10 Announcements We’d Like to See From Apple In 2017

While there has been plenty of speculation about its product plans, Apple has yet to tip its hand about what we will actually see from the iPhone maker in 2017.

The iPhone might get one of the biggest improvements from Apple this year. According to several reports, the handset is primed for an all-new design featuring a glass enclosure. Additionally, the handset could be the first from Apple to have an OLED-based curved display and the Touch ID button located under the screen. The 2017 iPhone could be the one customers hoped to get last year.

The iPad has been in desperate need of a reboot, which might come in 2017. Apple reportedly is working on three new iPad models, including a new, 10.5-inch version. Apple also could offer edge-to-edge displays in the iPad and, like the 2017 iPhone, move the Touch ID button to under the screen.

Apple Watch more than likely will get an update in 2017. However, that update won’t mean major design changes. Rather, Apple reportedly is adding substantially more power and better battery life. Apple Watch health and activity tracker also might be improved.

Apple was criticized last year for failing to update its high-end computer, the Mac Pro. Still, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company isn’t turning its back on Mac desktops, suggesting a big Mac Pro update is coming in 2017. Here’s hoping the device will feature its current appealing design but offer substantially improved power and performance. Corporate users, especially, need it.

The Touch Bar that was built into the new MacBook Pro has proven to be a breakout success for Apple. Now there are reports the company is considering ways to bring it to other Macs. That would be a good idea. The Touch Bar makes using macOS far more appealing, and having it as a feature on not just the MacBook but also on keyboards that connect to the iMac and Mac Pro, for example, is appealing.

Apple last year dropped its focus on displays in favor of an LG alternative. This year there are rumors that Apple is working on a display with a built-in graphics chip. According to the reports, such as setup would enable the monitor to deliver a high-end visual experience that could enhance the usability of the MacBook and other lower-powered devices. It also could be a nice complement to powerful Macs. In either respect, a new high-end display from Apple would be welcome.

As noted, Apple CEO Tim Cook has said there is a strong pipeline of Mac desktops in the works. It would be nice to see some new iMacs in 2017 as well. Apple’s new iMacs would do well to come with improved components and some design tweaks, but simply offering more power should suffice for most customers who want a new desktop from Apple but don’t want its currently aging hardware.

Rumors are running rampant that Apple is working on augmented reality technology, including smart glasses that would work much in the same way as Microsoft’s HoloLens. According to reports, Apple has partnered with Zeiss on the technology, which would let users interact with virtual objects overlaid on the real world. Apple could release the new smart glasses sometime this year. Let’s hope it does.

Armed with Siri, Apple seems poised to get into the smart home appliance business. In fact, several rumors say the company is working on an appliance that would compete with Amazon’s Echo and give users the ability to do myriad tasks such as controlling the smart home using voice commands. It makes sense for Apple to try its luck there, and it would make even more sense to jump on that bandwagon in 2017 before Amazon and Google get too far ahead.

Apple Music might be focused on streaming music right now, but it’s also well on its way to becoming a streaming video service that can compete with the likes of Netflix. In fact, Apple is said to be working with content creators and producers to build an original content archive that soon could take on Netflix. It would be a smart move on Apple’s part, as the company looks beyond traditional television to attract customers to content.