounds of MacBooks, iPads, and iMacs, the leaked roadmap does indicate two additional products that are worth singling out: a 20.3-inch foldable iPad Pro reportedly arriving in mid-2026 and an enormous 42-inch iMac arriving late in 2028.

Foldables are quickly growing in popularity thanks to some undeniably great devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, OnePlus Open, and Google Pixel Fold. And, as we all know, now that much of the heavy lifting has been done in this market, it’s at this particular moment in time that Apple enjoys swooping in and gentrifying the space with a classy, pricey, and premium offering.

Apple has had plans for a foldable iPad readied in the chamber since as far back as 2019, with recent rumors spearheaded by the likes of Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young also pointing to a 20.5-inch display being likely and the inclusion of a carbon fiber kickstand. While some have pointed to a 2024 release for Apple’s foldable slate, this is often disputed, and a 2026 arrival would be more generous for Apple to develop and release.

Finally, the absolute behemoth that would be a 42-inch iMac. It’s not the first time we’ve heard rumors of a gargantuan iMac on the horizon. Interestingly, this desk-dominating device is frequently linked to a future OLED display rollout too — further adding some credibility to its inclusion on this roadmap.

However, with its arrival reportedly happening toward the end of the decade, there’s no guarantee that this giant iMac will come to fruition. Still, that’s not to say it wouldn’t be an impressive feat for Apple to achieve. 

Outlook

Are we looking at Apple's official roadmap for it's OLED switchover? Unlikely. But that doesn't mean it's entirely wild speculation either. A lot of the dates included line up with industry insider and analyst insights.

If this isn't a leaked roadmap, it's at the very least a compilation of some of the more substantial leaks surrounding the inclusion of OLED displays across a wider range of Apple devices. These leaks are often backed by information obtained through manufacturers or sources close to the product's development.

That being said, rumors and leaks are rumors and leaks. And, if we believed them all blindly, the cubicle walls of a public bathroom would be the modern day equivalent of the library of Alexandria.

By no means take this information for fact. But you can take it as an loose outline of Apple's plans in regards to its OLED switchup, as it summarizes what's already been said by some of the industries most reliable sources.

Apple's next event, dubbed the 'Scary Fast' event, will happen in a few short days on Monday, October 30. You can tune into the event live on Apple's website or YouTube Channel, but it might be later than you'd expect for an Apple event. The 'Scary Fast' event will be hosted at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. BT), seven hours later than events traditionally start. 

At the 'Scary Fast' event, we're expecting to primarily see new Mac devices launched or released. Whether or not those Mac devices include a new iMac or a new MacBook Pro, we can't be sure. However, we are fairly confident that any Mac that debuts at this upcoming event will feature Apple's next-gen M3 chipset.

Possibly M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pros

A recent tweet from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the 'Scary Fast' event's main focus will be the M3 series Macbook Pro. Despite previously predicting a MacBook launch to be unlikely, Kuo is adjusting his estimates based on this last-minute Apple event. 

He does, however, hold fast in his stock estimates, and says that if new MacBook Pros launch in November or December, supply will only last into the first quarter of 2024 unless consumer demand weakens. MacRumors seems to think new Mac models could release on November 8.

Another reliable Apple source—Bloomberg's Mark Gurman—recently tweeted that "Apple has been testing M3 Max and M3 Pro 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros." He also notes that "MacBook Pro inventory has run dry," making Apple's 'Scary Fast' event the perfect time to announce a restock of brand new, next-gen MacBook Pros.

Chances of seeing an M3 13-inch MacBook Pro are fairly slim, and this model was strangely missing from Bloomberg's recent Power On newsletter. Gurman doesn't expect there to be any M3 MacBook Airs released this year either.

An M3 iMac seems likely

A recent tweet from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman called back to an old Power On newsletter where he said the next-gen iMac was in the engineering validation testing (EVT) stage. If it was in this development stage back in March, it's incredibly likely that Apple's new iMac could release on Monday, especially with Gurman's tweet conveniently timed right before the 'Scary Fast' event.

In the March newsletter Gurman linked to in his tweet, he mentioned the possibility of a redesigned stand, with internal components rearranged. This new iMac will likely launch with the same color options as the existing M1 iMac, but the most exciting change will be an upgrade from an M1 chip to an M3 chip, skipping the M2 chip altogether.

New USB-C accessories

The iPhone 15 series is finally equipped with USB-C technology, and it looks like Apple may start to make the same change to many of its other devices. On Monday, we should see the new USB-C versions of Apple's Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse.

Apple will probably also reveal the color-matched USB-C cables that many people thought were meant for the iPhone 15 series. 9to5Mac has a sneaky suspicion that these cables are probably intended for the new iMac, which will probably launch at the 'Scary Fast' event as well.

If you want to see the action for yourself, check out our guide on how to watch Apple's October 'Scary Fast' event.

Apple has yet another batch of reveals in store for us this month. Reportedly, the brand is set to break the embargo surrounding its “Scary Fast” M3 Apple Silicon chipset along with the iMac and MacBook models lucky enough to house them.

We’ve barely gotten past the Wonderlust inspired by Apple’s September event. There we were treated to a detailed look at the new iPhone 15, 15 Pro models — not to mention the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

However, Apple’s prolific push of hardware and software updates isn’t slowing down. Not yet at least, with the Scary Fast showcase arriving in just a few days time to dazzle us with Apple Park’s latest innovations. Here’s how you can watch along from home.

How to watch the Apple October event 2023: Scary Fast

Apple’s pre-recorded keynote will be streamed live through supported devices through the Apple TV app or online via YouTube or the Apple Events webpage on Monday Oct. 30, 2023.

Apple’s surprise showcase will take place later than usual, with proceedings kicking off at 5 p.m. PT (or 8 p.m. ET).

This is a pretty atypical time-slot for Apple to make its announcements, with the brand usually preferring to position its events much earlier in the day at around 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET.

However, it would appear the Cupertino crew are hoping to cash in on the Halloween holiday, and let an early autumn sunset make these “Scary Fast” announcements seem all the more spooktacular.

Watching from outside the US? Check out when the event kicks off in other time zones below:

• US & Canada: Monday, Oct. 30 @ 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET
• United Kingdom: Tuesday, Oct. 31 @ Midnight GMT
• Europe: Tuesday, Oct. 31 @ 1 a.m. CET
• India: Tuesday, Oct. 31 @ 5:30 a.m. IST
• Australia and New Zealand: Tuesday, Oct. 31 @ 11 a.m. AEDT / 1 p.m. NZDT

Apple October event 2023: What to expect

Word about what’s in store is slim, but from the clues left by Apple in the event’s promotional materials, we can expect a strong focus on MacBook and iMac devices. Not only that, but the “Scary Fast” moniker leads us to believe that Apple could be intending to introduce its all-new M3 Apple Silicon chipset to customers as well as see them feature in new MacBook Pro and iMac refreshes.

A long-standing rumor surrounding iPad refreshes arriving this year has caused the head of speculatists and analysts to spin for months. While it’s an outside chance, we may also see a surprise reveal of the iPad mini 7 and iPad Air 6.

Anything beyond this would be wild speculation for now, though we’ll be keeping you abreast of the latest news surrounding Apple’s event as it arrives.

Apple recently announced plans for its "Scary Fast" event happening on Monday, October 30 at 5 p.m. PT. While we don't know definitively what will be announced or launched at this Apple event, there's a high chance Apple's new M3-powered iMac is ready to launch at this event.

A recent tweet from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via MacRumors) included a link to an old Power On newsletter from March of this year. In this newsletter, Gurman explained that Apple's next-generation iMac was in the engineering validation testing (EVT) stage, which would make a late October release date entirely possible.

Gurman's tweet reads, "Apple has been planning an M3 iMac for a while, with the machine going into production months ago." Although he doesn't specifically say this in his tweet, his callback to the March Power On newsletter ahead of Apple's "Scary Fast" event makes us think a new iMac launch is imminent. 

What to expect from Apple's next-gen iMac

The current iMac model is equipped with an M1 chip. Though it may seem like Apple would release an M2 model before an M3 model, Gurman doesn't think so. He has repeatedly stated that he thinks iMacs will skip the M2 chip entirely and head straight for the M3 chip. In fact, the iMac will probably be "one of the company's first M3-based machines," according to Gurman.

Aside from this massive upgrade to the iMac's processor, next-gen models will also sport an updated stand. Gurman notes in the Power On newsletter that "the computer will see some of its internal components relocated and redesigned." Then, his recent tweet says "the stand's internal design has been tweaked." It's not clear how much this internal redesign will affect the overall look of the stand.

Lastly, the fun stuff: colors. The current iMac comes in green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver finishes. Gurman said back in March that the next-gen iMac was being tested in orange, pink, blue, and silver finishes. In his recent tweet, Gurman writes "I'd expect colors to remain similar," which suggests there may aqlso be yellow and green finishes for this new M3-powered iMac.

Other than the chip upgrade and redesigned stand, Apple's next-gen iMac will remain the same. It'll carry over a lot of its current specs and features, like its display specs and software. For existing iMac users, the boost in performance from the M3 chip will be reason enough to upgrade to a new model.

According to the latest tweet from reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors), it looks like Apple may still release a new iMac this year. In even more exciting news, Kuo's tweet goes on to mention a potential "higher-end 32-inch" iMac on its way by 2025.

We haven't even reached the end of 2023 yet, so a rumored 2025 release date might be hard to wait for, but if Kuo is to be believed, it'll be worth it. A glorious 32-inch display—sorry, a glorious 32-inch mini-LED display could be yours in one to two short years.

Two rumored iMacs for 2024 and 2025

This recent tweet from Kuo is actually a reply to a previous thread of tweets regarding predictions for Apple's upcoming desktop products. 

The first tweet in the thread is from early March 2022, and he predicted a new Mac Mini and a more affordable 27-inch display without mini-LEDs in 2022 and a Mac Pro and iMac Pro by 2023. A few days later, he replied to this tweet with "[Updated] / 2023: Mac Pro, iMac Pro, and Mac mini."

For reference, Kuo's 2023 prediction of a new Mac Mini was spot on (it released in January 2023). Apple also announced and released the 27-inch Studio Display without mini-LED technology a few days after Kuo's initial tweet. A new Mac Pro was announced at Apple's WWDC 2023 event in June, and it's looking like his prediction of a new iMac Pro by the end of this year might ring true as well.

A year and a half later, Kuo adds to this thread with today's news. He mentions a "24-inch iMac refresh in 2024" and a "higher-end 32-inch mini LED display iMac in 2025." With Kuo's track record, these predictions seem pretty dang reliable.

If these rumored products are on the way, this 32-inch iMac would be the largest in its line to date, matching the dimensions of Apple's expensive 6K Pro Display XDR. And if it has mini-LED display technology, that's going to be one glamorous (and no doubt expensive) all-in-one desktop machine.

macOS Sonoma’s huge reveal at Apple’s WWDC earlier this year was big news for Apple fans the world over. Since then, Apple’s latest macOS update has been impressing users during its beta release with a host of new features and improvements that sharpen and refine the Mac experience like never before.

However, today marks the day that macOS Sonoma steps out of beta and into full release – meaning we can all finally get to grips with macOS 14 and start to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to Apple’s upgraded operating system.

To help you on your way we’ve put together a short guide on how best to prepare for and how to install the latest version of macOS on your Mac device. But before we dive into the install there are a few things we should keep in mind: compatibility and preparation.

macOS 14 Sonoma: Compatibility and system requirements 

If you want to upgrade to macOS 14 Sonoma you’ll have to be working from a supported device and model compatible with today’s update. The following is the official list of Macs capable of playing host to Sonoma when it launches later today: 

• MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
• MacBook Air (2018 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)
• Mac Mini (2018 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• iMac (2019 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017)

macOS 14 Sonoma: How to prepare for the update 

We may not know the exact time of day when Apple makes the macOS 14 Sonoma update available to all, but we do know that you can prepare in advance while you wait to make sure everything goes smoothly and you’re good to go the moment it drops. 

Step 1: Back up your Mac

Today’s Sonoma release will be a stable build, meaning it’s highly unlikely to cause any large-scale issues on install. That being said, it’s always wise to perform a backup in advance just in case something doesn’t go to plan. If you need help performing this task, fear not. Check out our guides to backing up your Mac below and we can move onto our next step. 

• How to Back Up Your Mac With Time Machine
• How to Backup Your Mac: Why I Use 3 Different Solutions

Step 2: Clear some space

Avoid the hassle of last minute decluttering and make sure your Mac has enough space to download and install macOS 14 Sonoma in advance. Keeping the Sonoma beta release in mind, today’s update could be up to 12GB in size. However, you’ll also need additional space in order to perform the install which means a minimum of 24-25GB of space could be required.

Once again, if you need some direction on how to quickly and easily clear up some space on your Mac you can follow our how-to guide below:

• How to free up space on a MacBook

macOS 14 Sonoma: How to install macOS 14 Sonoma 

If you’re backed up and have space free to receive the update, we’re now finally good to go. Once the macOS 14 Sonoma update becomes available you’ll be able to initiate the upgrade through Software Update. Let’s go through the process of doing so now: 

• Step 1: Click on the Apple menu.
• Step 2: Choose System Settings.
• Step 3: On the left-hand side of the System Settings window, click General.
• Step 4: On the right-hand side of the window, select Software Update.

From here you will be able to see the latest update currently available for your Mac. Keep an eye out for macOS Sonoma 14.0 appearing in this section. Once the update is released you’ll be able to click the button that says “Upgrade Now” to kick-start the process.

Follow all on screen instructions from here and enjoy macOS 14 Sonoma once the upgrade is complete!

Note: Can’t see Software Update? Use the Spotlight search in the top right corner of the screen to search for “Software Update,” and select it from the results.

If you still can’t find the app, you may be on an older version of macOS without this feature. In this instance, you’ll need to use the App Store instead. Simply open the App Store and click Updates or search for Sonoma to access the update directly.

A recent report at MacRumors quotes a Tweet from Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in which he states that Apple will not be launching new MacBooks with the M3 series processors before the end of this year. However, there have been rumors to the contrary, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman stating earlier this year that an M3-powered MacBook could be launched at an Apple event in October. 

Gurman hypothesized that we could see a MacBook Air 13-inch, MacBook Pro 13-inch, and possibly a 24-inch iMac powered by the 3nm M3 chipset. Although Kuo kills the MacBook rumors, he didn't say there wouldn't be an M3-powered iMac, so that could still happen. 

2024 the year of the M3 Macbook

Yesterday at Apple's Wonderlust event, they launched the iPhone 15 Pro Max, powered by the A17 Bionic chipset, made using TSMC's 3nm fabrication process. This same 3nm process is expected to appear in the next generation of MacBooks, which were predicted to come out before the end of the year but, according to Kuo, will most likely debut sometime in 2024. 

The M3 chipset is rumored to improve performance in every way, especially GPU performance for gaming, and like the iPhone 15, it should be capable of Ray Tracing. The other area we should see improvement in is battery life, as tighter chip density yields superior efficiency. Apple is already the industry leader in laptop battery life, so it's going to be breaking its own records. 

Apple has cornered the 3nm process chip market, purchasing most of the chips TSMC has produced and will produce in the foreseeable future. 

When will the new M3-powered MacBooks arrive? If Kuo is to be believed, we could see them sometime in February. However, typically Apple holds a spring event in March or April, and if M3 is as big of an upgrade as it seems to be then Apple is going to want a full event and not just a press release.

Apple, hot on the heels of unveiling the Vision Pro at this year’s WWDC, has big plans ahead for 2023 if Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is to be believed. The Cupertino company could unveil a horde of hardware over the next year, including revamped iPad Pros and the debut of M3 Apple Silicon chips in MacBook Pro models.

According to the report, Apple looks set to offer a stacked showcase of spruced-up stock as it reveals a comprehensive refresh of its existing products across the next year. Has Apple’s roadmap for 2023 been laid bare, and what exactly are we likely to see revealed? Let’s dive deeper into Gurman’s words and see what could be heading our way this fall.

Apple’s next steps: 2023 - 2024

• iPhone 15 / iPhone 15 Plus / iPhone 15 Pro / iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Apple Watch Series 9 (N207, N208)
• Apple Watch Ultra Gen 2 (N210)

One of Apple’s immediate focuses will be on wrapping up work on the Vision Pro’s operating system VisionOS and accompanying apps. This month’s Vision Pro presentation only showed a fraction of the promised apps because many are still in development, meaning Apple will be full steam ahead on software development to ensure everything is ready for a 2024 release.

We’re reasonably confident that this fall will see Apple roll out the iPhone 15 lineup of devices, likely to be announced at its September event and released shortly thereafter — potentially as early as September 12.

Also expected to make an appearance at the September event are two new Apple Watch Series 9 models and a second-gen Apple Watch Ultra. The latter of which even has an outside chance of being the first Apple product to feature a micro-LED display. 

Apple’s next steps: 2024 and beyond

• M3 13-inch MacBook Pro (J504)
• M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro (J514)
• M3 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro (J516)
• 2024 iMac 24-inch models (J433, J434)
• 2024 13-inch MacBook Air (J613)
• 2024 15-inch MacBook Air (J615)
• OLED iPad Pro models (J717, J720)
• 2024 iPad Air to replace M1 model (J717)

Once a busy 2023 has been put to rest, Apple is looking to make big changes to its existing products in 2024 and beyond. According to Gurman, Apple is already turning its attention to the second generation of Vision Pro AR/VR headsets, which will likely feature both high-end and lower-end models.

The new headsets will hopefully strive to include some of the features left on the workshop floor for Apple’s Vision Pro including virtual monitor support for multiple Mac devices, support for multiple Personas in FaceTime calls, and more of a focus on virtual fitness and Fitness+ content.

However, those plans are long-term, think 2025 long-term, and Apple has more immediate goals to meet when it comes to keeping its catalog fresh. In fact, the next year could be one of the biggest yet for Apple as not only will it see the launch of the Vision Pro headset, but any number of the following devices currently being worked on: 

Apple is also reportedly early in the development of the third-generation of AirPods Pro and even home hub-like devices such as smart displays alongside an improved Apple TV set-top box. 

Outlook

If you thought 2023 was a big year for Apple, then 2024 could be the brand’s best yet. The long-awaited M3 Apple Silicon chip could be a game changer for iMac and MacBook Pro devices and really elevate Apple’s offerings ahead of the pack — a pack that is presently closing the gap when it comes to thin, lightweight, efficient, and powerful options. 

Whether it was Apple’s original plan, a result of troubles at the TSMC chip foundry, or a need to get some sort of mainstream hardware out of the door alongside the Apple Vision Pro, the Cupertino brand’s most boring product in years was unveiled at this year's WWDC in the form of the 15-inch MacBook Air.

The MacBook Air 15 was revealed in a 30-second spotlight video to the tune of a corporate-sanitized rip-off of Yello’s 1980s classic Oh Yeah but it took just about 8 seconds to get to understand everything you needed to know about Apple’s latest device — it’s bigger. Wow?

Its saving grace came in the form of Apple taking a Sledgehammer to its usual pricing standards and offering a relatively affordable price tag of just $1,299, giving it a real sense of competition with some of the best Ultrabooks on the market. That being said, you still shouldn’t buy one — no matter how hard they Push it! Because Apple is reportedly already hard at work on the product that the MacBook Air 15 should have been in the first place. 

Don’t you (forget about M3)

If you buy into the MacBook Air 15 hype now, you could find yourself on a highway to the Danger Zone — of buyer’s remorse. According to Bloomberg’s (sometimes inaccurate) Mark Gurman, Apple already has Men at Work on the next iteration of its latest MacBook Air 15 model and it looks set to feature the long-awaited Apple Silicon M3 chip.

We’d heard Time After Time that the MacBook Air 15 was initially planned to make the Jump to an M3 chip, though it would seem Apple settled on reverting to the M2 after chip manufacturer TSMC found itself Under Pressure to meet the demands of a 2023 deadline due to ‘tool and yield’ issues.

In the face of the slightly damp squib that is the MacBook Air 15, the M3 MacBook Air 15 is in contrast a genuine Thriller and absolutely something to Shout about. The next generation of Apple Silicon chips is expected to offer speed improvements of up to 15% alongside a 30% power reduction — a sizable upgrade that would drive incredible performance and battery life. 

Outlook

Against all odds, the MacBook Air 15 is still a pretty endearing device thanks to its svelte looks, larger screen, and competitive pricing. However, if we’re really on The Final Countdown to Apple priming its devices with M3 chips, then I’d rather not throw away my Money for Nothing on this one.

Gurman believes we’ll likely see M3 chips in Apple devices appear in 2024, with iMac and 13-inch MacBook Pro models likely to be among the first to feature the new SoC. Is it True? We can’t say for sure, however, given how little has changed (beyond more screen real estate and a few extra speakers) with the MacBook Air 15 it could be wise to fend off your Temptation — at least for now.

Apple's list of rumored devices may see the light of day this year, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims fall 2022 will see the "widest array of new hardware products in its history." What's more, there are more products set to arrive by spring.

Products include four variants of the iPhone 14, which includes a new iPhone 14‌ Max, a low-end MacBook Pro and revamped MacBook Air, new iMac and Mac Pro, a refreshed low-end iPad and a new iPad Pro, along with three Apple Watch models and the long-rumored Apple AirPods Pro 2. 

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As stated Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, these products are expected to launch sometime during fall, which means we may expect multiple events like 2021's September and October launch events.

Interestingly, Gurman claims the iPhone 14 lineup will ditch the mini model for a presumably larger iPhone 14 Max. Previous rumors have indicated the iPhone 13 mini would be Apple's last mini iPhone, and now we see Apple is tipped to trade it in for a larger model instead. Also important to note is the three Apple Watch configurations expect to arrive, which include the Series 8, second-generation SE, and "Rugged" model.

While there are plenty of products expected to drop in the second half of 2022, a spring event may also be in the cards sometime in March or April. Apple's next spring event is tipped to introduce the new iPhone SE 2022 with 5G, an updated iPad Air with the powerful A15 Bionic, along with a refreshed Mac. This Mac may introduce the latest M1 Pro chip to another Apple device, which is a good sign for the power the next MacBook Air will hold.

While the list of upcoming Apple devices is exciting, it's a good idea to keep a grain of salt close by. The next-gen AirPods Pro 2 have been rumored to release for years, and have yet to be officially announced. We'll have to wait and see what the Cupertino tech giant has in store this spring.

Apple's last Spring event took place in April, with the WWDC 2021 event setting off in June. While we wait for the official announcements, check out these six hidden macOS tips to customize your MacBook.

Apple's latest M1 Pro MacBook Pro has only recently hit stores, but rumor has it the Cupertino tech giant is gearing up to launch an all-new entry-level MacBook Pro and it will boast a next-generation M2 chip.

The rest of Apple's Mac lineup is also expected to be getting significant updates, including a high-end iMac with Apple silicon, a Mac mini and Mac Pro update, along with the long-rumored MacBook Air 2022. With an M2-equipped MacBook Air already tipped to be in the works, will there be room for an entry-level M2 MacBook Pro?

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As stated in Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, reputable journalist Mark Gurman expects each new Mac addition to sport the latest Apple silicon, whether it be the M2 or possibly the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. With an entry-level model expected to arrive, the next MacBook Pro could bring improved processing power than its predecessor, but with a cheaper price tag than the recent MacBook Pro 14. However, the rumored M2 MacBook Air is expected to offer similar perks.

As previously reported, the new MacBook Air is expected to arrive in mid-2022 with a mini-LED display and a new design, boasting a variety of pastel color options, white borders, and a lack of notch. This is similar to Apple's recent iMac 2021, coming in hues of orange, red, yellow, blue, teal, purple and silver. The leak also states the next MacBook Air will have an M2 chip, which has been rumored to be in production since May.

This isn't the first we've heard of a new MacBook Pro arriving in 2022, as Korean news outlet The Elec claims next year's MacBook Pro models — purportedly 16-inch and 17-inch models — may get outfitted with OLED displays. This could be the key difference between next year's Pro and Air models.

Keep in mind that Apple has yet to announce any of these new models, so take this in with a pinch of salt. Still, we can expect plenty of updates on many Apple products in 2022, as Gurman also states we're getting an iPhone SE 2022 with 5G connectivity and a next-gen AirPods Pro 2. 

Apple just wrapped its "Spring Loaded" event where we were introduced to a wide range of new products, from the iMac to the iPad Pro. The dust is still settling on the event but the general reception so far has been positive. 

As expected, the event was anchored by the new M1 chip, which finds its way into the new ultra-slim iMac and the iPad Pro. Everything the M1 touches turns to gold so it's no wonder those two products made the eyes of Apple fans glisten. There was even a brand new product in the form of the long-awaited AirTags, Apple's take on Tile trackers. 

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Overall, the event was a compelling one, though not everything was a hit. Here is our Apple spring event scorecard with a breakdown of what went right, what went wrong, and what we want to see from Apple before the end of the year.

The good: iMac, AirTags and iPad

iMac: Wow. What a transformation. The new iMac is here and it is stunning. The driving force behind its makeover is the M1 chip which made its way from the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air into Apple's all-in-one desktop computer.

But first, we have to talk about the colors. They are beautiful. Available in seven hues — teal, yellow, orange, red, blue, purple and silver — the new iMac is a refreshing departure from Apple's typical you-get-what-you-get approach. 

The star of the show, however, is the M1 chip. Not only will it provide unrivaled performance but the SoC also enables better thermals and, therefore, a much slimmer design. 

Moreover, the iMac 2021 features a 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display with 500 nits of brightness and True Tone technology. It boasts a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with a larger sensor that allows it to function optimally in low light. Major improvements were also made to the microphones and speaker system. 

iPad Pro: M1 chip? Check. mini-LED display? Check. 5G? Check. Unrivaled power, the fastest wireless speeds, and a breathtaking display, what else could you want in a tablet (there is one thing, see below)?

So, how much faster is it? Apple says graphics performance is 1,500 times quicker than the previous version. As for the screen, the Liquid Retina XDR display uses 10,000 mini LEDs to reach 1,000 nits of brightness and a 1 million:1 contrast ratio. The new tablet also brings better cameras, Thunderbolt 3 support and the ability to configure the Pro with up to 16GB of RAM. Best of all, the 11-inch and 12.9-inch cost the same as before, at $799 and $1,099.

AirTags: Well, they're here. After years of waiting, Apple spent just a few minutes explaining how AirTags can help you find lost items. They have a tiny circular design that matches the premium metal aesthetic of Apple's other products.

On the inside are a built-in speaker, accelerometer, Bluetooth LE, and a user-replaceable battery. The small pucks contain Apple's U1 chip with ultra-wideband tech to show you in the "Find My" app where items are located.  A single AirTag will cost $29; four can be purchased for $99. 

Ted Lasso Season 2: The folks at Laptop Mag haven't watched this series yet but it has a dedicated following. Jason Sudeikis as a football coach hired to coach a professional English soccer team? Yep, this is good.

The bad: iPad mini or Apple Pencil 3?

No iPad mini: The iPad mini is 2 years old and either needs to be updated or discontinued. It simply isn't a good value compared to Apple's other options. We're still hoping to see a refresh in the coming weeks or months. Until then, we struggle to recommend this tablet over the entry-level iPad or the iPad Air.  Here is what we think we know about the iPad mini 6. 

Where is the Apple Pencil 3?: Perhaps the biggest no-show of the event was the Apple Pencil 3. Apple's stylus isn't a product in need of updating, but the "Spring Loaded" tagline and recent leaks suggested Apple would reveal a new pen at this event. That it didn't is, frankly, shocking. Oh well, the Apple Pencil 2 is an excellent accessory for artists, creatives and frequent note-takers.

iPhone 12 in purple: Don't look at me! The rest of the Laptop Mag crew aren't keen on the new iPhone 12 color. I'm all about variety, so I say the more hues the better. 

What we still want this year: MacBooks, AirPods and more

New MacBooks: We didn't expect them at this event. Still, we're eager to see what Apple does to the rumored 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro, its most premium laptops. Both still rely on Intel chips so it is time for them to adopt Apple Silicon. Recent reports claim they will be outfitted with a 12-core SoC. Yes, please!

AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2: This event was lacking any major audio upgrades. Both the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 are already the subject of a flurry of rumors. Surely, Apple has plans to release new truly wireless earbuds this year, right?

iPhone 13: Again, we weren't placing any bets on seeing new iPhones at this spring event. Those will arrive in September or October at the annual main event. We should see a new iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max this fall with rumors pointing to design tweaks and improved battery life. 

During its big "Little" event today, Apple announced the latest version of its iMac, and the thinnest iMac the company has ever made. The iMac's edge is a mere 5mm thin; that's 80 percent thinner than the previous iMac. Apple's Phil Shiller said the company managed to pull this off through a process known as friction stir welding. 

There are two sizes of iMac available, a 27-inch 2560 x 1440-pixel display and a smaller 21.5-inch 1920 x 1080 display. Shiller said the iMacs are built using IPS displays that offer viewing angles of 178 degrees and more than 300 nits of brightness.

Inside, you have the option of an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor, as well as up to 3TB of storage and Nvidia Keplar graphics.

You get a 21.5-inch with a 2.7-GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M processor and 1TB of storage for $1,299. Upgrade to the larger 27-inch iMac and you can get a 2.9-GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce 660M graphics chip and 1TB of storage space for $1,799.

Both the 21.5- and 27-inch iMacs are available with Apple's wireless keyboard and wireless Magic Mac, and will go on sale this December.

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