Here’s What To Expect at Apple’s March Event

Michael Grothaus 12/03/2019 – 1:37pm

A streaming video service, a news subscription…and MAYBE new hardware.

Apple usually has two huge events each year. The first takes place in June and is the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference. This is where Apple previews its latest iOS and macOS operating systems.

The second major even usually takes place in September, where Apple introduces its new iPhones. A third, less critical event for the company then usually happens in October, where Apple introduces new iPads.

But in recent years, Apple has taken to holding minor events in March. Last year, the company introduced a new low-cost iPad at its March event, which was geared towards the education market.

This year, however, Apple’s March event will be much more high profile thanks to the products Apple is rumored to be unveiling at the event. Yesterday the company sent out press invites for the event, dubbed “It’s show time.” The vent will take place on March 25th at Apple’s HQ. Here’s what we can expect to see unveiled.

An Apple Streaming Video Service

The fact that Apple is working on its own video streaming service to rival Netflix is no secret. The company has over 20 shows already in development and/or production, which will debut when the service goes live.

So expect the bulk of Apple’s March event to focus on the upcoming streaming service. Right now, now pricing plans or even a release date has been leaked. However, don’t expect Apple’s streaming service to launch this March. Instead, it will probably go live sometime over the summer.

An Apple News Subscription Service

This is probably the second major product that will be announced at the event. Apple is rumored to be launching this Apple News subscription service, which would complement its existing Apple News app.

The subscription service would allow app users to access unlimited premium content from major web and newspaper publishers—far more content than you can access from these publishers in the News app at this time.

Rumor has it major news publishers are already on board. And given that a new News app icon is in the latest betas of iOS 12.2, it’s likely this News subscription service will launch shortly after the event.

iOS 12.2

Alongside the News subscription service, it’s highly likely that Apple will release iOS 12.2. It’s currently on the fifth beta of the update and major new features include Apple News support in Canada. iOS 12.2 also adds “Hey Siri” support for the company’s popular AirPods.

An Apple TV Dongle

It’s also possible we could see new Apple TV hardware to compliment the upcoming streaming service. This would take the form of an Apple TV streaming stick you could plug into your television. It’s rumored this streaming stick would cost a fraction of the current Apple TV and that Apple is releasing it so people could buy a cheap device they could stream the company’s new video service through to their television.

AirPower

Apple’s much-delayed AirPower wireless charging pad for the iPhone could also be unveiled at the event. However, it may not get any stage time. Instead, Apple could announce its release in a press release after the event is over.

AirPods 2

The next version of Apple’s AirPods could also make an appearance at the event, though these might be saved for later in the year. If Apple does unveil the new AirPods, expect them to have improved sound quality and wireless charging.