Apple has been receiving flak for lack of innovation and no presence in new product categories. Some critics say the last big innovation was the iPad, which was launched under the leadership of Steve Jobs. While that may be harsh, there’s no lack of books and reports slamming the company for lack of vision and inability to keep up with the standards set by Jobs.
However, folks at Apple have been refuting such reports. Recently, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software and Services Eddy Cue said that the upcoming Apple product lineup is the best in the past 25 years. Really? Though the company has been tight-lipped about its upcoming products, we’ve put together all the rumours and speculations, to see what Apple could possibly launch this year. And with WWDC coming up next week, we could see some of them being announced at the event.
iPhone 6
The biggest device launch is undoubtedly the iPhone, which is also the most profitable category for Apple in recent years. This year, Apple plans to launch two models of the iPhone 6, but with varying screen sizes. The new iPhone 6 could be available in two display sizes: 4.7-inch with 1334×750 and 5.5-inches with 1920 x 1080 pixels of resolution. Both models are expected to come with an A8 processor, 1GB of RAM, LTPS display panels, optical image stabilization, and Touch ID. One can expect slimmer metal casings and support for NFC.
It is highly speculated that the next-gen iPhone will have a sapphire crystal display protection to ward off scratches and nicks. Apple has applied for a patent for off-screen gestures using pressure sensitivity, where too a sapphire crystal display makes most sense. KGI securities’ analyst Ming Chi Kuo who is well-known for accurate Apple predictions believes that only the 64GB 5.5-inch iPhone 6 could feature sapphire crystal displays.
Apple iPhone 6 coming in September? (Image: AFP)
The iPhone is slated to be launched in September this year, with the larger 5.5-inch model supposedly delayed till year end.
iWatch
The highly anticipated Apple smartwatch dubbed iWatch is rumoured to be coming this year. In fact, it’s been rumoured to be coming for quite some time now, ever since we heard about it last year. The iWatch is believed to work in tandem with the iPhone 6 that is said to run iOS 8. In fact, iOS 8 will see some major changes which will enable it to power the secondary device as well. The iWatch is rumoured to work in conjunction with the Healthbook app that Apple is believed to be working on as part of the OS revamp. The iWatch is speculated to have a curved glass display and Apple plans to add a solar panel layer to it for charging during the day, which will keep the display power consumption to a minimum.
Apart from solar and inductive charging methods, the company is also looking into charging the battery through motion. So, each time the person’s arm swings while walking, a tiny charging station produces power that charges the accessory.
While we have not seen any leaked images of the iWatch, it could be that Apple is guarding everything under a much tighter lock and key than the iPhone, which has leaked on more than one occasion.
Healthbook
The core of the upcoming iWatch is said to be a new app called Healthbook. It has been designed to look similar to Passbook, and if the leaked and mock up images are accurate, it could go well beyond the usual fitness tracking features. The app will serve as the hub for all things health-related. Healthbook will show you information for different categories and one can expect cards for blood work, heart rate, hydration, blood pressure, physical activity, nutrition, blood sugar, sleep, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and weight.
While many of these tracking parameters are seen in most fitness apps, what’s easily the most interesting part is the blood monitoring capability of the app. It’s not yet clear how Apple intends to make this happen, but the app is said to be capable of analysing “bloodwork” that includes blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The app will also feature a centrally-located card that holds the user’s critical data to be easily seen in an emergency.
Alleged Apple Healthbook screenshots (Image: 9To5 Mac)
iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3
Apple is likely to launch the upgraded iPad Air and iPad mini later this year. According to Kuo’s prediction, the next-generation iPad Air or iPad Air 2 could come with a Touch ID, an A8 processor, and an enhanced 8MP camera. The company could most likely launch it before October. The new iPad Retina mini may come equipped with an A8 processor and Touch ID, but the device will retain the same form factor. Apple is also believed to be working on the long-rumoured 12.9-inch iPad, but it may not be launched this year.
ARM-based Macs
Apple is rumoured to be working on new ARM-based Mac variant with the Magic Trackpad built in to the keyboard of the system. Microsoft’s ARM-focussed Windows 8 RT has never been able to carve a niche for itself in the market, but everyone knows the ARM is fast becoming the standard for mobile devices. Even AMD is building ARM chipsets now to compete in the lucrative mobile market.
The company is planning to develop a new version of the same which will house these ARM processors. The company plans to launch the ARM processors with three machines initially, the iMac, Mac mini and most probably the 13-inch Macbook Air. The new systems are almost in their last phase of development and likely to be released soon.
It will also most likely release a 12-inch Macbook Air in a slimmer form factor and upgraded Retina Macbook Pros. The 12-inch ultrathin MacBook Air could come with a button-less touchpad and without a fan. With the launch of the Surface Pro 3 aimed at Macbook Air, Apple most likely would re-strategise and raise the bar of its MBA.
Macbook Air
Apple TV
Apple has been in talks with content providers and has acquired companies in its bid to take over your living room. Later in the year, the company may also launch the upgraded Apple TV. One can expect an upgraded set top box with an App Store and motion control technology, as well as iPhone-based controls. Another rumour says Apple’s set-top box will work as a central hub for the home automation system, that iPhone is working on.
iOS and OS X
OS X 10.10 is slated to be announced at WWDC and one can expect it to come with comprehensive end-to-end redesigning just like the iOS 7 released by Apple last year. We expect a lot more iCloud integration for most apps, as well as a new look for the central apps hub, which will be more in line with the iPad layout. Apple has been adding more and more mobile-inspired features in OS X and the new update will likely continue this trend.
As far as iOS 8 is concerned, one can expect the long-time rumoured Healthbook as well as new TextEdit and Preview apps and more. However, these proposed apps might not be implemented immediately and not much is known about their functionality.
There are also rumours that iOS 8 might come sans the notification center, and with tweaked Messages and Game Center apps. The company is reportedly also planning to introduce better maps and new iPad features, including one that would enhance multi-tasking. Apple is supposedly working on split-screen multi-tasking for the iPad a la Windows 8, which will allow users to run two apps side-by-side.
Leaked iOS 8 screenshot
iCloud and Siri
Apple is also believed to be working extensively on implementing changes to iCloud. These changes could be introduced later this year. Apple could bring song ID feature to iTunes in collaboration with Shazam, which will have some amount of cloud integration. This feature will enable users to use Siri for leveraging Shazam’s database to find information related to a song playing in the background. This could also tie in to Apple’s CarPlay push.
CarPlay
Speaking of CarPlay, we have already seen what Apple wants to do for your car’s dashboard. In addition, we expect a whole bunch of third-party auto accessories makers to leverage the CarPlay platform. Pioneer is already doing this by bringing CarPlay to its older as well as new dashboard displays.
CarPlay is already out, but in limited capacity
iHome
Apple is working on a ‘smarthome’ platform and plans to turn the iPhone and iPad into a remote control for lights, security systems and other home appliances. Apple is expected to reveal the plans at WWDC on June 2, which will include touchless controls, based on geo-fencing. Lights might come on when you enter the home and your phone notes your location, for example. The new Apple TV box, expected to launch later this year, could be used as a hub to control other devices.
Now, that’s an exhausting lineup of products that look great on paper. However, only CarPlay has actually been confirmed by the company. Now, the question is whether Apple is capable of delivering on time and will this new line-up bring out the rabid Apple fans as some of the previous hits have done.
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