Apple will launch a ton of new gear this year, a new report claims. And some of it has been on our wish list for a long, long time.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his accurate predictions, has laid out Apple's hardware plans for the year in a huge note (via MacRumors), and they include a fresh size for the MacBook Pro, new iPads, and a huge, lust-worthy new monitor.
According to Kuo, Apple plans to launch a MacBook Pro with a 16-inch to 16.5-inch display with an "all-new" design. He offers no other details, but with that screen size, it's likely to sit atop of the company's laptop lineup (the 17-inch Pro was discontinued in 2012). Apple is often criticized for turning its MacBook Pro into a laptop aimed at the general populace instead of professionals; perhaps this new, larger variant will be the pro's Pro with top specs and (fingers crossed) more ports.
Kuo also said Apple might give its 13-inch Pro a 32GB option, which is something professionals will also welcome.
Then there's the 31.6-inch, 6K display Apple is reportedly working on. The company was renowned for quality displays (with a price to match) until it stopped making them altogether in 2016. The new display will have a Mini LED-like backlight design, and might be the "pro display" Apple's Phil Schiller spoke about when announcing the new Mac Pro, which is also scheduled to arrive this year.
Apple will also reportedly launch two new iPad Pro models, a 10.2-inch iPad, and a new version of the iPad mini. This is all in line with previous rumors; the new iPad mini will likely be a modest refresh of the current model, and there's no info about the new Pros. The 10.2-inch model might be a slightly increased upgrade to Apple's entry-level 9.7-inch iPad. All new iPads will have upgraded processors.
As for Apple's most important product, the iPhone, Kuo claims the lineup will be similar to the current lineup, with successors to the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR all retaining the same size and general characteristics, including the same notch size and same old Lightning connectors. New features include larger batteries, reverse wireless charging, better indoor positioning and navigation, and "frosted glass casing." Additionally, the iPhone XR might also get upgraded to 4GB.
Finally, Kuo says Apple will introduce a new ceramic case for the Apple Watch as well as an iPod touch with an upgraded processor. The much-delayed AirPower wireless charging mat as well as a new version of AirPods should arrive in the first half of 2019.
If Kuo's report is accurate, it's going to be an exciting year for Apple fans -- especially professionals, many of which are currently having a hard time finding suitable hardware in Apple's store.
