Apple’s press event this morning was jam packed with new devices, including redesigned iPad Pros, an updated MacBook Air, and a faster Mac mini. But we still didn’t get everything we were expecting.
There were some notable absences from the ‘More in the Making’ event, and at least one glaring omission.
1. Ghosted by the AirPower wireless charger
Apple unveiled the AirPower multi-device wireless charger last September alongside the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. About 13 months later, we’re still waiting for it. And there was absolutely no mention of it at today’s press event in Brooklyn.
This promised accessory will be able to send power to an iPhone, Apple Watch, and set of AirPods simultaneously. It will allow devices to be arranged in any way, and inter-communicate their charging status. Intermingling three sets of charging coils is reportedly causing the delay, as this generates unacceptable amounts of heat.
Apple said months ago that this accessory will be out by the end of this year. And it was mentioned in the getting-started guide for the iPhone XR. But there wasn’t a hint of it today.
2. iPad mini: always a long shot
Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TFI Securities said recently that Apple is working on a new version of the iPad mini. If so, there was no sign of it at the ‘More in the Making’ event.
Sales of the iPad mini began to dry with the release of the iPhone 6 Plus, Apple’s first larger-screen smartphone. It seems many people purchased a 7.9-inch iPad mini because they wanted iOS on a bigger screen, and the various Plus models did the job. The new iPhone XS Max is the largest iOS phone ever.
Apple has kept the iPad mini 4 in its lineup even though the device hadn’t been updated in years. And despite the fact that at $399 it cost $70 more than the 9.7-inch iPad that launched last spring.
It’s possible Kuo is right and an updated iPad mini will emerge in the coming months. But not today.
3. No new AirPods in sight
Apple introduced its wireless earbuds in 2016, and many people have been hoping for a new version soon. However, there was never a strong chance that we’d see AirPods 2.0 today.
There have been plenty of unconfirmed reports about what these headphones will offer. There’re expected to gain noise cancellation and water resistance. However, the very sources for these specs have also said not to expect redesigned AirPods until 2019. And more recent reports said the same.
4. Nothing music related
When Apple revealed that its ‘More in the Making’ event would be held in the Brooklyn Academy of Music, rather than at Apple headquarters, many assumed this was a hint that there would be music-related announcements.
There had been enough leaks about the redesigned iPad Pro models that their appearance that this press conference was considered a forgone conclusion. To some people, music and tablets together means an iPad version of Apple’s Logic Pro digital audio workstation.
But it was not to be. The only part of today’s event that was musical was the concert by Lana del Rey.
5. The wait for a new Mac Pro continues
Apple continues to work on the next Mac Pro, and said nothing about this future computer this morning. Of course, the company wasn’t expected to bring it up. Apple executives made it clear last spring that there would be no new Mac Pro until 2019.
Naturally, those who want such a device are still frustrated. Especially as they’ve been waiting since 2013 for a replacement for the second-generation Mac Pro. Apple’s answer for those who just can’t wait any longer is last year’s iMac Pro.
