While WWDC and iPhone events, typically held in summer and fall, command significant attention from Apple enthusiasts, the spring event has emerged as a platform for notable product unveilings. As Apple’s inaugural event of the year, it serves to bridge the gap between flagship announcements and provide swift product performance updates. Will this year’s event follow suit?
iPhone SE 3 Expectations
Rumors surrounding the iPhone SE 3, Apple’s budget-friendly smartphone, have circulated for some time. Recent leaks strongly suggest that the unveiling of this affordable iPhone is imminent. What features can we anticipate from this device?
Design & Display
If you expected the iPhone SE 3 to debut with an all-screen design and a smaller notch, prepare for disappointment; Apple’s budget iPhone retains its familiar appearance. Even in 2022, this throwback remains relevant.
In terms of design and display, the iPhone SE 2022 closely resembles its predecessor. Thick bezels adorn the top and bottom, housing the Touch ID button, while the 4.7-inch display maintains the device’s compact profile.
Despite speculation suggesting an iPhone SE Plus with a larger 5.7-6.1-inch display, such claims should be taken with skepticism.
A15 Processor
The iPhone SE 3 boasts the powerful A15 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 Series, setting it apart in the budget category.
5G Connectivity
Another highlight of the iPhone SE 3 is its 5G capability. Apple positions it as the most affordable 5G phone on the market, aiming to capitalize on the emerging global 5G network.
Storage, RAM, and Battery
The iPhone SE 3 offers storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, potentially with 4GB RAM and a 1,821mAh battery. Speculations suggest a battery capacity increase if the rumored “SE Plus” variant materializes.
Release Date and Price
Apple will unveil iPhone SE 3 at the Peek Performance March 8 spring event and kickstart the preorder right away. The Cupertino giant is reportedly slashing the price of S3, making it available for just $300 (starting price) in the US. If that happens to be the case, the new budget iPhone could make a lot of heads turn. No wonder “The slashed price” might even be branded as the most selling aspect of the phone.
What Makes iPhone SE 3 a Worthy Upgrade?
In a crowded world inundated by smartphones with a modern design even in the budget category, iPhone SE 3 looks odd, with a decade-old design. I’m counting the days from iPhone 6 (2014) that doesn’t look any different from SE 2.
What makes it compelling is delivering top-notch performance in speed and camera efficiency. Pair that with 5-6 years of iOS updates and affordable pricing, and SE 3 becomes a solid contender for budget-minded customers.
If you don’t necessarily need to be on the bleeding edge of technology and require a smartphone that can check off essential boxes including pocket-friendly design, reliable performance, and decent cameras without costing an arm and a leg, SE 3 may be your preferred choice.
iPad Air 5
For those looking for premium iPads without paying flagship-level prices, the forthcoming iPad Air 5 could be a better pick. Even though it is slated to be just a spec bump.
Design & Display
Apple isn’t expected to change the design of the next-generation iPad Air. This means the iPad Air 5 will have a 10.9-inch nearly edge-to-edge LED-backlit multi-touch display with IPS technology. The top button will function as the Touch ID sensor, and the enclosure will be crafted from 100% recycled aluminum.
Rear Camera
Regarding optics, the iPad Air 5 will boast a 12MP wide camera with minor enhancements. The ultra-wide camera and LiDAR Scanner will remain exclusive to the pro variants.
The iPad Air 2022 will introduce a new FaceTime camera supporting Center Stage. Center Stage, highlighted by Apple as a major feature of its flagship iPads, ensures you stay in the frame even while moving around the room.
iPad Air 5 features the latest A15 Bionic chip, promising enhanced performance and battery life. The A15 chip boasts up to 50% faster speeds compared to its competitors, making it ideal for video streaming, gaming, and demanding tasks.
5G Connectivity
Similar to the iPhone SE 3, iPad Air 5 supports 5G, aligning it with the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5, iPad Pro 11-inch 3, and iPad mini 6.
Storage, RAM, and Battery
Considering iPad Air 5 will be a minor upgrade, most features should remain unchanged. Expect two storage options: 64GB and 256GB, with 4GB RAM and a 7606mAh battery. Color choices will include silver, space gray, rose gold, green, and sky blue.
Release Date and Price
Following its unveiling at the Peek Performance event, iPad Air 5 will be available for immediate preorder. Apple will maintain the price at $599.
Upgrade to iPad Air 5?
If you own iPad Air 4, upgrading to Air 5 may not be necessary as the differences between the two models are minimal. However, if you plan to upgrade from older models like iPad Air 3 or the budget iPad, it would be a significant improvement.
We’ll provide a detailed comparison of iPad Air 5 with iPad mini 6 and iPad Pro 11-inch 3 after the device launches on March 8. Stay tuned for that.
All-New 13-inch MacBook Pro
An updated version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro is coming soon. While it will resemble the current 13-inch model, it will have upgraded internals. It will be positioned as a lower-end variant of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which feature M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
Another major announcement expected at Apple’s Peek Performance spring event is the “M2” chip, the successor to the M1 chip. The M2 chip promises improved speed and better handling of power-intensive tasks, along with enhanced battery life.
Image credit: MacRumors
Reports suggest the M2 chip will feature 9 and 10-core options, compared to the 7 and 8-core GPUs of the M1 chip. This upgrade hints at a significant performance boost for the next generation of M-Series chips. It will be intriguing to compare M2’s performance against M1 Pro and M1 Max.
Anticipated to debut in the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, the M2 is positioned as the highlight of the entry-level MacBook Pro.
Enhanced Mac mini Version
2022 could mark a significant year for Mac mini as Apple prepares to launch a high-end version, potentially featuring a redesigned look and powered by the M1 Pro and M1 Max Apple silicon chips, promising substantial performance gains. This revamped Mac mini is poised to supplant the existing Intel-based models, signaling a potential end to the Apple and Intel partnership.
How to Watch Apple’s March 8 Peek Performance Spring Event
Apple will stream the Peek Performance event on March 8 via its website, the Apple TV app, and its official YouTube channel. Ensure you don’t miss it by setting a reminder or watching the embedded video stream on this page.
The event starts at 10:00 a.m Pacific Time at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Due to the pandemic, it will remain a digital-only gathering.
Note: For viewers in India, the event will stream at 11:30pm IST on March 8.
What Excites You Most About Apple’s Peek Performance Event?
That’s everything about Apple’s first event of 2022. Personally, I’m most excited for the new Mac mini. With an overhauled design and the M1 Pro/M1 Max, it’s poised to steal the limelight at the spring event. Unless iPhone SE 3 comes at a jaw-dropping $300 price, I believe the Mac mini 2022 may take the spotlight. What are your thoughts? Share in the comments below and tell us which announcement excites you the most.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
