Apple held its annual WWDC press conference last night, and while iOS, MacOS and iPadOS stole the limelight, tvOS was barely acknowledged.

Despite that, Apple has officially confirmed that tvOS 27 will launch this year, and it looks to be a bigger upgrade than we were expecting.

The focus this year is speed, which means your ageing Apple TV box – need we remind you that Apple last refreshed its Award-winning streaming box in 2022 – is about to get more responsive.

Apple claims that app opening speeds are expected to improve by 30 per cent, and animations are set to become smoother too. Control Centre is also becoming more responsive and connecting to other Apple devices, be that streaming content to your TV from an iPhone or outputting TV audio to HomePods, will also be faster.

Two key audio apps are getting upgrades as part of tvOS 27 as well. Apple Music receives a major boost in the form of Hi-Res Lossless (24-bit/192kHz) support and faster playback, and the Podcasts app is getting a full redesign for both audio and video podcasts playback.

General updates come in the form of better Apple HomeKit integration (ideal for smart home users), reduced app file sizes, support for smart downloads, and the ability to view Apple Care coverage in the settings app.

The upcoming tvOS 27 update is expected to launch later this year – Apple tends to launch its updates in September to coincide with the annual hardware launch event – and it will be supported on the second and third generation Apple TV 4K boxes.

This marks the end of support for the Apple TV HD from 2015, as well as the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017.

While it's encouraging to see Apple release an update that improves general performance on the current-generation Apple TV 4K, we hope that this new version of tvOS is laying the groundwork for the much-rumoured fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The update is expected to launch later this year with the new Siri AI features coming with iOS 27.

MORE:

Check out our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review

Here are our picks for the best streaming devices

As well as the best streaming services for TV shows and movies

Apple has announced iOS 27 during its WWDC26 keynote, and it comes with a major upgrade for AirPods users.

The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system comes with a revamped interface for AirPods, with a more customisable EQ interface that will allow for greater sound customisation.

Apple briefly showed the new user interface screen during its presentation; included were "recommended" and "custom" options. Below is where you'll find a graph-style interface, which allows users to specifically tweak low, mid and high frequencies.

Apple has also included a note that reads: "AirPods are designed and engineered by Apple to faithfully represent music, TV shows, movies, and calls. If you prefer a different sound profile, you can customise how AirPods represent any audio played."

This signals to us that these EQs will be applied to anything played through your AirPods. Previously, Apple has offered custom EQ options through Apple Music, but these only apply to music played through the service.

Furthermore, Apple has buried a very small selection of pre-set EQ profiles within the accessibility section of the Settings app since iOS 14; but they're more rigid, pre-defined options, including "balanced tone", "vocal range", and "brightness".

While we'll need to wait until iOS 27 launches later this year, it will be interesting to see if this software update will make the five-star AirPods Pro 3 even better, or even improve the four-star AirPods Max 2.

iOS 27 is coming to all iPhones from the iPhone 11 onwards, including the Award-winning iPhone 17.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best AirPods

As well as our Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review

And check out the best AirPods alternatives

Apple’s yearly Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is scheduled to kick off a week from today, and signs are pointing towards a host of new software announcements – but perhaps very little in the way of new hardware.

The WWDC26 keynote will be live-streamed on Apple TV, YouTube, and Apple’s event website at 10am Pacific Time, which is 6pm here in the UK. Australian Apple fans will either have to stay up late or wake up early, as the presentation will kick off at 3am on the West Coast, or 1am on the East Coast.

With this being a software-focused showcase, we expect updates to Apple’s various operating systems across its mobile phones, tablets, computers and, most importantly, streaming devices.

That being said, Apple has surprised us with hardware announcements at WWDC in previous years. These include the Apple Vision Pro headset, updated Mac computers, and even the original HomePod, which was announced at WWDC 2017.

Ultimately, signs are pointing towards a WWDC that is putting the focus on software, which might not be such a bad thing…

What to expect…

Apple made a big statement last year with its latest batch of software updates. 2025 signalled the year of Liquid Glass, which introduced a fluid, transparent interface to everything from iPhones and iPads to Apple TV and iMacs.

Apple also standardised the naming conventions of its various product lineups. All of the version numbers were changed to align with the relevant year, signalling the launch of iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and tvOS 26.

We think, then, that it's reasonable to expect the announcement of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and tvOS 27 on Monday.

As for what these updates will bring to the table, that is somewhat of an unknown currently. We know that Apple has made a big push for Apple Intelligence, the company’s answer to the AI revolution, in recent years, but it has ultimately fallen far behind the competition.

While Google has steamrolled ahead with Gemini on various Android phones, Apple Intelligence and Siri aren’t quite living up to the claims made by Apple during the iPhone 16 launch.

Siri hasn’t got much smarter, and Visual Intelligence hasn’t really challenged Google’s excellent Circle to Search function. Therefore, we anticipate the upcoming updates to be pretty AI and Siri-focused, as Apple scrambles to bring its software up to speed.

Elsewhere, we could see some tweaks to Liquid Glass after the lukewarm reaction to the new user interface, as well as new features coming to some of Apple’s core apps. Last year, we saw a handful of updates come to Apple Music, which included the ability to pin your favourite albums and real-time lyric translations.

What not to expect…

We’ve said it already, but we’ll reiterate: it is unlikely that this will be a hardware-heavy event. The two big products that we await are still missing in action, and it’s looking less and less likely that they will break cover at WWDC 2026.

These are the next-generation Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini, which, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (via Engadget), have both been ready to launch for several months. In fact, Gurman claims that the upcoming hardware is already being used internally at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters.

Expected upgrades aren’t monumental; in fact, some predictions are centred around some minor chipset updates. But with the previous generations of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini launching in 2022 and 2020, respectively, we are willing to take any form of upgrade.

The aforementioned limitations to Apple Intelligence and Siri are reportedly responsible for the holdup with these products, but the expectation is that once Apple irons out its AI kinks, then these products should be primed to launch.

It should also not come as a surprise to hear that we probably won’t see any new iPhones during the presentations. Apple tends to save those for its annual September event – and it’s looking like it could be a big one this year.

Apple is expected to change its usual lineup by launching its first foldable device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, meanwhile, are expected to launch in early 2027.

We’re not ruling out new product announcements entirely; Apple could surprise us after all. But, with software being the primary focus for WWDC, we think September is a more likely time to see new Apple hardware.

MORE:

Read our full Apple iPhone 17 review

As well as our Apple TV 4K (2022) review

And check out the best smartphones here

Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference, or WWDC as it is more commonly known, took place last night, and it was certainly eventful.

The tech titan announced that it would be unifying its entire product offering with a consistent software approach across everything from iPhones to Apple TV 4K, and even the Apple Watch.

Current version numbers have been scrapped, meaning every product runs a new "26" version of their respective operating system; for example we now have iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and tvOS 26.

The biggest change, however, is the introduction of "Liquid Glass", a design ethos that spans all of Apple's hardware. It refines the user experience with a new translucent look, features slicker transitions, and aims for a more immersive experience overall.

While there were plenty of other interesting announcements, including upgrades to Apple Intelligence and a new gaming hub on iPhone, the presentation was unquestionably light on AV, music and home cinema announcements.

We had hoped to see more updates for the Apple TV 4K, HomePod range, AirPods lineup and Apple's services, but that didn't appear to be Apple's priority.

With our WWDC 2025 wishlist now in tatters, here are the things we were hoping to see revealed last night, but ultimately didn't get:

1. Any new hardware

Apple doesn't always announce new products at WWDC, but when it does, it does so in style. It took WWDC 2023 as an opportunity to launch Apple Vision Pro, while WWDC 2022 saw a flashy, upgraded MacBook Air make a debut.

Unfortunately, there was no mention of any new hardware at WWDC 2025, which is a shame, as a couple of key AV products are long overdue for an update.

The HomePod Mini is the first that springs to mind, as it's fast approaching its fifth anniversary; that's practically geriatric by Apple standards. While the existing Mini is a gem of a smart speaker – not to mention a four-time What Hi-Fi? Award-winner – it would be nice to see a refreshed model with even better performance, and maybe even a few new colours.

The other key Apple product that could do with a refresh is the Apple TV 4K, which is coming up on three years old. Once again, the existing Apple TV 4K is a great streamer, in fact, it's the best streaming device on the market, but we wouldn't say no to an update.

As evidenced by the upgrade from the second generation to the third generation model, the picture and sound performance tends to improve every time, even if there doesn't appear to be many changes on paper. We can only dream of what a fourth-generation model could offer, though rumours suggest that one is on the way.

Rumours and speculation are never enough for us, though, and Apple didn't even drop a crumb of evidence that a new HomePod or Apple TV 4K is on the way.

2. Big changes to Apple Music and Apple TV+

Apple's services were also sidelined at this event, aside from a few minor changes coming to Apple Music.

Lyrics translation is coming with iOS 26, meaning you can sing along to your favourite international pop hits without putting hundreds of hours into Duolingo. AutoMix is set to transition your current track into the next seamlessly, and you'll also be able to pin your favourite tracks, playlists and artists to the top of the Apple Music app for easy access.

That's about it, not counting the new "Liquid Glass" look to the app, which will presumably be locked to Apple devices.

It would have been nice to see some highly requested features, such as a button to download your full music library, or even higher quality streaming to match the likes of Qobuz and Tidal.

Apple TV+ didn't receive much attention either, though there are some nice poster-style artwork options for Apple's original programming. We would have liked to see a proper watchlist feature separated from the Up Next section, and a bigger design refresh wouldn't have gone amiss either, especially after Amazon Prime Video and Netflix's recent updates.

3. The big tvOS update

Ahead of last night's livestream, there were murmurs of a revolutionary tvOS update that would see the biggest shift in design and functionality since it launched in 2015.

While rumours should always be taken with a liberal pinch of salt, we couldn't help but be a bit disappointed when we found out that this design upgrade was merely a few transparent elements and a profile selection screen.

tvOS 26 looks remarkably similar to the currently available tvOS 18, and there aren't that many new features or usability tweaks to show for it either, aside from the ability to set an AirPlay-enabled wireless speaker as your permanent default audio output.

The good news is, of course, that tvOS is one of the best (if not the best) streaming-based operating services around, so we're not angry, just disappointed.

MORE:

Apple announces iOS 26 with a new "Liquid Glass" design and an upgraded Apple Music app

Read our full Apple iPhone 16e review

As well as our Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

It's that time of year again – Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is almost upon us. Apple's annual jamboree always sees a flurry of announcements, and this year promises to be no different. It always paves the way for the year ahead, and will drop a rather large hint or two on what to expect from the iPhone 17.

But there's a lot more to it than Apple's smartphones. With announcements likely to span iOS, iPadOS and tvOS, we should see all manner of new features coming to Apple's full portfolio of AV devices.

We might even see a new product or two.

We've gathered all the information you need below. For what to expect, as well as the exact timings and how to watch the announcements live for yourself, read on.

• 3 big home cinema and audio announcements we're hoping to see at Apple's WWDC event

When is WWDC 2025?

The event takes place from 9-13th June. Sessions will be held all week, but the keynote speech is on Monday 9th June at 1pm ET / 10am PT / 6pm BST / 3am (Tuesday) AEST.

What is rumoured to launch?

This being a conference for developers, the focus will very much be on software rather than hardware. As such, the prospect of new devices launching are pretty slim. But never say never.

Here's what's expected, as well as what we're hoping for.

New AirPods features

We could see new head gestures added to the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, according to 9to5Mac. Currently, you can nod or shake your head to accept or decline calls, but you could soon adjust the volume of Conversation Awareness with a head gesture.

Your AirPods could soon detect when you've fallen asleep and pause playback, so you wouldn't have to rely on sleep timers. And they could activate your iPhone's camera shutter – just squeeze the earbud stem to snap.

Also rumoured is a 'studio quality' mic mode for AirPods similar to the iPhone 16's Audio Mix feature, which separates background sounds from speech using machine learning. And AirPods could pair more simply with iPads that are being shared by users – ideal for a classroom setting.

More AI

Apple's AI endeavours have so far been met with a bit of a shrug, with the likes of Samsung and Google speeding off into the distance while the Cupertino company repeatedly sputters and stalls.

It only has itself to blame. At the unveiling of Apple Intelligence, the firm promised all sorts of features, only some of which have come to pass. It was the opposite of that old mantra 'under promise and over deliver'.

This time around it's said to have new battery-saving and health tech to show, all powered and enhanced by AI. Let's hope this year sees more substance and less hype.

An OS rebrand

Rumours say Apple will align all of its various operating systems by naming them after a year. So we'll see iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 and so on. This despite the next version of iOS set to launch in the autumn of 2025, along with the iPhone 17. So it could still prove confusing.

Apple wouldn't be the first company to take this approach. In 2020, Samsung named the most recent of its Galaxy S phones the Galaxy S20, despite its predecessor being called the S10. This was followed by the S21 in 2021, S22 in 2022 and so on, right up to the Galaxy S25.

A new look could also be on the cards. Rumours say that some – and maybe all – of Apple's operating systems will get the same glassy, transparent look as visionOS, as seen on its Vision Pro headset.

New home cinema and audio goodies?

There's always the chance Apple is planning something more substantial for us fans of home cinema and audio.

Its AirPlay 2 wireless technology could be in for an update, upping its maximum video quality from 1080p HD to 4K and adding Dolby Atmos support.

The HomePod 2 is a couple of years old now, and the HomePod Mini a geriatric four-and-a-half years old, so either could be updated. Rumours have also swirled concerning a HomePod with a screen. Apple launched the Vision Pro at WWDC 2023, so new hardware isn't completely out of the question.

Finally, the Apple TV 4K is three years old, so could be in for an update. Or could Apple even launch a budget streamer to rival the likes of the Amazon Fire TV Stick?

For more on what we want to see, check out 3 big home cinema and audio announcements we're hoping to see at Apple's WWDC event.

How to watch

You can watch the WWDC keynote on Apple's website, on its YouTube channel, or right here in the window above. It starts on Monday 9th June at 1pm ET / 10am PT / 6pm BST / 3am (Tuesday) AEST.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best streaming devices

These are the best AirPods you can buy

iPhone 17 Air: all the rumours so far

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, better known as WWDC, officially commences on Monday, 9th of June, and we already have a wish list of announcements we're hoping to see during the live-streamed event.

WWDC is all about new software announcements, so we're already expecting to see the latest iterations of iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS in action. However, Apple has also been known to drop in a handful of hardware announcements in the past.

The Apple Vision Pro launched at WWDC 2023, and Apple has also launched redesigned MacBooks during previous WWDC live-streams, so new products aren't entirely out of the question.

While we're more enticed by the prospect of new HomePods, Apple TV 4K streamers and AirPods first and foremost, it's likely that Apple will save those announcements for a dedicated hardware announcement event.

Regardless, we can dream, so here are the hardware and software announcements we hope to see at WWDC 25...

AirPlay 3

Apple's wireless casting feature is commonplace in a wide range of home cinema and hi-fi equipment, and for iPad and iPhone users, it's a very nice feature to have.

Having the ability to beam video and/or audio to your TV, soundbar, amplifier or wireless speaker at the click of a button is a major draw of Apple's ecosystem, and it's simplified the idea of streaming to your hi-fi system for many.

However, AirPlay 2, the current version of Apple's casting system, does have a few limitations that we'd like to see addressed in a future version.

Video-wise, AirPlay 2 is limited to 1080p; unsurprisingly, we'd like to see that increased to 4K. It appears as though Google Cast, Google's answer to AirPlay, which is supported on Android smartphones and the Google TV Streamer, is capable of wireless 4K casting, so we'd like to see Apple catch up, especially on the Apple TV 4K.

Furthermore, audio limitations prevent wireless hi-res audio streams, as AirPlay 2 limits audio to 16-bit/44.1kHz or 24-bit/48kHz, and Dolby Atmos is also not supported over a wireless connection.

This is, of course, easier said than done, as limitations surrounding bandwidth apply; however, an improved audio codec that can rival Sony's LDAC or Qualcomm's aptX HD would be a huge boost to AirPlay's repertoire.

A new HomePod (with a screen, perhaps?)

Apple's HomePod range feels a little bit neglected compared to the iPhones, iPads and Macs. The surprise HomePod 2 dropped with little fanfare in 2023, while the HomePod Mini is still awaiting a proper sequel despite sitting on Apple Store shelves for over four and a half years.

Rumours have circulated of a new HomePod device that will sport a display of some sort for quite some time, though these are yet to materialise. So, could Apple drop a major new audio announcement at WWDC?

We're not holding our breath, but as we've previously mentioned, Apple has taken WWDC as an opportunity to unveil its more enthusiast-level products, such as the Vision Pro headset, before.

Thus an upgraded HomePod isn't entirely out of the question, be that a flagship model or a much-needed update to the HomePod Mini.

A huge update to tvOS (and a new Apple TV 4K)

Leaks and rumours of a huge tvOS update sprang up last week, with a major shake-up to the user interface speculated as a major feature. Apple is reportedly overhauling the software for all of its operating systems, with an equally huge refresh reportedly slated for iOS.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reputable Apple insider who has correctly predicted major product releases including the Tandem OLED-touting iPad Pro M4, claims that a Vision Pro-inspired rework is coming to tvOS, with a translucent, glass-like theme at its core.

A fresh coat of paint would be appreciated, especially considering tvOS has looked the same since it launched 10 years ago, and considering the Apple TV 4K already nails picture and sound performance, so we'll gladly take an aesthetic upgrade.

We also think that we're well overdue a new Apple TV 4K streamer, as the currently available model is coming up on three years old. While the Apple TV 4K (2022) remains a top-notch media streamer, Apple could expand its lineup with a more powerful model or even a cheaper streaming stick to take on Amazon's popular products.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best streaming devices

And read our full HomePod 2 review

As well as our iPhone 16 Pro review

The Apple TV 4K could see its biggest software update yet with the introduction of tvOS 19. The streamer is getting its first big user-interface overhaul since the platform launched, according to a report.

Apple is set to hold its annual WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) on the 9th of June, where we will presumably see the next iteration of Apple's software ecosystem, which includes iOS, iPadOS and, most relevant here, tvOS.

Despite the conference not happening for another two weeks, an early report from a reputable Apple insider could hint at what we can expect from tvOS 19.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has correctly predicted numerous Apple launches in the past, including the iPad Pro M4 release, says that the new version of Apple’s smart TV user interface will see a major design overhaul, which will reportedly be influenced by its Vision Pro mixed reality headset.

Gurman states that “the new look is slicker and more modern.” The development name “solarium“ could suggest a “more translucent, glass-like interface, potentially featuring depth effects and adaptation to ambient lighting or other environmental cues,” according to FlatpanelsHD.

Notably, this will be the Apple TV's first operating system overhaul since tvOS launched on the 2015 Apple TV HD.

And it's not just tvOS that is supposedly getting a design overhaul; we could also see these changes reflected on Apple's iPhone and iPad operating systems.

Keep in mind that these claims are pre-release, and that they should be taken with a pinch of scepticism. As we know, nothing is official until Apple makes the announcement itself, and a lot can change behind the scenes between now and WWDC.

This news comes hot on the heels of Google's Android TV 16 announcement, which appears to be a modest upgrade over the existing version of Google TV with a minor design change at its core.

MORE:

Read our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review

As well as our Google TV Streamer review

And check out the best streaming devices

Like clockwork, another Apple Event is here and those eagerly anticipating brand-new iPhones and AirPods don't have long to wait. According to Apple, it's "Glowtime", with the iPhone 16 launch set for later today. AirPods are also expected to get some attention, with new entry and mid-level models and, according to some last-minute rumours, maybe even an update to the high-end AirPods Max over-ear cans.

We're counting down the hours now, and if you're catching up on all of the current rumours and leaks for products that we expect to see announced, including the AirPods 4, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, AirPods Max 2 and AirPods Lite. Of course, Apple could well surprise us, so you can find out more about what we expect and hope to see at today's event, as well as how and where to watch it. 

Apple Event 2024: where and when to watch

Apple kindly livestreams its yearly presentations, and it often does so in a fairly sleek fashion – expect plenty of sweeping shots of the Apple Park in Cupertino, as well as some questionable transitions and attempts at humour. You can find the livestream on YouTube (as seen above) or on Apple's event page. Apple usually streams its events on the Apple TV app as well, which you can access with an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV 4K.  

It's expected to kick off at 6PM here in the UK, 10AM PT / 1PM ET for those in the United States, or 3AM ACT for those tuning in from Australia. Apple usually posts the recorded versions of its livestreams on its official YouTube channel too, meaning you can still watch the full event even if you're not able to tune in live.

What to expect: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro and AirPods

As is the case with these annual events, we're anticipating new iPhones to be unveiled on the 9th of September. Apple's strategy has been fairly consistent for the last few years here, with a four-strong lineup of devices consisting of two standard models and two Pro models. 

We expect these new models to be the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, although that is subject to change. Apple has amended the iPhone lineup in recent years – swapping the compact iPhone 13 Mini for a larger iPhone 14 Plus and subsequently the iPhone 15 Plus – however, it seems to have settled on the current lineup according to various leaks and rumours that have already circulated. 

We don't anticipate Apple straying too far from its formula, and the iPhone 16 series isn't slated to be a radical departure from the 15 series it is replacing. Expect 60Hz displays, aluminium frames and dual cameras on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, and 120Hz ProMotion screens, titanium frames and a triple camera arrangement on the Pro and Pro Max.

As always, Apple hints at what's to come with the artwork for these events, and this time it looks like AI – and no, this isn't artificial intelligence. In true Apple fashion, it has created "Apple Intelligence" which it says places a greater emphasis on privacy and security, while adding a plethora of useful-looking features to the iPhone. Apple already demonstrated the new features at WWDC earlier this year, but we can expect to see advanced photo editing, custom picture and emoji tools, smart writing suggestions and editing, and a more powerful Siri assistant on the iPhone 16 models. 

Furthermore, Apple's current AirPods roster is overdue an update; an issue we expect to see rectified in the upcoming Apple Event. While we believe the AirPods Pro 2 will remain in place (they were only recently updated to feature a USB-C case and are less than two years old), the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 could be up for renewal. The second-generation AirPods are about to reach their fifth birthday, while the third-gen wireless earbuds are almost three years old.

We've heard mutterings of new AirPods models for some time now, with new entry-level and mid-tier buds reportedly releasing sometime this year. Rumours which circulated in March of this year suggest that Apple will bring noise cancelling and the Find-My speaker feature to the AirPods 4, while the AirPods 2 will be replaced by a cheaper AirPods Lite (or perhaps AirPods SE) model. 

Contrary to the previous suggestion that fans of the over-ear AirPods Max will have to wait for an upgrade, a last-minute rumour suggests that we could see a second-generation version of these headphones. Reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggest that the new models could feature USB-C charging, better noise cancellation (which was already a highlight of the current-generation cans) and adaptive audio.  

Bonus: what we'd like to see

While this event will likely be dedicated to the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, we would also be very receptive to seeing our favourite Apple gadget get an upgrade. We deemed the Apple TV 4K (2022) to be "comfortably the best streamer", but now that it's over two years old, we think now would be the perfect time to update it. 

We're not willing to bet the house on a new Apple streamer being unveiled on the 9th of September, but we can always dream. Bringing Apple Intelligence to the media streamer (akin to how Gemini has been implemented into the Google TV Streamer) and upgrading the already excellent picture and sound quality would be a surefire way to win us over, so our fingers are crossed. 

MORE:

Everything you need to know about the iPhone 16 before the Apple Event

And the iPhone 16 Pro: price and release date rumours

As well as our picks for the best iPhones

Apple has been drip-feeding new features like Adaptive Audio to the AirPods Pro 2 since their release two years ago, but the one thing that's been missing on these wireless earbuds is any way of manually controlling the level of active noise-cancelling (ANC).

That could be about to change this year as a report from Headphonesty suggests that Apple could be introducing manual ANC control this autumn during its annual September event alongside the iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 launches.

Currently, the AirPods Pro 2nd generation earbuds have an Adaptive Audio mode that dynamically adjusts the noise level between full ANC and Transparency modes depending on your surroundings. This mode is automatic, but the update will let users have more control over this effect. You'll be able to "remove more noise" or "remove less noise" in this mode, tailoring the level of ANC to suit your needs and environment. 

It's not clear whether this will be just a voice command or if you'll be able to toggle the level manually in the AirPods' noise-control menu (which might get a little messy, looking at the current layout), but it's at least a step forward into letting users manage their own ANC needs, like Sony and Bose have been doing for years now.

Adaptive Audio was introduced last year and we've found it works well during testing and in everyday use with the AirPods Pro 2. It's pretty good at blocking (or letting in) noise as we move in between noisy and quieter environments, and the effect is fairly subtle. But being able to control the level of ANC or Transparency in the flagship AirPods Pro 2 is long overdue from Apple.

There are a handful of other new features coming to AirPods this autumn, as mentioned at WWDC in June 2024. These include being able to interact with Siri by shaking or nodding your head, better voice clarity during calls in noisy environments, and personalised spatial audio with dynamic head-tracking for games. While these features will be available for AirPods 3, Air Pods Pro and AirPods Max, the customisable ANC in Adaptive Audio mode is reportedly exclusive to the AirPods Pro 2 only.

These free updates also suggest we won't be seeing a new AirPods Pro 3 any time soon this year, with Apple using last year's September event to launch the same AirPods Pro 2 but with a new USB-C case at no extra cost.

MORE:

Read our Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

Apple Adaptive Audio explained and tested: AirPods Pro latest ANC feature

iPhone 16: release date rumours, spec leaks and what features to expect

Apple has taken the wraps off its forthcoming iOS 18 mobile operating system. Due to launch this autumn, iOS 18 is a dead cert to feature on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, and with artificial intelligence and customisation at its core, it has plenty new to differentiate it from previous versions of iOS.

Apple won't be the first firm to put AI in a smartphone. Samsung introduced some AI elements in its Galaxy S24 earlier this year, while Google has been dabbling in AI with its Pixel phones for years. But because of its scale and influence, Apple's implementation was keenly awaited.

Bear in mind that Apple hasn't announced the iPhone 16 yet. But as sure as night follows day, it should launch this September, running the iOS 18 software Apple detailed last night. Let's see what it'll be capable of.

AI

Apple's AI implementation is called Apple Intelligence, and Apple claims it's "deeply integrated into iOS 18". It will harness ChatGPT's expertise to let you rewrite, proofread, and summarise text across apps, create images, compile memories in the Photos app by typing a description and edit photos. Siri will also take a massive dose of AI, becoming more "natural, contextually relevant and personal".

Apple claims that Apple Intelligence is "built with privacy from the ground up", and that where data is sent to the cloud for processing it will still be secure. But some disagree. Elon Musk says he will ban Apple devices from his companies if OpenAI (who makes ChatGPT) is integrated at the system level due to security fears. "That is an unacceptable security violation," he tweeted. "And visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage."

Of Apple's handsets, Apple Intelligence has only been announced for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, not the standard iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus. We'll have to wait and see if the non-Pro iPhone 16 models are granted it, or if it remains the preserve of the Pros.

Customisation

iOS 18 will bring new ways to customise your iPhone. You'll be able to arrange apps how you like, including leaving gaps between them and placing them right above the dock. You can make app icons bigger, and tint them to make them look darker. 

Control Centre has been redesigned and is more customisable and flexible, with quick access to much-used features like media playback.

Better messaging

iMessage has been given a rethink too. You'll be able to schedule messages to send later (handy for arranging birthday wishes while you remember), add formatting like bold and italics, and the RCS standard is now supported for larger capacity and better reliability when messaging non-iOS users.

You'll also be able to send messages via satellite, if you don't have mobile reception. SOS satellite features are available on the iPhone 14 and later, so expect satellite messaging to be available on all four models of iPhone 16.

Game Mode

The iPhone 16 will have a Game Mode. The feature launched on Apple's Mac computers last year (those that run on Apple's Silicon chips, anyway), and is coming to iPhone later this year.

Game Mode minimises background activity while maximising frame rates. It will also enable greater responsiveness with AirPods and game controllers, giving you a competitive advantage.

More AirPods features

Thanks to Siri Interactions, you'll be able to nod or shake your head to accept or decline Siri announcements. Incoming call interrupting your workout playlist? Just shake your head to reject it.

Voice Isolation is also coming to AirPods Pro. Using advanced computational audio, it will ensure the caller's voice is still audible in loud or windy environments. Updates also promise to drop AirPods' latency and add Personalised Spatial Audio to make games more immersive.

Apple Music's SharePlay feature is also making it possible for more listeners to share control of what's playing. Sounds great, as long as you agree on what to play...

MORE:

A new AirPlay feature is coming which Apple didn’t mention at WWDC 2024

Check out our Apple TV 4K review

And our Apple HomePod 2 review

Apple mentioned a couple of AV upgrades coming to its operating systems and devices during its WWDC 2024 keynote. But there's a new audio feature coming which wasn’t mentioned during the main presentation but is tucked away in Apple’s official press release.

AirPlay, Apple’s system for streaming audio wirelessly from an iOS device is getting spatial audio support, “including support for Dolby Atmos, when using AirPlay to stream audio from iPhone and iPad to HomePod and compatible third-party audio equipment.”

Up until now, you’ve only been able to play Dolby Atmos tracks through a HomePod which is directly hooked up to Apple Music. This upgrade means you'll be able to stream tracks in Dolby Atmos using just an Apple smartphone or tablet using an AirPlay connection. Not only that, but you'll be able to stream Dolby Atmos to other compatible wireless speakers.

Extra details were thin on the ground, though, so exactly which speakers will be compatible remains to be seen.

If you’re interested in trying out this new feature, the AirPlay update should roll out in the autumn, together with the rest of the software features announced at the keynote.

MORE:

What is AirPlay 2? How it works, and what speakers and devices support it

Read our Apple HomePod 2 review

Our pick of the best AirPlay speakers

Apple's 2024 WWDC keynote has just ended, and while it was heavily focused on AI (as expected), there were a couple of tidbits of news for us AV fans.

These tidbits all relate to the tvOS 18 update, which is heading to the Apple TV 4K this autumn, and the most interesting is also the most vague: 21:9 support for projectors.

We of course know that 21:9 is an extra-wide aspect ratio favoured by many movies and is therefore the ratio that many owners choose to primarily set their projectors to. This new feature will presumably allow the Apple TV 4K to output in a native 21:9 ratio, though how it will do this or what it will do with non-21:9 images hasn't been revealed. We'll be keeping an eye out for more on this one.

Next up on the list of new Apple TV 4K features coming with tvOS 18 is actually an expansion of the existing Enhance Dialogue feature. This does exactly what it says on the tin, but currently only works when sound is being output to a HomePod or HomePod Mini. With tvOS 18, Enhance Dialogue will work with HDMI-connected devices such as TVs, soundbars and AV receivers. It will also apparently perform better, thanks to 'machine learning and computational audio'.

Finally on the list of new Apple TV features that piqued our interest is 'InSight', which is very much the Apple TV+ take on Amazon's 'X-Ray'. This allows you to display movie information that's relevant to the specific scene you're watching and is most useful in those 'what have I seen that actor in before?' moments.

All in all, it's not Earth-shattering stuff, and the wait goes on for new Apple TV hardware, but we can certainly see the 21:9 projector support appealing to some – assuming it's implemented effectively.

MORE:

These are the best projectors you can buy right now

Check out our Apple TV 4K review

And here's our Apple TV 4K 2024 wishlist

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) starts today. The annual event lets Apple shed some light on its upcoming features and generally shows its direction of travel. We might even see a new product or two.

This year promises to be AI-heavy – Google and Microsoft have already gone all in on AI during their conferences, and Apple will want to show it's keeping pace, if not steaming ahead of the pack. But what else could we see?

Here's how you can watch WWDC for yourself, as well as what – and what not – to expect.

How to watch WWDC 2024

You can watch WWDC 2024 live on Apple's website, on YouTube (via the link above), or through the Apple TV app. WWDC 2024 takes place in Apple Park, Cupertino, and starts at 6pm GMT / 10am PT / 1pm ET / 3am (11.06) AEST.

WWDC 2024: what to expect

AI

It's the tech phrase on everyone's lips at the moment, and justifiably so: artificial intelligence has the power to upend almost every aspect of our digital lives, though critics argue not always for the better. Earlier this year, Samsung introduced plenty of AI features to its Galaxy S24 smartphone, while Microsoft's AI-powered Recall feature recently caused controversy by promising to constantly take screenshots of whatever's on your PC screen. Now it's Apple's turn.

Rumour is that Apple has reworked its Siri personal assistant using large language models to make it more responsive. Given that Siri is present in most Apple devices, it's a safe bet to assume AI will spread its tentacles throughout Apple's ecosystem of products and services.

Apple's AI will reportedly be known as 'Apple Intelligence'. Other features mooted include AI summaries of messages and webpages, real-time transcriptions (all from within the relevant apps), a custom emoji generator and easy removing of people and objects from photos (just like Google's Magic Eraser feature on its Pixel smartphones).

A chatbot

It was previously reported that Apple was looking to ink a partnership with a third-party AI provider in order to supercharge its artificial intelligence. Google and Anthropic were mentioned, but Bloomberg recently reported that OpenAI will be Apple's partner, with a ChatGPT-style chatbot coming to Apple's products.

Better messaging and more

Apple is expected to follow Google in adopting a new messaging standard. Rich Communication Services (RCS) should become the default fallback for iMessage as part of iOS 18. That should enable longer messages between Android and iOS devices with bigger attachments, and all end-to-end encrypted.

Customisable homescreens are also expected, meaning you can arrange your apps as you want, with spaces allowed between them. Themes should also allow you to change icons' colours so they match.

WWDC 2024: what not to expect

Sadly, a lot of Apple's most exciting developments will have to wait for another day, as WWDC is usually heavily focussed on the software side. So it's most likely we won't see the below.

iPhone 16 range

The iPhone 16 isn't expected until September, but it sounds like it will be worth the wait. The Pro models are rumoured to have bigger screens and beefier processors, while capacitive touch buttons, better cameras and – of course – plenty of AI features are also rumoured.

iPhone 16: what to expect

iPhone 16 Pro: all the rumours surrounding Apple's higher-end handset

AirPods Max 2

The original AirPods Max launched in 2020, so many think a sequel is long overdue. The originals created a whole new market of premium wireless headphones, one above the likes of the Sony and Bose models that dominated at the time. Rumours abound that the second-gen model will land at the end of this year or beginning of next.

AirPods Max 2: release date rumours, potential price, features and spec leaks

A new Apple TV

The third-gen Apple TV 4K is a two time Award-winner, so Apple is probably in no rush to update it. But while excellent, it could still be improved. We're thinking of a new processor, better wi-fi and more advanced Bluetooth, among other things. 

Apple TV 4K 2024: our wishlist for a fourth-gen video streamer

AirPods Pro 3

It's a similar story with the AirPods Pro 2. Yes, they are excellent, being Apple's first pair of in-ear AirPods to earn five stars from us. But we want more. What about a new design? Better battery life? Higher quality codec support over Bluetooth? There's plenty to be done. Let's hope Apple doesn't wait too long.

AirPods Pro 3: release date rumours, price predictions, and 5 features we want

MORE:

Our expert pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: which five-star earbuds are better?

Is wi-fi for headphones the death knell for Bluetooth?

It's been quite some time since we've seen a new iPad; 18 months to be exact. Apple has neglected its popular tablets in favour of upgrading its Mac computers and launching the iPhone 15 series, which has left the current lineup untouched for over a year.

Thankfully, iPad fans should be able to breathe a sigh of relief, as Apple looks to be coming back stronger than ever according to new rumours courtesy of Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. According to these reports, we could see a new range of iPads launch within the next month. Gurman attributes this speculation of an imminent launch to the increased production of iPad displays, which has also revealed two major upgrades to the iPad lineup in the process.

Starting with the new iPad Pro, Apple is expected to make a shift from Mini LED to OLED on its premium tablet offering. Apple has outfitted its iPhones with OLED displays since the iPhone X in 2017, as well as using Micro OLED technology on its Vision Pro headset, but now the self-emissive screen technology should be making its way to the iPad for the first time. 

The OLED panel should be sharper and provide enhanced contrast on the new iPad model, as well as delivering those trademark inky blacks that we know and love. Combine that with Dolby Vision certification and we could be onto a real winner with this new iPad. We also expect Apple to include the existing ProMotion display technology that allows for a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. 

Codenamed J717, J718, J720 and J721, the new iPad Pro models will also use the latest Apple-developed M3 processor, which also features in its high-end Mac computers. Gurman also points towards redesigned Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories, making this the biggest update to the Pro-series iPad since 2018. 

It's not just the Pro that will be receiving all the attention, as an updated iPad Air is also supposedly on the way. While it won't feature an OLED display, it is reportedly set to come in a new 12.9-inch option; a first for the iPad Air. It's also expected to get an upgrade from the M1 chip of its 2022 predecessor, although Gurman didn't specify if this would be to the M2 or M3 processor. 

We'd also like to see updates to the 10th Generation iPad (released in October 2022) and the iPad Mini 6th Generation which hasn't been touched since September 2021. However, no mentions of updates coming to these models were made, so we don't have high hopes.

Gurman reports that Apple initially intended to release its new iPad range by the end of March, but a combination of software development and complex manufacturing processes has delayed the launch. They're now expected to launch within a month of Apple's upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 event, which is supposedly scheduled to commence on June 10th.

MORE:

Read our full iPad Pro 12.9 (2022) review

As well as our iPad Air 5th Generation review

And check out our picks for the best tablets

Apple has confirmed the dates for its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference – more commonly known as WWDC – and already the rumour mill for what we can expect is hotting up.

The event, which traditionally has focused on the new software features coming to Apple's products, has also been the launchpad for hardware in more recent years. It was at WWDC 2023 that we caught the first glimpse of Apple Vision Pro, and at 2017's event, we got the announcement of the original Homepod. 

Artificial intelligence looks likely to be the hot topic for this year, but there are still some hints that we won't be left without TV and audio news. Here's everything we know so far.

WWDC 2024: When is it?

Apple has confirmed that WWDC will run 10-14th June 2024. As usual, it will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, and will be attended by thousands of developers in person, as well as millions watching online. 

The keynote with all the big announcements will kick off the five-day event, and will be streamed live on Apple's website, usually around 10am PT / 6pm UK time. We'll be covering all the big announcements as they land.

WWDC 2024: What to expect

Apple has made no secret that there is going to be a huge focus on AI this year, with a few hints dropped – including one from Apple's senior VP for marketing Greg Joswiak on X (formerly Twitter). 

It's been a huge year for generative AI and Apple has some ground to catch up on here, particularly when compared with competition from Google and Microsoft. 

However, while AI might be the headline topic, we're still expecting a few audio and TV-focused announcements and updates to pique our interest. Here are a few rumours we've caught wind of in recent months.

New fourth-gen AirPods

Last year, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested that Apple would be releasing a slew of new AirPods models in 2024 – so could they make an appearance at WWDC24?

According to Gurman, Apple is looking to phase out the regular second-gen and third-gen AirPods due to poor sales of the latter.

Apparently, buyers have been opting for the cheaper second-gen model instead, which has remained on sale. The plan, says Gurman, is to launch two new models of fourth-gen Airpods at similar price points to what the outgoing models cost now. They will still sit below the AirPods Pro 2, but there will be more clear cut differences in features between the two models.

This includes a rumoured introduction of noise-cancellation and integrated speakers on the charging case for the more advanced model, plus a design change for both “that looks like a blend of the third-generation AirPods and the Pro model”. 

Apparently this won’t, though, extend to the silicone eartips – with that being a feature that is kept solely for the AirPods Pro.

AirPods Max 2

We loved the original AirPods Max, but considering Apple's biggest and best headphones have been out since 2020, they are now well overdue an update. 

As part of his AirPods predictions, Gurman said he expected the AirPods Max do have a refresh coming in 2024, but it doesn't sound like the update we would be hoping for – mainly a move to USB-C charging and a few new colours. 

While the USB-C update would be welcome, and one of the bugbears in our original review, new hardware feels necessary at this point. The AirPods Max carry the H1 processor, which is less advanced than the H2 processor in the much-cheaper AirPods Pro. This means they miss out on several new features announced last WWDC, including Adaptive Audio, Personalised Volume and Conversation Awareness. 

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is a little more optimistic. He predicts the USB-C and new colour options too, but also has improved noise cancellation, a longer battery life, plus a move to the U1 chip for more precise" Find My" integration, in his list of expected improvements.

The only downer? He's predicting all of this for the end of 2024 (the original AirPods Max were released in December) or even early 2025, but that doesn't mean we won't hear early details announced in June. Fingers crossed.

HomePod mini 2

Now this one is a bit contentious, as the two aforementioned, largely reliable insiders have different opinions on what’s to come.

As reported by MacRumors, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks we could see a second-generation Homepod mini released in the second half of the year, which – if true – could well signal an announcement at WWDC 2024.

It’s not clear what new features a second-gen HomePod mini might come with, so it’s all a bit vague – particularly when Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says quite the opposite. 

Gurman reckons that Apple is not actively working on a new version of the HomePod mini, but is instead focused on “new speakers with screens and cameras” ­­­– maybe to create a competitor for the like of Amazon’s Echo Show. 

Still, Kuo says that Apple supplier Goertek has secured “secured NPI [New Product Introduction] and assembly orders” for the new mini, so it remains to be seen if anything appears in June.

tvOS 18

Considering WWDC is a conference for developers, you can pretty much consider details of Apple's next update for its tvOS software a certainty – alongside details for what's to come for the likes of iOS, MacOS and WatchOS.

As you'll read in our Apple TV 4K review, we already like what tvOS has to offer, but the ability to update it every year always brings with it some welcome updates. 

Last year, tvOS 17 delivered some welcome usability tweaks with a redesigned Control Center, introduced the ability to FaceTime using your Apple TV 4K and even quietly threw in some picture improvements too with support for Dolby Vision 8.1

For tvOS 18 this year, we're expecting the artificial intelligence announcements that will likely dominate proceedings to seep into how you interact with your Apple TV 4K. This will likely be through a smarter Siri, for improved searching, and the introduction of recommendations – all wrapped in a more natural, conversational experience.

Outside of that, it's anyone's guess. Could we see the HomePod 2's capabilities extend to using them as wireless surround speakers in a similar way that Amazon allows its Echo devices to be used? In all honesty, probably not – but here's hoping that that WWDC 2024 has at least one or two AV surprises up its sleeve.

MORE:

Check out the best wireless earbuds we’ve reviewed

Or, if you prefer, take a look at the best wireless speakers

I've got AirPods envy – but here's why I’ll never wear Apple’s iconic earbuds

Apple launching at least a handful of new products every year is pretty much guaranteed. With such a vast portfolio of AirPods headphones, iPad tablets, Mac computers and laptops, iPhones (of course!) and much more besides, Apple has a lot to keep on top of and tends to update models fairly regularly. 

So what is due this year?  We can't say for certain, as Apple doesn't like to give official heads-ups on new products on the way, but based on product launch timelines and the ever-spinning Apple rumour mill, we can take an educated guess.

From the new iPhone 16 and the AirPods 4 to the Apple Watch and the company's first proper foray into AI within its iOS 18 update, here is everything we expect to come down the Apple pipeline in the next 12 months...

The iPhone 16 lineup

The one thing we can almost be certain of is that Apple will reveal the iPhone 16 lineup this year, likely in September to follow suit with previous iPhone launches. This year we're expecting the announcement to come during the week of 9th September. And the rumours are flowing in fast with lots to get excited about.

When it comes to pricing, the iPhone 15 launched with a lower-than-expected RRP, so that gives hope for a lower-cost iPhone 16 too. You can expect prices for the 'standard' iPhone to start from £799 / $799 / AU$1499, going up from there for the Plus, Pro and Pro Max models.

The iPhone 16's display could, according to analyst Ross Young, grow on the iPhone 15's, offering a Pro 6.3-inch screen over a current Pro's 6.1-inch size. The iPhone 16 Pro Max could also get a screen bump to 6.9 inches from the current 6.7 inches. The standard iPhone 16 is expected to remain at 6.1 inches. There is also a rumour of a new M14 screen technology that would save on power, while the use of Micro Lens Array could increase brightness too.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 16 Pro will get the 5x optical zoom camera feature that currently only the iPhone 15 Pro Max features.

And lastly, we can expect a new A18 processor, with the Pro models getting an A18 Bionic Pro variant, according to MacRumours. The same site also claims we can expect the action button to come on all iPhone 16 variants, more AI in iOS 18, and the introduction of graphene to combat overheating.

Check out our dedicated iPhone 16 rumour guide for more leaks.

iOS 18 with AI boosts

The next version of Apple's mobile operating system should be announced at its usual time – at the company's WWDC developer conference in June, to arrive with the iPhone 16 in September 2024. This year's update is rumoured to be a big one, with plenty of intelligent AI integration offering significant improvements.

Bloomberg's reliable Apple reporter Mark Gurman suggests this could be a "relatively groundbreaking" update, reports MacRumours. Expect things like auto-generated playlists in Music and AI-assisted writing and slide deck creation in Pages and Keynote.

Siri is also rumoured to get an update using Large Language Models, famous for AI platforms like Chat-GPT. That should mean deeper integration of Siri with apps and improved interactions with Messages specifically.

Messages should also get an update to use Rich Communication Services to improve cross-platform communications between iPhone and Android devices. Apple is also rumoured to offer greater support for higher-resolution photos and videos as well as audio messages.

AirPods 4

While the next AirPods Pro (AirPods Pro 3) aren't likely to show up until next year, Apple is rumoured to be launching a fourth generation of the AirPods pretty soon. Despite the AirPods 3 being a relatively recent release, in 2021, the company is reportedly pressing on with a new pair.

Apple has left around two and a half years between each upgrade of the AirPods so far – they've arrived in 2016, 2019 and 2021 – so an update is due and, according to Bloomberg, we can expect them in mid-2024.

The price of this latest generation of AirPods is expected to be similar to previous releases – around the $179 / £169 / AU$279 mark. But naturally we are expecting some headway to be made in terms of their design and performance. Rumours are surprisingly pretty thin on the ground in terms of what improvements we can expect, but we, for one, would like on-bud volume adjustment and improved sound quality. And a USB-C case is pretty much a given.

Check out our AirPods 4 rumours guide for all the latest leaks.

iPads with new OLED screens

Apple did not update its iPads last year, which has left expectations high for 2024. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, we can expect some major changes to come to the iPad range this year.

The iPad Pro is expected to get an update, though in what ways we aren't sure. There are, however, rumours of screen upgrades. The word is that Apple is getting ready to reveal new iPads with upgraded OLED displays that offer 120Hz refresh rates. That would take the tablets up to the screen quality of the newer iPhone models – which makes sense when you consider these devices are all about their display quality.

More rumours, from 9to5 Mac, suggest we could see an entire iPad line overhaul with the iPad, iPad Mini and iPad Air all entering their next generations. These include the iPad Mini getting a 7th Generation A16 Bionic Chip, the 8th Generation iPad Air getting an M2 processor, and an undisclosed upgrade to the 11th Generation iPad's silicone.

More M3 Macs and MacBooks

Expect Apple to announce some updates to its laptop line in the form of fresh MacBooks and Mac machines. After Apple upgraded all its computers in 2023 with its own silicon, we can expect upgraded versions to land this year.

According to MacWorld sources, we can look forward to the new M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max chips finding their way into new Mac Mini, MacBook Air and iMac Pro models this year.

These chips all appeared in October 2023 across the new iMac and MacBook Pro.

10th-anniversary Apple Watch

It's the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch this year, so you can expect some big changes to the iconic timepiece. Expect a new model to launch around September.

According to Bloomberg, we can expect the 10th Generation Apple Watch Series 9 to get a design overhaul. That should mean it is slimmer than it is currently and will come with new methods of attaching bands.

The display is rumoured by Jeff Pu to get an upgrade to a new 2.1-inch micro LED, screen making it more battery efficient. This could be an Apple Watch Ultra upgrade rather than a Series 9.

There could also be a new blood pressure monitor that uses the wave of a heartbeat to take a reading, making it far less invasive than most methods. Continuing on health, this watch could also detect hypertension as well as sleep apnea. Clever.

AirPods Max 2

With a suite of excellent features, including wonderfully cinematic spatial audio, brilliant sound quality, a reliable battery life, and a comfortable but sturdy build, the original Apple wireless over-ears remain a staple recommendation Apple users who can afford them. But there's still room for improvement and we think it's time the 2020-released headphones got a sequel. After all, Apple hasn't historically left many of its products for more than four years without an update.

A softer update than we might expect is actually rumoured for the AirPods Max 2, though that includes new colourways, a USB-C port, improved ANC and a redesigned case. Gesture controls, lossless audio support over a wire (or even wirelessly!) and waterproofing would be welcome, so we'll have to wait to see what transpires.

Rumour has it these should launch towards the end of this year or, in the worst-case scenario, early 2025.

Check out our AirPods Max 2 rumours guide for all the latest leaks.

MORE:

What to expect from Sonos in 2024 – headphones, new Arc and a big surprise

What to expect from Samsung in 2024 – its brightest ever OLED TV, arty speaker and more

What to expect from Sony in 2024 – Mini LED, WH-1000XM6 and more hi-fi (please)