Apple’s March 2022 event invitation
Apple
Apple holding it First launch event of the year on Tuesday, where it’s expected to announce new iPhones, iPads, and possibly some new Macs.
The launch event will be streamed live from Apple’s Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California, like all of the company’s launch events since 2020.
Apple’s spring device launch events are less important to the company than the traditional fall events, where new iPhone models are revealed ahead of the holiday shopping season. Fall iPhones are more expensive and more profitable for Apple. Tuesday’s event follows a similar launch last spring, where Apple announced the new iPad Pro, redesigned iMac desktop, and AirTags.
Here’s what to expect at Apple’s spring launch event on Tuesday, according to analysts and media reports:
Cheap iPhone
iPhone SE
Todd Haselton | CNBC
Apple is expected to update iPhone SE with 5G support, faster processor and better camera, according to to Bloomberg News. But the most important question for investors is whether Apple will maintain the same price level iPhone SE now $399, which debuted two years ago, or whether it will refresh it and continue selling the 2020 model at an even lower price. Doing so could help Apple gain market share over low-cost Android phones that sell for less than $399.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives wrote in a note on Monday that the new iPhone SE could stand out from budget phones and see “pent-up demand” for the model globally.
iPad Air
iPad Air
Source: Apple Inc.
Apple released the new high-end iPad Pro last spring and updated the iPad Mini and regular iPad last fall.
That makes the iPad’s middle child, the $599 iPad Air, the model eligible for the update. The current model has a 10.9-inch display and a fingerprint sensor built into the power button.
TF Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo may launch a new version of iPad Air with a similar overall design this spring said in a note earlier this yearadds Apple’s most up-to-date mobile chip, optional 5G support, and an improved camera.
Mac
Apple launches new iMac in new colors.
Source: Apple Inc.
Apple’s advertising slogan for Tuesday’s event was “fast performance,” suggesting that at least one new device will have significant speed or power. So maybe we’ll see new Macs.
Apple has transitioned its laptop and desktop computer lineup to run on its own chip, called the M1, instead of Intel chips. Last year, Apple released the iMac and MacBook Pro with its chip. At the end of 2020, it released the MacBook Air, Mac Mini, and a single MacBook Pro model.
Many of those devices are entering the refresh eligibility window, though Apple has yet to announce a successor to its M1 chip line. Also, Apple fans are clamoring for a larger version of the iMac with Apple chips and a 27-inch screen.
Apple news site 9to5Mac said last week, citing sources, that Apple is also working on a new model with a fast chip that could be called the Mac Studio in addition to the new external display. However, Apple also holds its annual developer conference in June called WWDC, which may be a better place to launch expensive professional computers.
iOS 15.4
Apple iOS 15 Spotlight Search
Apple
Apple will also likely announce the release date of its next major software update for iPhone and iPad at the event.
Apple has been testing iOS 15.4 since January, and it will be the second major update of the year after the unannounced iOS 16, which will be revealed in June at WWDC and released in the fall.
iOS 15.4 will include a number of new features, including the ability to unlock the phone with a mask, new emojis, and Apple’s new payment product that allows anyone with an iPhone to accept credit card payments. use without additional hardware.
