Apple is anticipated to update nearly every line of hardware it has in 2019. AppleInsider shows you what we’re expecting to see, including the “AirPods 2,” 2019 Mac Pro, Apple Pro displays, new iPhones, the “iPad mini 5,” and more.
As happens every year, Apple makes a large number of changes to its product portfolio, and 2019 is shaping up to feature a considerable amount of major upgrades.
TF International Securities’ forecasts for Apple’s hardware releases in 2019
Practically all corners of Apple’s hardware empire will see changes, including the iOS-based iPhone and iPad ranges, MacBook Pro and Mac Pro, and accessories such as AirPods and the long-awaited AirPower.
Custom-painted black first-generation AirPods
AirPods 2
Anticipated to launch in the first half of 2019, or at latest, the fall.
Health-related features reminiscent of the Apple Watch’s functions are touted, monitoring inside the ear for the user’s heart rate.
While similar in appearance to the originals, the second generation may ship with a black color option alongside white. Extra grip in the ear is expected, via a change in its coating rather than by physical design alterations.
The current 15-inch MacBook Pro
16-inch MacBook Pro
A larger model of MacBook Pro is tipped for launch, with a 16 to 16.5-inch display.
Apple’s last 17-inch MacBook Pro shipped in late 2011. It is presently considered an obsolete product, and Apple isn’t offering service for it any longer.
The fourth-generation iPad mini
iPad Mini 5
International regulatory filings indicate new models are on the way, potentially including the iPad mini and could arrive early in the year.
An early-2019 launch for the new fifth-generation iPad mini is expected.
The update is thought to be relatively similar to its previous form, including a headphone jack, 7.9-inch display, and the continued use of Touch ID instead of shifting to Face ID.
One big change is the possible addition of Smart Keyboard support, along with the Apple Pencil.
Render of what the 2019 iPhone could look like with a triple rear camera
2019 iPhone
Apple is expected to release three iPhones this fall, following a similar pattern to the 2018 releases, with two OLED models joined by a cheaper iPhone XR-style LCD model.
This could be the last generation to use LCD before Apple moves completely over to OLED in 2020, though it is also possible the shift could happen this year.
A triple camera setup is tipped to appear on the rear, which could include the ability to produce depth maps similar to the front-facing TrueDepth camera in current-generation models.
The front TrueDepth camera could get an upgrade, making it capable of producing a 10-megapixel image.
It is suggested there could be bilateral wireless charging, allowing an iPhone to provide charge to another device. Other new additions could be larger batteries, a frosted glass casing, and support for UWB (ultra-wide band) for indoor positioning and navigation.
There have been some debate about whether Apple will stick to Lightning or shift to USB-C, just like the iPad Pro.
The current model of Mac Pro
2019 Mac Pro
Expected for launch sometime in 2019, but it is unclear when in the year it will take place. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that it will be easy to upgrade, but Apple has only said that this model will be modular in design.
What that “modular” specifically means for the end-user isn’t clear at present.
LG’s UltraFine 5K monitor, built in collaboration with Apple.
Apple Professional 6K Display
Anticipated to launch alongside the new Mac Pro, though it is unknown when that will be during the year.
Expected to be a 31.6-inch 6K3K display (6,144 x 3,072 resolution) and will use a “mini LED-like backlight design” to deliver outstanding picture quality.
After decades of continuous monitor production, Apple’s last display was the 27-inch Apple Thunderbolt Display. It was discontinued on June 23, 2016.
The 2018 iPad
Seventh generation iPad
An early 2019 launch is expected for the model, based on rumors and the existence of regulatory model number filings.
A design refresh is tipped to take place, possibly borrowing elements from the iPad Pro design.
The well-known 9.7-inch display is expected to increase in size, possibly measuring 10.2 inches, though it is likely the overall device size won’t grow as much.
Smart Keyboard support is touted for the model, allowing the accessory to connect in a similar way to the iPad Pro range.
Even with the changes, it is probable that the iPad will continue to use Touch ID, not Face ID.
The 2018 iPad Pro
iPad Pro
Following the previous model updates, Apple is thought to ship two models of the iPad Pro as part of its usual refresh, with upgraded processors.
Apple last updated the iPad Pro in October 2018 with a new exterior design, and Face ID.
AirPower charging mat
AirPower
Originally slated for launch in 2018, but now expected to ship in the first half of 2019.
Allows up to three devices to wirelessly charge at the same time, such as an iPhone, Apple Watch, and an AirPods charging case
Apple Watch Series 4
Apple Watch Series 5
At present, there are few rumors discussing the Apple Watch —save one from Ming Chi Kuo.
The Apple Watch “Series 5” is thought to reintroduce the option for a ceramic body, after being dropped from the Series 4 roster.
iPod Touch
iPod Touch
Tipped for launch at some point in 2019, but with no indication as to when the seventh-generation iPod Touch will make an appearance.
No details about changes have emerged, except for speculation it will have an upgraded processor.
All quiet regarding the Apple TV, the iMac, and the Mac mini
Very little has emerged on the Apple TV since the 4K version was launched. Similarly, the iMac 4K and iMac 5K are likely to get an update, but there hasn’t been anything of any substance in from the supply chain regarding the topic.
Apple has very recently updated the Mac mini, and probably won’t do so again in 2019.