Next week is the day: the first Apple event of 2021 is on April 20. Expectations for this event are high and we look forward to these revelations.
9 expectations for the Apple event in April
Tuesday evening April 20 to 7:00 PM Dutch time, the first Apple event of 2021 kicks off. That is quite unique, because normally this meeting takes place a month earlier. The digital event is pre-recorded and can be followed via a live stream.
Expectations for the Apple event in April are high. From a new iPad Pro, a completely new product to the release of new iPhone software, we are particularly looking forward to these possible revelations.
iPad Pro 2021
It is almost certain that Apple will announce a new iPad Pro during the April event. The best iPad of 2021 regularly pops up in rumors and would get a major update. We expect the iPad Pro 2021 to come in two sizes (11 and 12.9 inches) with a first for the largest of the twins.
According to rumors, the iPad Pro of 12.9 inches will get a screen of mini-LED instead of LCD, the panel of the iPad Pro 2020. The switch to mini-LED brings several advantages. This display type, for example, excels at showing contrasts and is cheaper to produce.
→ Read more: iPad Pro 2021: 7 expectations for the best iPad of the year
AirTag
We hardly dare to mention the AirTag in our expectations. Behind the scenes, Apple has been working on this little tracker for years, but so far it remains rumors. The AirTag looks set to be the first new Apple product in years. You use the small accessory to find lost items.
You can, for example, attach the AirTag to your key ring, or put it in your wallet. Have you lost your keys or purse? Then the AirTag sends out a signal so that you can find it via the Find My app on your iPhone. Apparently you can also show the tracker an animation via augmented reality. This is useful when you have lost something at home, for example.
→ Read more: AirTag: 7 expectations for Apple’s first tracker
Release of iOS 14.5
It seems only logical that Apple indicates when the release of iOS 14.5 is during the April event. The interim update brings a ton of improvements to the iPhone and has been tested by beta users and app developers for months now.
iOS 14.5 ensures, among other things, that you will soon be able to unlock an iPhone with Face ID while wearing a mouth mask. Hundreds of new emoji are also coming your way, as well as the ability to use 5G on both SIM cards of the iPhone 12. Also useful: iOS 14.5 solves the battery problems of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
→ Read more: iOS 14.5: the 10 most important new functions at a glance
iMac 2021
On to the more speculative expectations for April’s Apple event. For example, it is possible that the company will show new Macs during the keynote, but we would not dare to put money on them.
Last November, Apple already organized an event that was all about the first Macs with an M1 processor: the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (with 13-inch screen) and Mac mini.
Still, we regularly see rumors about new Macs. For example, the iMac 2021 would finally get a new design and be available in a few fresh colors. Unfortunately, the new Apple desktop computer would not have Face ID facial recognition. That feature would have been wiped out.
→ Read more: iMac 2021: 5 expectations for the biggest iMac upgrade in years
Apple TV 2021
That kite also applies to the new Apple TV. Apple is working behind the scenes on a new media player. but it is still very unclear at what stage the development is.
According to rumors, the Apple TV 2021 appears to receive 120Hz support, among other things. Such a high refresh rate is especially good news for gamers because the image refreshes so much more often. It is therefore not surprising that Apple probably wants to focus the new media player mainly on gamers.
→ Read more: Apple TV 2021: 5 expectations for Apple’s newest media player
iPad mini 2021
We are not counting on the arrival of a new iPad mini. The alleged iPad mini 2021 occasionally pops up in rumors, but the speculations are not very concrete. We do not rule out the possibility, however, because a dummy model of the small iPad surfaced recently.
However, it was not very innovative. So it seems that the iPad mini 2021 still has thick bezels with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner at the bottom to unlock the tablet. However, the new mini-iPad would have a somewhat thicker housing because of the larger battery, making it less mini.
→ Read more: iPad mini 2021: 5 expectations for this year’s smallest iPad
iPad 2021
The same applies to the ‘normal’ iPad of 2021. It is certain that Apple is working on a new entry-level model, but whether it will be announced during the April event is not yet clear. The iPad 2021 seems to be a modest update. Among other things, the design and the suggested retail price would remain unchanged. The iPad 2021 does seem to get better hardware.
AirPods 3
We think the chance is small, but maybe Apple will update us about the new AirPods during the April event. We are now ready for the third generation of Apple’s wireless earbuds. Rumors have it that it will be a major upgrade.
The AirPods 3, for example, seem to get the same design as the AirPods Pro, the more expensive wireless earplugs. The ‘normal’ AirPods 3 could also handle Spatial Audio. Thanks to this audio technique, it seems as if sound is being played around you.
→ Read more: AirPods 3: 7 expectations for the major AirPods upgrade of 2021
AirPods Pro 2
Speaking of the AirPods Pro, we close the Apple event expectations for April with the AirPods Pro 2. There is a small chance that Apple will show the first successor to its high-end earplugs during this evening.
According to rumors, Apple has, among other things, adjusted the design, so that you hardly see the stems of the AirPods Pro 2. This also changes the operation. Apple may place more emphasis on control via Siri. Furthermore, the best Apple earbuds would get a new charging case.
→ Read more: AirPods Pro 2: 7 expectations for the high-end AirPods of 2021
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