So What Can We Expect From Apple In 2017?

In recent times, Apple never really managed to go as high as the heights it soared back in 2014 when it released the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. In that year, it held the distinction of being the most profitable company in the planet. Apple then followed that banner year with another one, with 2015 seeing the tech giant releasing another pair of blockbuster smartphones with the launch of the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus. 

This year, however, things started to get really tough for the iPhone maker. For the first time in the history of its smartphone division, Apple actually registered decreasing sales, and many industry watchers observed that consumers were beginning to experience iPhone fatigue. But now as 2016 winds down, could 2017 be Apple’s bounce back year?

There is plenty of reason to think so. Next year after all marks the tenth anniversary of the first iPhone, and there is talk that Apple will be introducing a new iPhone like no other. Sure, the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus released this year are excellent devices in their own right, but apart from the improved camera specifications and water resistant capabilities, none of these iPhone really offer something new. 

That could change next year with the iPhone 7s (or the iPhone 8). Various rumors suggest that the device may come with never before seen features (for an iPhone device) such as wireless charging capabilities, and an all screen front side (with no physical home button). There is also speculation that Apple might be launching three new iPhone models in 2017, including a premium offering that features an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display screen. A first for an iPhone, an OLED screen would offer significantly better graphics quality.

As for the iPad, Apple could similarly get rid of the home button for its next iPad model. There is even some talk that the company is readying to introduce a 10.5 inch iPad Pro, as sort of a middle option in between the already existing 9.7 inch and 12.9 inch iPad Pro models. 

Smartphones and tablets aside, Apple could release a new Apple Watch. To be perfectly clear, the company has already released a second generation series for its smartwatch, but the latest offering actually looks a lot like the first one, except for the water resistance feature. In 2017, the Apple Watch could be revamped to include a round watch face, better screen quality, new health driven sensors, and cellular connectivity. 

Next year, it is possible that Apple will be releasing its own take on smart glasses. But wait -- after what has happened with Google Glass, this may be more rumor than reality. However, after Snapchat introduced Spectacles and generated some buzz, Apple just might want to join in on the fun in 2017.