Apple is holding its first event of the year on Monday next week, and we’ve already reported everything that you should expect to see announced including its much anticipated 4-inch iPhone SE, the first 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and new first-gen Apple Watch models and bands. But there’s also a whole list of things Apple should update and release but likely won’t next week.
There are a few products in need of updates that aren’t currently being planned for the event, with new MacBooks the most obvious of candidates, but some aging products like Mac Pro, the Thunderbolt Display, AirPort products, wireless EarPods, and more also due for updates. Here’s everything Apple needs to update, but likely won’t announce at its event on Monday:
Thunderbolt Display | Apple’s standalone desktop display is in desperate need of an update. Still selling for $999 with 2011 specs, the product looks old-fashioned compared to the 4K and 5K displays that are now the norm, not to mention just how thick it is in comparison to iMacs with whole computers inside.
Even Apple managed to get 4K and 5K displays on its latest iMac line. Add in current component specs to drive it all, USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 for 5K video at high frame rates, and so on; we think it’s way past time Apple finally updates its Thunderbolt Display in 2016.
We’d be happy with essentially the same look and display of the 27-inch iMac, but Apple could always do something different and maybe make it to match the new space blackish Mac Pro design.
Because it will be USB-C/Thunderbolt, which can also carry over 100W of power, it will require just 1 cable to go into the Mac.
MacBooks | While there haven’t been any reports that Apple is planning a MacBook refresh for its event next week, there is a lot of reason to believe one needs to come based on the state of the current lineup. All MacBooks are approaching the one year mark since last being updated — MacBook Airs in March of last year, the new 12-inch MacBook in April, and the Retina MacBook Pros in March and May — so there’s at least justification for a not-so-surprising mid-year refresh to one or more models in the current range, although we’re not expecting it next week.
The two that would come first if Apple were to keep the current models and just refresh internals would be the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Airs, which happen to be rumored for a mid-2016 refresh with possibly a new 15-inch model. And the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, all last updated a year ago in March of 2015. Intel’s new Skylake processors will reportedly not be ready until June, but it’s possible Apple could introduce other minor component refreshes to the MacBooks currently running Broadwell and Haswell processors. We’re also keeping an eye out for whether or not Apple brings USB-C to the rest of its laptops after the 12-inch MacBook last year.
But there’s a good chance Apple could do some house cleaning with the lineup this year, especially if it really introduces an ultra-thin 15-inch MacBook and perhaps loses the 11-inch as it pushes the new 12-inch MacBook as its best small-screen laptop.
And in case you forgot, Apple is still selling a MacBook with a SuperDrive. To me, the question for the MacBook Pro 13-inch is not whether or not Apple updates it, but what happens to the rest of the line when Apple inevitably ditches it. Will it bring pricing changes or reorganization of the lineup in general? Or can Apple lose the aging 13-inch MacBook and carry on with the rest of the Pro lineup starting at $1299 for the 13-inch Pro with Retina display.
Mac Pro | The Mac Pro received a major refresh a little over two years ago back in December 2013, but it hasn’t since received any update while most of Apple’s other Macs have. It’s not likely Apple is to make major changes to the overall current design; after all, the Mac Pro has traditionally lagged behind the more consumer friendly Mac models in terms of updates in general. But it wouldn’t be too shocking to see some sort of refresh that introduces upgraded processors, graphics, and other specs. It would be an obvious choice to add Thunderbolt 3/USB-C and unveil it alongside a new Thunderbolt Display eventually. And there have been suitable processor and graphics upgrades to the Intel Xeon E5 Haswell processors and AMD graphics currently shipping in the machine for quite some time.
Apple had issues with some of the new Mac Pros, and even issued a recall for graphics issues, and we’d expect a few refreshes to work out the kinks on the first of the models post-redesign. To top it off, the Mac Pro is getting called out by VR company Oculus for not meeting minimum requirements (although we managed to build our own Hackintosh with off the shelf parts that did).
AirPort Express/Extreme/Capsule | The current AirPort Express last received a notable update in 2012, and the Extreme and Capsule are straight out of 2013. There have been rumours a few times that Apple was experimenting with products that could combine these and or other router/storage products, or even with the Apple TV, and there is a lot of potential for Apple to do so. Google and other companies have been pushing their own intelligent routers through Google’s OnHub platform. Features like Siri could compete with Amazon Echo, although the Mac is making progress in that area later this year, and Apple’s HomeKit connected feature could be enhanced by smart AirPort products. We’ll keep hoping for now.
Mac mini | If the Mac mini follows the pattern of the past two updates, we’ll get a refresh of the device in late 2016. It’s not clear how many of these Apple is still selling, but it’s currently offering them with specs that haven’t been updated since October 2014, and before that October 2012. So the Mac mini is on track to get another spec update in the fall this year possibly, but despite fairly regular updates every other year recently, the Mac mini still feels like Apple’s long forgotten Mac in the lineup. Might USB-C be in its future at some point?
New Beats/Apple wireless EarPods | Apple Watch being totally wirelesss, iPhone 7 reportedly losing its headphone jack, and the fact that Apple really hasn’t had its hand in a new Beats product from start to finish beyond its role with the Beats Pill+ after acquiring the company makes us think that Apple will likely have some new wireless Beats products to show off this year. Truly wireless earbuds may be a bit early — although we know they’re being developed — but if Apple truly loses the 3.5mm headphone jack on the upcoming next-generation iPhone as rumored, you can expect it to sell some wireless, Bluetooth headphones that will likely charge with Lightning.
Apple Pencil accessories & international Smart Keyboards | Pencil tip replacements are on the way eventually, as we noted in our review, and Apple could offer up some other Pencil accessories to go alongside its new 9.7-inch iPad Pro expected for the event. We’d be happy with additional Pencil tips and brushes too, not just replacement tips. And at the same time, it would be a prefect time to bring out those international layouts we’ve heard about for the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard that are currently available in a U.S.-English configuration only. If there is one thing on this list that might actually launch next week, it would be these to go along with the new iPad Pro.
USB-C lightning cables | Having just USB-C only on the new 12-inch MacBook means you can’t use your current iPhone cable to charge off the notebook without using an adapter that adds a standard USB port. There have been a lot of great accessories made for the USB-C MacBook, and some, like battery packs, made possible by the new I/O, but Apple still controls its proprietary Lightning connectors through its Made-for-iPhone program and we’ve yet to see Apple or its partners actually release any USB-C to Lightning cables for iPhone charging/syncing. If Apple is to keep pushing forward with the USB-C for at least some of its MacBooks, we think this is bound to be an accessory it launches at some point in the future.
For what Apple will announce next week, check out our updated roundup of what to expect at Monday’s iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro & Apple Watch bands event.
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I like Intel products but the fact they have failed to meet deadlines in the past few years is a big reason Apple should ditch them.
That is a compelling reason but now that Mac sales are gaining momentum can you imagine what changing processors would do for that?
Nothing, maybe even sell more Mac’s.
The iPad Pro is more powerful and has a better display for half the price of the top tier MacBook. The MacBook should had a A9 processor and been $300 cheaper.
I would agree they would if they can convince developers to support it (and I do not doubt that Apple would have a relatively low friction path forward). Moving away from PowerPC to x86 was relatively low risk since anyone developing for Macs was likely to stick around regardless. Macs don’t sell as well as PCs yet and imagine how little provocation it would take some developers (like Adobe) to drop support for the Mac if there was a new architecture that would require a significant re-write of their underlying code.
I do not doubt that if this move is in the works then Swift is already working on making the transition as painless as possible.
I think this would be too big of a move without something more compelling than Intel’s ability to meet their own stated release dates.
And use what? AMD? Aren’t Intel chips significantly quicker?
Unless you’re trolling and suggesting a switch to ultra low end portable chips, such as ARM products? That would be a great way to send performance back by about 10 years for no sane reason.
No, we have been hearing rumors of Apple starting to make its own chips, but of course today there is not alternative to Intel.
10
Years behind my ass.
Agreed not to mention the lack of software compatibility.
@taoprophet – Okay, how far behind do you think ARM are? When do you foresee them making a chip which will match a 4ghz Skylake i7? The highest end thing they make now (iPad Pro class) is barely able to compete with the piece of junk Core M in the Macbook, and that’s the absolute dregs of Intel’s lineup. the slowest of the slow.
The chips Apple are designing and releasing are progressing much faster with reach new version much faster then what Intel is now.
My point is Apple could went with its owns A series chips for the Maxbook for w much lower sales price with better performance then the shifty Intel chips they put inside. In 2-3 years Aplle can match the performance of i5 level chip or maybe even sooner.
A series chips are already suitable for base model macs like the entry level iMad, Mac Mini or the way over priced MacBooo.
So when is Intel going to 7nm process? Because that’s where the A10 is going…
Or is TSMC going to scoop intel again? (they’re the first to production 10nm, IIRC)
And go with who? Lol. Intel owns the market.
Other PC companies have to deal with the exact same Intel schedules. HP and Dell have had Skylake machines for months. Where the hell is Apple?
First off, Intel is only shipping certain processors, some of them aren’t shipping yet. Apple does actually use Skylake processors in the iMacs.
iMac’s, they use Skylake 6500, 6600 and 6700 processors.
The other factor is with Laptops, they might be waiting for components other than Intel processors. They could be waiting for new screen technology that’s being delayed, they could have some other things that they are waiting for.
The only thing we can do is wait and see what they announce and I’m sure we’ll find out why they waited. I also think they are delaying Thunderbolt 3 is because there isn’t any Thunderbolt 3 devices shipping yet. I know some PCs have Thunderbolt 3, but there’s no TB 3 devices shipping that I’m aware of. I know, that it looks bad that Apple didn’t release a whole batch of products with Skylake, but I’m sure there are valid reasons as to why.
In a way, the PC don’t have the same issues because they release products based on everything Intel ships whereas Apple cherry picks the Intel line up and not all Intel Skylake chips are shipping yet. Intel was having problems with some of the processors they were already shipping, so maybe APple’s waiting for Intel to fix the issue or they might not be shipping the specific chips they want to use.
Bottom line, we’ll just have to wait until they release the product.
Why would the Intel Skylake’s processes not be available till June ’16?
I was under the impression Intel release the Skylake-H quad core with Iris Pro in Jan ’16 for the 15″ rMBP and the Skylake-U dual core Sept ’15 for the 13″ rMBP. It seems like apple is lagging behind.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_i7_microprocessors#Skylake_microarchitecture_.286th_generation.29_2
Released priced not the chips.
It depends on which Skylake chips they want to use, there are a lot of different model chips and Apple cherry picks Intel. I think there are several things at play.
1. Thunderbolt 3. Obviously Intel has started to ship TB 3 chip sets, but Apple has to integrate TB 3 compatibility within the OS???? If so, it’s pointless to release hardware if the OS hasn’t been updated to recognize it. the other side is that there aren’t any TB 3 devices shipping yet. So, even with PCs, they have TB3, but they can only use TB 1 and TB 2 devices, at least so far.
2. I don’t know which chips Apple’s going to use for discreet GPU, especially for the MacPro, so it could be a combination of Apple waiting for Intel chips to ship, but also the appropriate GPU chips to ship and TB 3 support within OS X.
3. New laptops and iMacs. Again, Intel chips, potentially other chips, and then possibly newer and better screen technology might be holding things up and again, TB 3 support in OS X. Actually, iMacs are using SkyLake, but they just don’t have TB 3 connectivity yet, only TB 2.
4. Yeah, the TB 27 in monitor is getting a little old in the chin. I don’t know if they are going to release monitors anymore, if they did, now would be a good time to do it.
I have no doubt that Apple will refreshing their entire line up this year, it’s just a matter of which products get announced and when they start to ship. Obviously Intel is one of the big reasons for any delay since those are the chips Apple is using and i doubt they are going to switch to AMD and Apple doesn’t make X-86 clone chips. Apple might be transitioning to newer screen tech for their laptops, which can also hold things up, as well as GPU’s for certain products. And then there is integrating of new technology within the OS. Anyone know if OS X will support TB 3 or not? Does it need to get updated?
If they do update their wireless access points I hope they do it very soon. My Airport Express was getting overwhelmed and I upgraded to an Airport Extreme just this week and I’d like to be able to exchange rather than burn the money and re-purchase.
I would love a new AirPort Extreme with USB3 for a more wireless storage solution at home.
10 years behind my ass.
You forgot group FaceTime
I agree with all of that and would also add Group FaceTime. Also think Siri and AppleNews on the Mac are overdue but not getting hopes up (even for WWDC).
Not gonna happen, but perhaps a storage upgrade on iPod nano? We gym rats need it! (I know they are a blip on the profit scene for AAPL, but it wouldn’t cost them anything to simply upgrade the storage…)
I’m more looking forward to seeing if Tim Cook gives a subtle middle finger to the FBI.
If updates there are to be on any of the “Pro” Macs or MacBooks, these will come at best along the next WDC.
I doubt Apple will ever replace the Thunderbold display. One has perfectly good options elsewhere and way cheaper than Apple could ever propose.
My Idea is that The Mac Pro and Thunderbold display will quitely disappear in the next months. Apple will leave the “pro” market completely and this has already started.
The Mac Pro is a complete joke. No updates in how many years? Not even processor upgrades?!?!
Apple is doing the same thing they did with the cheese graters.
Too bad making them in Texas was nothing but Pomp & Circumstance that fizzled out a week after thy released.
I don’t like this article at all.
Apple needs to update ALL its computer line.
No-one of them have TB3.
No-one of them have USB-C (except for the MacBook).
Instead, ALL of them have hardware old as crap, and they all went far beyond their usual update cycle.
To be fair, Apple needs to wake up.
Seriously.
(Curved) Ultrawidescreen 5K iMac. So you don’t need a second display. All in one device. It’s a new dimension of working or being productive.
The reason that the 13″ MacBook Pro is still on sale is that a lot of customers want an internal optical drive. On this point I think that… the customer is not always right. I only rarely use optical drives these days… and it’s never a necessity. I suspect that this is the case for the vast majority of users… even if they don’t realise it. On optical drives Apple got it right.
However, Apple do not always get it right. Glossy screens were a disaster… and Apple have gradually (and without publicly acknowledging their mistake) moved away from this decision… to the point that the new laminated screens could be fairly described as matt or anti-glare.
Apple about to repeat the glossy screen fiasco… with low-travel keyboards and Force Touch on the Mac.
I accept (grudgingly) that there may be a case for low-travel keyboards on ultra-portables (i.e. the 12″ MacBook)… however there can be no justification for using them on other notebooks… or the desktop (here’s looking at you Magic Keyboard). Thank God that Apple are still selling their corded desktop keyboard… which also “magically” requires no batteries… ever.
In iOS there is no secondary click… no right mouse click… no two-finger trackpad click. That’s why Force Touch makes sense in iOS… or it will one day when app developers embrace it. I’m also not confident that Force Touch will work so well on an iPad… given the larger screen size vis-à-vis the size of our hands. And another point (against Force Touch)… we have always had a version of Force Touch on iOS… it’s how we move app icons around on our home screens.
But Force Touch makes absolutely no sense on the Mac… where there is a right mouse click… or a two-finger click on the trackpad.
* Apple have acknowledged that many of there customers still want an internal optical drive… by keeping the 13″ MacBook alive.
* Apple have acknowledged that not everyone likes low-travel keyboards… by keeping their corded desktop keyboard… and the current MacBook Airs alive.
* Apple have acknowledged that not everyone likes Force Touch on the Mac… by keeping the current MacBook Airs alive.
But it is inevitable that Apple will eventually discontinue these products… and then spend five years quietly reversing their decision… glossy screen style.
I’m sure that some will disagree with me… and that’s OK with me. I’m sure some people loved glossy screens. My problem is that when Apple make these decisions that make them for all of us. I am completely locked into the iOS/Mac ecosystem… as are most people reading this.
I will eventually be forced to use Apple’s RSI Keyboard and Carpal Tunnel Trackpad… and I’m not happy.
Pretty sure no one was expecting those things to be updated in the first place. So not sure there’s a need for this article. Most know that’s what WWDC and Fall media events are for.
AFAIK Skylake is out already. Maybe not all SKU’s, but definetely a lot. Just look at the competition (XPS 13 for example). In the past, Apple has (seemingly) gotten priority from Apple. What’s going on this round? Might be it takes time to develop USB 3.1/C w/Thunderbolt in the same port? The 15inch MBPR is in dire need of an update too (along with the Mac mini as you pointed out). Last years update is still using Haswell of late 2013’s fame and although the GPU might be slightly faster than before, it is also so power hungry compared to the competition.
No updates for the Mac Pro is also disappointing as there should’ve been an update to Haswell and newer GPU’s. The only Mac that is using Skylake is the iMac 5k. This is the first time in a good while that Apple is lagging for a long time.
I hope there will be updates on monday…
There is no mention of the software Apple should be updating and bring back features that have been lost in the last rewrite. I continue to wonder what Apple does with all of its’ resources. They can’t all be working on a car can they? I sometimes think they are doing more “milking” than “delighting” their customers.
I want a Mac Mini, but the current models seem dated. I want affordable and good sized SSD on board for one thing. The new MacBook is crap, IMO. A nice $1000 machine maybe, but way too limited for its price. The current MacBook Pros aren’t that much better than my 4 year old ones.
As a fun thing, about 2 years before the Mac Mini, I faxed an idea for a very small bare bones computer using laptop parts. I got a certified letter a few weeks later explaining how they don’t take ideas from outside and not to get any ideas.
I miss Steve Jobs
Just come out with the MBP’s in Space Gray already! #StopMilkingit