We can always count on Apple to announce the newest iPhone model every September. This year’s event is almost upon us; the company is expected to unveil its lineup of iPhone 14s, as well as at least a couple new Apple Watches during a livestreamed showcase this week. We should also see some software announcements, and maybe even some other hardware accessories and tidbits.
The event starts Wednesday, September 7, at 10 am Pacific time, 1 pm Eastern. You can watch it live right here on this page, or on Apple’s events website and the company’s YouTube channel. You can also view it on any Apple TV or streaming box—just go into the Apple TV+ app to find the livestream. When you open the app on Wednesday morning, the event should be displayed prominently right at the top of the page. This method works even if you don’t subscribe to Apple’s streaming service.
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As usual, WIRED will also be running an Apple event liveblog during the show on Wednesday morning. We’ll be posting up-to-the-minute details and real-time analysis of what’s going down at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, where the event is being held.
Apple has been doing these September events consistently for a decade now, ever since it launched the iPhone 5 in 2012. By now, they are smooth, polished showcases that prep the Apple faithful for the company’s slate of fall releases. That consistency has also made the announcements easier to predict. As with every one of these streaming infomercials, rumors and leaks have already spilled the beans on what’s likely to be announced. Here’s what to expect.
iPhones 14
The surefire centerpiece of the showcase will be a new line of iPhones, likely called the iPhone 14 (unless Apple gets wild and names the phones something different). Rumors point to there being four new iPhone models, each with slightly different specs. Expect variations of Apple’s previous naming conventions, with Pro or Max suffixes attached to the higher spec devices. Curiously, there are rumblings online that Apple might ditch the smaller Mini iteration of its iPhone line, instead focusing on 6.1- and 6.7-inch models this time around.
Some design tweaks are coming to the new phones. Apple might do away with its (in)famous notch at the top of iPhone screens, instead replacing them with a Google Pixel-esque hole along the upper edge. Fancier models may get titanium frames and always-on displays. Inside, Apple is expected to update the phones with its homegrown A16 chips.
Also a given for these September events: release dates for the next versions of iOS and iPadOS will be revealed. Apple will also highlight some of the new features coming to the next versions of its mobile software, iOS 16 and iPadOS 16.
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple is likely to announce at least two updated models of its Apple Watch. The standard model Watch 8 should be a modest design upgrade from the Series 7, but the big change might come in the form of the rumored “rugged” Apple Watch release. Such a device could feature a beefier, more durable design with enhanced weather resistance and a shatterproof screen.
Last year, The Wall Street Journal reported that upcoming features to the Apple Watch line might include the ability to read the temperature of your skin and detect whether you’ve been in a car crash. Battery life in Apple Watches have always been subpar, but now there might be a chance of each full charge lasting more than a day in Pro models. Whether these features apply to both the regular Watch 8 and the possible rugged edition is unclear.
AR/VR Headset
Sorry, but chances are slim that Apple will say anything about its hotly anticipated—yet still only rumored—AR/VR headset at Wednesday’s media event. A mixed-reality device is almost certainly in the works, considering that news broke this week indicating Apple has filed various trademarks of the term reality, and that it is likely to pin that branding on its headset. But such a headset is unlikely to be announced this month; it’s probably slated for an unveiling sometime next year instead.
Of course, you never really know. These product events have started to feel very slick yet samey over the years, so Apple might be inspired to inject a little excitement into this one and tease something brand new.
