Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

Apple confirms March 8 event, hints at M2 announcement

Alex Blake
By

Apple has begun sending out invitations to its next event, titled Peek Performance, which is due to take place at 10 a.m. PT on Tuesday, March 8. This show — Apple’s first since its MacBook Pro event in October 2021 — will be an all-virtual affair hosted online due to the pandemic.

There has been much speculation over what Apple will unveil at the event, with predictions ranging in terms of their scope and topic. The title of Peek Performance, however, hints at the possible announcement of Apple’s anticipated M2 chip.

The invitation for Apple's Peek Performance event on March 8, 2022.

But first, we can also expect to see a new iPhone SE with support for 5G. This will be the third-generation model of Apple’s most affordable iPhone, but despite the generational advance, it will likely keep the same iPhone 8-inspired chassis as the iPhone SE 2. That means a Home button and Touch ID instead of Face ID.

Related

The iPad Air is also likely to make an appearance, especially since it has not been updated since October 2020. The new version is likely to be a more subdued affair after 2020’s all-encompassing redesign — that means a new A15 Bionic chip and the addition of 5G, but no wide-ranging design overhaul. There are also claims that the iPad Air will get an improved 12-megapixel front-facing camera with support for Center Stage. We’ll find out for sure at Apple’s event.

Recommended Videos

What about the Mac?

An Apple Mac Mini M1 sitting on a desk.
Alex Blake/Digital Trends

While the iPhone and iPad updates are more or less nailed down, there is still plenty of uncertainty over what Mac offerings Apple might unveil at its upcoming show. Reporter Mark Gurman — well-known for his accurate predictions and reports — has only said that Apple will release “at least one new Mac” on the day, without specifying which device it will be.

However, we can make some informed guesses. Gurman himself expects Apple will launch a high-end Mac Mini with an M1 Pro chip this year, and given it’s been close to 18 months since we saw a new Mac Mini, this product is a strong contender for Apple’s event.

There’s a chance this device could get a redesign, with a thinner chassis sporting a plexiglass-like top surface. It could even get a new name: Mac Mini Pro, or something similar. This redesign is unconfirmed at this stage, though.

Peek performance. March 8th. See you there. #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/cEKMq7BuBh

— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) March 2, 2022

The other major possibility when it comes to Macs is the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro. Like the Mac Mini, this has not been updated since 2020, and rumors are suggesting it could be upgraded with an M2 chip at Apple’s event.

This feels a bit off, though, as it would mean Apple introducing the M2 chip before it has finished rolling out the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips (to the upcoming iMac Pro, for example). We’re skeptical, but it’s something to keep an eye on regardless.

With Apple’s event now less than one week away, we won’t have long to find out which products Apple is ready to unleash on the world. Keep checking back for more details.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Alex Blake
Alex Blake
Computing Writer
In ancient times, people like Alex would have been shunned for their nerdy ways and strange opinions on cheese. Today, he…
Own an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook? Install this critical update right now
IOS 16.4.1 UPDATE.

Apple has released software updates for iPhones and iPads that are light on features, but they are critically important from a security perspective. The updates — iOS 16.4.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1 — started rolling out on Friday, but you should install them on your iPhone and iPad as soon as possible to protect your devices from attacks.

In its official release note, Apple says the updates patch two security flaws that “may have been actively exploited.” Now, Apple doesn’t disclose security issues before conducting thorough research, both in-house and in collaboration with cybersecurity experts. In a nutshell, when Apple publicly announces a security flaw, and it comes with a “Critical Vulnerability” badge, you should grab the fix as soon as Apple makes them available.

Read more
From click wheels to trackpads, these are the best Apple designs of all time
macbook air

This Saturday marks Apple’s 47th birthday as a company, and it’s fair to say the company has dreamed up some incredible designs over the years. Sure, it’s had a few design howlers too, but when it comes to consistency, the designers at Apple have more wins under their belt than anyone.

Looking back at the past 47 years, these are the physical pieces of tech design that captivated us most from some of its most beloved products and show just how deep Apple's design pedigree goes.
The iMac G3’s translucent case

Read more
Surprise Apple sale brings big discounts on iPad and Apple Watch
Data from a workout showing on the screen of the Apple Watch Series 8.

There are plenty of great discounts on Apple devices over at Amazon right now. That means substantial price cuts on the latest Apple Watch range as well as plenty of iPads too. If you're keen to learn more, we're here to help. We've picked out some of our favorite Apple deals going on right now. Check them out below to see how you can save big on highly sought-after devices.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) -- $220, was $249

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a marvel at this price. Easily one of the best smartwatch deals, it covers everything you could need. You gain comprehensive yet easy-to-use fitness tracking thanks to Apple's Activity Rings system and steady stream of challenges and rewards. It's fast too thanks to having the latest processor. Despite that, you still get to enjoy a two-day battery life with the watch easily comfortable to wear all day long. It lacks the ECG and blood oxygen sensors of the Series 8 along with the always-on display, but that won't be an issue for everyone. The key thing is you get an excellent smartwatch at a great price.

Read more