Back in the last year, Apple was directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The supply constraints delayed many of the company’s products and forced it to postpone the iPhone 12 series release to October. After years of sticking with its September launch window, the brand had to wait one more month to unveil its products. Now, that the situation is “slightly” cleared, the company is returning to its usual September schedule with new products reveal on September 14. Among them, we have the iPhone 13 lineup and the Apple Watch Series 7. However, other expectations are growing up for the event. For that reason, we’ve prepared an “Everything We expect to see” article covering most of the details about tomorrow’s keynote.
Apple September 14 Event Details
Apple’s first fall event is coming up on Tuesday, September 14th, at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT, right around the time when the company typically introduces its latest version of the iPhone. The same time was used for the last year’s iPhone 12 series. Just like last year, the company Tuesday’s event will be entirely digital, in the slick, over-produced style that has become Apple’s trademark during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has been sticking with this super-produced event since the pandemic has started. Users will be able to follow the event through Apple’s website, Apple’s YouTube channel, and through the Apple TV application on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Without further ado, let’s see what the company has in tow, or at least, what we expect to see at tomorrow’s keynote. Worth noting that the company is adopting the “California Dreaming” tagline for this Tuesday event.
iPhone 13 series – familiar design with improved display and cameras
According to rumors, the iPhone 13 will look like its predecessor. That means that the flat edges and “iPhone 4-era” reminiscent design are back. However, the display will bring drastic changes with a smaller notch and higher refresh rate on all or most models.
Apple users have been dealing with the wide notch introduced way back in 2017 until now. While Android OEMs have evolved this design with the teardrop notch, punch-hole, and even under-display cameras, Apple has to stick with the large cutout. Of course, the company had some challenges to overcome one time that the notch houses the Face ID sensors which are more advanced than anything used by the competition.
A new world of display quality coming with the iPhone 13 series
Among the big updates, in the display quality, at least the high-end models, are expected to have an LTPO panel. That’s a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide display that adds variable refresh rates. This solution is present on the Apple Watch and is making its way to the newer iPhones, at least the Pro models. It allows the screen to dynamically change between 1 Hz and 120 Hz depending on the content.
Big upgrades in the camera department
Besides the display, the big changes are stored in the cameras. The rumors suggest a great performance increment in the ultrawide camera, better optical zoom for video recording, ProRes support, and a Portrait Mode for video. The other possible addition is astrophotography capabilities. Interestingly, Google has been offering this solution and Apple is finally catching with the iPhone 13 models. These rumors were corroborated by an event announcement video shared by Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Joswiak featuring a dramatic pan up to a starry night sky.
The new Pro Max model will also come with Ultra-Wideband technology, which is the spiritual successor of Bluetooth tech. Some sketchier rumors have been suggesting Touch ID return through an under-display sensor, but these rumors lack consistency. Therefore, we expect Face ID to still come as the main biometric authentication feature.
Last but not least, we expect the four models introduced last year. Namely, we’ll have an iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Apple Watch Series 7 – A razor-edge redesign with a larger screen and the same health-centric approach
Although the iPhone 13 will keep the design language from its predecessors, we’re expecting a new redesign on the Apple Watch Series 7. The rounded body that Apple has been using since the first watch will fall. Instead, the company will now adopt a flat display and edges, says Bloomberg. This will bring the Apple Watch Series 7 closer to the iPhone 12 / 13 aesthetics that also are marked by the flat display and edges.
The most shocking rumors emerged early this year. They have said that Apple is preparing to introduce an entirely new, rugged, extreme sports-friendly version of the Apple Watch Series 7. However, these rumors have been losing strength in recent months. Now, we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if the new Sports variant is really coming in 2021. Of course, it makes sense for Apple launching this new variant. If it not comes this year, we can expect it to drop in the future.
New sizes, but the same health features
Other improvements in the Apple Watch Series 7 include a faster processor and overall bigger Watches at 41mm and 45mm (up from 40mm and 44mm), thanks to a combination of larger displays and smaller bezels. For now, it’s unclear if they will lose compatibility with the watch bands that Apple has sold over the year, hopefully not.
The new hardware changes will bring new watch faces, but the health feature package will be the same as last year. Rumors have been suggesting the arrival of a body temperature and blood glucose tracking. However, it seems that Apple is leaving those features for future models. These features are very innovative but might be some years away.
Worth noting that Apple has reportedly faced production delays with the Apple Watch Series 7. Latest reports say that the company has resolved the matter, but that may still result in late or smaller quantities of these products in 2021.
Apple AirPods 3
The trend of truly wireless earphones started by Apple is trending as açlways with more and more companies joining it. For that reason, Apple will keep making its earpods some of the best solutions in the market. According to the rumors, Apple will unveil its AirPods 3 generation tomorrow. They will come with a new design, taking cues from the AirPods Pro. However, they will miss the earbuds’ swappable rubber tips.
These rumors have been corroborated lately. Anyway, users can expect shorter stems, rounded earpieces, squatter wireless charging cases providing a 20 percent bigger battery. Apparently, the AirPods 3 will finally look like modern true wireless devices rather than headphones with wires cut off.
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iOS 15 / iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS Monterey
In addition to the new hardware, the company may also announce the launch dates for iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS Monterey. However, some features will come later through a beta form.
To recall, iOS 15 / iPadOS 15, introduces moveable widgets for the iPad for the first time. Other notable increments include Focus Mode that creates approved notification and app lists for specific settings like work or personal time. Furthermore, there’s a dramatic redesign of Safari, new FaceTime layouts, and Audio improvements. Moreover, reports suggest digital IDs and multitasking tweaks.
macOS Monterey will come later in the fall, perhaps alongside a new Mac Computer. The new Desktop OS will pick the future of Apple’s mobile operating systems. It isn’t a surprise now that Apple computers have ARM processors and compatibility with mobile apps. The new OS will offer support for Shortcuts, AirPlay, FaceTime, and Messages. There is also a new Universal Control feature, that allows for seamless control of an iPad with the mouse and keyboard already attached to your Mac. That includes easily dragging and dropping files from iPad to Mac. Worth noting that this feature may not arrive in time for the launch.
As far as watchOS 8 is concerned, the new update should arrive in the fall with modest upgrades. The list of new features includes support for Focus Modes and new digital keys and IDs. Moreover, they will come with new watchfaces, new exercise types, and mindfulness app for Apple Watch.
iPad Minis, iPads, and Mac PCs
According to rumors, Apple will finally introduce its entry-level iPad and the iPad mini upgrade this year. However, they may not appear at tomorrow’s keynote. As per the recent leaks, Apple should wait for a later event in October or November to disclose the new iPad. The consensus going on is that we won’t see a new iPad at tomorrow’s event.
As far as the rumor mill goes, the new iPad mini will come with a flat-edge design. Once again, it shows that Apple is working hard to put a predominant design language on all its product lines. Furthermore, the iPad mini will come with processor improvements, a larger screen between 8.5 to 9 inches, no home button, and a Touch ID sensor built directly into the power button. As far as the entry-level iPad is concerned, the changes will be minor. The device will have thinner bezels and a body and the inclusion of an A13 Bionic chip. It’s just a device to show that Apple can’t ignore the entry-level tablet segment anymore.
Other products that certainly won’t come at this event, are the new Macs, whether a new MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air. Apple will probably schedule some separate time to announce whatever it has planned for its next version of the M-series chips and the new designs that could come with it.
iPhone 13 series will be the star of the show
Tomorrow’s event will certainly have the new iPhone 13 series as the biggest stars. However, Apple Watch Series and AirPods enthusiasts will also have something fresh to look at. The new upgrades in the company’s Operating Systems may also steal a part of the show. Those seeking new iPad and macOS upgrades will have to wait a bit longer for news.
We’ll be covering the company’s product reveal, so stay tuned.
