Apple events in 2022
An Apple event is geared towards new products and software features. In 2021, Apple hosted a total of four events, but what does the 2022 schedule look like? Is Apple going to hold four more events in 2022 or maybe even five? In this preview, we take a look at the upcoming Apple events in 2022 and briefly outline which products and other announcements we expect there.
- Spring
- June< /li>
- September
- Fall
Apple event in Spring 2022: Does the crowds start early?
Apple doesn't hold an event every year in the spring, but when it does, it often means a range of interesting products. For example, Apple introduced the AirTag, iPad Pro 2021, iMac 2021 and the new Apple TV 4K last April. For 2022, the chance of an event again seems very high, because Apple has several products in the pipeline that may all be ready to ship around this time. In short, these are our expectations:
- iPhone SE 2022: Successor of the current iPhone SE 2020 with the same design, but with a newer chip and support for 5G. Other possible improvements include the camera and support for MagSafe.
- Large iMac (Pro): A new larger iMac with Apple Silicon, with a new design similar to the 24-inch version from 2021. It is the successor to the current 27-inch iMac with Intel chip. The new model may be given the Pro naming. Rumor has it that this model will have a 27-inch screen.
- Mac mini 2022: Successor to the current high-end Intel Mac mini from 2020. The new model may receive a new design with Apple Silicon chip (M1 Pro/Max) and was previously expected at the end of 2021. See also our article with expectations for the Mac mini 2022.
Possible contenders:
- iPad Pro 2022: Apple usually releases the new iPad Pro in the spring. Whether that will be the case again this year is still unclear. Improvements include a modified design and wireless charging.
- MacBook Air 2022: Completely redesigned MacBook Air with a new design and faster M2 chip. As the M2 chip may be delayed, the MacBook may also arrive later in the year.
Possible spring event date
When it comes to estimating a possible date, the spring event is the hardest of all Apple events. Apple usually holds an event in the one after or last week of March, but last year the event was (exceptionally) at the end of April. We are therefore betting for this year somewhere between mid-March and mid-April.
June 2022: The WWDC is back
If we can assume anything, it is that another WWDC will come in 2022. This year may be a more exciting year than previous times. Apple will probably not only announce the new software versions, but also new hardware. Here's what we expect in short:
- iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13, watchOS 9, and tvOS 16: The latest updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. We also expect an update for the HomePod (mini). What improvements Apple has in store is still a mystery.
- New Mac Pro 2022: Apple is likely to announce the final phase of Intel's transition to Apple Silicon at WWDC. The new Mac Pro is an important part of this. But Apple would also come up with a new Intel model.
- External Displays for Mac: Apple may also be working on one or more external displays, as a cheaper alternative to the Pro Display XDR.
- Preview of Apple's headset: Apple often gives a glimpse into the future during WWDC with devices that are only months later in the shops. The HomePod was announced at WWDC (with a release in the spring), and the current Mac Pro was also announced at WWDC, not coming out until December. It is therefore not inconceivable that Apple will already hint at the mixed reality headset during WWDC, if only to prepare developers.
Possible date WWDC 2022
Apple typically holds WWDC in the first week of June. We therefore believe that the WWDC 2022 will be held in the week of June 6. In the Netherlands, this coincides with Whit Monday.
September: iPhone 14 and more
As usual, September 2022 will most likely be dominated by the iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad. It will be another busy event, with mainly successors to existing products:
- iPhone 14 Series: Four new models, namely iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Expected innovations include a new display with punch-hole camera, Face ID below the screen, an improved camera and a modified design.
- Apple Watch Series 8: Possibly a new design with new health functions, such as a temperature sensor and blood sugar meter .
- Apple Watch SE 2022: New affordable Apple Watch with possibly a faster chip and health functions that were previously missing, such as ECG.
- Apple Watch ‘rugged’: A separate extra sturdy sports version for outdoor enthusiasts and those who like extreme sports.
- New entry-level iPad and iPad Air 2022: Two new iPad models on the way, namely the new standard iPad (with hopefully a better screen) and an iPad Air 2022 with faster chip, Center for the front camera and more.< /li>
Possible date for September event
Apple usually holds its annual September event the second full week of the month, usually on Monday or Tuesday. The week of September 12 (with September 13 as the possible exact date for the event) therefore seems a certainty. September 14 would of course be the best for the iPhone 14.
Fall event: Macs and a big surprise
The last event of the year will probably be the most exciting event. If all prospects are correct, Apple will release its mixed reality headset during this period. This will be a headset that combines both virtual and augmented reality in one device. It is likely that this first model will not exactly become mainstream: a high price is expected and availability will be limited. Apple can briefly announce this:
- Mixed reality headset: The aforementioned augmented and virtual reality headset, mainly intended for gaming, communication and media consumption. Would run on its own operating system.
- MacBook Air 2022 with new M2 chip. We previously mentioned this as a contender for the event in the spring, but the M2 chip may take a little longer to arrive.
- New MacBook Pro: Apple is still working on a successor to the 13- inch M1 MacBook Pro. An M2 version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro therefore sounds like a logical option.
- Release of the Mac Pro 2022: Although Apple may unveil the new Mac Pro 2022 at WWDC, we think the actual release in autumn will follow.
- AirPods Pro 2: Updated in-ear earbuds with noise cancellation and transparency mode may come with a new speaker box and improved search function.
Possible date for Apple's fall event of 2022
usually holds the last event of the year in October, although in 2020 there was also an event in November. For this year we are betting on a date somewhere in the last weeks of October or the first week of November. Apple could also split it into two events (October and November), but we think that chance is quite small this year.
Looking forward even more? In our article on Apple products for 2022, we go into even more detail about which products are coming. So read on to learn more about Apple's upcoming 2022 lineup.