Apple's 2023 Roadmap: When to Expect New Product Launches This Year

[dvnDC]

Setting aside the binned 8-core Pro variant on the lowest end 14" MBP configuration, the regular 10-core M1 Pro and Max chips have the exact same CPU so they perform quite similarly in CPU related tasks; the Max has an edge in GPU cores and memory bandwidth. A 10-core M2 Pro chip would absolutely outperform an M1 Max chip in most CPU-related functions, and that's not even taking into account the rumors that the M2 Pro and Max are stepping up to 12 cores. The M1 Max would be marginally faster in GPU power but the M2 Pro would still get a noticeable boost in graphics performance if you extrapolate the gains the M2 made.

Well, if "absolutely outperform" is 10-15 % more multi-core performance bump that yeah, M2 pro will do it.

Mac14,6 - Geekbench

Benchmark results for a Mac14,6 with an Apple M2 Max processor.

browser.geekbench.com

17% bump in multi-core with really "overclocked" scenario. Better it be 3nm, otherwise it will heat so much more compared to M1 max.
Also M1 max will be still much better then M2 pro in GPU perf. That's just how Apple works. They won't make a new cheaper thing which gonna beat every tier below. People would not buy "the best" option if mid tier would beat it in next gen.

 

[philcourage]

I really need a Mac mini M2 Pro! The cost of a Mac Studio M1 Max is way out of my financial target let alone beyond my processing needs.

My core purpose is:
Logic Pro and finally get into XCode (got some seriously great app ideas), personal computing and light WinArm gaming.

I have the M1 MacBook Air and I use it with Xcode, no problems. The stock M1 is very good as it is.

 

[BrownyQ]

All my hardware is strong enough for the next couple years I imagine, so I'm not excited for anything rumored thus far.

M3 iMac piques my interest, but we are so far from such a product, that I expect it Spring 2024 at the earliest. And even then, for what I use my iMac, the M1 model I have will be fine for a while longer. And, it has to keep the color options of the M1 line up, because vanity is a vice I'm bound to.

 

[opeter]

Then why is there no M1 Pro chip in it? The Mac Studio is a Mac Pro mini, not a Mac mini Pro.

Because between the standard M1 and M1 Pro chip is only a small performance gap, at least much smaller than between M1 and M1 Max.

With the Mx Max in the Mac Studio, Apple can justify the price. At least from their standpoint. Like it or not.

The one who wants a Pro chip Mac, should look after the 14"/16" Macbook Pro(s).

 

[cpnotebook80]

Going back to the roots of the iMac would be nice without the chin perhaps and better built in cam. I'm so confused still as to why its hard to put in a decent cam in 2023!. Maybe the iMac will be retired who knows! coz I remember when the M1 iMac came out, a few months later there were so many of them in the refurb stores. Also, those iMac colors need to be a little muted a bit.

 

[opeter]

The M1Max Studio is the MacMini Pro, the M1Ultra Studio is the MacPro Mini.

If Apple retains both options for the M2/3 based Studio it means that the Mini will stay 100% consumer centric (aka no "Pro" SoC) and that the M2/3 MacPro will either be way out in pricing even compared to the current MPro or won't come at all.

Correct. I see it the same. Many dont.

 

[DeepIn2U]

As I wrote earlier the Mac Studio is in a precarious position.

A more capable larger form factor that supersedes the Mac Pro (doesn't have to be as big) would be seen more attractive to utilize by creative users than the Mac Studio. (more ports, more memory, better thermals for sustained work)

Then you have your desire which is an updated cheaper Mac mini that supports 32 GB RAM w/better CPU/GPU performance such as the current M1 Pro SoC supports would work for most Mac mini users.

Yet I’m not a “creative” or YouTuber lol.

Honestly what does a Creative/YouTuber really need more ports than what a Mac Studio provides?

4-6 Tb4 ports - need more time to daisy chain!
USB-A ports wow KB+Mouse each which most likely are BT wireless anyway.
SDXC port for storage cards - not likely a need for more to use at once.

Get the right storage for your needs from the start and be done with it.

Creatives - again common used for YouTubers don’t NEED a Mac Pro! Those that get it are posers!! And you’d have seen that the last 3yrs as many had sold their Mac Pro’s moments after getting the studio for testing.

Real Pros earn a living at what they do, many do NOT create YouTube videos - no financial incentive need to do so. I don’t pretend to be either. Just a lonely guy wanting to do something he’s dreamt of doing since the 80’s yet never had the financie$, guidance and it was very VERY early times for digital music creation when the Atari was king for digital music.

 

[Bug-Creator]

I really need a Mac mini M2 Pro!

No idea on CDN prices but in € it looks like this:

8core M1-Mini with 16/512GB is 1260
Theoretic BTO (based on pricing on the 14" MBP):
M1 -> M1Pro (binned&binned) 230
16 -> 32GB 460

= 1950 (finding deal on BTO Mac is hard).
Base Studio is 2299 but finding deal at 2100 is easy.

Now these are all "old" prices and if the the new M2 MacBooks are anything to go by I'd expect a M2(Pro) Mini to be at least +10% in USD and +20% everywhere else.

-> if you need a Mac anywhere near that performance buying the base Studio is your best option for the foreseeable future.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I have the M1 MacBook Air and I use it with Xcode, no problems. The stock M1 is very good as it is.

That’s nice.

But the stock doesn’t have enough ram for needs of Logic, as I stated I’d be using Logic (Logic Pro specifically). I’d start off with GarageBand to get used to a few concepts and in 3mths pure Logic.

The MBA late 2021 looks nice but as you scale up in specs it’s far too expensive and may as well go for MBP 14” M1 Pro.

I don’t want to struggle in 8mths + with a base spec machine. I’m e made that mistake with a 13” 2017 MBP once before.

 

[Warped9]

The M3 iMac is the one thing I’m waiting for, from a personal standpoint.

From a work related standpoint I’m eager to see the 15in. MacBook Air.

 

[JerryDon]

No iMac 27" - No $ from me . . .

 

[inkswamp]

As soon as they announce the M2 Mini, I'm there. Hope it's soon. Still plugging away with my reliable 2014 Mini but I'm eager to move on. Was hoping to have done so by now.

 

[Realityck]

Yet I’m not a “creative” or YouTuber lol.

Was that because of an earlier post I requested macOS to support 8K YouTube if Apple could provide a BD player? Lol

 

[Asbow]

All I want is a backlit wireless magic keyboard.

Check out the Logitech MX series.

 

[DogGone]

2022 is the first year I haven't upgraded my iPhone with the upgrade program. I may do it later this quarter but also may skip until the next cycle.
What I really want is that all Apple devices can be charged via USB-C or MagSafe, so that the cable situation can be simplified. We're getting there but the iPhone is the major holdout.

Maybe I could get a Mac mini for my media center. I had one back in the non-intel days but more recently have been recycling an older MBPs instead. The storage is comparable, has a built in battery backup and doesn't cost anything.

My MBP has the M1 Pro chip (2021) so unlikely to upgrade until M3 or M4. Generally my laptops last 4+ years it could be 2024 or 25 before I upgrade.

I like the idea of Apple Pencil working with the iPhone since I don't use an iPad but would be interested in taking notes with a pencil.

Apple do have to get the Mac Pro out and I would guess WWDC would be the best platform to launch it.

 

[hooptyuber]

Please...No more white bezels on the iMac or anywhere else. I hate those things.

 

[Realityck]

Please...No more white bezels on the iMac or anywhere else. I hate those things.

Was that any worse than the much larger black bezel areas on the 20202 27" iMac? A lot of times the less noticeable off white bezels on the 24" iMac just blended into the background with off white walls. But the trend is even less of an noticeable edge to displays.

 

[docbop]

Apple is reportedly planning to launch at least 10 Apple devices this year, with new product releases seemingly planned for each quarter of the year.

After months of rumors about many of Apple's upcoming devices, we have gathered information from a range of sources to provide a tentative roadmap for the company's launch plans this year. The below time frames are based on information from reliable sources like Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and display analyst Ross Young – all of whom have very good track records in providing accurate insights into Apple's plans.

First Half of 2023

Naturally, there is more specific information about Apple's plans for the first half of 2023 since these devices are much further along in their development cycle. The fourth quarter of 2022 was the first time in 22 years that Apple did not release new Macs, and with many of the Macs in Apple's lineup now in desperate need of an update, the first half of 2023 looks to be a Mac-heavy period for new products.

First Quarter

• 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chip options
• 27-inch external display with mini-LED panel
• Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro chip options
• Mac Pro with M2 Ultra chip
• New full-size HomePod

According to one report coming out of Asia, Apple is planning to release updated 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models specifically around March, but other sources have been reluctant to narrow down a more specific time frame for the new machines. Since these devices have been expected to launch since the fourth quarter of 2022, the new MacBook Pros seem like the devices most definitely timetabled for early this year.

It is worth noting that upon the launch of the M2 Max MacBook Pro and the M2 Ultra Mac Pro later this year, the current Mac Studio will contain outdated chip hardware and, logically, should also see a refresh – though we haven't heard concrete rumors about such an update to date.

There is also a chance that a new HomePod mini could accompany the revival of the full-size HomePod, likely with a newer chip.

Second Quarter

• 15.5-inch MacBook Air with M2 and M2 Pro chip options

Entering mass production in the first quarter of 2023, an all-new 15.5-inch MacBook Air model is the only device that we are aware of on the cards for the second quarter, falling between May and August. This timing could suggest a launch that falls around WWDC, which Apple usually holds in early June.

Second Half of 2023

Less is known about the exact timing of Apple's releases for the second half of 2023, but it could shape up to be a crucial period for the company with the launch of an entirely new device category. The two devices placed indeterminately in the second half of the year are as follows:

• Mixed-reality headset
• Second-generation AirPods Max

It is vital to note that Apple's headset is still expected to enter mass production in the first half of 2023, so only the actual launch of the device is rumored for the second half of the year. This means that Apple's headset could still be announced sooner rather than later in the first half of the year, but more specific timing is still difficult to pin down.

Likewise, little is known about the next-generation AirPods Max, but they are expected to launch by 2024 with USB-C, and could launch sometime in the second half of 2023 if trends established by the launch other AirPods launches continue to be followed.

Third Quarter

• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Ultra
• Apple Watch Series 9

Apple's third-quarter releases are almost always the most predicable launches of the company's calendar, and 2023 is highly likely to mirror previous years with the launch of new iPhone and Apple Watch models in September.

With the Apple Watch Series 9 being likely to get the first Apple Watch chip upgrade since the Series 5, the Apple Watch Ultra could also get a 2023 refresh with a new chip.

Fourth Quarter

• iMac with M3 chip
• iMac "Pro" with mini-LED display and M3 Pro and M3 Max chip options
• Seventh-generation iPad mini with new chip

Other than 2022, Apple released new Macs in the fourth quarter of the year every year since 2001 – so Mac releases around this time of year are generally to be expected. While it is among the less firm rumors for this year, the fourth quarter of 2023 could be dominated by the iMac, with two new models – one succeeding the 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip from 2021 and one reviving the position of high-end all-in-one held by the iMac Pro between 2017 and 2021.

It is also worth mentioning that there are no rumors about any iPad refreshes for 2023 other than the iPad mini – so it could be quite some time before there multiple new tablets from Apple. Even the iPad mini could be pushed to early 2024, according to Ming-Chi Kuo.

At this early stage, the launch timing of Apple's new products for the year is still subject to change. Time frames will solidify throughout the year as announcement dates get locked in and we're likely to have a good idea of when to expect new devices as even more rumors emerge.

Article Link: Apple's 2023 Roadmap: When to Expect New Product Launches This Year

Mac Mini and MacBook Air with M2 Pro makes no sense and I see with the economy Apple is going to be trimming the number of models. A Mac Mini with M2 Pro would be too much of a competitor to the Mac Studio. Macbook Air with M2 Pro too much of a competitor to the MacBook Pro and would probably have all sorts of heat problems.

A new Mac Pro like the old ones I'll believe it when I see it. A SoC chip just isn't meant for a Workstation class machine. The Mac Studio is the Mac Pro for the type of people who buy Mac's for production video and audio work.

Apple knows the economy is going to be very weak and I see them doing more upgrades that are basically just chip upgrades. The end of the year could be interesting is TSMC gets 3nm in full production. Since Apple commited to buying so many in deal with TSMC I'm sure Apple will be putting 3nm chips in everything they can.

 

[Realityck]

Apple knows the economy is going to be very weak and I see them doing more upgrades that are basically just chip upgrades.

Historically before the iPhone was even around, and the USD was worth a lot more, Apple's Macs were similarly priced. So I don't see consumers effected by the economy that much. These products are bought through bad times as well as good times. If one looks back to every models Apple sold you will come away with the impression that everything now is not really high priced compared to even 10, 20, 30 years even almost 40 years ago. The 128K Mac sold for $2499 for education buyers in 1984. To look and see how Apple fared look at the last big recession in 2008 for example.

Apple sets revenue record during recession

Although the recession is deepening and sales of rivals are softening, Apple Inc. today announced it had set a single-quarter revenue record in the last three months of 2008, selling more than 2.5 million Macs and 4.3 million iPhones.

www.computerworld.com

 

[philcourage]

That’s nice.

But the stock doesn’t have enough ram for needs of Logic, as I stated I’d be using Logic (Logic Pro specifically). I’d start off with GarageBand to get used to a few concepts and in 3mths pure Logic.

The MBA late 2021 looks nice but as you scale up in specs it’s far too expensive and may as well go for MBP 14” M1 Pro.

I don’t want to struggle in 8mths + with a base spec machine. I’m e made that mistake with a 13” 2017 MBP once before.

That's a very good point.

 

[Kierkegaarden]

Should be a big year for Mac, especially a larger screen Air and the iMac — hard to believe it will be 2.5 years since they had released the last iMac. I think there will be a larger size — maybe not a “Pro”, but a larger screen at least.

The iPhone Ultra should be interesting. The camera system will probably be a significant upgrade, and it may even get an action button. If they do use the “Ultra” name, I think there will be an expectation for the jump that the Watch Ultra made from the regular models.

The XR product will be hands down the biggest launch of the year, and their most important since the iPhone. It sounds like this has been in development longer than even the original iPhone. They must see it as a defining product, otherwise I don’t see them putting so much r&d towards it for so many years. I think it will surprise us, just like the iPhone did.

 

[Blue Quark]

So far I've been pretty happy with my 2020 M1 MBA, and I've yet to find a reason to replace it.

It's true that Asahi is making major inroads into ARM64 and Mx support, but for the forseeable future, x86-64 is still the inarguably better-supported architecture.

 

[Blue Quark]

Should be a big year for Mac, especially a larger screen Air and the iMac — hard to believe it will be 2.5 years since they had released the last iMac. I think there will be a larger size — maybe not a “Pro”, but a larger screen at least.

The iPhone Ultra should be interesting. The camera system will probably be a significant upgrade, and it may even get an action button. If they do use the “Ultra” name, I think there will be an expectation for the jump that the Watch Ultra made from the regular models.

The XR product will be hands down the biggest launch of the year, and their most important since the iPhone. It sounds like this has been in development longer than even the original iPhone. They must see it as a defining product, otherwise I don’t see them putting so much r&d towards it for so many years. I think it will surprise us, just like the iPhone did.

Yeah. Even historically before computers became both trendy and ubiquitous in daily life, Apple tended to pop out a new system every 18-24 months.

 

[philcourage]

The key to happiness is having low expectations. It's a good thing that recent Apple updates have destroyed every hope I had for something meaningful.

 

[hooptyuber]

Was that any worse than the much larger black bezel areas on the 20202 27" iMac? A lot of times the less noticeable off white bezels on the 24" iMac just blended into the background with off white walls. But the trend is even less of an noticeable edge to displays.

View attachment 2138688

IMO, yes, it's worse. I think the white is distracting and that it looks cheesy. White - content, black - no content. Thankfully, as you mentioned, the trend is toward smaller bezels whatever their color. I'm sure many people are fine with the white bezel but I'm not. It's a matter of personal taste.