Apple May (or May Not) Release These 7 New Products in 2020
Credit: Hasan Kaymak
We know that new Apple products are a certainty in 2020. The iPhone 12 lineup is a pretty sure bet with OLED displays and 5G. And there will likely be a new iPad option, as well as a more powerful MacBook. But what else does Apple have up its sleeve? Let’s take a look at several Apple devices rumored for 2020, and just how likely a release really is. Continue reading to browse seven unique products Apple may (or may not) release this year.
AirTags
Rumors say that Apple will be releasing new tag devices in 2020. Basically, the tag would take the form of a small chip (usually a disk or tab) that you put on another object to track it no matter where it goes. These devices are popular for pets, backpacks, camera kits, kids, cars, and anything else you may not want to lose. This makes a lot of sense when combined with Apple’s updated Find My app, so it’s a strong possibility. Reports say they could be called “AirTags,” which is certainly on-brand.
The iPhone 9
Long after the iPhone SE became a massive success, Apple began to work on its successor, an iPhone model that’s extra cheap, around $400. The model will likely have a 4.7-inch screen and A13 Bionic chip, and would no doubt skip out on features like an OLED screen (probably no trio of camera lenses, either). That depends on how diverse Apple wants the iPhone family to be in 2020, but we’re rating this as very likely. A replacement for the SE – hopefully with a clearer naming system than the mess we’re in now – sounds like an excellent move for Apple. Look for it this spring.
A Revamped Apple TV
Following the Apple TV 4K, reports surfaced of an “Apple TV 2020” model that could be released this year. This new Apple TV device would converge new Apple services like Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade more intuitively, and it would be the 6th generation of Apple TV hardware.
This could go two ways. It’s a bit early in the development cycle for a new Apple TV, but Apple could release a smaller, nimbler device at a lower price – something similar to Chromecast that will feature the latest Apple services.
Another possibility is that physical Apple TVs may be done forever. Apple could very well see the future as a service-based model for Apple TV+ and AirPlay 2. TVs and other home entertainment devices are already coming out with AirPlay 2 compatibility built right in, so there’s never been less need for a physical Apple TV device. It may be time for this line to fade away, especially since Apple reportedly makes no profit from it.
An Apple Watch Built for Sleep
Is a Series 6 Apple Watch coming in 2020? It seems likely – but there’s one specific rumor about this new watch to be aware of in particular. It’s expected to be upgraded for a focus on sleep tracking. That could mean new sensors to track motion and rest during sleep properly. But it’s more likely that Apple will retool its software and existing sensors with new calibration that will be able to effectively measure sleep cycles, and then add an exciting new Sleep app to its roster. Apple’s looking hard for new ways people can use its watches and take advantage of the services they provide, so this move makes a lot of sense. But they also have to convince people to wear a watch to bed, which may be a harder sell.
Camera-laden, 3D iPad Pro
A Bloomberg report has indicated that Apple may be coming out with a new iPad Pro this year. Not surprising! Apple is highly-invested in the Pro line as a professional tablet option. But the big detail is that this new iPad has two camera sensors and a 3D sensor as part of its upgraded hardware. Why 3D capabilities on an iPad Pro? The thinking is that designers could use 3D capabilities to scan environments and create digital reconstructions for more advanced design, augmented reality, and similar capabilities.
We’re a bit doubtful such 3D, consumer-facing capabilities on a tablet will be ready in time for 2020, but if they are, this will be a very important update to the iPad Pro line that signals a greater focus on new types of content creation. With or without 3D, a new Pro model is quite likely.
A Low-Cost HomePod
Rumors about a new HomePod have been circling for a while now. Because the smart speaker market is a sweltering space, but the original HomePod can’t really compete in it – it’s too expensive at $300, too limited, and now too old. It’s certainly time for a new model, if Apple wants to keep the name alive.
Today’s smart speakers are selling for $50 to $100. Add a touchscreen, and prices can increase up to around $200 (the Google Nest Hub Max maxes out at $230). This gives Apple quite a range to work with. We think two scenarios are likely. First, Apple could release a HomePod mini model, much like the Nest mini or Echo Dot, for a vastly reduced price around $50. This would solve many of the issues of the original HomePod, although it wouldn’t be able to provide the room-filling sound that Apple really wanted for the first model.
The other option is to create a smart display like the Echo Show 2 or Nest Hub, which can act as a photo frame, a mini TV for watching shows on Apple TV+, a Safari web browser, and much more. (Imagine an iPad with far better speakers and microphones.) Bump the price to around $100 to $150, and Apple would have a very competitive product in a market that’s ready for it.
An AR Experience
The rumor about 3D on the iPad Pro has led to a lot of discussion about Apple augmented reality and rumors of products like AR headsets and AR glasses. Will these come in 2020? Almost certainly not. It's fun to speculate about an Apple headset showing up, but Apple doesn't like to demo prototypes just for buzz, so it's improbable we'll see even a snapshot of the headset or glasses this year. We'll have to wait a few more years for these releases.