14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re planning to make a purchase or review a product over at Apple’s online store right about now, chances are you’ll be greeted by the “we’ll be back sign,” which indicates something is about to change in the listings and the offers, implicitly.
Just don’t expect much this time around. Of all the product upgrades Apple has prepared for this year, none of them is likely to be announced with just a simple store refresh and a press release.
No. There’s a far better chance Apple is simply updating the store’s listings in anticipation of the Easter holidays. The computer giant also usually closes its retail stores on Easter Sunday, so don’t plan on making any trips to your local Apple shop on that particular day.
On the other hand, unlikely isn’t synonymous with impossible. While a major product upgrade (all-new version) deserves a ceremonious unveiling, an update to one of the existing offerings could well be in the cards for today.
Some of the devices waiting on update-row include the iPad air, iPad mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and even the Apple TV. In fact, the $99/€109 puck-sized box is one of the highly-anticipated announcements of the year.
However, if Tim Cook has planned what the media says he has planned for the device, chances are Apple won’t make the announcement in writing, but rather on stage with a full-fledged product demo.
The Apple TV is reportedly getting a major interface uplift with new input methods and access to the iTunes Store for apps and games. Cupertino is said to be preparing some sort of Wii Remote for the thing, or something like the Microsoft Kinect, or a combination of both.
Desktop-wise, the Macintosh line is not expected to get any major redesign this year, with the exception of a rumored 12-inch MacBook Air that some believe will spur sales of the ultra-thin notebook. iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini are likely getting just some processor upgrades, and those could well be announced as soon as today.
Price changes are also not out of the question. As time passes and technologies get cheaper, Apple gradually slashes a few dollars off its relatively expensive products, as was the case with the MacBook line of computers in recent years, as well as the iPad and iPod touch more recently.
As we wait for the Mac maker to take its store back online, tell us what you’d like to see announced first and foremost in 2014.
Update: Apple's store is back online featuring Mother's Day offerings.