A very reliable source is spilling the beans on Apple's plans for the rest of 2014. We can expect iWatch, iPhone 6, two new iPads, updated Apple TV and some new Macs.
It's been a few months since Apple released new devices and fans of the company's products are starting to get antsy while waiting for some fresh new gear. The company recently announced its WWDC 2014 will be held in the beginning of June in San Francisco. We're expecting to see Apple unveil iOS 8 and an updated version of Mac OS X during the event and what better way to show both off on than on new hardware?
KGI securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo, who is well-known for being a credible source on Apple's future plans, is giving us the rundown on what he says the company will release this year in terms of new products. The first new device will reportedly be a lower-cost iMac intended to boost iMac shipments and he says it will happen sometime during the second quarter.
The analyst believes Apple will release updates to both the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display. The iPad Air 2 is expected to gain Touch ID, a more powerful A8 processor, and an improved 8-megapixel rear camera. The iPad mini with Retina display will also adopt Touch ID, pack in an A8 processor, and upgraded rear camera. Kuo says that Apple won't wait until the fall to release both tablets and expects the iPad Air 2 and updated iPad mini with Retina display to be released sometime in the third quarter.
The long-rumored iWatch will supposedly be offered in two sizes, with a 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch flexible AMOLED display. Kuo claims the iWatch will feature a slim and light design and have a very "fashionable appearance." It will have tight integration with the iPhone, iPad, and Apple's Mac computers. The analyst says Apple will release its first wearable at multiple price points and claims the most expensive version will cost upwards of $1,000. It is expected to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 6 in September.
Kuos believes Apple will release two iPhone 6 smartphones, backing up multiple reports. The 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will have a resolution of 1334 x 750 and a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch. The 5.5-inch model will have a 1920 x 1080 Full HD display with a pixel density of 401 pixels per inch. The smartphones will be powered by an A8 processor, 1-GB of RAM, upgraded rear camera, narrower bezels, and be 6.5-7.0mm thick. He believes Apple will also add NFC chips to both devices and says the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will ship in September, while the 5.5-inch phablet will be released in time for the holidays.
Rounding out the rest of the year, we should expect to see an updated Apple TV set-top box that will add voice and motion control and the ability to run apps from the App Store. Kuo also believes Apple will release a new 12-inch MacBook Air that will incorporate a touchpad without buttons and fan, and will be the first MacBook Air to ship with a Retina display.
What are you looking forward to Apple releasing? Let us know in the comments.
