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Our predictions for Apple's big "Spring Loaded" event 🔮

April 17, 2021

As you might expect, we can't wait to see what new gear Apple unleashes next Tuesday.

If you don't mind spoiling the surprises, take a look at our predictions about what will bounce out of Cupertino's magic pipeline during the "Spring Loaded" event.

If you'd rather spend your weekend watching astonishing animals, check out our reviews of the totally binge-worthy new season of Tiny World and other nature shows that just arrived on Apple TV+ for your Earth Day enjoyment.

-- Lewis Wallace, managing editor

News and opinion

The next Apple product-release event will happen April 20. Invites went out Tuesday morning for the virtual “Spring Loaded” event, just hours after Siri leaked the date. Naturally, Apple didn’t announce what’s on the agenda. But rumors point to multiple new iPads, as well as the possibility of next-gen AirPods, a faster Apple TV and more.

Plus, more on the Spring Loaded event:

New workout categories launch April 19 on the $9.99-a-month subscription service built around Apple Watch.

The Restore Fund, which will back responsible forestry efforts around the world, aims to remove at least 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year.

Plus, more Apple green initiatives:

Cupertino wants to go from zero to hero with "versatile new device in early development."

Plus, more Apple hardware rumors:

Web developer LincHayes recently showed off the M1 Mac mini-and-PC-based setup he put together to restart a live tech support business and do some podcasting. It does not fail to impress.

Plus, more Setups:

How-tos

The graphic is an Apple logo made out of a swirling line. iPhone and iPad users can transfer that design to the real world, and put it in motion.

This is a super-handy new feature for those who own a Google smart speaker or display, and it’s very easy to set up. We’ll show you how.

Deals

We're giving away four beautiful, protective MacBook folios from our friends at Woolnut. Retailing at $196, Woolnut’s Folio is constructed from high-quality Scandinavian leather and German natural wool felt. The luxurious case is tailor-made to fit the MacBook like a glove. This giveaway ends soon, so enter now for your shot at winning!

This bundle costs less than a year of PlayStation Plus by itself, but comes with a lifetime sub to VPN Unlimited. No-brainer!

It's powerful yet sleek, and it’s especially useful if you own the latest iPhone or AirPods Pro.

Plus, more deals on chargers:

You don’t need a fancy, expensive setup to create professional-looking videos and photos. But you do need a few affordable accessories.

Reviews

Two Apple TV+ nature shows just returned for their second seasons. Tiny World is the cuter of the two. Its micro look at a macro world remains utterly charming. It's sometimes despairing and gross, but never so much you couldn’t show it to kids.

Plus, more Apple TV+ shows for Earth Day:

In pictures, the Apple TV’s sleek Siri Remote looks like a total winner. In practice, it’s a bit of a disaster. Luckily, the fix is in: Elago’s inexpensive R4 Retro case makes the Siri Remote easier to use and harder to lose.

There are so many external batteries that it’s hard to stand out from the pack, but this one manages it easily. It offers magnetic wireless Apple Watch and iPhone chargers, plus dual USB-C ports that can put out 100 watts each.

This week, Russians are blockading the moon and Ed Baldwin’s going up to set ’em straight. Can old-fashioned American ingenuity prevent the reignition of the Cold War? Be honest, are you even watching Apple TV+’s alt-history space race show?