Apple’s 2022 is off to a flying start. After a few quiet months, Apple kicked off the year with the incredible Mac Studio and Studio Display and updates to the iPhone SE and iPad Air. But that’s just a taste of what’s to come in the rest of the year. Here’s everything we expect from Apple in 2022 and our best guesses of when they’ll arrive.
Already out
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPad Air (5th generation)
- Mac Studio (1st generation)
- Studio display
Discontinued
June—WWDC
Apple
Apple holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference each June to showcase updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, but it also occasionally uses the event to launch new hardware. With such a crowded product list in 2022, we expect WWDC to showcase the latest Macs from the Apple Silicon transition:
Mac Pro
It’s the big one. When Apple announced the switch to its own processors, the Mac Pro was always the most intriguing of the bunch, and we’re finally going to see what Apple has in store for its most premium and expensive Mac. We still don’t know exactly what Apple is planning, but after the M1 Ultra, we’re expecting an all-new processor with over 40 cores, an all-new design, and hopefully a lower price.
Studio Display Pro
Apple surprised us at the spring event with the launch of its first display in years, but there are already rumors that Apple is working on another that could launch at WWDC, alongside a new Mac. Pro. Reports point to a 27-inch display with mini-LEDs, possibly ProMotion, and we’re hoping for height adjustment that doesn’t cost $400.
September—Fall Event 1
Apple
Even if we’re wrong about everything else, we’re pretty confident with the fall’s first event debuting a new iPhone, among other products:
iPhone 14
You can pretty much set your calendar on the annual iPhone release. We expect the iPhone 14 to land in September with a new notchless design for the Pro models, improved cameras, a new chip (of course), and a cheaper “Max” model to replace the mini.
Apple Watch Series 8
After a somewhat disappointing Series 7, all eyes will be on the Apple Watch Series 8 when it arrives this fall. Rumors suggest there could be a new larger size this year as well as a “heavy duty” option, and possibly the supposed redesign we didn’t get last year.
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
After skipping a year, the Apple Watch SE is set to get an update in 2022, likely bringing an always-on display, ECG sensor, and fast charging. We wouldn’t mind a lower price either.
iPad (10th generation)
It looks like Apple sticking with the same old design for another year with the 10th generation iPad. Expect a new chip and probably little else.
October—Fall Event 2
Apple
Apple is going to have a busier than usual fall this year, so we expect a third event to be in order. This one will be geared towards wearables, with the focus on Apple’s highly anticipated and popular headphones.
AirPods Pro
The second generation AirPods Pro have been rumored for some time and are expected to bring a new stemless design, lossless sound and longer battery life. They could happen at any time, but we think the AR headset event makes the most sense.
AR headset
The most anticipated new product of the year will be Apple’s augmented reality headset, Apple’s first real new product since the HomePod in 2017. We haven’t seen much in the way of spy photos or renderings, but descriptions from people in the know. describe a somewhat bulky device as big as an Oculus Quest and an AirPod Max-style mesh case. It will have its own operating system, super high-resolution screens, a Mac-like processor, and possibly an exorbitant price tag.
November—Fall Event 3
As always, the Mac will close out 2022 with an event that launches several new machines and the next generation of chips.
M2 processor
The sequel to the M1 processor is expected to arrive in 2022 and the drop seems like the perfect time. Apple is planning a similar chip with eight cores (four performance and four efficiency), similar RAM limits (8GB or 16GB) and a slight increase in performance.
Macbook Air
The most anticipated Mac of 2022 is the MacBook Air, which is rumored to get a massive redesign for the first time in years. A new form factor with similar colors to the iMac, a white keyboard, and thin bezels are rumored for the new machine, which appears to be something of a revival of the iBook.
13-inch MacBook Pro
The 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 was only released in 2020, but it already looks old next to the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Reports say the entry-level Pro will have a similar design to the high-end laptop, but with an M2 processor and standard LCD screen. And with it, the Touch Bar will be gone forever.
mac mini
We expected to see a new Mac mini at the spring event, but instead we got the Mac Studio. (Not that we’re complaining.) Rumors are a bit vague on when the Mac mini will get an update, but reports indicate that the M2 and M2 Pro will find their way into the smaller Mac. desktop from Apple. So the fall Mac event seems like the right time.
iPadPro
The M2 processor won’t just be for Macs. The iPad Pro will also get the new chip, along with a few other slight improvements, including the possible addition of MagSafe and/or wireless charging.
The rest
That’s a lot, but there could still be more surprises scattered throughout the year, including a new iPod touch and AirPods Max. Also possible, but something long is a new HomePod with a screen to rival the Google Nest Hub and echo show. There may also be updates to many Apple services, AirTag improvements, and possibly a new Apple Pencil too. 2022 is going to be a busy year for Apple, so strap in and get your wallet ready.
