What Are Apple’s Plans for 2015?

According to MacRumors, Apple is set to not only release the Apple Watch in 2015, but to roll out significant updates to its Mac lineup with the availability of Intel’s Broadwell chips.

Apple had a a successful year in 2014 with the iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, OS X Yosemite, and iOS 8. New screen sizes and redesigns put the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in the news, while iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite offered integration between Apple’s mobile and desktop operating systems.

Here are some of the updates and products users might see from Apple this year:

Apple Watch

• Apple Watch

The Apple watch is Apple’s first wearable device. The watch is available in two sizes (38 mm and 42mm), and features a small S1 processor that integrates several components, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, and a heart rate monitor. Many of the Apple Watch apps are powered by the iPhone and the watch relies on iPhone for functions including GPS. Battery life is another variable. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the watch will be used so much it will need to be charged on a daily basis, similar to other smart watches on the market.

• Apple TV

The existing Apple TV could possibly be revamped to include features like a full app store, Siri, and game support. Rumors of Apple TV updates have quieted in recent months, as Apple has focused on the iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch. In May 2014, iTunes’ Eddy Cue confirmed that Apple is still seeking an improvement for television, though he called the fix “complicated.”

• iPad Pro

The “iPad Pro,” as it has been dubbed by media outlets, is a 12.2 – 12.9 inch tablet that could resemble the iPad Air 2, with a thin chassis and slim bezels. It would likely offer iPad Air 2 features such as 2GB of Ram and a Touch ID.

• OS X 10.11 and iOS 9

New versions of iOS and OS X are released yearly. OS X 10.11 and iOS 9 are in development. Apple had intended to introduce improved transit and indoor mapping features for the Maps app, and split-screen multi-tasking for the iPad. If those options are not available for an upcoming iOS 8 update, they could be bundled into iOS 9.

• iMac

It is possible that Apple will release a refreshed 27-inch Retina iMac, with Broadwell processor this year, as well as 21-inch Retina models. A mid- to late-2015 launch is possible.

• Retina Macbook Pro

Apple’s Retina MacBook Pro was given a minor Haswell processor update in July 2014, but should receive a major processor update once Broadwell chips for the device begin shipping in mid-2015. 2015 could also be the year the device sees design changes; its design has not been changed since its 2012 introduction.

• 12-inch Macbook

The slim 12-inch Retina MacBook is said to include a fanless design, and combines the portability of the 11-inch MacBook Air with the productivity of the larger-screen 13-inch MacBook Air. The design includes slimmer bezels. According to rumors, production of the 12-inch MacBook has been increased in preparation for a mid-2015 launch.

• iPhone

Rumors suggest that the iPhone will see a significant camera improvement, and that Apple could be exploring a dual-lens camera that would use two separate lenses to improve image quality. Additionally, there are rumors that Apple will use sapphire displays from Foxconn for the next iPhone. Likely updates include upgraded A9 processors and improved battery life.

• iPad Air and iPad Mini

Since Apple has updated its iPad lineup yearly, it is likely the iPad Air 2 will receive a minor processor update. The iPad mini 2 received a slight upgrade in 2014, so it might receive a more significant upgrade this year.