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As we cruise towards the end of 2022, my thoughts are turning to what might happen in 2023. Specifically, what has Tim and co. got planned for us next year?
Despite my incessant whinging about some of their questionable product choices this year, I’m actually looking forward to Apple in 2023. I think we’re in for quite a ride if any of the rumours hold any weight.
The era of the ‘next big thing in tech’ is probably behind us, I admit, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see some new areas explored by our favourite fruit-based company over the next few years, starting in 2023.
1. Apple VR Mixed Reality Goggles Pro Max Ultra
Unofficial reports suggest that Apple is working on some form of mixed reality operating system that is designed to work with a new piece of wearable technology.
It still feels like we’re some way off a market-ready pair of AR glasses that don’t look ridiculous, therefore Apple’s new hardware is almost certainly going to be of the classic VR headset variety.
There are a number of these Tron-like headsets on the market already. Their purpose, however, remains either very niche or for those who invest significant time and expense in future tech. Despite this, there are some exciting use cases. Gaming is where this stuff feels most at home, but VR is also being put to use for virtual workspaces, and education.
It still feels early for Apple to be entering the space, though. Which is why I’m fascinated by what they might have in store.
2. The next Mac Pro
I wrote about this last week, but in summary, although I cannot fathom who will put the potential power of an Apple silicon-powered Mac Pro to use, I can’t wait to see how Apple pitches it.
However, the latest from Mark Gurman on the Mac Pro paints a rather tepid picture of Apple’s next-generation top-end Mac.
Gurman confirms that – as is evidently the case – the Mac Pro is running late. More worryingly, it sounds like Apple is encountering a bunch of last-minute strategy headaches related to its new desktop. An M2 Ultra chip is now being earmarked as the main powerhouse for the new Mac Pro, with plans to offer a higher-specced ‘M2 Extreme’ (essentially four M2 Max chips soldered together) allegedly scrapped.
This is, we’re told, due to manufacturing complexities and concerns over how narrow the market would be for such a machine. As a result, Apple is apparently concerned that producing Mac Pros running such advanced chipsets could take vital production resources away from higher-volume Macs.
One does wonder, however, why on earth they didn’t think about this earlier on.
Whatever happens, the next Mac Pro is clearly going to be content gold dust next year.
3. The next 14-inch MacBook Pro
I’m rapidly getting fed up with the size of my 16-inch MacBook Pro. It’s a dead weight in any rucksack I use for my travels and looks genuinely silly on the few occasions I place it on my lap for some sofa video editing.
I had a 14-inch MacBook Pro for a couple of weeks last year and I immediately fell in love with it. The only reason I didn’t keep it is that I had a 16-inch version on order and had convinced myself I needed the bigger display and marginally better battery life.
With hindsight, that was probably the wrong choice. This is why I can’t wait to see the M2-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro in 2023 – not least because it will shave some serious weight from my rucksack!
4. New AirPods Max
There’s a chance AirPods Max might go the same way as the original HomePod.
Expensive and ultimately flawed, Apple’s noise-cancelling over-ear headphones have been a brilliant product to cover over the last couple of years. I’m just not convinced Apple – or, potentially, its customer base – has the thirst for a second-generation.
AirPods Max are a rare sight on the high street and I’d guess that’s because of all the products Apple sells, they really are for die-hard fans. Why would anyone else buy them over the multitude of brilliant, less expensive, and far more capable competing products?
If Apple launches a new pair of AirPods Max next year, I’m intrigued to see what they do with them to combat the failings and odd choices of the current generation. My bet would go on a lower-priced, scaled-down version, just like we saw with the HomePod mini.
5. An updated iPad mini
ProMotion.
Another camera lens (telephoto or ultra-wide – you pick, Tim).
A Magic Keyboard (minus the trackpad) accessory.
What a year that would be for Apple’s best iPad!
6. The next iPhone SE
Although arguably not the most exciting thing on today’s list, the 2023 iPhone SE has some serious ground to make up if it’s to capture my heart.
I love how the current version features flagship performance, and I love the fact it starts from £449. I also love its size and I’m not even fussed that it has Touch ID rather than Face ID.
But the design really has had its day. Despite the low cost of entry the iPhone SE offers for iOS and Apple’s ecosystem, it’s still one of the most expensive budget smartphones on the market. Worse still, the competition really has forged ahead when it comes to design; the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi, and Realme all offer surprisingly cheap devices with massive bezel-less displays and modern biometric security.
I’d love to see the iPhone mini form factor make its way to the SE line, but rumours suggest that Apple’s next budget iPhone is more likely to take the form of the iPhone XR.
7. Something I haven’t thought of
If there’s one thing at which Apple excels, it’s surprising us with products or services that are so obvious we can’t believe we didn’t think of them ourselves.
I have no idea what that might be in 2023, and, chances are, it’ll probably relate to something I’ve already mentioned above – but it excites me nonetheless.
If you’ve got any ideas about what a theoretical ‘one more thing’ could be for Apple in 2023, let me know in the comments section!
