Apple to Launch Five Groundbreaking New Products This Year
▼ Summary
– Apple is expected to unveil five new products this year: a smart home hub, a Face ID doorbell, a lower-cost MacBook with an A18 Pro chip, a foldable iPhone, and augmented reality glasses.
– The smart home hub, featuring a 6-7 inch display and an A18 chip, will control smart home accessories, make FaceTime calls, and potentially act as a security system.
– A smart doorbell with Face ID is in development, emphasizing privacy with features like a Secure Enclave and integration with Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video service.
– The new, more affordable MacBook will use a version of the iPhone’s A18 Pro chip, likely starting under $800, but may have limitations like 8GB of RAM and slower USB-C ports.
– The foldable iPhone, expected in September, will have a 7.7-inch inner display and a 5.3-inch outer display, while the AR glasses will compete with Meta’s but lack an in-lens display in their first generation.
Apple is poised to significantly expand its ecosystem this year with a slate of five entirely new products, moving beyond iterative updates to its existing lineup. These anticipated launches include a smart home hub, a Face ID-enabled doorbell, an affordable MacBook powered by a smartphone chip, a foldable iPhone, and a pair of augmented reality glasses. Each product aims to carve out a new space for the company in competitive markets.
The long-rumored smart home hub is finally expected to debut. Originally slated for last year, its launch was reportedly delayed to align with a more advanced, personalized version of Siri. This versatile device is rumored to feature a square display between six and seven inches and be powered by an A18 chip to support Apple Intelligence. It could be placed on a speaker base or mounted on a wall, functioning as a central command center for smart home accessories, a FaceTime video call station, and even a component of a home security system.
In the realm of home security, Apple is said to be developing a smart doorbell with Face ID integration. Reports indicate this doorbell would wirelessly connect to a compatible smart lock, creating a cohesive entry system. While a launch may not occur until 2026, a reveal this year is possible. Apple would likely emphasize the privacy and security advantages, potentially leveraging its existing HomeKit Secure Video service with end-to-end encryption and incorporating a Secure Enclave chip directly into the hardware.
For the laptop market, Apple is reportedly preparing a more affordable MacBook that would sit below the MacBook Air in its lineup. This new model is expected to be powered by a version of the iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro chip, marking a shift to using smartphone silicon in a Mac. It could revive the ultra-thin and lightweight design of the discontinued 12-inch MacBook but with Apple’s own processors. Analysts suggest it may feature a 12.9-inch or 13-inch display and come in several color options. To hit a lower price point, likely starting between $699 and $799, it might come with only 8GB of RAM and standard USB-C ports instead of Thunderbolt.
One of the most anticipated reveals is the foldable iPhone, expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models this September. The device is predicted to open like a book, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, featuring a large inner display for media and multitasking. Latest reports suggest a 7.7-inch main screen and a 5.3-inch outer display, with Samsung reportedly supplying a nearly “crease-free” panel. It may forgo Face ID in favor of a Touch ID sensor embedded in the power button and is expected to carry a premium price tag, making it Apple’s most expensive iPhone ever.
Finally, Apple is rumored to be ready to preview its entry into wearable augmented reality with smart glasses. While customer shipments might not begin until 2027, the company could unveil the design and concept this year. These glasses would compete with products like the Meta Ray-Bans and are expected to include speakers, cameras for photos and video, and voice control. The first generation may focus on audio and basic camera functions, with a true in-lens display likely reserved for a subsequent model. Health monitoring features are also a possibility for the initial release.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
