9 NEW Things You Can Expect Apple to Release in 2019
Credit: EverythingApplePro
While 2018 was a busy year for Apple, there are probably just as many high-profile product launches on the docket for next year. That includes a number of devices that were rumored for a launch in 2018, but ended up being pushed back.
From a modular Mac Pro and feature-packed software to an AirPods refresh and original TV content, continue reading to learn about all of the new products and services you can expect Apple to launch in 2019.
9 AirPods 2 and Over-Ear Headphones
Apple is largely expected to debut AirPods 2 sometime next year — likely in the first half. Those updated AirPods could feature water resistance, always-on Hey Siri, additional noise cancellation, and possibly some type of extra health or biometric sensors.
One confirmed feature is a new charging case that will be compatible with wireless charging pads (and AirPower, if it ever launches). Apple is also said to be working on premium, Apple-branded over-ear headphones akin to AirPods. Those could debut sometime next year, as well.
8 Apple Original TV Content
Apple is quietly working on its own streaming platform with original TV and film content. The company has a slew of original TV shows in production — and has even tapped a couple of movie studios for feature-length films. According to most rumors, the first fruits of Apple’s TV labor will be seen in 2019.
On the other hand, we’re not entirely sure how Apple will debut its TV content. While some have suggested that they could be streamed over Apple Music like CarPool Karaoke, other reports indicated that the content could be given away for free on the TV app.
7 Modular Mac Pro
Earlier this month, the current version of Apple’s Mac Pro officially turned five years old. That means the device has gone more than 1,800 days without a refresh. But that will change next year, since a modular and completely rethought Mac Pro is on the horizon.
Though there aren’t many details on what features or upgrades it will sport, Apple has confirmed that the device would debut in 2019. (Though, it didn’t say when in 2019.) Alongside the new Mac Pro, Apple is also expected to release a new line of first-party computer monitors.
6 Low-Cost HomePod
Apple’s HomePod may have been the best-sounding smart speaker when it hit the market, but its high price tag and closed garden ecosystem has kept it from overtaking established players like Amazon or Google. Based on the HomePod’s launch date, it seems that the product will soon be ripe for a refresh.
It isn’t clear how exactly Apple could improve HomePod, but there have been several rumors suggesting that a lower-cost version could debut next year. Considering the success of Amazon Echo and Google Home, that seems like it would be the smartest move on Apple’s part.
5 MacBook and iMac Refreshes
The end of 2018 is quickly approaching and the iMac hasn’t been refreshed. That suggests that it could be updated in 2019 alongside routine referees for the 2018 Mac mini and the 2018 MacBook Air. Expect display and processor upgrades.
There’s also the question of the 12-inch MacBook, which has no place in Apple’s current Mac lineup. While its future is uncertain, it might see a refresh next year. If Apple upgrades the processor and slashes the price, then the 12-inch notebook would make a lot more sense in the Apple ecosystem.
4 New iPads
Like it does every year, Apple will likely refresh the iPad Pro lineup — though it’s still a bit early to tell what innovations they could sport. But it’s the other iPads that may see interesting upgrades.
The lower-cost 9.7-inch iPad may see a makeover with slimmer bezels and Face ID. It already supports the Apple Pencil, so more iPad Pro features would make sense. There are also rumors suggesting a refreshed iPad mini may be on the way, though there’s no word on what it may look like.
3 AirPower
Apple’s AirPower is more of a ghost than a product at this point. Originally teased more than a year ago, Apple promised that the device would debut sometime in 2018. It’s December now and the wireless charger is nowhere to be seen. Reportedly, that’s because of severe engineering bottlenecks.
But there are still some hints that AirPower isn’t officially dead quite yet. More than that, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a launch in the first half of 2019. It’s hard to say when — or if — Apple releases AirPods, but its final fate will probably be known next year.
2 New iPhones
Apple will debut three new iPhones in 2019 — and they’ll likely look a lot like the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Expect processor upgrades, rear-facing 3D cameras, larger batteries, and perhaps a triple-lens camera setup for the iPhone XS successor.
Beyond that, a lower-cost and smaller iPhone is undoubtedly a good idea. But while the iPhone SE 2 seemed like a sure bet at one point, it looks like it may have been scrapped. Then again, Apple could surprise everyone — and if it did, a launch sometime in spring 2019 is likely.
1 New Software
It’s not a stretch to say that iOS 13 — and its Mac, Apple TV and Apple Watch — counterparts will be released next year. But, by the looks of it, iOS 13 is shaping up to be a major update to Apple’s mobile operating system. That’s largely because many of iOS 12’s features were delayed so Apple could work on stability and performance.
Most rumors indicate that Apple will introduce a slew of new features for the iPad, including a reworked Files app with greater control over files. iOS and macOS apps will also become a bit more interchangeable via Project Marzipan. Other reports suggest that the app grid and home screen could be reworked.