This year was a significant one for Apple as it released a solid iPhone 15 lineup and completed its transition to its own processors. In 2024, the focus will be on its wearables.
After years of minor upgrades, the Apple Watch could give you a major reason to upgrade next year thanks to two show-stopping health features. Meanwhile, Apple’s ever reliable AirPods are also set for a major refresh - that’s not forgetting the Apple Vision Pro headset, the company’s first stab at a new product line since 2018.
Here’s what we reckon Apple has in store for 2024, including the latest rumours on its upcoming slate of gadgets.
Apple Watch
Writing in his Bloomberg newsletter, resident Apple reporter Mark Gurman says the company’s wearables will “take center stage” next year.
Chief among the new products will be the new Apple Watch, which is expected to feature a blood pressure monitor and sleep apnoea detection. The last of those is a disorder that causes your breathing to repeatedly stop and start. Loud snoring and waking up frequently are among the symptoms of the condition.
At least one new Apple Watch model will also reportedly get a new look.
AirPods
Despite so many wireless earphones to choose from, AirPods remain a popular choice simply because they fit well and seamlessly work with Apple devices. Next up, Apple is planning to bring active noise cancellation to its lower-end AirPods. They will also reportedly get updated designs and redesigned cases.
With Apple begrudgingly embracing USB-C charging on the iPhone 15, expect the same on the new AirPods and a brand-new AirPods Max model, which should also sport new colours. That way, you won’t have to keep switching to Lightning when they die on you.
What’s more, Apple is working on a hearing aid feature that works with AirPods.
Vision Pro release date
Apple’s first foray into mixed reality may arrive slightly earlier than anticipated. While Gurman previously predicted that the Apple Vision Pro would land in March, he’s now revised the ETA to between January and February. That would put it far closer to Apple’s stated launch date of early 2024.
Apple’s headset essentially allows you to see computer-generated images in the real world. This effect is created using a new software called VisionOS and a bunch of built-in cameras that are feeding through video of your surroundings.
iPhone 16
Despite the emphasis on its wearables, Apple's next iPhone should easily be its biggest draw. However, Gurman isn’t expecting any major changes this time round. The design will apparently stay the same, but the Pro models may get bigger. We’ve also been hearing for a while that the customisable Action button will be passed down to the standard iPhone. Apple may also find room for a new button that lets you shoot video.
iPads
Elsewhere, Apple is planning an overhaul for its iPad line-up, including a new iPad Air range with a 12.9-inch model. It’s also readying iPad Pros with more vivid OLED screens and the latest M3 chip.
Just don’t get your hopes up for a foldable iPad. The latest news out of Asia, home to the bulk of Apple’s suppliers, claims the company is considering making a folding tablet after its OLED models.
MacBook Air M3
We also know that a new crop of MacBook Air models is on the way, complete with the latest M3 chip that was introduced on the pricier MacBook Pro range in October. They could launch as soon as next March alongside the new iPads.
