Apple VR/AR headset could prevent MacBooks and iPads from getting major upgrades this year
2023 might not be a particularly exciting year for Apple, if the latest rumors are to be believed. Certainly not for a bunch of its existing products, which may not get major updates until next year.
This information comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in the latest edition of his ‘Power on’ (opens in a new tab) newsletter, which noted that Apple will likely focus this year on the long-awaited Apple VR/AR headset, which is now expected to launch in the spring. This means that updating everything else is likely to end up on the back burner.
According to Gurman, the next major iPad refresh we can expect will likely come in the first half of 2024, with the launch of the 11-inch and 13-inch OLED models. However, he added that we might see new versions of the iPad, iPad mini and entry-level iPad Air with minor spec upgrades. The Apple Watch should also get, at most, a slight spec boost, and previous rumors have suggested that the Apple Watch Ultra will get a bigger update next year.
As for the AirPods lineup, we may see the AirPods Max 2 arrive, but that’s about it. Rumors that a lighter, more affordable pair of Apple headphones will be launched are another matter altogether.
According to Gurman, Apple has no plans to launch a new Apple TV in 2023, which is probably a good thing. The 2022 Apple TV is already one of the best streaming devices, although it’s not a huge upgrade over the 2021 model. There’s just no need to upgrade for the third consecutive year. The larger HomePod could make a comeback, but Gurman says he doesn’t expect anything “groundbreaking”.
Finally, there’s the refreshed MacBook Pro line, which is expected to arrive in the first half of 2023. According to Gurman, these machines will have the same design and features as the current models, but will come packing the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. . Although Gurman says a larger iMac Pro and 15-inch MacBook Air could also arrive this year.
Of course, we’ve already heard a lot about the iPhone 15, and even the VR/AR headset can’t get in the way of Apple’s annual upgrade cycle. That said, Gurman notes that iOS 17 and macOS 14 could lose new features due to Apple’s focus on headphones.
This is disappointing news for anyone hoping for major upgrades to arrive in 2023, but at least there should be new products on the way. Also, given how long we’ve been hearing rumors about the Apple VR/AR headset, the sooner it arrives, the better. If only because it’s supposed to be the next step on the road to Apple Glasses – a standalone AR device condensed into a regular pair of glasses.
