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Wow. What a year 2015 was for Apple. The 12in MacBook, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Apple Pay, Apple Music, Beats 1 and, of course, the Apple Watch, gave us plenty to talk about - and these releases give us plenty of hints about what might be coming up in 2016 and 2017.

In this article we look in our crystal ball and predict the products and services Apple will launch in the second half of 2016 and 2017.

Updated, 22 June 2016, to discuss possible acquisition activity in the next 12 months - which could conceivably include Netflix (but dont bet on it).

Apple hasnt exactly bet the farm on its Watch. It was launched with appropriate fanfare, but the company has played it slow and sure since then. In-store display areas are discreet, and overshadowed by its longer-established lines. Perhaps the company realises that a fair few of us are waiting for the first revision.

Expect that to come later in 2016. In April, the original model turned 12 months old, and although two major operating system updates have added a range of new features - watchOS 3 was unveiled at WWDC in June 2016 - it would be risky for Apple to wait more than 18 months between hardware updates to a product line as high-profile as its smartwatch. (Granted, Tim Cook may also have been wary about straying too far in the other direction. It would be galling in the extreme to spend £13,500 on a smartwatch, as some deep-pocketed Apple Watch Edition buyers did last year, and then see it rendered obsolete a few months later.)

The first revision will almost certainly be an extensive upgrade to bring it in line with its most ambitious competitors, so were expecting an Apple Watch 2, rather than an iPhone-style S variant. We’re also expecting it to be an entirely stand-alone device, along the lines of Samsungs Gear S2, which connects directly to the cellular network, bypassing the Galaxy Phone entirely.



This might seem illogical if you considered the Apple Watch to be a stealth marketing tool for increased iPhone sales, but it wouldnt be the first time Apple has broken an explicit link between two core products to boost the sales of the newcomer. Think back to its original strategy with the iPod, which was to use it as a Trojan Horse for the Mac (it required a FireWire-enabled computer running iTunes which, at that time, wasnt available on Windows). Only when it produced a PC version did the iPod really fly, and change the companys fortunes forever.

Why do we believe its going to do that here? Aside from the need to compete with Samsung, its because watchOS 2, which rolled out on 21 September 2015, made it possible for the first time to run third-party applications directly, without using the phone as a data conduit. Building in full-blown phone-free comms is the next logical step.

This will require some additional components - in particular a SIM card and associated circuitry - but advances made in the last 12 months suggest that shouldnt be a problem. The S1 processor in the current Apple Watch is built using the same 28 nanometer process as the chip in the iPhone 5s, which was current while Apple was closing Watchs development cycle. Since then, weve seen both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s hit the shelves, and they use a considerably finer process, with their A9 processors built using a 14 nanometer process. Assuming Apple develops a new chip - likely called the S2 - for its second-generation Watch, its reasonable to assume that it will employ the same 14-nanometer process and, rather than slimming the wearable, use the reclaimed space to bolster its built-in features.

Other notable omissions from Apple Watch that could be addressed in the first revision are native GPS, additional health sensors and a higher capacity battery, not necessarily to deliver a longer work time, but to deal with the additional load of the bolstered range of sensors and comms.

The new Watch should also be able to collect more health data, apparently Apple had high hopes for the health capabilities of the original Apple Watch but had to remove some of the sensors before launch because of accuracy issues. These could include blood oxygen levels and blood pressure, for example.

We also expect it will be a little thinner and faster, have better battery life, and that a front-facing camera might make it onto the Watch for FaceTime calls. Wed also appreciate a WiFi chip that can connect directly to a network without requiring the iPhone as an intermediary. In fact, less reliance on the iPhone full stop, although the WatchOS2 release in September meant that some apps could run independently of an iPhone. GPS capabilities and better water resistance would also be appreciated. We expect to see a new Apple Watch at the rumoured event in March with a launch in April 2016

Read more about Apple Watch: Apple Watch 2 release date & new feature rumours | Apple Watch accessories round-up | Best Apple Watch straps & how to attach them | Apple Watch tips  | Apple Watch review

Weve already had an S model since the last full update, so expect 2016s iPhone 7 to be a more extensive revamp - were expecting a bit of a redesign for Apples 4.7in and 5.5in iPhones, as is customary when Apple makes a leap from S to a whole new number.

Pundits are forecasting the death of the home button, which we dont think many would mourn. Adopting soft buttons, as are common on Android devices, makes sense, and it would allow Apple to increase the screen size without bulking up the physical body. Conversely, it may reclaim the lost space to produce a smaller device with the same 16:9 aspect screen as it employed in the iPhone 5, 5s and 5c to tempt an upgrade out of anyone who was put off by the iPhone 6 and 6ss wider, taller bodies.

Before you assume that losing the Home Button and its fingerprint scanner would be unlikely in this era of Apple Pay, Apple has a patent that indicates its been looking at onscreen fingerprint scanners. Alternatively, theres no reason why the fingerprint reader couldnt be moved to the side of the case or sited by the earpiece, on the opposite side to the front-mounted camera.



Building the iPhone 7 around an AMOLED screen - as used in the Apple Watch - would also make sense on several fronts, as its less power-hungry than the LCD technology Apple currently uses, can display more colours and is more responsive, but it seems unlikely that Apple will roll it into the iPhone any time soon. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, believes the company will persevere with LCD for several years, and with Apple suppliers building new LCD factories in China to satisfy future demand, it looks like he could well be right.

Some of the other new features you can expect: wireless charging, haptic feedback for the on-screen keyboard, waterproof, better battery life, improved camera, A10 processor and 3GB of RAM in the 5.5in version. Other rumours point to a thinner design, a 3D camera, and the elimination of the 3.5mm headphone jack, with the iPhone 7 shipping with wireless headphones. Lightning headphones will be another option.

There are two potential benefits to losing the headphone jack: the iPhone could be slightly thinner (apparently 1mm) and if the headphones were to use the Lightning port that could allow for high-res audio.

We also hope 2016 is the year Apple stops selling the inadequate 16GB version of the iPhone.

Read more about iPhone 7: iPhone 7 release date rumours & new features

And the iPhone 7 Plus: iPhone 7 Plus release date rumours


Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: iPads

Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: iPad Air 3


There was no new iPad Air in 2015 so some Apple fans are expecting an update to that model soon; but we suspect that the 9.7in iPad Pro (yep, Apple has ported the Pro branding to the medium-sized iPads - confusing, right?) has now displaced the Air line. Were not convinced that Apple will release another Air-branded product at all, in fact, with the MacBook Airs tiny update this spring giving the impression that Apple has shifted its focus to the 12-inch MacBook instead.

There are a few updates an iPad Air 3 could benefit from: we expect the iPad Air 3 will have a faster processor, better camera, and 3D Touch (although KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo doesnt think 3D Touch will make an appearance, apparently due to production issues). But our bet would be on the Air 2 being the last of its family line.


Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: iPad mini 5


Given that the iPad mini was just updated in September, and on the assumption that Apple might have slowed down its upgrade cycle for the iPads, given that people dont update their tablets as often as their iPhones, maybe we wont see a new iPad mini in 2016, and maybe this doesnt really matter.


Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: iPad Pro 2


With the 12.9-inch iPad Pro arriving in November 2015, and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in March 2016, its hard to guess Apples plans for this line. Our suspicion is that Apple will be patient and update both in spring 2017, but much will depend on how effectively they have dealt with the stagnating iPad sales problem weve observed in the past few earnings calls.

Apples television product - once famously dubbed a hobby by Steve Jobs - has undergone its most ambitious revamp in years. For UK users, meanwhile, the big news of 2016 is likely to be the appearance of BBC iPlayer on the platform. The Corporation has already finally extended its existing browser-based service to the Apple box, where it will join Sky, which has been on the service for some time.


Sadly, though, that could be it as far as the UKs free-to-air broadcasters are concerned, unless any other unofficial ports appear online. The BBC reported in October that ITV had no plans to appear on Apple TV (just as it initially didnt appear on either Sky or Freeview), while the intentions of Channels 4 and 5 were unknown.

There were also rumours in 2015 that Apple would launch a Netflix-competing streaming service for Apple TV (at least in the US) but nothing materialised. Apparently the company just cant reach agreements with the networks. Perhaps the company will focus on the app structure instead and allow companies to provide their own streaming services in the form of apps. Wed like to see Apple adopt an Apple Music-esque system for providing TV shows via iTunes, though, rather than paying £2.99 per episode.

As for the Apple TV hardware, there have been rumours pointing to a new Apple TV box launching in early 2016, but we think that is unlikely given the fact that Apple only just launched the fourth generation Apple TV.

Read more about the Apple TV: New Apple TV 2015 review | The best new Apple TV games of 2015 & 2016 | Best Apple TV apps | Tips for using the new Apple TV Siri Remote | New 2016 Apple TV release date rumours

Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: Macs

Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: 2016 Mac Pro


The Mac Pro is due a refresh - it hasnt been updated since its launch in 2013 and now its looking a little long in the tooth, being bypassed by generations of Intel chips that never made it into the chassis. Will Apple update the Mac Pro in 2016 or has it given up entirely on this professional Mac workstation? We don’t anticipate any external remodelling, but references within El Capitans code suggest a new machine could be in the works, which would enable Apple to benefit from the last two years of processor advances.

We hope Apple is just waiting for the E5 V4 Broadwell chips that are set to launch in the first half of 2016, or perhaps integrating Skylake, so that its complete line-up is running on the same core hardware from end to end, so a WWDC launch could be possible.


Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: MacBook Air


Back in 2015 the rumours were pointing to a MacBook Air with Retina display; what Apple actually gave us was a whole new MacBook with Retina display, in the 12in form factor. This has rather left the MacBook Air in limbo, but while the MacBook Air isnt as powerful as the MacBook Pro, its a whole lot more powerful than the MacBook, and its a lot less expensive. Many people still rate the Air as a reasonably priced, portable laptop.

But we suspect that Apple may be considering retiring the Air to the great Genius Bar in the sky. Spring 2016 saw the most perfunctory of updates to the MacBook Air - the company merely included in the base price a RAM upgrade that had previously been optional - and unless something more radical arrives in 2017 (spring would be the most likely time for the next refresh) the user base will drift away.

If Apple does go down the radical update route, the Air could finally get its Retina display (if that pushes the price up, mind you, people may be less keen). What the MacBook Air really needs is a performance boost and improved specs - its currently using an Intel processor thats a few generations old and we are hoping Skylake processors will make an appearance in the new models - apparently the Skylake U processors that seem destined for the MacBook Air will ship in the early part of 2016. A physical makeover wouldnt go amiss either, with the laptop sporting the exact same design since 2010.
But we suspect that the MacBook Air, like the iPad Air, is on the way out.


Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: Retina MacBook Pro
 

The MacBook Air and 12-inch MacBook both got updates in spring 2016, but the MacBook Pro is still waiting. Something more substantial is surely on the cards.

Wed like to see a bit of a makeover, but its whats inside that counts, and whats inside currently is the Intel Broadwell processor in the 13in model and inexplicably, the even older Haswell  processor in the 15in version. We say inexplicably, but part of that blame must lie at the feet of Intel, who was particularly lax at updating its chips in 2015. It seems likely that the MacBook Pro range will finally get the Skylake chips at some point in 2016. That will make a lot of professional Mac users very happy.


Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: 12in Retina MacBook update


Apple launched its incredibly thin and light 12in MacBook back in March 2015, and the MacBooks first birthday saw a solid if unspectacular update - various sensible specs boosts, and a rose gold colour option.

The third iteration of the 12in MacBook is likely to appear in spring 2017. Rumours are thin on the ground right now, but some of the wilder speculation has suggested that it might feature a Force Touch keyboard - a keyboard, in other words, that doesnt actually move in response to your key presses, instead simulating presses through haptic feedback just like the Force Touch trackpad. Sounds pretty bizarre - not to mention difficult to use for touch-typing - but thats the sort of thing you tend to hear this far ahead of a launch.


Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: Mac mini

The Mac mini missed out on being updated in 2015 so we are hoping to see a 2016 update to the machine that is currently using Haswell processors. Hopefully 2016 will see a new Mac mini with Skylake processors (which are apparently scheduled to ship in the first few months of 2016. Perhaps the Mac mini is another Mac update to look out for this Spring.

Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: New iMacs

Its not been that long since the iMac was updated (although that update was long overdue). However, while the high-end models use Skylake processors already, the 21.5in models are still using Broadwell chips - however, it would appear that Intel has no plans to make Skylake chips that would be suitable for the iMacs as Skylake wont include the integrated Iris or Iris Pro graphics cards that are used with these Macs. If an update happens in 2016 we dont expect it to come until much later in the year.


Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: Mac processor updates

Despite Apples adventures into processor design its unlikely well see the company rolling out its own chips in its desktop and laptop machines unless it can make them fully compatible with the current Intel line-up.

Wonderful though it would be to run iOS apps alongside OS X software, Apple would need to give developers several years notice to update their applications to run on any new architecture, so expect to still be buying Intel-driven machines throughout the next 12 months, as the new Skylake processor line takes over from existing chips from spring.

Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: Force Touch Keyboard

A Force Touch keyboard could be in the works, too - as a supplement to the Magic Trackpad 2 - if a recent patent filing is anything to go by. The switchless design would allow Apple to produce even thinner MacBooks, and also to take into account the force with which a key is pressed, which will be a boon for anyone making music on their Mac. In the opposite direction it should allow for haptic feedback, which could possibly be used to signify to vision-impaired users that theyre correctly striking a particular key.

Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: USB Type-C

One more thing relating to Macs… With Thunderbolt 3 set to use the same port as USB C, does this mean we will see the back of the USB C port, currently only featuring on the MacBook, in favour of the Thunderbolt port, that features on all other Macs. Or will all Macs get a new port?

Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: Software & services

Apple predictions for 2016 & 2017: iOS 10

Apple announced the next version of iOS at WWDC in June 2016, and we expect it to roll it out in September as usual, along with the iPhone 7 release.


There are more than 100 new features in the updated mobile operating system, and far too many to go into here, but we can skim over a few highlights: the ability to hide many preinstalled apps; Raise To Wake; an extensive redesign of Apple Music; third-party Siri; all sorts of new emoji and visual effects in Messages; an entire new app called Home for controlling smart-home appliances; voicemail transcription.