Apple has a tradition of holding spring events, and 2024 may be no exception, despite the company not yet confirming any plans. Speculations are rife about the introduction of new product lines before the anticipated unveiling of iOS 18 during WWDC 2024. Notable tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has hinted at the possibility of Cupertino releasing new iPad and Mac models in late March or April. Although a keynote for these launches seems uncertain with Gurman recently suggesting Apple might opt for press releases over the coming weeks.
In the past five springs, Apple’s pattern of holding events has varied. In 2023, there was no keynote, and the company announced new high-end MacBook Pro models in early January. The year before, on March 8, 2022, Apple introduced the 5G iPhone SE, added new colors to the iPhone 13 lineup, unveiled a new iPad Air, and launched the Mac Studio with the Studio Display. The 2021 spring event was on April 20, where Apple announced a new iPad Pro, the M1 iMac, an upgraded Apple TV 4K, AirTag trackers, and a new iPhone 12 color. No event occurred in 2020, while 2019 saw a March 25 event introducing services like Apple News+, Apple Card, Apple Arcade, and Apple TV+.
The date of Apple’s first 2024 event remains uncertain, but rumors suggest it could fall in late March to early April. However, Gurman has expressed doubts about a large-scale event solely for a few iPad and Mac announcements.
Apple has numerous potential announcements up its sleeve, even if a March event doesn’t materialize. The OLED iPad Pro is a highly anticipated product, speculated to feature the biggest design overhaul since the 2018 model. It is expected to incorporate an M3 chip, have a repositioned front-facing camera, improved main lenses, and updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories.
After a year without iPad updates, Apple is also rumored to be launching new iPad Air models, including 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch versions, marking the first time two sizes of a non-Pro iPad would be released. These models may boast the M2 chip and camera enhancements.
The MacBook Air is anticipated to receive the M3 chip in models of both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, with Gurman predicting a late March release. Despite the chip upgrade, no significant design changes or improvements are expected for the MacBook Air.
A new color for the iPhone 15 could also be announced, with past rumors hinting at a red iPhone 15 Pro model before its fall launch. Specific details about the new color remain under wraps.
Moreover, Apple might introduce a HomePod with a screen, conceivably to compete with the Amazon Echo Show, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This product was seemingly confirmed through references found in the tvOS 17.4 beta 3 release.
Lastly, Apple usually updates its accessory lines with new colors for iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and AirTag keychains during its spring events.
As more information becomes available, further updates on Apple’s plans for its spring event and product releases will surely follow, including whether these announcements will be made through a livestreamed event or press releases.
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