The year 2012 was quite challenging for Apple but the release of iPhone 5 and iPad mini emerged among the few positives. The year 2013 seems equally demanding, as rival companies have already introduced their flagship smartphones. However, market observers believe that Apple will announce a new line-up of gadgets in 2013.
Here is a list of Apple product predictions for 2013:
iPhone 5S
The release of the next-generation iPhone is not a surprise. Rumors of iPhone 5S have been surfacing in the smartphone space for quite a while now. The iPhone 3G was succeeded by iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 made way for iPhone 4S. Going with Apple's naming pattern, the next iPhone may be called the iPhone 5S (though some people claim it will be called iPhone 6).
A number of rumors are surfacing regarding the iPhone 5S as they did with its processor. However, we will have to wait and see what the next-generation iPhone is called and what new features and specifications are included in the handset eventually.
Apple iTV
Rumors of Apple developing a television have been rampant for awhile now and 2013 may finally see Apple's iTV make its official appearance. Apple already has the TV set top box, but an iTV can change the television industry even more. If iTV is integrated with Siri voice controls and iOS operating system for running applications, then the iTV may revolutionize the television space.
iPad mini 2
Apple stepped into the tablet industry with the iPad in 2010. As demand for a smaller tablet increased, Apple ventured into the 7-inch tablet space as well and launched the iPad mini in October 2012. The iPad mini has seen an overwhelming response and has become extremely popular in a short span.
Rumors suggest that Apple will launch the iPad mini 2, which will feature a better processor, more RAM, and most importantly, Retina display. The price of the iPad mini 2 is a bit steep when compared to other 7-inch tablets. If and when the iPad mini 2 is launched, Apple may reduce the price of the iPad mini to the level of rivals such as Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD 8.9, which retail sub-$300.
iPad 5
Apple launched the iPad 4 within seven months of the release of the iPad 3. Rumors are flying thick and fast that the next-generation iPad may soon make its appearance, and will be thinner and lighter than its predecessors. Rumors claim that iPad 5 will launch in March, but with the iPad mini 2's launch pegged for March, it may not come as a surprise if the iPad 5 is launched in fall 2013.
Smart Watch - iWatch
Recent rumors suggest that Apple is working in collaboration with Intel to develop a smart watch. The smart watch is expected to sport a 1.5-inch PMOLED display made by RiTDisplays with ITO-coated glass.
Recently, a senior executive at Samsung hinted that the company will launch a smart watch, and perhaps Apple would want to hop onto the bandwagon. The iWatch, if launched, will be an addition to the Apple ecosystem and could be connected to other iDevices. However, Apple may wait it out and see how the smart watches released by other companies are faring before it takes the plunge.
Which Apple product, upgraded or new, do you want to see in 2013?
