By Neha Mehrotra
Apple is poised for an eventful 2024, heralding a wave of new products, software enhancements, and innovative breakthroughs. While the iPhone has undeniably reigned supreme in Apple’s product strategy, according to a report by Bloomberg, the upcoming year signifies a strategic pivot towards wearables. The spotlight shines on anticipated releases like the Vision Pro, AirPods, and Apple Watch, revealing Apple’s commitment to diversification and continual advancement. To stay ahead of the curve, we’ve rounded up the most anticipated launches and updates by the tech giant. Check it out.
1. The Apple Vision Pro
The first launch of the year for Apple will be the Vision Pro mixed reality headsets, which could be available around January or February of 2024. Positioned as the premier spatial computer, the groundbreaking headset seamlessly transitions users between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) using a digital crown on the device’s side. Boasting super high-resolution micro-LED displays and advanced hand and eye tracking, the Vision Pro is tailored for immersive apps and games, allowing users to capture spatial videos. The built-in camera enables the creation of immersive 3D photos and videos. With an exclusive $3,500 price tag and limited initial production, the device will initially be available in the United States.
2. The iPhone 16 Range
Apple just launched the 2023 iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, but rumours and other insider information are already turning their attention towards the iPhone 16 lineup. Set to come out in the fall of 2024, speculations hint that the iPhone 16 might introduce features previously exclusive to the Pro models to the standard lineup. These include the Action Button with capacitive touch, spatial video capture, and a faster 3-nanometer A-series chip. Recent reports also indicate potential display size increases for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max to 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively, from 6.1 and 6.7 inches. Additional rumoured upgrades include a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens, Wi-Fi 7, and an enhanced 5G chip for faster connectivity.
3. AirPods 4
The AirPods 4 stand out as a highly anticipated addition to the list of new launches in 2024. Poised to arrive in two distinct versions, each catering to different price points, the AirPods 4 is expected to redefine the user experience with features like active noise cancellation (ANC), USB-C charging capabilities, and speakers designed for Find My Alerts. In terms of design, the AirPods 4 is expected to blend elements from the current AirPods and AirPods Pro. Reports circulating within tech circles suggest that the AirPods 4 will sport a sleeker profile with sort stems and a redesigned case to accompany the new earbuds.
4. AppleGPT
Although there’s no official confirmation, there’s speculation circulating that Apple is venturing into the creation of its own AI model, tentatively named Apple GPT, underpinned by a novel framework known as Ajax. If these rumours hold true, this move would mark a significant stride for Apple in the realm of artificial intelligence. Insights suggest that Apple has been actively engaged in developing an internal service, AppleGPT, resembling ChatGPT, intended to aid employees in various tasks such as testing new features, text summarization, and providing answers based on a repository of accumulated knowledge.
5. The Apple Watch X
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch coming up in 2024, there have been plenty of rumours that a special “Apple Watch X” model is coming soon. The anticipated smartwatch is expected to undergo a substantial redesign, featuring potential enhancements such as a microLED display, a plethora of new health-related functionalities, including blood pressure monitoring, and various other innovations. According to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch X is rumoured to boast a thinner case and introduce a novel magnetic band attachment system, potentially creating room for a larger battery.
6. OLED iPad Pro
Anticipated for 2024, the iPad Pro is poised to undergo a significant upgrade by adopting a large OLED display, marking a groundbreaking feature for Apple. Beyond improved viewing angles, the OLED technology promises deeper blacks, swifter refresh rates, and enhanced battery efficiency. The redesign of the 13-inch and 11.1-inch iPad Pro models is expected to be slimmer due to the thinner OLED displays. Alongside this, an upgraded M3 chip promises faster performance compared to the current M2 chip, bringing a refreshing change to the iPad Pro’s design and display technology.
7. iPhone SE 4
Apple is expected to launch the most affordable iPhone in 2024. The Apple iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt the design of the iPhone 14 and potentially utilise its battery. The smartphone is rumoured to feature a boxy design, face ID, and a dual rear camera. Additionally, it is speculated that the iPhone SE 4 will come equipped with a USB Type C port. As of now, there is no official information on the release date, and all details regarding the device’s features have been obtained through leaks.
