Apple has sent out invites for a product launch event slated for March 8, where the company is rumored to introduce a new low-cost iPhone, among other gadgets. This is Apple's first hardware launch event of the year, but it won't be the last one. And going by the rumored jampacked device portfolio planned for 2022, the company will reportedly hold three events in the ongoing year, in addition to the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) for revealing software innovations.
Aside from new phones and iPads, the company is expected to launch two new MacBooks and updates to members across every Mac form factor in 2022. More importantly, the next-gen in-house M2 silicon will also be making its debut this year, alongside souped-up versions of the existing M1 Pro and M1 Max processors. And finally, there's the rumored rugged version of the Apple Watch Series 8.
As usual, Apple hasn't shared any hardware reveal plans ahead of its 'Peek Performance' event on March 8 that kicks off at 10 a.m. Pacific time, but the rumor mill has been anything but silent. Reliable sources like Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman and TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have predicted an iPhone SE refresh for the event next week, alongside the fifth-generation iPad Air and possibly new Mac hardware as well. All eyes will be on the third-generation iPhone SE, which is said to embrace 5G without any significant price bump compared to its predecessor. The design will reportedly be the same as the last-gen iPhone SE, which in turn borrows its looks from the iPhone 8. However, the more meaningful upgrade is under the hood.
A Slate Of Old-Looking New Products
Apple will reportedly arm the iPhone SE (2022) with the same A15 Bionic processor that also powers the iPhone 13 lineup. There is no word on any specific camera upgrades, but the asking price is rumored to fall in the $400-500 ballpark. Apple is rumored to be giving the same subtle upgrade treatment to the iPad Air as well. The fifth-generation iPad Air will likely borrow its looks from the iPad Air 4 but will reportedly pack a new chip and is also said to embrace the Center Stage camera tech for video calls. In addition, the 5G connectivity upgrade is also touted to be on the table for Apple's upcoming mid-tier tablet.
Per a Bloomberg report, Apple has at least one Mac device in the pipeline. There is no further clarity regarding the exact model, but the most likely candidates are a low-cost MacBook Pro with the M2 chip inside and a redesigned MacBook Air with the same chip. In addition, Apple is expected to launch an iMac Pro, a Mac Mini update and an upgraded Mac Pro rocking a smaller profile later this June. The fall season will be particularly crowded, as there will be four smartphones in the iPhone 14 and three smartwatches hitting the shelves.