Apple's Next Innovation

iPods. iPhones. Touch pads. MacBooks with flash memory. These are just a few of the products that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has released that pushed the boundaries of consumer technology. Many of them – especially the iPhone and its music-only predecessor, the iPod – were fresh, groundbreaking innovations that nobody saw coming.

Where will the Mac-maker take us next? The inevitable iPad 2 is an easy assumption. But beyond the next batch of upgrades, let's take a look at some of the possible innovations Apple will bring us in the coming year.

Flash Memory For All

Though there are rumors that flash memory is not yet fast enough for a MacBook Pro (let alone a high-end, quad-core desktop), it seems very unlikely that Apple will release another slate of Macs without flash memory. Chances are the memory switch will be optional for at least one of the models, especially the desktop line (primarily because of the cost and size limitations). But it won't be long before flash memory becomes the default option.

iPad / MacBook Integration

Before we get the long-awaited touch screen Mac, AAPL will continue to improve its touch pad technology. But that's only the beginning; when the next iPad arrives, don't be surprised if Apple includes a feature that allows users to seamlessly control select MacBook apps – if not full Mac programs – using the iPad.

If you think this sounds too complex for the company to pull off, consider what Apple has already produced. Right now, iPads and iPhones can interact with each other for select apps. At the same time, Apple TV allows users to stream content from their iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to their TV. Thus, it's only a matter of time before AAPL takes it one step further, bridging the gap between everyone's favorite Apple computers and devices.

Prediction: iPad/MacBook integration will arrive next fall/Christmas 2011.

iPad Mini

If you already own a few of Apple's iDevices, there's no reason to buy a five-inch tablet. But several manufacturers are making them in an attempt to reach whatever market isn't met by the iPhone/iPad. Will they succeed? We'll know soon enough. In the meantime, you can bet that Apple is exploring the idea of releasing its own five-inch tablet.

Prediction: An announcement will come no later than 2Q 2011.

High-End Apps

With the App Store coming to Mac, Apps are bound to become more like full-fledged computer programs. From there, expect to see an entire line of high-end Apps developed for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.