Apple Event: Episode I for 2022 kicks off in a matter of hours and can probably star the iPhone SE 5G, iPad Air, and Mac mini, and will function particular appearances from refreshed MacBooks.

One of the highlights of the present will likely be a third-generation iPhone SE, the successor to the getting old 2020 mannequin. Other rumors level to the launch of a refreshed iPad Air and the potential of M2-powered laptops making an look alongside a number of new Macs and a recent iPhone 13 coloration.

Note the uncertainty in my writing: the place the previous few Apple occasions have been relatively predictable, this March 8 “Peek performance” showcase is poised to ship a couple of surprises. We’ll go over these potential product reveals on this submit, however first, let’s discuss in regards to the when, the place, and tips on how to watch.

Apple “Peek Performance” Event: How to Stream

Apple’s “Peek performance” occasion takes place Tuesday, March 8 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET/6 p.m. GMT. This virtual-only occasion will likely be live-streamed on Apple’s event webpage and YouTube channel (or proper right here, beneath).

If you possibly can’t watch it dwell, Apple makes the recording accessible after the occasion. We’ll even be liveblogging all the things because it occurs.

Apple March 8 Event: What to Expect

This is the primary occasion in a very long time the place there are some actual doubts as to what will likely be showcased. Many Apple merchandise might present, however reporters and leakers aren’t fully assured about their timeline. Below is an inventory of merchandise which have been linked to the “Peek performance” occasion and our personal ideas on how probably they’re to debut on March 8.

iPhone SE 5G

Apple’s least costly smartphone is poised to obtain a much-needed improve. The upcoming third-gen mannequin, a sequel to the present 2020 iPhone SE, will obtain an A15 Bionic chip, 5G mmWave help, 64GB of base storage, and both 128GB or 256GB choices, in line with famous analyst and leaker Ming-Chi Kuo.

The two huge upgrades are the adoption of 5G wi-fi connectivity and the increase to an A15 Bionic chip—the identical SoC discovered within the iPhone 13 Pro. Combined, this duo ought to deliver important efficiency positive factors over the present mannequin, and the extra environment friendly chip might even enhance battery life (although battery-sapping 5G might pose an endurance drawback). The digital camera system will probably proceed to depend on a single lens, however the addition of an evening mode would go a protracted option to serving to the iPhone SE compete towards Google’s Pixel 5a.

The extra budget-friendly gadget is anticipated to retain the design of the present mannequin and are available the identical white, black, and purple coloration choices. Apple is rumored to start out mass manufacturing this month with 25 million to 30 million (!) iPhone SE 3 models estimated to be bought in 2022.

There isn’t any phrase but on pricing however don’t count on a lower from the present $399 value. If something, Apple might increase the worth by $50 or so to account for costly 5G modems. Of course, buying and selling in an previous telephone will assist offset that price.

Confidence Level: Very High. The iPhone SE will likely be on the occasion.

iPad Air 5

Gaining steam in latest weeks are rumors of a brand new iPad Air arriving on the March occasion. This gadget will obtain comparable updates because the iPhone SE, placing it on par with the iPad mini.

That means quicker efficiency and future-proof connectivity (be aware: the iPad mini solely has sub-6GHz 5G). The pill might additionally get Apple’s Center Stage video name function which makes use of AI to maintain individuals centered within the body. Just don’t count on some other adjustments—the iPad Air 5 will likely be your normal gen-to-gen refresh.

Confidence Level: High. A pill was just lately registered to the Eurasian regulatory database, probably signaling the approaching launch of an iPad Air 5.

Mac mini

This is the place issues get fascinating. A brand new Mac mini has been the topic of assorted rumors over the previous yr, and the most recent reviews declare it’s going to debut on March 8. In truth, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says a brand new Mac mini is “ready to go” and will likely be powered by M1 Pro and M1 Max chips and have 4 ports.

The present Mac mini was within the first fleet of merchandise to get Apple’s M1 chip alongside the most recent MacE book Pro and MacE book Air, making the mini desktop primed for alternative. However, numerous reviews declare the upcoming Mac mini might be a high-end Pro model with quicker chips bought alongside the present mannequin. There might even be separate M1 (normal) and M1 Pro/Max (high-end) choices.

Confidence Level: High. Gurman predicts Apple will launch “at least one new Mac” with Apple Silicon on the occasion and stated the Mac mini was prepared.

MacE book Air and Pro with M2

I don’t find out about this one. The MacE book Air is actually due for a refresh after debuting with Apple’s M1 chip in November 2020. Sure sufficient, loads of rumors predict the MacE book Air M2 will likely be current on the March 8 occasion with Gurman stating that Apple just lately examined an 8-core CPU (4 efficiency, 4 effectivity cores) with a 10-core GPU—a setup that matches Gurman’s beforehand reported M2 specs.

Others declare Apple will first replace the MacE book Pro, giving it the M2 processor and eradicating the Touch Bar for the standard row of perform keys. The efficiency increase would assist separate the MacE book Pro 13 from the MacE book Air (assuming the cheaper mannequin doesn’t get up to date) and transfer it nearer to parity with the opposite 14 and 16-inch “Pro” fashions. Apart from these upgrades, the MacE book Pro 13 isn’t anticipated to obtain any main adjustments.

Confidence Level: Medium. This is a difficult one. Both laptops are prepared for an improve, nevertheless it’s unclear whether or not Apple is able to debut its M2 processors. If it does, we anticipate the chip arriving first within the MacE book Pro as that mannequin doesn’t really feel so “Pro” anymore. The MacE book Air can be rising lengthy within the tooth so we wouldn’t be stunned to see a refreshed mannequin.

Apple monitor

Apple has a protracted historical past of creating its personal desktop screens, however the one possibility accessible as we speak is the $5,000 Pro Display XDR. Don’t have the money for that display? Then it’s a must to discover a third-party monitor to hook up with your $700 Mac mini (or pricier Mac Pro). We voiced our grievances over the omission final yr after Apple debuted the iMac. This yr, our prayers is perhaps answered.

Last yr, Gurman and leaker Dylandkt reported that Apple might be prepping smaller 24-inch and 27-inch standalone screens made extra for customers than professionals. It can be a wise transfer by Apple, however will we see cheaper exterior screens (rumored to be named Apple Studio Display) on the March 8 occasion? It’s one thing of a coin toss.

Confidence Level: Medium. It appears like Apple is readying extra budget-friendly screens, however we don’t know when it/they’ll arrive.

Another new Mac?

Gurman expects not less than one Mac to be revealed on the March 8 occasion. The Mac mini is probably going however doesn’t actually reply the occasion’s mysterious “Peek performance” tagline.

Putting ourselves in Apple’s footwear, we suspect the corporate to finish its transition from Intel to Apple Silicon by introducing a 27-inch iMac with M-series chips. As it stands, solely the 24-inch iMac runs on Apple chips.

Apple additionally must replace the Mac Pro, its high-end desktop. While an M-powered desktop will in all probability arrive this yr, Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in early June can be a greater match for the pc.

There are additionally some rumbling about Apple re-introducing the iMac Pro although Kuo believes this mannequin and the Mac Pro received’t arrive till 2023.

Confidence Level: Low. I doubt we’ll see one other Mac apart from the high-end Mac mini (Mac mini Pro?), nevertheless it’s potential.

One thing more

Apple’s “Peek performance” phrasing suggests we’ll get not less than a teaser of an upcoming high-powered gadget. I’m being imprecise right here as a result of we haven’t fairly pinpointed what gadget Apple is referring to. It might be the aforementioned MacE book fashions or the high-end Mac mini, although neither is anticipated to boost the efficiency bar above current Pro units. So then, what’s it?

Apple might be teasing a Mac Studio desktop that’s stated to fill the hole between the Mac mini and Mac Pro. As reported by 9to5Mac, Apple is supposedly readying two variations of the Studio, one with an M1 Max chip and one other with an much more highly effective processor. This aligns with Gurman’s earlier report that Apple is engaged on a “smaller Mac Pro” with 40 CPU cores and 128 GPU cores. 9to5Mac predicts this product might exchange the Intel-powered high-end Mac mini.

We know Apple can be bullish on augmented actuality and intends to launch an AR/VR headset throughout the subsequent few years. At some level, the corporate might want to reveal its plans to builders to allow them to begin optimizing apps for the upcoming platform.

Peek efficiency might additionally simply imply 5G help for the iPhone SE and iPad Air. Let’s hope not.