Going by a series of leaks and a host of reports offering substantial sneak peeks, Apple is gearing up to launch over a dozen of brand-new devices in 2021. While some are long-awaited upgrades, others are the latest iterations touted to feature high-end specs. As someone who likes to keep a tab on “All-Things-Apple”, I can’t be more excited to unravel what the upcoming iDevices have got in store. If tracking iDevice stories also fascinate you, chances are you would truly appreciate my meticulously compiled list of all Apple devices to launch in 2021 along with their timeline.
Apple is likely to refresh an entire lineup of iDevices (almost) starting from AirPods to the iconic iMac. It’s this big push to shrug off the old-fashioned design and embrace a modern-looking design, especially for the macOS devices that make 2021 a monumental year in more ways than one.
- M1 iMac 2021
- 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pros
- New MacBook Air
- iPhone SE Plus
- 12.9″/11″ iPad Pro
- Low-Cost iPad 9
- iPad mini 6
- AirPods Pro 2
- AirPods 3
- Apple TV
- AirTags
- 4 All-New iPhones
- Apple Watch 7/ Apple Watch SE 2
M1 iMac 2021
After a long wait, Apple is all set to upgrade iMac with an all-new design. If rumor mills are anything to go by, the upcoming iMac will sport a sleek and modern-looking design. With trimmed bezels and a flat back, the computer is promising to be a worthy upgrade. Image credit: MacDailyNews
Design aside, iMac 2021 is rumored to be powered by the Apple M1 chip that will enable the machine to deliver industry-leading performance.
M1 iMac will launch at a special event in Spring (rumored March event).
Just like iMac 2021, MacBook Pro is also in line for a major overhaul. The notebooks will feature a flat-edged design. Interestingly, rumors suggest that the notebooks will get rid of the Touch Bar in favor of the physical function keys. Moreover, the new MacBook Pros will come with more ports (pretty much what the pros have been asking for) and charge over MagSafe.
Based on several reliable reports, the new MacBook Pros are set to be launched in the third quarter of 2021.
New MacBook Air
First introduced at the Macworld Conference & Expo as the “World’s Thinnest Notebook” in 2008, MacBook Air has been one of the most loved notebooks. While MacBook Air no longer has the tag of being the world’s thinnest notebook due largely to the arrival of a plethora of ultra-thin laptops powered by Windows, it remains highly popular.
While there is no clarity about when the new MacBook Air will launch this year, some reports have suggested that the notebook will arrive in the second half of 2021.
Buoyed by the huge success of the iPhone SE 2, Apple is planning to launch iPhone SE Plus with some notable specs. The smartphone is rumored to sport a large screen (5.5-inch) and come with a bigger battery to deliver better battery life. Moreover, the device is also expected to feature a dual-camera and the latest A-Series chip.
iPhone SE Plus seems ready to get unveiled at the much-awaited Spring event.
The new 12.9″/11″ iPad Pro is another major launch that is set for this year. Going by several reports, Apple will unveil the iPad Pro 2021 at the much-awaited Spring event. So, it’s just a matter of few days before Apple’s flagship tablets could see the light of the day.
Though several companies including Samsung and OnePlus have already introduced an in-display fingerprint scanner on their flagship smartphones, Apple has been reluctant to implement the technology. Maybe the tech giant didn’t wish to offer multiple biometric authentications or maybe the company was not pleased with the efficiency of the technology. Now that there is a high possibility of the under-screen Touch ID, we could see the return of fingerprint scanner on the high-end iPad (and most probably on the iPhone as well).
As I said above, the iPad Pro 2021 is going to be unveiled at a March/Spring event. And it will start shipping in several countries within a week or two.
Apart from introducing flagship iPads with high-end specs, Apple is also getting ready to launch a low-cost iPad 9. Though not much has been revealed about the specs of the next-gen entry-level iPad, it is said to feature a 10.2-inch display and a much thinner build (6.3mm”).
When Will iPad 9 Launch?
iPad 9 is also said to be introduced at the Spring event.
From what I can tell based on a plethora of leaks, the iPad mini 6 is likely to be a huge upgrade. For starters, the tablet will sport a bigger 8.5-inch to 9-inch display. Just like the high-end iPad, it is also rumored to come with a mini-LED display. Image credit: Tom’s Guide
Apple is likely to unveil the iPad mini 6 alongside the iPad Pro 2021 and the low-cost iPad 9.
The AirPods Pro refresh with a more compact design looks set for 2021 as well. Apple will remove the short stem which sticks out from the bottom to enhance the ergonomics. Furthermore, the wireless earphones will feature an advanced version of the Apple-designed H1 chip.
AirPods Pro is reported to launch in April or at the Spring event.
While the AirPods continue to top the chart with a lion’s share of the market, its design seems to have aged. One of the pain points has been the lack of ergonomic design. But it looks like Apple has finally got an answer to it. The AirPods 3 is rumored to have a striking similarity with the AirPods Pro. However, the wireless earphones won’t come with active noise cancellation.
AirPods 3 is set to launch in the first half of 2021.
Apple TV
2021 could be a massive year for Apple TV. The set-top box will come with a fully redesigned remote and an updated process. Notably, the remote will feature a Find My-like feature that enables it to be tracked within the house. It will come in two variants. While one will feature an A12 chip, the other will be equipped with an A14X chip with a focus on offering console-level games.
The new set-top box will launch in the second half of 2021.
The introduction of a new Find My Feature in iOS 13 that allows users to track iPhone even without a data connection gave enough indication of a possible launch of the Tile-like Bluetooth tag called AirTags. AirTags may come with AR support to allows users to locate an item in a room. Besides, it will also provide an instant alert when an item being tracked moves too far away from the iOS device.
When Will AirTags Launch?
Initially, it was rumored to launch in the first half of 2020 but it is expected to release in 2021 (most probably in the first half).
Every year Apple introduces flagship iPhones in the fall. And this year is not going to be an exception. So, the iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max seem pretty much on the cards.
As for the 120Hz refresh rate, it is going to be a reality. So, you can expect the iPhone 13 to be more games-friendly thanks to the fast and snappier refresh rate. Additionally, it will also offer smoother scrolling and gesture controls. In what could be a disappointment for many, Apple is still not willing to go for the USB-C port.
Apple is on track to launch all 4 iPhone 13 models in its September Event.
Apple Watch 7 and the Apple Watch SE 2 are also locked for 2021. Though the details about the specs are scarce, Apple is working on new health sensors that could further enhance health and fitness tracking on the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE 2 will launch in the fall alongside the iPhone 13.
Complete List of All Apple Devices to Launch in 2021
There you go! So, these are all the Apple devices that are likely to release in 2021. As I said above, it’s going to be a great year for Apple fans, especially for the Mac lovers who have been pining for a modern-looking design. Though it is yet-to-be-seen whether or not Apple will live up to the expectation of fans, the tech giant seems more than battle-ready to introduce Macs with significant upgrades.
