Apple AirTags, AR headset, and Apple Silicon MacBook Pros with mini-LED displays to finally launch this year; Entire iPhone 13 lineup expected to sport LiDAR scanners
There's been talk of Apple introducing AirTags and other accessories for quite some time now. Initially thought to be unveiled during Q4 2020, these products did not make to any of Apple's launch events during that period. However, AirTags and other augmented reality (AR)-based accessories may finally see the light of the day this year.
AirTags, AR accessories, and Apple Silicon-based mini-LED MacBook Pros
Known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts in a research note that Apple will release AirTags along with other accessories such as an AR headset, AR glasses, or even both in 2021. For those not in the know, AirTags are basically item trackers that help users keep track of their belongings. MacRumors had earlier reported these items can be tracked via the Items tab (still in internal development) in the "Find My" app.
Apart from AirTags and other AR accessories, Kuo also expects Apple to release more Apple Silicon Macs this year. The new Apple Silicon Macs would also include redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with mini-LED displays. Also being predicted is a MacBook Air with Apple Silicon and mini-LED panel for 2022.
Check out our article on mini-LED displays for a more detailed understanding of the benefits of this technology.
All iPhone 13 models to sport a LiDAR scanner
In related news, Taiwanese publication DigiTimes reports that all models of the upcoming iPhone 13 (or whatever it will be called), right from the base variant to the Pro Max, will offer LiDAR scanners. LiDAR scanners aid in better AR capabilities and the first Apple device to incorporate one was the 2020 iPad Pro. Apple later extended LiDAR scanners to both the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
This is a similar trend to what we saw with OLED displays in the iPhone. Earlier, OLED was limited only to the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. However, with iPhone 12, the entire lineup was transitioned to OLED. With iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max already sporting LiDAR sensors, one can anticipate that the technology would percolate to all models in the upcoming iPhone 13 series.
The new iPhone 13 range will likely be unveiled in September this year and will include five models similar to what we saw with the iPhone 12 series.
