What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2021?

[dwaite]

Bootcamp on Apple Silicon will never happen unless Microsoft releases a Arm version of Windows...

Even then it is unlikely to happen. Windows would run on top of the macOS hypervisor with paravirtualized hardware, rather than expecting new windows hardware drivers for each M* SoC variant. You'd write a "Metal" windows display driver, etc.

Bootcamp doesn't have anything to boot other operating systems with on Apple Silicon. There is no UEFI.

- nVidia support in MacOS again, whether Apple Drivers or nVidia Web Drivers, either way, get it done Apple!

My understanding is that Apple stopped using nVidia products because of a lack of commitment to making quality drivers. If nVidia was unwilling to focus on quality drivers when they were moving millions of units on macOS a year and they were collaborating with the OS engineers, I doubt they will be motivated now.

- A private email sent out or a public announcement outlining a reasonable Apple Silicon Mac Pro upgrade path for those that plunked down a serious amount of cash for the current MacPro. Motherboard swap or something...

Still 18 months out most likely. People should enjoy their purchase now

- Maybe give a year or 2 rest on OS features and focus on fixing all the stuff that is broken or glitchy.

Apple actually does tend to do evolutionary changes in hardware and in software, although that does sometimes cause complaints from fans who want to be awed by some amazing new thing. The App Library and Widgets in iOS 14 for instance are the first large user-visible change to the springboard since folders were added 10 years prior.

In my opinion - historically Apple had multi-year cycles for new macOS versions, and the change to annual cycles of multiple products caused a shift in philosophy from 'hold back things until they are ready' to 'push to get things in'. iOS 13 was extremely rocky, and I've seen clues that they have made internal changes since then - but they also had to make major changes due to COVID this year. We'll see where they land with iOS 15/macOS 11.1 "San Andreas".

- Stop charging obscene amounts of money for SSDs & RAM, there is no logical reason to do this other than to slurp cash from people who do not do research.

The prices are in-line with manufacturer upgrades - its just you unfortunately don't have a way to upgrade independently. With the latest hardware, there isn't even comparable RAM/SSD technology you can compare consumer prices against.

The current memory architecture of the M1 tops out at 16GB, although its possible they have a change for 32GB for the M1X. The ability to go to 64+ GB memory is likely one of the issues they will need to solve before they come out with a Mac Pro model - unless they decide extra RAM is just a L4 cache ;-)

 

[dwaite]

iphone with home button and headphone jack.

Good news - not only do they have those already, but they are pretty cheap!

 

[dwaite]

On the software side:
1. Apple's answer to the complaints of a monopoly by allowing browser downloads of Xcode built apps into the files app BUT keeping app downloads from a browser off the Home Screen (limited to the files app), in an attempt to fend off further anti-trust lawsuits and the EU's Digital Markets Act while still maintaining some control

Apple's problem here is that a third party solution which gives an inferior user experience does not stave off antitrust complaints.

However, Apple has quite a few non-technical requirements they put on apps to go into the App Store - things like not abusing push notifications for advertising purposes, not using certain personal information for non-essential business functions, not exporting certain data off the phone. And if you make it too easy, there are plenty of large apps (like Facebook) which will be happy to mandate users get an off-store app to work around privacy policy restrictions by Apple.

There are also special-use entitlements which Apple only gives out normally to partners - things like being able to provision payment cards to the Wallet, or to take over as the user's web browser/email client. In some cases, these allow for a lot more potential abuse if any third-party App Store can grant them.

Its possible you would see them do what google does - have every ounce of cloud-based functionality or ecosystem integration be considered an "App Store Service". So an independent app would lose the ability to sync to iCloud, use Apple Maps, send push notifications, use AirPlay, Apple Pay, Health data access, App updates, CarPlay integration, Siri integration, etc.

3. Improvements to Apple's weather app because of the numerous weather acquisitions in 2020 (radar or something else big?)

Yes, I expect that to land this year.

 

[dwaite]

I'd like to see iCloud be more reliable sync-wise too. And I'm sure it would be impossible now but I'd love to see a return to iOS devices without bumps!

Its possible - but those devices would either be a lot thicker or would have significantly worse cameras.

 

[aleni]

M1 12” macbook. I really miss that form factor. And no, the Macbook Air’s size doesn’t even come close.

 

[FaustsHausUK]

My iPad Pro has seen better days; I’m holding out for the rumoured mini-LED/A14X version. Now that Roku supports HBO Max and AirPlay, I don’t need a new Apple TV, but I’d consider it if there were other benefits to upgrading - I generally prefer tvOS to Roku.

 

[avkills]

My understanding is that Apple stopped using nVidia products because of a lack of commitment to making quality drivers. If nVidia was unwilling to focus on quality drivers when they were moving millions of units on macOS a year and they were collaborating with the OS engineers, I doubt they will be motivated now.

Except that when I still had my Hackintosh, under High Sierra, the 1080ti I had it in just pummeled the crap out of anything Apple had going (this was before the Mac Pro came out.) And this was using nVidia Web Drivers, in which Apple had nothing to do with.

I've since upgraded my x86 Windows machine to newer hardware, so the hackintosh is no more, do not see a reason for it since I got the MacPro.

Of course the whole path of no more outside kext files probably kills this before it even starts, unless Apple decides to include the drivers themselves.

I would hamper to guess that every single MacPro owner would like nVidia hardware support.

 

[Shadab121]

1. dell XP’s like bezel MacBook
2. iPhone 13 mini without notch and an fm radio built in
3. iOS 15 with 3rd part assistant support and message app like a bb hub

 

[xbjllb]

Looking forward to the half-sized "affordable" yet still upgradeable Mac Pro. Mac HomePro?

 

[SBlue1]

-Multiple accounts on iPadOS
-Airtags
-Apple TV with option for external storage
-3mm more separation on the MacBooks two USB ports, maybe even put one port on each side
-TouchID addition in the next iPhones

 

[robertosh]

High-end silicon Mac mini with 32G of RAM.

 

[bill44]

32" iMac with 6K HDR 1000 screen.

 

[idmean]

Software

1) Ability to backup iPhone or iPad via cellular option
2) Apple Notes on Apple Watch
3) Ability to backup the Apple Watch separately from the phone.
4) Ability to stay logged into devices when re-installing MacOS without ending up with duplicate devices lists in Messages on the phone and iPad.
5) Ability to add new group contacts on the phone or iPad
6) Ability to create a new Apple ID without having to log out of currently used Apple ID
7) Ability to password lock the stock Mail app
8) Ability to mark tv episodes as unwatched using the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV remote
9) Ability to change email received sound for different accounts on the Mac
10) Ability to backup iPhone or iPad using cellular option.
11) Ability to be notified via alarm on other devices, when you have left your watch or phone behind like the app PhoneBuddy does
12) Ability to see the current battery status of all applicable devices logged into the same Apple ID on phone, watch, iPad , and Mac
13) Ability to connect external drive to the iPad and be able to erase and reformat the drive

Hardware

I) Would like to see a 11 or 12" M1 Macbook
2) Apple Watch with longer battery, Blood Glucose monitoring, and body temperature reading
3) New AppleTV remote

9) can be easily done with Rules
12) "Find My" can do that
10) is the same as 1)

 

[il_teo77]

New AppleTV with focus on casual games and a proper home app.

M2 or M1x MacBook Pro

iPhone with more compelling features upgrade.

much much much better Siri and also better in other languages besides english.

more and better content on AppleTV+

homepod2 (not the mini)
New iPad pros

 

[Ryan_Mak]

In our What to Expect article that we shared yesterday, we covered everything that we think we'll see from Apple in 2021 based on current product rumors and historical release data.

New, more powerful Apple silicon Macs with redesigns, iPhone 13 models with upgraded cameras, new Apple Watch models, and updated AirPods are in the works, plus we're expecting to finally get the AirTags and a new Apple TV.

We know what we think we'll see in 2021, but we want to hear from the MacRumors community. What are you hoping to see Apple release this year?

Are there new features you want to see in iOS 15 or macOS 12? Apple Smart Glasses? Updated iPhone features?

Let us know what you want to see in the comments, and take a look at our What to Expect article for a look at the current rumors. We'll learn more about Apple's 2021 product plans during the first months of the year, and as always, we'll have in-depth rumor coverage here at MacRumors.com.

Our MacRumors forums are also an excellent resource for discussing upcoming products and rumors, and with the most exciting Mac refreshes we've seen in years on the horizon, our forums are the place to be for discussions on what's next.

Thank you to all of our readers and our forum members for continuing to make MacRumors the number one site for Apple news, rumors, and advice on the web. We've been around for more than 20 years now, and that's all thanks to you. We look forward to another year of rumors in 2021 and all of the years to come. Happy New Year!

Article Link: What Do You Want to See From Apple in 2021?

A 5.8” iPhone with both Touch ID and Face ID, and with a port, ProMotion, with a better camera and LIDAR setup compared to this year’s phone, and an easy way to position icons on the home screen.

 

[bigchrisfgb]

I’d like to see a few things but I doubt Apple will be working on many or any of them.

1: Finally release the Airtags.

2: An updated Apple TV box and a line of Apple TV sets.

3: For Apple to buy a company like SAGE where they can then offer more sophisticated accounting and administration software to businesses so that their business sales increase outside of creative industries.

4: For Apple to launch or buy an exisiting Fintech bank such as Starling (U.K.) or Monzo. This would enable them to shakeup the banking industry which is desperately needed in North America.

5: Apple to partner with someone like Nike so they can sell a line fitness equipment. Nike could build treadmills and exercise bikes and Apple could introduce fitness regimes through their Fitness+ service and challenge Peloton.
It would be great if the treadmill allowed you to virtually run famous races/marathons and the bike to allow you to race bike races like Tour De France with the correct inclines and resistances along the route.

6: Apple to invest heavily in Apple TV+, this includes bidding for and hopefully getting the rights to sports such as the EPL, Champions League, NFL, NBA etc.

7: Apple to include a high quality/lossless Apple Music tier. It’s not something that would interest me but would fit their passion for Music and could set them apart from Spotify.

 

[robertcoogan]

1. Replaceable rechargeable batteries in as many Apple products as possible. No more gluing the batteries.

2. A return of the old-style RSS reader in Safari. It used to stretch almost across the width of the browser window, now everything is crammed into a thin column on the left side of the window. It could also be a good Twitter client.

3. Keyboards that have a decent amount of key travel. Just a hint: when the design of a product affects the quality and function of its hardware, it's time to rethink the design. Wafer-thin needs to go.

4. Options for customizing the look of your Mac/iPhone/iPad desktops. Not being able to change something as simple as a system icon on macOS is pretty irritating. I'm pretty sure that this can be done without compromising security. And cDock, TotalSpaces2, and TotalFinder are all broken now, which makes me sad.

* Anyone remember MetamorphX? ResExcellence? *

5. Magsafe power connectors for all MacBook Pros. Baffling as to why Apple got rid of this.

6. Return to the older style of Expose. Keeping the desktops larger makes them easier to view, and easier to drag items between them. Reducing desktops to a fraction of their size and placing them in a thin strip at the top of the screen makes these things harder.

Wishful thinking:

1. The option for narrow tabs, please. Wide tabs are hideous. Glims for Safari is dead, which is why I use Firefox now. No solution for the Finder since TotalFinder is not working now.

2. A much more stable and better designed hardware jack and port for USB Type C. If I had a nickel for every time a drive/hub/whatever spontaneously disconnected...

 

[Apple_Robert]

9) can be easily done with Rules
12) "Find My" can do that
10) is the same as 1)

I believe you are mistaken. I would like to see proof that you are able to back up your phone or iPad (to iCloud) without having to be on Wifi.

In regards to battery, I was speaking of the widget, which doesn't allow one to see the current battery state of all devices on the same Apple ID, which I believe it should.

In regards to mail, I shouldn't have to create rules in order for Apple mail to produce different sounds for each mail account. The ability should be integrated into the app like it is for iOS.

 

[lexvo]

A fix for the SMB issues, which every now and then occur with iWorks (unable to save a document).

 

[MBAir2010]

Knowing Apple, their logic probably is "With our own silicon, you don't even need to think about when your laptop is charging since the battery life is so good."

not charging, but finding the end of the chord in a dark room is a blessing, as in the Dell XPS

 

[azentropy]

2020 was an expensive year (iPhone SE 2020, 13" MBP i5 32/512, iPhone 12 mini, MBA M1 8/256, iPad Air 4) but still looking forward towards 2021. The first up would be the entry level small iMac with Apple Silicon for my parents to replace their 2011 21" iMac. I'd probably bite at a 14" MBP with AS as well.

 

[Kabeyun]

Bion, I think I’ve got all I personally need in terms of hardware. The one exception I can think of is battery tech. My favorite iPhone ever was the 4, with the 5 as a runner up, and I really wanted to go small with the 12 mini, but I was too concerned about the battery lasting all day, particularly after a year of charge cycles. Apple is engaged in battery R&D (ceramics, etc.) and I’d love to see a jump forward in battery tech, either in-house or adopted. I guess the same is true for camera tech: I’d like not to have to choose between a smaller phone and a more capable camera system.

Besides that, my asks are OS improvements (UI smoothing and bug squashing); making Siri more robust and able to handle sequential commands; and not to finish converging macOS & iOS.

 

[hamburg040]

Software

1) Ability to backup iPhone or iPad via cellular option
2) Apple Notes on Apple Watch
3) Ability to backup the Apple Watch separately from the phone.
4) Ability to stay logged into devices when re-installing MacOS without ending up with duplicate devices lists in Messages on the phone and iPad.
5) Ability to add new group contacts on the phone or iPad
6) Ability to create a new Apple ID without having to log out of currently used Apple ID
7) Ability to password lock the stock Mail app
8) Ability to mark tv episodes as unwatched using the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV remote
9) Ability to change email received sound for different accounts on the Mac
10) Ability to backup iPhone or iPad using cellular option.
11) Ability to be notified via alarm on other devices, when you have left your watch or phone behind like the app PhoneBuddy does
12) Ability to see the current battery status of all applicable devices logged into the same Apple ID on phone, watch, iPad , and Mac
13) Ability to connect external drive to the iPad and be able to erase and reformat the drive

Hardware

I) Would like to see a 11 or 12" M1 Macbook
2) Apple Watch with longer battery, Blood Glucose monitoring, and body temperature reading
3) New AppleTV remote

-https://www.apple.com/feedback/
-Apple Developer BugReport (feature request section)
I’ve already requested some of your ideas/wishes

 

[SBlue1]

Because A/B blind testing shows that people can’t tell the difference between lossless and well encoded music like 256kbps AAC (iTunes Plus, what AM uses). Good mastering affects music quality more honestly.

I would like to know how many people have a 100% hearing after all. I mean just look how many need glases. Most people won‘t hear any difference.

 

[Jens24]

The M1 macs are promising, but so far very problematic to me. Yes the RAM united to processor accounts for speed, but what about the SSD? I would like to see the SSD socketed so it can be dealer/user upgradeable in all the M1 Macs! I am very handicapped by a 512 SSD presently. Why would I want to repeat it on a new Mac? Apple's prices for increased storage have always been insanely expensive!! Also if they made one motherboard and at the end of production put in the SSD they would save money just in design costs as well as manufacturing.
For me this applies to to laptops as well as desktops. A door in the back of the new iMac to slide in and screw to lock a bigger SSD would be a design that would make the machine a must buy!

What I wand is upgradeable SSDs!