Top Stories: Spring Apple Event Rumors, Apple Opposes Sideloading, and More

As we roll into the latter half of January, we're starting to hear more about a potential spring Apple event, which is likely to take place in March or April. There are a number of potential announcements on deck, so an event would be a good opportunity for Apple to get them all out there.

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We've also been going back and forth on some iPhone 14 rumors, and we've taken a look at a number of rumored Apple products that are a bit further down the road. Read on below for details on all of these stories and more!

New iPad Air, Macs, and iPhone SE With 5G Likely to Be Announced at Apple Event This Spring

Apple plans to a hold a spring event to announce a new iPhone SE with 5G support and other hardware, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The event will likely take place in March or April, he said.


In addition to a new iPhone SE, other products rumored to be announced at the event include a fifth-generation iPad Air with similar features as the new iPad mini, a redesigned 27-inch iMac with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and a high-end Mac mini with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.

Earlier this week, Apple filed several unreleased iPhone and iPad model numbers in a regulatory database. These filings are likely for new iPhone SE and iPad Air models at a minimum.

Apple Says Option to Stay on iOS 14 With Security Updates Was Always Meant to Be Temporary

When iOS 15 was released in September, Apple gave users an option to stay on iOS 14 and continue to receive security updates, but as MacRumors reported last week, this is no longer an option.

iOS 14 vs 15 feature
Apple has since informed Ars Technica that the option to stay on iOS 14 and receive security updates was always meant to be temporary. Users now must update to iOS 15 to continue to receive security updates.

U.S. Senate Panel Approves Antitrust Bill That Would Allow Sideloading

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee this week approved the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, which means it will now move on to the Senate floor for a vote, and there could be big implications for Apple.

iOS App Store General Feature Sqaure Complement
The bill would require major changes to the App Store if passed in its current incarnation. For example, it would allow sideloading of apps outside of the App Store on the iPhone and iPad. In a letter this week, Apple warned that sideloading will subject customers to "malware, ransomware, and scams."

ProMotion Display Now Expected to Remain Exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro Models

iPhone 13 Pro models feature ProMotion, which allows for the display to have a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother content and scrolling. The refresh rate can also go as low as 10Hz to preserve battery life depending on the type of content on the screen.

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While it was rumored that ProMotion might expand to all iPhone 14 models, display industry consultant Ross Young this week claimed the feature will remain exclusive to the Pro models.

Six Rumored Apple Products You're Unlikely to See This Year

Much has been said about what consumers could see from Apple in 2022, but the company is also working on a handful of rumored products that aren't expected to be unveiled for at least another 12 months, and in some cases a lot longer.

Unlikely Products 2022 Feature
With that in mind, we've put together a list of six rumored Apple products that are unlikely to launch this year, including a hybrid Apple TV/HomePod device.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

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Top Rated Comments

Sciomar Avatar
40 months ago
Looking forward to the new iPad Pro, I may finally upgrade from my 10.5.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
40 months ago

I'm really hoping for the M2 Macbook in April/March... It looks like later though, unfortunately.
I agree, it seems like MacBook Air may be released in the Fall of this year.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Realityck Avatar
40 months ago

I don't think Apple will release an iPad Pro M2 before the MacBook Air M2, and this is not supposed to happen in the next months.
That would seem to make the next iPad Pro a 2023 model with the speculation concerning it using OLED displays.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
40 months ago

crossing fingers for a stand alone display, especially if a new mac mini is announced. ?

and hopefully it will be reasonably priced? the rumor of $2,500 - $3,000 is too rich for me
It's only $2500 - $3000 if you get it with their special display stand.

It's $1500 - $2000 without it. ?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
di1in Avatar
40 months ago
I’m really looking forward to the new iPad Pro coming out in March, as I need an upgrade as soon as possible for my iPad Air 2 from 2014.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lovehateapple Avatar
40 months ago
crossing fingers for a stand alone display, especially if a new mac mini is announced. ?

and hopefully it will be reasonably priced? the rumor of $2,500 - $3,000 is too rich for me
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)