Apple’s ‘Glow Time’ event on September 9, 2024, is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 Series and other gadgets and phase out several current devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, and AirPods 2. At the same time, the upcoming Magic Keyboard will cater to budget iPads and iPad Air. With new products on the horizon, several Apple devices will likely be phased out. Apple is reportedly gearing up to broaden its range of tablet accessories by introducing a new Magic Keyboard tailored explicitly for its forthcoming budget-friendly iPads. Apple’s upcoming Magic Keyboard for budget iPads, expected in 2025, will likely balance functionality and cost by incorporating some features from the premium iPad Pro keyboard, excluding luxury elements.
iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max
Since the introduction of the iPhone XS and XR in 2018, Apple has typically retired flagship iPhones a year after their debut, likely due to the minimal differences between successive models, reported the publication.
As per the report, this trend suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max might be on their way out. The iPhone 15 Pro was notable for being Apple’s first iPhone to feature a titanium frame, and this will likely be the last model with the current 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes, as the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to have larger displays. Additionally, the distinctive Blue Titanium color of the iPhone 15 Pro may not return in the upcoming series.
iPhone 14 Plus
Reportedly, the iPhone 14 Plus marked Apple’s return to offering a large, entry-level iPhone, following the less successful iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini. Its 6.7-inch display and robust battery life provided a more affordable alternative to the Pro Max models. The iPhone 14 Plus also revived the “Plus” branding after a hiatus since the iPhone 8 Plus. Given Apple’s pattern of discontinuing specific models while keeping others around longer, the iPhone 14 Plus may be discontinued, with the iPhone 14 likely remaining available for a bit longer.
iPhone 13
Introduced in 2021, the iPhone 13 brought notable upgrades, including improved battery life, a new camera system, and a smaller notch. It remains one of the oldest iPhones currently available from Apple. As per the report, if past patterns hold, the iPhone 13 might be retired, with the iPhone 14 taking over at the $599 price point, at least until the release of the iPhone SE 4.
Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE 2
All three Apple Watch models are due for potential updates. The Series 10 is anticipated to feature more extensive, more efficient displays, a slimmer profile, and possibly a new chipset. The Ultra 3 might receive a minor refresh, and the SE 3 is rumored to adopt a plastic casing to offer a more budget-friendly option. The current Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE 2 models could be phased out if these updates occur.
AirPods 2 and AirPods 3
The AirPods 2, introduced in 2019, has been a popular entry-level option, while the AirPods 3, launched in 2021, brought improvements like Spatial Audio. However, with the expected debut of two new AirPods 4 models—one entry-level and one mid-tier—the AirPods 2 and 3 will likely be discontinued. The new mid-tier AirPods are expected to feature noise cancellation, a feature not present in the AirPods 2.
iPad mini 6 and iPad 10
Apple is also likely to refresh its more affordable iPads. The iPad mini 6 and 10 may be replaced by new models, with potential updates including support for Apple Intelligence, increased storage, and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility. Given Apple’s tendency to retire older models, the iPad mini 6 and 10 might be discontinued following the event.
Magic Keyboard Accessory
Magic Keyboard for budget iPads aims to enhance the iPad’s usability as a laptop alternative. It will likely boast features like a metal palm rest, a row of function keys, and an expanded trackpad. As highlighted in the latest “Power On” newsletter by tech journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new iteration of the Magic Keyboard aimed at its lower-tier iPads or potentially the iPad Air. This accessory, expected to debut in 2025, will likely lack some of the premium features in the iPad Pro’s keyboard, such as the aluminum top case. However, it might include a row of function keys, balancing functionality and cost for users of Apple’s more affordable tablets. Gurman’s insights suggest that while this new keyboard will incorporate design elements from its higher-end counterpart, it will be more economical, preceding luxury features like the metal palm rest, including a trackpad, which has become a staple in Apple’s keyboard accessories, which remains to be determined for this version. Various keyboard accessories currently support Apple’s iPad lineup. The latest iPad Air, launched alongside the iPad Pro, is compatible with existing Magic Keyboards, making a new accessory unnecessary. However, the iPad Mini, which does not currently have an official keyboard option, could benefit from introducing this new Magic Keyboard. The accessory is expected to offer improvements, such as a function key row similar to the one on the iPad Pro’s keyboard. Gurman anticipates that Apple will introduce this budget-conscious Magic Keyboard by mid-2025. This timeframe aligns with reports indicating that Apple plans to release new iPad Air models featuring OLED displays in 2026.
A significant update for the iPad Mini is rumored, with an 8.3-inch OLED display likely a highlight of the upcoming iteration of keyboard accessories. The latest iPad Air, launched alongside the iPad Pro, is compatible with existing Magic Keyboards, making a new accessory unnecessary. However, the iPad Mini, which does not currently have an official keyboard option, could benefit from introducing this new Magic Keyboard. The accessory is expected to offer improvements, such as a function key row similar to the one on the iPad Pro’s keyboard. Gurman anticipates that Apple will introduce this budget-conscious Magic Keyboard by mid-2025. This timeframe aligns with reports indicating that Apple plans to release new iPad Air models featuring OLED displays in 2026. Additionally, a significant update for the iPad Mini is rumored, with an 8.3-inch OLED display likely a highlight of the upcoming iteration.
Source: Livemint.com
