Is Apple Doomed in 2013? What to expect in 2013!

With rumors of new iPad’s and iPhone’s coming sooner rather than later, it is time that we take a look at what to expect for 2013. But is what Apple doing enough to keep people from fearing the demise of Apple?  

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has a great track record of predicting what and when Apple gear is updated. Here is a graph of what Kuo expects to be released in 2013.

Roadmap of predicted Apple product release timeframes. 

However, lets take a deeper look at what we can expect out of Apple for 2013!

• iPhone: Apple typically releases iPhones annually with a pattern of a redesigned iPhone followed by an internal refresh the following year such as iPhone 4 followed by iPhone 4S. However, in 2013, Apple will take it’s first true leap by releasing the iPhone 5S and an updated iPhone 5 in the Fall of 2013. 
• The iPhone 5S will sport the A7 chip, 4.6 inch screen, along with 1600 mAh battery, thinner design, and camera improvements.
• For the iPhone 5, the refreshed iPhone will sport the A6 chip, 4 inch screen, and camera improvements.
• iPhone 4 will be dropped and iPhone 4S free with new 2 year contract. 
• iPad: Much like the iPhone, Apple typically releases iPad annually. While Apple did release a refreshed iPad back in October, Apple will again release a brand new iPad 5 or whatever you want to call it this Fall of 2013. 
• This iPad will have more iPad mini like design, however, the bezels will stay the same as previous generations. 
• Expect an A7 chip, larger battery (15-18 hours), a better camera and thinner.
• iPad Mini: This is a first generation product. While the iPad is familiar, this is indeed a new product a missing flagship features such as Retina display. Other than that, nothing really else missing. While the iPad Mini isn’t missing much, here is what Apple will add this Fall of 2013. 



Potential iPhone 5S look.e

• iPad Mini will be updated with A6X modified chip for power efficiency, battery life improvements to 12-14 hours, Retina Display, and better camera. 
• Mac (Portable): Apple has really been on their “A” game updating and refreshing the Macbook Pro and Macbook Air lines with the addition of their Retina Macbook Pro’s. Look for refreshes and changes Summer of 2013. 
• Not much to say here, every line is updated with latest processor. 
• Potential design change for Macbook Pro. 
• Mac (Desktop): This is the area that Apple has been in hot water. While Apple has taken some steps to updating their line with new iMac and updated Mac Mini, they have basically ignored the Mac Pro. However, in 2013, I do believe Apple finally gives users what they want. Refreshes for all desktop Mac’s and new Mac Pro Summer of 2013. 
• New Mac Pro in 2013, not just updated like in 2012.
• Refreshes to all other Mac desktops.
• iPod: Apple is famous for it’s iPods ranging from the shuffle to the iPod Classic. In the Fall of 2013, Apple will make a splash with brand new iPod Nano.  
• Apple updates the iPod touch to newer processor, better camera possibly.
• Apple releases new iPod nano with bluetooth 4.0 that connects to iPhone to use Siri, make and receive calls, handle reminders and calendar reminders, and read texts. Apple calls it iWatch and goes on sale Fall of 2013 along side iPhone 5S.

So that is the list of all of the major products that Apple will either be releasing or updating in 2013. So what about iOS and OS X? What can we expect from that? Here is our predictions.  

• iOS 7: After the release of iOS 6, myself and countless others were left feeling more than underwhelmed with the lack of new features. After the ousting of Scott Forstall, Apple promoted Jony Ivy to head up iOS. What does this mean? That remains to be seen. Look for a release Summer/Fall of 2013. Here is a list of potential changes to iOS:



Idea of what iOS 7 might look like.

• Basically a whole new UI. Thankfully! The UI of iOS is so stale it is not even funny. 
• Live tile apps. Yes, that sounds like a windows thing and it sort of is. However, Apps will display real time info such as temperature, time, etc. instead of a picture. 
• A new multi-tasking interface. The multi-tasking interface for Apple has long been underwhelming. With iOS 7, a whole new UI update for multi tasking is underway. 
• Widgets!!! For the love of Steve Jobs, add some widgets! What is this 2008? You have a notification center with a whopping two widgets. Unacceptable! With iOS 7, more widgets in the NC, multi-tasking bar, and lockscreen are coming. 
• OS X: This is the iteration of Mac OS X standing at 10.9. So what is to really expect? Nothing much really I don’t believe. OS X is about as mature as it is going to get seeing this is the last 10.x release. Most of the new ground breaking features are going to be located in Mac OS 11.0. Apple will release this Summer of 2013.
• Apple’s last 10.x release.
• Will launch for free. 
• More iCloud features?

Ok, so here is a small list of what Apple will not be releasing in 2013:

• iTV. Even I was wrong, but this isn’t releasing any time this year. Maybe 2014? 
• Low Cost iPhone. Hello, Apple always sales one iPhone for free. Usually its an older model, but a great model that is still under the lastest iOS. So why would they go out of their way to make a low cost phone to sale?
• iRadio. Apple will not be coming out with iRadio this year. There are too many hurdles to clear with record companies before this can even launch. Even if it did, why would I really use this? Maybe I am wrong, maybe I would use this. But I had the same response to iTunes Ping. Yes, I am comparing two different features, but still, come on...Releases maybe in 2014?

So there you have it, a list of everything that Apple will and will not be introducing for 2013. Is there anything on the list that has you truly excited? Or is all of this underwhelming? Let us know in the comment box below or on our Facebook page. Peace Apple Nation and Happy Wednesday!