Apple's Remaining Hardware Launches for 2024: What to Expect After the iPhone 16
- Apple’s not done—new Macs and iPads could drop before the year’s out.
- A possible surprise event could shake things up with M4-powered devices.
- The iPad mini might finally get its long-awaited refresh.
- Expect Macs to dominate this holiday season, but some products are staying on the sidelines.
- Curious about Apple's remaining 2024 plans? We've got all the details you need to know coming right up.
The highly anticipated iPhone 16 "Glowtime" event may have come and gone, but Apple isn’t done with product launches in 2024. Despite unveiling the iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 during its September event, there’s still plenty more expected from the tech giant before the year's end.
Apple typically reserves a second round of announcements for October or November, focusing on iPads, Macs, and other devices. Here’s what you can expect in the remaining months of 2024.
Key Dates to Watch
- October 2024: Likely event for iPads and Macs
- November 2024: Possible Mac-focused event with M4-powered devices
October: A Likely Event for Macs and iPads
Apple usually follows its iPhone launch with another event in October. While the September showcase focused primarily on mobile products, October is typically reserved for unveiling updates to the iPad and Mac lines.
Here’s what we’re likely to see:
iPads
- iPad: Last updated in 2022, the standard iPad is due for a refresh. Expect a chip upgrade, likely aligned with Apple's new "Apple Intelligence" AI features.
- iPad mini: Having gone untouched for three years, the iPad mini is overdue for an update. Speculation points to a chip bump and potentially a 48MP rear camera to align with the iPhone 16’s specs, though don’t count on an OLED upgrade. Fixes to the much-criticized “jelly scrolling” issue are also anticipated.
Photo via AppleInsider Forums // iPads and Macs are anticipated.
Macs
- Mac mini: Rumors suggest a significant redesign, possibly in a smaller form factor, along with an M4 chip upgrade. Some believe the Mac mini could debut an M4 Pro version as well.
- iMac: The 24-inch iMac was updated in late 2023, but it could see an M4 chip upgrade this year. A potential standout? Rumors of a 32-inch model to join the lineup.
- MacBook Pro: Typically updated yearly, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are expected to receive an M4 chip upgrade. Don’t expect major design changes—this will likely be a spec bump.
November Event: A Possible Third Round of Launches
While an October event seems almost certain, don’t discount a November event. According to multiple reports, Apple could host a third hardware event before the end of the year.
The November showcase is expected to focus on Macs, specifically new Mac models featuring M4 chips. Rumors suggest Apple is planning to release four new Mac models, including:
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4
- 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips
- A redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips
This wouldn’t be unprecedented—last year, Apple hosted its "Scary Fast" event on October 30 and released the products in early November. A similar timeline could play out in 2024.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple recently announced the iPhone 16 series at their most recent Apple Event, held on September 9, 2024. They also announced new Apple Watch models, AirPods and more. So what will Apple announce next? I guess we will have to wait and see.
What’s Not Expected in 2024
Several products are likely off the table for the remainder of this year:
- iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro: Both updated earlier in 2024 with M2 and M4 chips respectively, meaning another update in the same year is improbable.
- MacBook Air: Industry insiders suggest the MacBook Air won’t see a refresh until spring 2025.
- Mac Studio and Mac Pro: These pro-grade desktops are expected to get significant updates in late 2025.
Final Thoughts
While the iPhone 16 might have grabbed the spotlight in September, Apple still has plenty up its sleeve for the rest of the year. October and November are shaping up to be important months for the tech giant, with potential upgrades to the iPad, iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro. Keep an eye on the calendar—2024 isn't over for Apple just yet.
Apple’s product calendar for the holiday season is packed, and we’re likely to see some exciting new hardware to close out the year. Stay tuned for more announcements as Apple continues its holiday push.
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