Yes, you’re seeing yet another article titled “here’s my perspective on Apple’s Spring Loaded event.”

But here’s a little confession: I had to push myself to write this. The truth is, my enthusiasm for what might be announced next week is waning.

I know, it’s disappointing to say this, Tim. My apologies.

I have a history of making hasty judgments about Apple products, haven’t I?

Why am I feeling this way now?

We've hit a standstill in Apple technology. The M1 chips released last year were a significant achievement. As I mentioned in my recent four-month review of the remarkable M1 MacBook Air, Apple has transformed the conversation around computing and left Intel struggling to keep up.

Therefore, my lack of excitement isn’t directed at the Mac itself—I want to clarify that right away. I’m genuinely looking forward to what Apple has in store for the next iMac, MacBook Pro, and that powerful Mac Pro.

However, when it comes to the rest of their product range, I previously noted that we may have reached a saturation point with smartphones, particularly with the iPhone. I believe the same holds true for the iPad and AirPods.

I should emphasize that I don't have a simple solution to this situation; in fact, I don't think there is one. Apple finds itself in a bind due to its own success—especially with the iPhone; everyone is yearning for “the next big thing.”

The challenge? It’s elusive. Breakthrough products like the iPhone emerge once in a generation, which means we settle for incremental updates to existing technologies in the interim. This is why Apple’s announcements—apart from the M1—often leave devoted fans feeling let down.

They rarely live up to the hype generated by the rumor mill, do they?

This isn’t necessarily a problem, but it does mean that they need to exert considerable effort to get people like me excited about their events.

So, here’s my perspective on what we might anticipate next Tuesday.

New iPads Pro

Sigh.

Let’s get one thing clear: I adore the iPad. I was one of the first to grab the original when it launched in 2010.

People laughed at me. “What’s with that oversized iPhone?” they mocked.

Now, look at them, spending hundreds on their own large screens.

The issue with the iPad is that it’s simply too good. My 2018 iPad Pro has recently been rejuvenated with just a £15 stand, but this revival reminded me of how impressive these devices truly are.

They have immense performance capacity; they’re crafted beautifully; the batteries last remarkably long; the screens—while merely LCD—are stunning.

Even the Apple Pencil is genuinely useful, with the second generation being a standout creation.

The downside is that iPads remain excellent tablets far longer than any competitors. This is why sales haven’t consistently surged, and why your dad still treasures his iPad 3 (you know, the one that wasn’t great).

So, where does Apple go with the iPad from here? Are they going to add a LiDAR sensor that few will use? Upgrade the camera even though most iPad owners hardly touch the camera app? Introduce new display technology that the majority of iPad users won’t even recognize?

I love being proven wrong. There’s a slim hope we might see a redesign of the Apple Pencil if the Spring Loaded event visuals suggest anything.

But even that feels like a stretch, doesn’t it?

Adding to this is the fact that the iPad Air outperforms the iPad Pro, leaving me puzzled about the future direction.

Sorry, Apple, you’ve made the iPad so exceptional that new versions struggle to generate excitement.

New iPad mini

I won't dwell on this too much, as I’ve covered it recently.

However, until last week, I was genuinely anticipating an iPad mini redesign.

But if Sonny Dickson’s leaked image is accurate, it appears we won’t see that at all. Instead, we’re likely getting the same outdated iPad mini design with updated internals.

This feels like a missed chance, potentially indicating Apple’s reluctance to undercut the fantastic iPad Air.

Gen 3 AirPods

AirPods are outstanding headphones. The AirPods Pro are even better. AirPods Max, while pricey, offer an incredible experience for those who can afford them.

Yet, even standard AirPods come with a hefty price tag, and there are genuinely intriguing and sometimes superior alternatives I’ve discovered during my recent testing.

In terms of recent Apple innovations, I’d rank AirPods alongside the M1 chip. They’ve revolutionized the headphone market, without a doubt. I just wish they were more affordable for a wider audience.

If we do see an update to the ‘base level’ AirPods next week, I hope it results in a reduction in price for the first and second generations. That’s all we need to see, thanks, Tim—a simple press release will do.

AirTags

Something feels off about AirTags.

I don’t believe it’s the hardware (though I’m sure they’ve been challenging to perfect)—it’s more likely the narrative surrounding them.

Apple is keen on clearly illustrating the purpose behind a product. And AirTags require that clarity perhaps more than any other item in their lineup.

These are tracking devices. You know, the type of tech you see in movies, where secret agents discreetly attach beacons to vehicles to follow villains.

...or the devices used by criminals to stalk and harm their victims.

Do you see my point? The narrative surrounding AirTags must be spot on.

Even if it is (which it likely will be—Apple can’t afford any negative privacy headlines given their stance), I’m uncertain about how AirTags would fit into my daily routine.

I joked in a recent podcast (coming out next week) that I could only think of two practical uses for AirTags. The first would be to help my dog find his way home when he mysteriously disappears within the house. The second would be to ensure I pick the right pint at a busy bar by placing an AirTag in my drink.

Unfortunately, I’ve managed just fine without such tracking for my dog or my drink.

AR tech

Someone needs to convince me why I should be excited about this right now.

To me, AR technology feels like it’s still far off. For it to be widely adopted, it needs to be seamless, with branding or design features that make it appealing.

Until I’m shown that Apple’s AR glasses can look just like ordinary glasses, I’m convinced this is tech for the distant future.

And don’t even get me started on VR headsets. While I understand some enjoy strapping what is essentially 90s technology to their faces, that kind of device doesn’t seem to fit within Apple’s product range.

New iMacs

Now we’re getting somewhere.

However, I don’t believe we’ll see these—or any Mac—next week.

So, keep dreaming. They’re likely to be introduced after WWDC, in my opinion.

Agree? Disagree? Join the conversation!

One thing I’ve learned since writing my somewhat notorious Apple TV article is that it’s perfectly fine to have differing views about Apple.

It’s absolutely okay to think differently from me. I appreciate Apple’s products, but aside from the M1 chip, I have a nagging feeling they may be losing their direction. Their product lineup is becoming cluttered, confusing, and genuine innovations seem to be scarce.

What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments.

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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on April 14, 2021.