New iPad Pro models. New iMacs with the M1 chipset. AirTags, so you don't lose your stuff. Apple's "Spring Loaded" event arrives alongside a flood of rumors about what Cupertino might announce, and we're just minutes away from the truth.
Watch the event, which begins at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT), at apple.com/apple-events. At 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT) our liveblog will start below with Lead Analyst for Mobile Sascha Segan, Senior Analyst for Hardware Tom Brant, and maybe some special guests. Follow along with us as we scope out Apple's new gear.
Even at the last minute, it's hard to tell what Apple will announce and what it will hold back. Despite reports of component shortages, it looks like we'll see the next-gen iPad Pro today. Bloomberg reports the iPad Pro will feature an Apple M1 processor and a Thunderbolt port. New cameras are on the update list as well, while the design of the invite promises a new Apple Pencil—although whether the hardware will be "spring loaded" may be a little too literal.
New iMacs are also likely. Several rumors cite colorful new models with the M1 processor.
In April, Apple announced that a selection of third-party products now work with the Find My app; we think this announcement comes in advance of an AirTags announcement today. Pricing is rumored to be $25-$35 per AirTag, though we think Apple will offer multi-packs at a discount.
There's a good chance we'll see an updated Apple TV announced today. A recent tvOS beta suggests an improved remote and FaceTime integration, leading us to think the announcement will come sooner rather than later. If pricing from Target's inventory system is accurate, the upcoming Apple TV will come in at $179 for the 64GB model.
For what it's worth, we disagree with some other sites that say AirPods 3 are on deck for today's event. MacRumors reports Apple will not begin mass production of AirPods 3 until the summer, and we trust that assessment more than some others. We also don't have strong hopes for a new iPad mini or entry-level iPad models. But we'll see!