With the new year comes a truckload of rumors regarding the plans for Apple. The world’s most influential technology company did not wow consumers with any new products in 2013, but instead focused on improving and updating its core offerings, including the iPhone, iPad, iOS and Mac Pro. So what does 2014 have in store for the brand? Recently Apple CEO Tim Cook had this to say: “We have a lot to look forward to in 2014, including some big plans that we think customers are going to love.”
‘Big plans?’ Hmmm. Interesting. So what does it all mean? Let’s take a look.
Bigger iPad – Digitimes is reporting that Apple will release a 12.9-inch tablet in October 2014. The new iPad will specifically target the educational market. It will be manufactured by Quanta Computer, and go toe-to-toe with Samsung’s new large tablets expected in 2014.
Bigger iPhone – Yes, after years of rumors, this will finally happen in 2014. Expect a larger iPhone. The logical date would be in October, when the iPhone 6 will likely be released.
China – The iPhone is coming next month to China Mobile, the country’s largest mobile network. This is a done deal. This strictly means sales and market share. Apple has struggled in some overseas markets, and this deal is expected to generate sales of 15-20 million iPhones.
Apple TV – or iTV – We’re not talking about the current little black box that sits on top of your current entertainment center. We’re talking about a real TV. Let’s call it the iTV. This one is a coin flip. Apple reportedly has large screen TVs ready to be developed, but the company doesn’t want to launch something half-finished. The issue is not the technology – but content agreements. Apple wants to make a TV that operates like iTunes – bypassing traditional cable and satellite companies and letting consumers buy their content ala cart. The networks are hesitant to give up control. We bet that we will see an iTV in 2014, but we’re not sure if it will ever resemble what the company really wants.
What’s missing? Most notably, the much-rumored iWatch. This may come back into play, but word is that Apple has found a watch product lacking in interest from the public. The Samsung Gear watch has been underwhelming – big, bulky and lacking any ‘gotta have’ features. Apple is playing the waiting game on a watch, but the low interest from consumers will likely doom it to the shadows for the time being.