According to various sources, several Apple product launches are scheduled for May. Including new AirPods and an update for the MacBook Pro. But more updates could be in store.
Two well-known pundits are forecasting new product releases in May. Apple will apparently present us with new MacBooks as well as a new generation of AirPods. In addition, the iPad Air could get a feature that has not yet been found in any Apple device.
AirPods Lite and AirPods X
Both Jon Prosser and the Twitter user @ L0vetodream have referred to two new AirPod models. These include AirPods X (thought to be sports headphones) and a cheaper version of the AirPods Pro (that could be called AirPods Lite or AirPods Pro Lite).
The AirPods X are aimed primarily at sports enthusiasts, so the focus will probably be on a good hold in the ear. There is also speculation that the AirPods X will be connected via a band, similar to the Beats X.
New AirPods (which were supposed to be at the March Event) are now ready to go.
Probably alongside the MacBook Pro next month.
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser)
April 19, 2020
The other model, usually referred to as AirPods Lite, is likely to be marketed as an entry-level version of the AirPods Pro. There is not yet a lot of information, but it would be conceivable that active noise cancellation will be retained as a feature in the Lite version. According to Prosser, Apple will present the new AirPods in May.
14in MacBook Pro soon?
In November 2019, Apple introduced the 16in MacBook Pro (here’s our review) and its arrival was greeted with approval as it did a lot right from the fans’ perspective.
In designing the new 16in MacBook Pro Apple responded to user feedback. For example, the escape key returned to its place and the controversial butterfly keyboard was made a thing of the past.
According to Jon Prosser, the smaller version of the MacBook Pro will receive a similar update in a few weeks – although he doesn’t specify a 14in model.
If everything goes well…
New 13” MacBook Pro (codename J223) coming next month. pic.twitter.com/2LGXy6w9Ya
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser)
April 4, 2020
The screen, like its big brother, could grow by an inch. The components will probably also be updated. And we expect that the Intel processor generation will move to the ninth, or maybe even the tenth generation.
Read all about the new MacBook Pro here.
That’s not everything in the pipeline right now – in fact we have this article about every new product Apple is working on. There are also a couple of other products that could launch in May or soon after, according to reports:
The return of the 12in MacBook
The MacBook Pro isn’t the only Mac laptop that could be headed for an update. The 12in MacBook was discontinued by Apple back in 2019, most likely because there is little space for another laptop in Apple’s product portfolio between the bestseller MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro for enthusiasts and professionals.
But according to Twitter user @L0vetodream the 12in MacBook could find its way back into sales with a new ARM-based processor.
the new iPad Air will be using the mini led screen, comes with full screen with no notch, not Face ID，but Touch ID under the screen
— 有没有搞措 (@L0vetodream)
March 10, 2020
Apple’s plans to get stop using Intel’s processors in Macs and instead use ARM CPUs have been known about for a long time. The MacBook could be a good test platform for that. Apple won’t want to take any chances with the MacBook Air and Pro. The Twitter account does not give a date for the new MacBook though. We have this article about all the rumours about this new MacBook with an Apple processor.
Touch ID below the screen: iPad Air
A particularly interesting, if questionable rumour: The next iPad Air is said to be getting an all-screen front, but no notch. Instead Touch ID sensors are to be installed under the display. That would be the first time such a feature has appeared on an Apple product.
Here’s @L0vetodream’s tweet about the rumour:
the new iPad Air will be using the mini led screen, comes with full screen with no notch, not Face ID，but Touch ID under the screen
— 有没有搞措 (@L0vetodream)
March 10, 2020
While it seems unlikely that the first appearance of such a feature would arrive with the comparatively inexpensive iPad Air we could be surprised. @ L0vetodream does not name a release date for the new iPad Air.
Via MACWORLD