8 Exciting, New Apple Product Launches to Expect This Year

iPhone 13

I know you definitely didn't expect to see a new iPhone this year. Just kidding. Still, it's worth putting on the list because of the new features of the so-called "iPhone 13."

First, some good news. It seems like Apple won't go completely portless this year. Many rumors suggested that Apple will have at least one iPhone 13 model with no charging port at all, not even Lightning. However, Apple analyst and leaker Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple wouldn't be ditching the Lightning port this year.

Even better news, rumors, and leaks say that the new iPhone will have a smaller notch, albeit it will still be noticeable. Thanks to a redesigned camera module on the front, we expect a smaller notch across all iPhone models.

Speaking of iPhone models, we should expect the same four-model formula Apple used with the iPhone 12. There have been rumors of Apple ditching the iPhone mini model, but since the company released a new purple iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, it'll probably keep the smaller iPhone at least for one more year.

Other than that we should expect the same familiar improvements: better camera, more powerful processor, and a better battery. Regarding design, we're expecting to see a similar design to the iPhone 12 with little to no changes, other than the notch that is.

Second-Generation AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro will get an upgrade, and it's likely to happen this year. Since the AirPods 3 will borrow the design of the current AirPods Pro, the next-generation AirPods Pro will have an even shorter stem or no stem at all. It all depends if Apple manages to find a solution to fit all that hardware in a smaller body. If that happens, then it'll have a similar design to Samsung's and Google's earbuds.

Other than the design, rumors say the AirPods Pro will have a better battery life, mostly thanks to an upgraded performance and an even better Noise Cancelling feature and Transparency Mode. Although there aren't any leaks that suggest the possible release date, we may see an October launch, as Apple did for the current-generation AirPods Pro.

Third-Generation AirPods

Many of us were expecting Apple to reveal the next-generation AirPods during the April event. Sadly, that didn't happen, but that doesn't mean it won't happen this year.

The new AirPods should feature a brand new design, similar to the AirPods Pro. That means we'll have smaller stems and interchangeable ear tips for a better fit. If you like the current "tipless" AirPods, rumors suggest Apple will add a feature that'll let you use the AirPods without the ear tip.

According to famous leaker Jon Prosser, AirPods 3 are ready to go, albeit he's been wrong before. More recently, with Apple's March event, that didn't happen. Still, many other rumors suggested we'd see the AirPods launch in the first quarter of 2021, which sadly didn't happen either.

Apple Pencil 3

There have been a lot of rumors of a new Apple Pencil as well. The next-generation Apple Pencil should be in the works, and we're expecting to see a 2021 release.

There are many features the new Apple Pencil might have, including a new sensor that'll let you scan colors from real-life objects into your iPad.

Rumor has it that the new Apple Pencil will also support more gestures to control things like zooming in and out.

Finally, some rumors suggest the new Apple Pencil will also come in black. Even though you should take it with a grain of salt, it's still a possibility, and Apple's been expanding the color options many products come in.

New iPad mini

There's also the possibility that Apple will launch a new iPad mini this year, although there won't be any significant changes.

Rumors say that a new iPad mini is in the works, but it'll look similar to the current generation. That's right; we won't see any crazy design changes as we did with the 2020 iPad Air. Instead, Apple most likely will keep the same design and reduce the bezels to make the screen wider. It'll still have a Home button and Touch ID on the front.

What we are expecting is a major boost in the iPad mini specs. Along with a much better processor—it'll probably feature the A14 Bionic chip—and better battery life.

MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 is still bound to get some new accessories from Apple, including a new MagSafe battery pack the company is currently working on. That being said, rumor says Apple's fixing some technical issues at the moment, so there aren't any leaks or rumors about when this accessory might come out. Still, we're speculating that this battery pack will come this year, and it'll probably work with the iPhone 13 as well.

Apple Watch Series 7

This is more of a given at this point. Apple's updated the Apple Watch every year since the original Apple Watch and this year shouldn't be any different. There aren't many details about the new Apple Watch, but we'll likely see a new health sensor that will track blood sugar levels. There are also rumors about new sensors that'll better track water exercises and include new swim-tracking features. Although there aren't any leaks or rumors about the release date, we should expect Apple to launch it by the end of the year.

16-inch M1 MacBook Pro

Ever since the release of the M1 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, people have expected that a 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro is coming. And, even though that's true, Apple may launch two different models.

Rumors say that Apple is currently working on two M1 MacBook Models at 14 and 16 inches. There aren't many specifics about the new MacBook Pro, but we're expecting to see a significant design change, the biggest since the 2016 MacBook Pro.

Rumor has it these new MacBook Pro models will feature physical keys instead of a Touch Bar, more ports, and will charge via MagSafe.

We're expecting the new M1 MacBook models to launch during the third quarter of 2021.