Apple’s transition to USB-C continues. While the iPhone 15 series now also has a USB-C port, some other products still use Apple’s Lightning port. Now Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman turns his attention to the new product lineup for 2024 and uses the opportunity to highlight which products will adopt the USB-C standard next. He also looks at his “Power onThe newsletter lists the most interesting products for the coming year, including Apple’s Vision Pro headset, an anniversary watch and more.
USB-C upgrades
For one thing, Gurman expects USB-C versions of the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard to launch alongside the next iMac in 2024. He also states that the standard AirPods will be updated with a USB-C charging case. Finally, he predicts that the next AirPods Max will come with a USB-C port, but he doesn’t give a time frame for the release of the over-ear headphones. It is also expected that the MagSafe Battery Pack and the MagSafe Duo charging accessories will return with USB-C ports.
Apple Vision Pro
Of course, Apple has a lot more in the pipeline for 2024, especially the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. While the headset is set to go on sale exclusively in the US early next year, Apple plans to expand availability to additional countries by the end of 2024. The UK and Canada are likely to be the first candidates for expansion, followed by Europe and Asia. Apple engineers are already working on localizing the device for France, Germany, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.
Apple Watch
Another big release is coming for the Apple Watch in 2024. There will be a “Series X” redesign to mark the 10th anniversary of the clever watch. Although the first Apple Watch actually only came onto the market in spring 2015, it was presented in September 2024. There are a few rumors surrounding the anniversary watch. This is supposed to be the biggest revision of the Apple Watch to date. The case will therefore be thinner and there may also be a revision of the attachment of the bracelets, because the old one takes up too much space. A larger battery and other new components, such as a blood pressure monitor, could then also be accommodated. Apple is also working on an AI-powered health coaching service that would fit perfectly with the new smartwatch.
iPhone 16
For the iPhone 16, Gurman expects the Pro models to have larger displays. Display expert Ross Young stated that the iPhone 16 Pro could have a 6.27-inch display, which is a noticeable leap compared to previous models. The iPhone 16 Pro Max would skyrocket even further with a 6.86-inch display. In addition, both upcoming models will have an aspect ratio of 19.6:9.
iPad Pro, M3 and AI
Of course there will also be tablet upgrades again. The iPad Pro is getting a redesign for the first time in five years, getting an OLED display for the 11-inch and 13-inch models, Gurman said. The accessories for the iPad Pro are also being upgraded: The company is planning a revised Magic Keyboard that will be equipped with an aluminum top case, which should bring the iPad Pro more in line with the MacBook design aesthetic.
In the area of processor performance, the M3 (the company’s first 3-nanometer Macs) takes center stage. The transition will move full steam ahead next year, with MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and other Macs equipped with the new chips.
And of course the year at Apple will also be dominated by AI, although no far-reaching details are known yet. What is certain is that Apple will enter the generative AI race and is already working hard on its own system. There should be an internal “Apple GPT” tool as well as an advanced framework called Ajax. The purpose of this chatbot is supposedly to support employees internally. But it can be assumed that Apple will also integrate the technology into its products in one form or another.