After the Peek Performance event brought the incredible Mac Studio and Studio Display, it’s been all quiet on the Apple front. But that’s just the calm before the next big things. Apple has a ton of new products arriving over the rest of 2022 that’ll make the Peek Performance event seem like a mere appetizer. Here’s everything we expect Apple to release during the second half of 2022 and our best guesses as to when they’ll arrive.
Already released
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPad Air (5th generation)
- Mac Studio (1st generation)
- Studio Display
Discontinued
- 27-inch iMac
June—WWDC
Apple holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference every June to show off updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, but it also occasionally uses the event to launch new hardware. With such a crowded slate of products in 2022, we think WWDC will showcase the last Macs of the Apple silicon transition:
Mac Pro
This is the big one. When Apple announced the switch to its own processors, the Mac Pro was always the most intriguing of the bunch, and we’re finally going to get a look at what Apple has in store for its highest-end and most expensive Mac. We’re still not exactly sure what Apple is planning, but after the M1 Ultra, we’re expecting a brand-new processor with 40-plus cores, a completely new design, and hopefully a lower price tag.
Studio Display Pro
Apple surprised us at the spring event with the launch of its first display in years, but there are already rumors that Apple is working on another one that may launch at WWDC, alongside a new Mac Pro. Reports point to a 27-inch display with mini-LED, possibly ProMotion, and we hope height adjustment that doesn’t cost $400.
September—Fall Event 1
Apple
Even if we’re wrong about everything else, we’re pretty confident with the first event of the fall ushering a new iPhone, among other products:
iPhone 14
You can pretty much set your calendar to the annual iPhone release. We expect the iPhone 14 to land in September with a new notchless design for the Pro models, improved cameras, a new chip (of course), and a cheaper “Max” model to replace the mini.
Apple Watch Series 8
After a somewhat disappointing Series 7, all eyes will be on the Apple Watch Series 8 when it arrives this fall. Rumors suggest there could be a new larger size this year as well as a “rugged” option, and possibly the rumored redesign we didn’t get last year. We also might get a new skin temperature sensor, but it’s not entirely clear what it’ll actually be able to do.
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
After skipping a year, the Apple Watch SE is due to get an update in 2022, likely bringing an always-on display, ECG sensor, and fast charging. We were hoping for a lower price as well, but the latest rumors say the price will actually be going up.
iPad (10th generation)
It looks like Apple with stick with the same old design for one more year with the 10th generation iPad. Expect a new chip and probably little else.
October—Fall Event 2
Apple
Apple’s going to have a busier than usual fall this year, so we expect a third event is in order. This one will be focused on wearables—with the spotlight being Apple’s long rumored and highly anticipated headset.
AirPods Pro
The second-generation AirPods Pro have been rumored for a while and are expected to bring a new stemless design, lossless audio, and longer battery life. They could arrive at basically any time, but we thing the AR headset event makes the most sense.
AR headset
The most anticipated new product of the year will be Apple’s augmented reality headset, the first truly new product from Apple since the HomePod in 2017. We haven’t seen much in the way of spy shots or renders, but descriptions from people in the know describe a somewhat bulky device as big as an Oculus Quest and an AirPod Max-style mesh enclosure. It’ll have its own OS, super high-res screens, a Mac-like processor and possibly a sky-high price tag.
November—Fall Event 3
As always, the Mac will cap off 2022 with an event that launches several new machines and the next generation of chip.
M2 processor
The follow-up to the M1 processor is due to arrive in 2022 and the fall seems like the perfect time. Apple is reportedly planning a similar chip with eight cores (four performance and four efficiency), similar RAM limits (8GB or 16GB), and a slight performance increase.
MacBook Air
The most anticipated Mac of 2022 is the MacBook Air, which is rumored to get a massive redesign for the first time in years. A new form factor with iMac-like colors, a white keyboard, and skinny bezels are rumored for the new machine, which looks to be something of an iBook revival.
13-inch MacBook Pro
The M1 13-inch MacBook Pro was only released in 2020, but it already feels ancient next to the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Reports say the entry-level Pro will get a similar design to the high-end laptop but with an M2 processor and a standard LCD screen. And with it the Touch Bar will be gone forever.
Mac mini
We expected to get a look at a new Mac mini at the spring event, but instead, we got the Mac Studio. (Not that we’re complaining.) Rumors are a little sketchy about when the Mac mini will get an update, but reports are saying the M2 and M2 Pro will find their way into Apple’s smallest desktop Mac. So the fall Mac event seems like the right timing.
iPad Pro
The M2 processor won’t just be for Macs. The iPad Pro will also get the new chip, along with some other slight improvements, including the possible addition of MagSafe and/or wireless charging.
The rest
That’s a lot of stuff, but there could still be more surprises scattered throughout the year, including a new iPod touch and AirPods Max. Also possible but something of a long shot is a new HomePod with a display to compete with the Google Nest Hub and Echo Show. There may also be updates to Apple many services, AirTag improvements, and maybe a new Apple Pencil too. 2022 is going to be a jam-packed year for Apple, so strap in and get your wallet ready.