What to expect from Apple’s next ‘Peek Performance’ event in March

On Tuesday, March 8th at 1 p.m. ET, Apple will host its first livestream event of 2022. Apple sent out press invitation invitations for the “Peek Performance” event, with reports indicating that the firm will unveil a new third-generation iPhone SE with 5G.

Similar to last year’s iPad Mini, the iPad Air could get a fresh spec jump at the presentation, with enhancements to 5G and an A15 Bionic chip. Another rumour claims that an Apple Silicon “M2” upgrade will be released alongside a new MacBook Air. New Macs, including a Mac Mini with an M1 Pro / M1 Max processor update, could possibly make an appearance, as well as new iMac and Mac Pro hardware, which is expected to arrive later this year. Whatever the situation may be, at least one of these new Macs may be available on March 8th.

That’s not all Apple could reveal on Tuesday, so read up on all the rumours and details below to get ready for the Apple event.

iPhone SE 3 with 5G

The new budget-friendly iPhone choice is believed to be the third-generation iPhone SE, which will succeed the 2020 model. The first iPhone SE was released in 2016 and was available for four years, indicating that the SE line is due for a more rapid evolution.

The iPhone SE 3 will most likely have the latest A15 Bionic CPU, 5G with millimetre wave, 64GB base storage with 128GB / 256GB options, and the same design and colours as the current model, according to reliable analyst and leaker Ming-Chi Kuo.

With the latest technology, the 2020 iPhone SE offered startlingly fantastic value, but its battery life was never the show-stopper. The battery life in a new iPhone SE would be a major worry now that US carriers only want phones with 5G on their stores — especially if the design factor remains the same. The current iPhone SE body is based on the iPhone 8, although its aged design language dates back to the iPhone 6 in 2014.

It’s also feasible that the iPhone SE will adopt the iPhone 13 Mini’s design. The iPhone 13 Mini is reported to be Apple’s last compact mainstream phone, following reports of lower-than-expected sales of the iPhone 12 Mini. However, just as the iPhone SE from 2016 continued the compact design of the iPhone 5s, and the iPhone SE from 2020 replicated the smaller iPhone 8, the iPhone SE might become the new home for the Mini.

iPad Air Takes a Breath of Fresh Air

In 2020, the iPad Air was redesigned in the iPad Pro style, with flat edges, small bezels, support for the Apple Pencil 2, USB-C, and a new Touch ID sleep/wake button. However, the still-new design is falling behind: last year’s iPad Mini matched the design of the iPad Air but outperformed it with the current A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity choices (though just sub-6GHz and no millimetre wave support).

So it’s only natural for Apple to release an updated iPad Air with the latest A15 Bionic chip and a 5G option — and potentially even take centre stage. And, while FaceID would be a nice addition, don’t expect any further modifications.

MacBook Air Redesigned And With a New M2 Processor

It’s probable that Apple will make an announcement at this event about a new MacBook Air with a new M2 chip. The current MacBook Air design comes from 2018, and it served as a testbed for Apple’s M1 chip, which will be released in 2020.

Experts classified the current MacBook Air with M1 as one of the finest laptops to buy in 2020, with a score that was only slightly below than perfect due to the subpar webcam.

However, it is now 2022, and we have newly upgraded MacBook Pro designs with sharper screens and cameras, which you may expect the MacBook Air to follow soon. It could even include a notch.

Max Out On M1 Mac Desktops

Late last year, a new Mac Mini was supposed to be on the way, but it never materialised. The latest MacBook Pro models are now the sole method to take advantage of the power of the latest M1 Pro and M1 Max CPUs. That would change if Apple released a new Mac Mini with the latest processor options.

The current Mac Mini design, which was created in 2010, was designed to be just big enough to include an optical drive. So it’s about time you got a new Mac Mini chassis, but if you don’t, at least you will have a “Pro”-looking space grey finish back. It’s possible that the Mac Mini will be split into two models: a pro model and an ordinary one with the new M2 chip.

There is currently only one iMac with M1 CPUs available, and it only comes with a 24-inch screen. You might see new larger iMacs later this year if you don’t see them on Tuesday. The iMac Pro was also retired a year ago, so a new version would be a pleasant surprise, though there haven’t been any supply chain leaks to suggest a new model is on the way. There’s also the Mac Pro, which currently lacks an M1 option — and while one is believed to be in the works, don’t expect one on Tuesday.

More Shows And Movies Are Coming To Apple TV Plus

The last time Apple conducted a March event was in 2019, when it gave a live presentation introducing new premium Apple services including Apple TV Plus. It’s feasible that Apple will offer new TV episodes or movies three years later, like it did in September.

Is there anything else?

The word “Peek” could be the name of a VR / AR product, according to some speculation about the significance of Apple’s event invite title “Peek Performance.” While Apple’s long-rumored headgear product isn’t due until 2023, there’s always a chance the company can surprise and please — just don’t hold your breath for an Apple Car.

Apple is also likely to deliver software updates, including iOS 15.4 (which will allow you to unlock your Face ID-enabled iPhone while wearing a mask) and macOS Monterey plus iPad OS 15.4 (which will finally enable the iPad to Mac via Universal Control feature).