Apple has confirmed that it will host its annual iPhone event on September 7th; we unpack everything we know about the iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac and more!
Apple has confirmed that its next event will be held on September 7th, and has issued its invitations accordingly. The event is widely expected to include the reveal of the next iPhone (eponymously, the 7 and 7 Plus – or so we believe) and could also feature news around the Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad as well.
Before the event begins, we’re going to lay our cards on the table and take a deep dive into exactly what we can expect to see at the event; be it iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, or otherwise.
Without further ado, let’s get to it!
iPhone 7
Main article: Could we really see three iPhone 7 models in 2016?
For a while now, we‘ve predicted that Apple will release three iPhone models in 2016. Previously, three iPhone 7 mockups ““ designed according to reports and rumours ““ suggest that we could see a range constituted by a standard iPhone 7, a Plus model, and finally a Pro edition.
It has been suggested that Apple would introduce a dual-camera iPhone model this year, which, similarly to the Huawei P9, would make use of one colour and one monochrome lens.
Further rumors propose that the iPhone range could move to 32GB as a new storage standard, do away with the headphone jack, and could even feature four corner speakers.
While we’re not certain we’ll see a Pro iPhone released this year, the stage is definitely set for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus to take center stage.
Apple Watch
Main article: A faster Apple Watch 1 could release alongside the Apple Watch 2 later this year
The Apple Watch has been a source of friction amongst pundits in the rumour mill thanks to the fact that very little has been revealed as yet; we might not even be due for a second generation Apple Watch on Apple’s September 7th event.
However, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has cited his belief that Apple will debut an upgraded Apple Watch 1 alongside the flagship Apple Watch 2 later this year. According to Kuo, the improved Apple Watch 1 model would be devoid of the GPS, barometer, and waterproofing features found on its ultimate successor. Apparently, the second Apple Watch won’t feature cellular connectivity either.
The move would be an interesting change of strategy for the Cupertino company; it originally relied on a variety of straps, sizes, and colours to satisfy different market segments
There is, however, an alternative hypothesis; that Apple could be readying another wearable product not related to the Watch. Other reports indicate that Apple is creating a new device that would monitor heart rate changes, blood sugar variation, and other health-related information.
Apparently the product will sport a screen and will, similarly to the Apple Watch, make use of 3D touch. The report cites that the product has been in development for over two years under Jay Blahnik, an employee who ““ according to his LinkedIn profile ““ works on “˜special projects‘.
It remains uncertain as to which – if any – Apple wearables we’ll see released at the September 7th event. We’re prepared to hedge our bets on the fact that we will, at least, see an Apple Watch 2.
iPad
Main article: Apple is reportedly working on a new, “˜revolutionary‘ iPad for debut in 2018
Could we see a new iPad at the September 7th event? We’d say that’s unlikely, seeing as Apple recently debuted the smaller iPad Pro and will likely concentrate on its iPhone and Watch offerings ahead of any new tablet news.
However, that hasn’t stopped reports indicating that Apple is looking to radically redevelop the iPad, which could potentially debut in a new form by 2016.
Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities – who is one of the more accurate Apple tipsters – offered in a blog post that “œRevolutionary iPad model likely to be introduced in 2018F at the earliest, with radical changes in form factor design & user behavior on adoption of flexible AMOLED panel. We believe iPad will follow in the footsteps of the iPhone by adopting AMOLED panel in 2018F at the earliest. If Apple can truly tap the potential of a flexible AMOLED panel, we believe the new iPad model will offer new selling points through radical form factor design and user behavior changes, which could benefit shipments.“
As per Kuo’s report, we believe that this might be revealed in late 2017 or early 2018. However, Apple might instead introduce an even smaller Pro offering to supplement the 12.9“³ and 10.5“³ models already in circulation. The move would introduce a 9.7“³ iPad ““ the “˜mini‘ version, in layman‘s terms ““ of the entire lineup in the meantime. In fact, we’d estimate that this is the most likely iPad-related development to occur this year.
Mac
Main article: Apple is tipped to release new MacBook Pro, Air, and iMac models by October
We feel it’s highly unlikely that Apple will announce anything Mac related beyond pertinence to macOS Sierra at its September 7th event; many pundits have expressed their thoughts that Apple will hold off on a Mac-related announcement until October.
Still, there could be room for surprise; and this upgrade could be a doozy. Reports indicate that Apple is actively preparing a massive MacBook Pro overhaul that would equip its top-of-the-line laptop with an OLED touch bar that would see integration within specific apps. The “œDynamic Function Row“ ““ an OLED touch bar to everyone else ““ as well as console-class AMD Polaris graphics chips would constitute a major upgrade.
A revitalized MacBook Air would include USB Type-C ports, placing it in a similar breadth to the core MacBook model (which it could be repositioned to sit underneath) while the iMac is tipped to benefit from revitalized graphics chips ““ allegedly AMD units ““ and could introduce a new 5K display. Some reports indicate the display ““ which Apple is working on with LG ““ could serve as a standalone unit to replace the company‘s axed Thunderbolt display, while some sources place the rumour in reference to the iMac‘s display itself.
We estimate seeing these upgrades no sooner than October, though we’d be happy to be proven wrong.
Have your say!
What are your most looking forward to seeing at Apple’s event on September 7th? Be sure to share your opinion with us in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
