Michael Grothaus 03/01/2017 - 3:45pm

What will the new year bring for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and more?

Let’s be honest: 2016 wasn’t a stellar year for Apple. The iPhone 7 was underwhelming, the new MacBook Pros have gotten a ton of backlash over the removal or critical I/O ports, and the desktop Mac and regular iPad line didn’t even get touched. Given the products Apple released (or didn’t) in 2016, it doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in the company going forwards. Yet, it is a new year, so let's give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, there are a ton of potential new products the company can release. We’ve rounded up a list of all the sure things and the less-likely possibilities. Here’s what you might be able to expect from Apple in 2017.

iPhone 8

Without a doubt, we’ll see an iPhone 8. It may not be called “iPhone 8”, but there will be a new iPhone. 2017 is the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, so many are expecting for the next iPhone to be a huge update. And indeed, rumors are pointing to major changes: wireless charging, an in-screen Touch ID, an edge-to-edge display, and even a new 5in screen size. Of course, rumors are all over the map for now–so only some of these features could come to pass, or perhaps some of the features will only be available in certain models. As the year progresses we should see more concrete details leak out before the phone’s expected launch in September.

New iPads

The iPad didn’t get much love in 2016, but that’s set to change in 2017, according to rumors. Matter of fact, we could see updates across the line sometime in the Spring. Rumors have it that Apple will release three news iPads: an updated 9.7in iPad, an updated 12.9in iPad Pro, and an all-new edge-to-edge display 10in iPad. The smallest model will likely be just an upgraded iPad Air to keep the iPad at a low price point, while the two larger models will become the flagship devices. What’s interesting is that Apple may be killing off the 7.9in iPad mini as the popularity of the larger 5.5in iPhone is eating into iPad mini sales.

New Macs

There will be new Macs introduced throughout 2017–but don’t expect any major design changes. The iMac line should be the first to be updated around April. However, all rumors suggest the line will just move to USB-C ports and Intel's Kaby Lake chips and AMD graphics.

As for the 12in MacBook, expect updates this Spring, but don’t expect any major changes. All that is slated is upgrades to the new low-power Kaby Lake chips. As for the MacBook Pro–expect slight processor upgrades in the autumn along with much-needed price drops. It’s unlikely the 13in MacBook Air will ever see an update again.

Also unlikely is any update to the Mac mini, which Apple is most likely killing off. As for the Mac Pro…who knows. Apple’s “pro” machine hasn’t been upgraded in 4 years and given Apple doesn’t seem too bothered to support the Pro market anymore, no update in 2017 wouldn’t be surprising.

Apple Watch Series 3

A new report out from China says we’ll see a third-generation Apple Watch this autumn, but it too will not have any major design changes, so don’t look for a thinner Watch or a round one. Instead the third-gen Watch is said to focus on much-improved battery life and minor speed enhancements.

New iOS, macOS, and Other Software

Expect Apple to unveil the developer preview of iOS 11 in June at WWDC, as usual. There’s no word on what iOS 11 may feature, but many are hoping for the long-awaited dark mode. Also expect small updates to macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

A Siri Home Speaker?

The only big announcement from Apple in 2017 could be an Echo-like Siri home speaker. This device would feature an “always on” Siri that would act as the central AI of your home. Apple has reportedly been testing such a device for over two years–though that doesn’t guarantee it will be unveiled in 2017.