Apple’s 2014 Product Plans: New Models, Upgrades to Look For

By Don Reisinger

Apple surprised some industry handicappers earlier this year when it announced the iPad Air. The move seemed awfully similar to the MacBook naming convention, making just about everyone speculate that a more powerful alternative would be coming soon, known as the iPad Pro. Apple hasn’t confirmed that, of course, but it appears possible Apple is following its notebook naming convention in the tablet space.

Every other year, Apple launches the new and improved iPhone. The years following those launches, it offers up devices featuring the same designs and new components. Since 2014 is one of the “on” years, expect Apple to unveil a nicely upgraded handset known as the iPhone 6. And if history can predict the future, the iPhone 6 will come with a different design than its predecessor.

Rumors were swirling this fall that Apple would be unveiling a new Apple TV for the holidays. Instead, Apple kept the same device on store shelves, not even mentioning its set-top box. That all but guarantees that 2014 will see Apple usher in a new and improved Apple TV.

The MacBook Pro is another device in need of a reboot. Granted, the notebooks work exceedingly well and they have a nice design, but it’s been years since Apple has significantly changed their look and feel. Hopefully in 2014, Apple will deliver upgrades to the devices to make them even better, from a design perspective, than they are now.

The iPad Mini with Retina display is certainly a popular device. But when one compares it to alternatives, like Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX, it falls short in several ways. For one thing, Amazon’s HDX display bundles more pixels per inch into the screen. Plus, Amazon’s option is substantially cheaper. Considering the importance of the smaller form factor, expect the iPad Mini with Retina to get a much-needed component boost in 2014.

There’s a good chance that Apple will unveil a digital watch in 2014, as earlier this year several patents surfaced showing Apple’s wearable technology ideas. Plus, supply chain reports suggest an iWatch is in the works. And since Samsung is already offering a watch, 2014 seems like the perfect year for Apple to show off its own wristwatch.

For years, we’ve been hearing that Apple is planning to launch an HDTV. And yet, that has yet to materialize. Still, if one looks at the credible rumors surrounding the device, they’ll find that there’s a relatively good chance it’ll be announced in 2014. After all, next year is the time when new technologies, like 4K and OLED, become a bit more affordable, and the market itself recycles. In other words, it seems like the perfect time for Apple to step in.

Several reports earlier this year suggested that Apple was in talks with TV networks about partnering with them to deliver a higher-end entertainment experience through its Apple TV. Apple was also reportedly in talks with cable and satellite providers. Despite reports that Apple was close to inking a finalized deal, nothing materialized, making many wonder if it could happen in 2014.

Apple’s iOS 7 added some nice additions, like Control Center and updates to Notification Center, but its main focus was on its new design. With that now behind Apple, the company can focus on improved functionality and more features in iOS 8. Expect Apple’s next mobile software to be a nice upgrade over iOS 7.

Apple has launched new versions of its popular desktop operating system OS X every year as of late. That just about guarantees that Apple will unveil a new version of its popular operating system sometime in 2014. Expect Apple to show off the software at next year’s Worldwide Developers Conference and launch it in the fall.