Apple Event is all over the internet last month as there is a rumor that Cupertino-based giant is planning to hold a special media event on March 23. But, the event never came to pass. Just a few hours after Siri spilled the beans, Apple has finally confirmed its long-anticipated spring 2021 event. Just like last year, the company is holding a virtual event (no surprises there) on April 20 and Apple is teasing it with a “Spring loaded” tagline. This is the first Apple event of the year and just like every time the teaser doesn’t reveal much. Also, Spring events are harder to predict.
Last year, Apple did not hold the Spring event due to health concerns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it did announce a new iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and a MacBook Air via press releases in March. In April 2020, Apple has launched its iPhone SE second-generation via a press release. Taking a tour of 2019’s Spring event, Apple dedicated that event to its Services like Apple News+, Apple Card, Apple Arcade, and Apple TV+.
As mentioned earlier, the Apple Spring-loaded event this year will take place virtually on April 20 at 10 AM PT or 1 PM ET. The event can be live-streamed on Apple’s YouTube channel and Apple TV application on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Just like all the Apple events that took place last year, we can expect the Spring event to be beautifully filmed featuring the company’s CEO Tim Cook and various other Apple Executives. The event will hopefully bring a spate of new products. Clearly, Apple is also having a problem with keeping its product leaks under its sleeve in the recent past and according to the leaks and rumors, we have an idea of what we can expect from the Apple event. From all-new iPads and AirTags to a set of new AirPods, this year’s Spring event is definitely a nail-biter. With that said, let us take a look at everything Apple might announce from Spring loaded event.
1. iPad Pro and iPad Mini
Let us face the facts, the current iPad Pro is very hard to recommend the product, especially when compared to the current-gen iPad Air. Don’t get me wrong here. iPad Pro is good and all, but the iPad Air is a much practical, powerful, and more affordable tablet. So, the upcoming iPad Pro is expected to be as powerful as a Mac (on par with M1 Mac) and as there is no iPad Pro with an A13 chip, we can expect this year’s iPad with an A14X processor. As for the rumors, Apple will release the iPad Pro with a mini-LED display tech. The rumors also claim that this feature will come to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s initially and make its way to the 11-inch iPad Pro.
For those unaware, mini-LED is a new form of backlighting that is used for LCD screens, and it includes as many benefits as OLED displays. But sometimes, they tend to get increased brightness, improved power efficiency, and lower risk of burn-in and for the same reasons, Apple plans to use it in its larger-screen devices. We can expect the mini-LED to make its way to the MacBook Pro series later this year. There will be no changes to the design making the display shift a major upgrade. According to 9to5Mac, the A14X processor that iPad Pro 2021 packs is based on the M1 processor.
Bloomberg recently reported that this year iPad Pro’s will feature Thunderbolt connectivity for the first time, meaning the iPad’s can be used as full-fledged computers. This is definitely a huge upgrade compared to current-gen iPads which only are limited to USB-C accessories.
The Cupertino-giant is also reportedly working on iPad Mini. As for the design, it should look like a shrunken-down version of the iPad Air with an 8.4-inch display with a home button. The device is expected to pack an A13 or A14 processor. We do not have a lot of information about the iPad Mini, so we suggest you wait until the official launch. But, rumors suggest that Apple is developing a budget iPad which will be priced cheaper than the iPad Mini which is expected to launch later this year.
2. AirTags
AirTags, one of the most rumored Apple products. We’ve been reading and hearing about them for almost two years now and we could finally be nearing the launch of these tracker accessories. They are expected to go head-to-head with Tile trackers that are available in the market and are incredibly popular too. Apple has announced that its Fine My network now supports third-party accessories like Chipolo item tracker, VanMoof e-bikes and etc. As for the design, we can expect the AirTags to be small ones and you will be able to attach them to aAny of your products like wallets, keys, and backpacks and locate them using the Find My application on your Apple devices.
3. Apple TV
Apple is said to be working on a new version of its Apple TV and there are plenty of rumors that suggest it will be unveiled during the April event. Coming to the device itself, we can expect it to be similar to Apple TV 4K but with an enhanced processor. Rumors also suggest us a set of new features. For starters, Apple is replacing the Apple TV’s Siri remote which is one of the most requested things and the updated remote will not have a clickable touchpad. Apple TV could also add support for 120Hz display technology.
Rumors also suggest that Apple might also launch new iMacs and AirPods, but we don’t expect them to be unveiled until the fall event. Apple is in fact working on a new iMac with a screen size of 24-inches and a similar design language to iPad Pro or the ProDisplay XDR. It could also be powered by Apple Silicon but we expect the launch to be held during the WWDC. As for the AirPods, we can expect the no-stem AirPods and completely new designed ones. Apple might also announce the date for the iOS 14.5 and others.
