Apple is famous for its product launch events and is arguably the best at hosting them. These events attract millions of viewers who want to see the latest technology. Alongside these big announcements, Apple often quietly launches products. They usually use simple press releases or website updates.
The iPad Mini 7, released in October 2024, is an example. Instead of a big reveal, Apple chose to update its lineup after the Apple event. But why does Apple do this, and is it an effective strategy?
Apple tends to launch products quietly when the updates are incremental rather than revolutionary. When products have better performance, like a new chip or longer battery life, Apple often skips the big event. The iPad Mini 7’s upgrade to the A16 Bionic chip is an example of such a subtle update.
By saving big events for important products like the iPhone, Apple highlights major innovations. This approach also allows for regular updates to less prominent products, keeping them fresh without overwhelming the public.
History of Apple Product Launches
Here’s a look at some of the most notable products Apple has launched over the years:
March 2019 – Apple updated the iPad Mini 5th Generation. It has a better chip and improved performance, but the design stayed the same. The launch happened via press release.
July 2019 – Apple updated the MacBook Air (2019) included a True Tone Retina display. They added it to the Apple Store without a formal event.
October 2019 – Apple released the AirPods Pro. They have active noise cancellation, which surprised fans with their new features.
April 2020 – Apple brought back the iPhone SE. It has better parts but looks like the iPhone 8. They announced it with a simple press release, not a big event.
September 2020 – Apple released this update to the iPad Air and launched new Solo Loop bands for the Apple Watch 6 and SE. This added more ways to customize the watch.
December 2020 – Apple launched the AirPods Max, a premium over-ear headphones, updated its website, and sent out a press release.
June 2022 – Apple introduced the new M2 chip, but the external design remained mostly the same.
October 2024 – Apple quietly released the iPad Mini 7, featuring the A16 Bionic chip, another small change to its iPad lineup.
The Benefits of Quiet Product Launches
Apple usually saves its big events for major product releases because they build more excitement and draw attention to the big innovations. Quiet launches, on the other hand, let smaller updates happen without stealing the spotlight from bigger announcements or overwhelming people with too much news.
Organizing a full event takes a lot of time and resources. For smaller updates, a simple press release is a cheaper and faster way for Apple to share the news because it lets them roll out updates quickly. This way also works well for loyal fans who appreciate steady improvements.
Since these launches are usually geared toward niche audiences or dedicated fans, it doesn’t really merit a huge shindig.
Wrapping Up
Whether it’s the iPad Mini 7 or the AirPods Pro, Apple has a clear plan for launching products without too much fanfare. These launches help the company focus on its key innovations. They also allow for regular updates to the wider product lineup. The next time Apple quietly adds a new product to its store, keep this in mind: it’s part of a smart plan.
