Apple fans, rejoice! Exciting updates are just around the corner, with iOS 17.2 slated for release in the coming weeks, new iPads launching early next year, and even more innovations in the works. Read on for details on these upcoming launches and rumored products.
iOS 17.2 Coming Soon with Bug Fixes, Security, and Privacy Enhancements
While iOS 17 already delivered major changes like customizable lock screens and improvements to messaging when it launched last fall, iOS 17.2 aims to refine the experience even further. Expected within the next few weeks, the 17.2 update will bring the standard mix of bug fixes and performance improvements. But it also promises some privacy and security enhancements.
Specifically, iOS 17.2 is rumored to add a new privacy setting granting users more granular control over how much data is shared with third-party apps. This continues Apple’s emphasis on transparency and consent when it comes to users’ personal information. It follows iOS 16’s launch last year which introduced features like Safety Check for helping domestic abuse victims cut ties with abusive exes.
Beyond the privacy additions, sources indicate iOS 17.2 will resolve multiple bugs affecting iPhone users over the past several months. Most notably, it should address the battery drain issues plaguing devices upgraded to iOS 17. Owners have reported dramatically shorter battery life after updating, with some iPhones shutting down abruptly once the charge level drops below 30%. This frustrating glitch looks to finally get remedied in 17.2.
The release will also smooth over performance glitches that have caused apps to unexpectedly crash and iPhones to randomly restart. Users have aired complaints about instability and freezing since iOS 17 debuted, so the 17.2 upgrade will hopefully restore reliability and responsiveness.
With the holiday launch of new Macs and HomePod smart speakers now passed, the iOS 17.2 upgrade for iPhones rounds out the collection of devices now running Apple’s newest generation of software. Look for the iOS 17.2 rollout across all supported iPhone models over the coming weeks. Install it as soon as available on your device for the most up-to-date Apple experience.
Redesigned iPads With Upgraded Chipsets Launching Early 2024
The busy fall Apple event season may have just wrapped up, but the company isn’t resting on its laurels. Apple is gearing up to unveil the next generation of iPads in early 2024 based on emerging reports. Featuring upgraded processors, enhanced cameras, and an overhauled design, these new models promise to push the iPad further into laptop replacement territory.
Most notably, well-connected Apple rumor sites indicate the 2024 iPad lineup will sport a fresh chassis boasting flat edges instead of rounded corners. This industrial styling language first appeared on the iPhone 12 series and has also made its way to both the iPad Air and iPad Pro. Adopting flat edges gives the entire iPad range a sleek, modern, and consistent look.
However, the new design goes beyond mere aesthetics — it facilitates incorporating more advanced components within the slender iPad profile. Indeed, benchmark results reveal the next base iPad will run Apple’s newest A15 Bionic chip for significant performance gains over the outgoing A14 model. This brings entry-level iPads in line with the iPhone 14 series spec-wise.
Meanwhile, the updated iPad Air is tipped to adopt the exceptionally powerful M2 silicon already showcased in the latest MacBooks. M2 enables desktop-class speed and efficiency ideal for more intensive creative tasks. These blistering fast chipsets paired with the streamlined chassis add up to quite the overhaul for iPads in 2024.
Other hardware changes come to iPad cameras based on supply chain intel from Asian manufacturing partners. Both front and rear shooters on the iPad Air and iPad Pro stand to receive megapixel boosts for sharper images and video calls — a boon for content creators and remote workers. And new colors enter the mix too with a purple option rumored to tempt aesthetically minded buyers.
With unrivaled performance, sleek styling, and enhanced imaging, Apple’s 2024 iPad refresh should only strengthen their standing as the ultimate tablets for work and play. Stay tuned for an expected spring announcement event unveiling final details on the reinvigorated lineup.
More Apple Innovations On Deck: New MacBook Air, Apple TV, and iMac Pro
Beyond imminent iOS and iPad updates, Apple has plenty more ingenious products brewing behind the scenes. Reliable insider reports reveal several fan-favorite devices undergoing redesigns or next-gen revamps for launch between 2023 and 2024. This includes reimagined versions of the game-changing MacBook Air, Apple TV set-top box, and ultra-powerful iMac Pro.
MacBook Air to Gain Larger Display
Well-connected tech commentator Mark Gurman asserts a radically redesigned MacBook Air is imminent. The new model sports slimmer bezels surrounding an enlarged 15-inch screen — up from the usual 13.3-inches seen on current MacBook Air models. This downsizes surface area while packing in a roomier, more immersive display.
By maximizing screen real estate without increasing the overall chassis footprint, Apple forwards its ethos of fitting powerful technology into elegantly compact products. Engineers pulled off a similar feat shrinking bezels across 2021’s 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros to reduce device size substantially over previous generations. This continuation should make the perennially popular MacBook Air even more portable.
If rumors hold true, the more expansive 15-inch MacBook Air also introduces next-gen processors and graphics for blistering performance perfect on-the-go. Expect super speedy load times, smooth multitasking, long battery life, and support for external monitors — ideal for students and mobile professionals. With its winning blend of lightweight build and desktop-caliber functionality, the jumbo-screened MacBook Air looks to become Apple’s mainstream computing sweet spot when revealed later this year.
New MacBook Pro to Adopt Brilliant mini-LED Display
For those craving more screen acreage than even the 15-inch MacBook Air delivers, a separate report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo points to a brand new MacBook Pro variant coming in 2024. This top-shelf creative workhorse looks to incorporate the same stunning mini-LED display technology debuted on 2021’s 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Featuring precise local dimming control and searing brightness topping 1,000 nits, Apple’s mini-LED panels set new standards for contrast and HDR while slimming device thickness. The cutting-edge screen tech later spread to 2022’s MacBook Air lineup where it continues wowing reviewers and owners with its gorgeous visuals befitting a pro device.
Now Kuo reveals mini-LED is primed to make its way to more affordable MacBook Pro models in late 2023 or early 2024. His supply chain sources indicate a new 14-inch mini-LED MacBook Pro alongside refreshed versions of the 13-inch model sporting the brilliant display upgrade. With pro-grade performance and gorgeous image quality accessible to broader audiences, Apple empowers every creative to bring their visions to life with these capable laptops on the horizon.
All-New iMac Pro Said to Launch in 2024
Rounding out an exciting 2024 for Mac supporters is Apple’s plans to resurrect the ultra-premium iMac Pro last offered way back in 2017. After discontinuing that previous version likely due to insufficient sales volume, Apple apparently sees fresh opportunity in the high-end all-in-one desktop space given recent shifts to hybrid remote work and learning environments.
Kuo anticipates a next-generation iMac Pro equipped with Apple’s blazing M2 Max silicon to become available at some point next year. With up to 96 GPU cores delivering graphics performance on par with many workstations, the 2024 iMac Pro promises creative pros uncompromising power for intensive design, editing, coding, and simulation workloads. It may also represent Apple’s first iMac ever offered with a dedicated GPU as standard.
Additionally, speculation suggests the upcoming iMac Pro takes design cues from Apple’s milestone new Mac Pro workstation expected to premiere this spring. That means adopting a similar industrial aesthetic with stainless steel frame, aluminum housing, and cheese grater-style vents lining the back. While retaining the sleek all-in-one form factor, these touches bring some workstation charm to Apple’s apex desktop.
Of course, with pro-tier pricing to match its elite performance, the reborn iMac Pro appeals more to broadcast studios, development firms, and true computing enthusiasts rather than general consumers. Still, for commercial creatives invested in the Apple ecosystem, this dream machine desktop provides the zenith of cutting-edge speed and reliability when launched next year.
Faster Apple TV Model in the Works
Shifting focus to the living room, Apple is reportedly developing a new generation of Apple TV slated to replace the current 4K model. The updated streamer looks more evolutionary than revolutionary, as Apple just overhauled Apple TV last year with the addition of its swift A15 Bionic processor across the board alongside a Siri remote redesign.
Nonetheless, Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes claims Apple recently shared plans for another Apple TV revision coming down the pike. Their supply chain sources say the new model calls for increased internal storage and an even speedier chip promising smoother streaming, gaming, and app performance. But it doesn’t sound like any major physical changes or new display technologies are in store.
While not dramatically moving the needle, these measured Apple TV enhancements should help it better compete for living room real estate as alternatives like Amazon Fire TV and Roku players rapidly evolve. The additional on-board storage also caters to Apple Arcade subscribers building extensive game libraries.
Look for the subtly improved Apple TV to potentially arrive in late 2023 piggybacking off Apple’s fall iPhone and Mac launch cycle. While only an iterative update over today’s Apple TV 4K, the boosted specifications may appeal to heavy media streamers and mobile gamers wanting just a bit more speed and capacity.
Handoff Feature to Enable Easy Data Sharing Between Devices
A fascinating new capability leaked in iOS 17 codenamed “DataBounce” points to Apple making sharing files and info between devices almost effortless going forward. As described in the beta software, DataBounce allows two Apple products placed next to each other — say an iPhone and iPad — to automatically transfer data when touched together.
This so-called “device-to-device interaction” leverages ultra wideband (UWB) wireless technology already built into recent iPhones and Apple Watches for spatial orientation. UWB’s precision enables the temporary handshake and secure file migration to execute seamlessly just by briefly bringing two compatible devices into close contact.
While still in testing, DataBounce could let users who shoot a video on their iPhone instantly pass the footage to their iPad for editing with a simple tap. Or photos taken on an Apple Watch during a run may conveniently sync to a nearby iPhone without fussing with Wi-Fi or cables. It promises a wonderfully intuitive mode of quick data sharing once publicly rolled out.
No firm timeline is known for Apple launching DataBounce/Handoff publicly across its ecosystem. But with the backend support now falling into place within iOS and iPadOS, many speculate the feature goes live concurrently with next year’s annual software update. As Apple continues removing hassles around passing files between our myriad devices, DataBounce may prove among its most empowering connectivity tools ever.
Exciting Times Ahead!
If whispers of DataBounce sharing, an improved Apple TV streamer, and all-new MacBook Air and iMac Pro models weren’t enough, even more radical Apple innovations stay shrouded in secrecy for now. As always, the company keeps its cutting-edge product roadmap closely guarded.
But if history is any indication, consumers can count on Apple rocking the consumer electronics landscape again next year and beyond. In the nearer term, watch for iOS 17.2, freshened iPad designs, and hopefully the game-changing Handoff feature enabling seamless device interactions straight out of sci-fi.
It looks to be an exciting several months ahead for Apple users! Check back often to catch the latest rumors and confirmed details on iOS updates, forthcoming hardware releases, and groundbreaking new features in the works across Apple’s incredible ecosystem of products. The future remains bright in Cupertino!
Add Comment