February is going to see a lot of typical stuff from Apple…operating system betas and maybe a full release, Apple TV+ shows, Apple Arcade games… oh, and the most consequential new product Apple has delivered in over a decade.
After years of rumors and more than six months since being announced, Apple Vision Pro starts February off with a bang when it shows up on the 2nd. The first reviews are in and they say the technology is unmatched, but there are still a few problems to work out and a lack of must-have software. We’ll have lots of impressions and our full review in the days following its release.
New hardware releases
Apple Vision Pro is here! Apple’s “Spatial Computer” (read: mixed-reality headset) is the biggest attempt the company has ever made to move beyond the iPhone and Mac. The $3,499 device arrives in Apple Stores on Friday, February 2, but it’s unclear how much stock will be available for purchase. Apple has already sold around 200,000 headsets, according to estimates.
Here’s everything you need to know about Apple Vision Pro. We’ll have continuing coverage throughout the month–impressions, reviews, articles on new spatial computing apps and experiences, and lots more, so stay tuned.
We don’t expect much else in the way of new hardware, but it’s possible that we get more information—and possibly an invitation—about a spring event toward the end of February. Apple is expected to launch new iPads and an M3 MacBook Air at this event.
Apps and software updates
Most of the OS updates in February will center around iOS 17.4, which will allow third-party app distribution and payment processors in the EU, along with new emojis and a handful of other minor tweaks like podcast transcripts. Updates to macOS, watchOS, iPadOS, and tvOS will come along with the big iOS changes.
The development community doesn’t seem particularly happy with Apple’s new terms in the EU, so they might even change before they go into effect. To comply with EU regulations Apple will need to have iOS 17.4 out before March 6.
iOS 17.4: The big change here is allowing app distribution outside the app store and payment processors other than Apple, but only in the EU, but there are a few other tweaks as well.
visionOS 1.1?: The first version of visionOS comes loaded on the Apple Vision Pro, and a small 1.0.2 update should be waiting for new customers if it hasn’t been installed already. But we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few other new visionOS releases throughout the month, fixing critical bugs and the like. Will Apple make a visionOS 1.1 beta available? Will we get more than just bug fixes and security updates? Who knows, it’s a brave new world!
Services
Apple TV+
Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in February. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content.
The New Look: A limited series that Apple describes as, “an epic thriller set against the World War II Nazi occupation of Paris when Coco Chanel’s reign as the world’s most famous fashion designer ends and Christian Dior rises helping return spirit and life to the world with his groundbreaking, iconic imprint of beauty and influence that will go on to define generations to come.” February 14
The Dynasty: New England Patriots: A 10-part documentary event series about the New England Patriots, based on the New York Times bestselling book by author Jeff Benedict. February 16
Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin: The origin story for one of Peanuts’ most beloved characters, Franklin, follows how he approaches making new friends. February 16
Constellation: An action space thriller about Jo, a woman who returns to Earth after a disaster in space only to discover that key pieces of her life seem to be missing. February 21
Apple Arcade
Apple releases new games to Apple Arcade on Fridays, but not every Friday is marked by a new game or significant update. Lately, Apple has been releasing all of the Apple Arcade games for a given month on the first Friday of the week. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Some games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll often see several projects listed in the Coming Soon section.
Beast: Bio Exo Arena Suit Team: A 3v3 online shooter with cartoon animals in mechs. February 1
Words in Progress: A unique new word puzzle game in which you craft words by combining letters. February 1
