iPhone
As Apple prepares for what is the biggest and most important unveiling of the year. But as usual, fans and pundits what Apple to update and refresh anything and everything in one go.
But that's not going to happen.
Also: How to watch Apple's 2018 iPhone event on Sept. 12 | Apple's next iPhone: 9 things you need to know before the keynote | iPhones, iPads, MacBooks: What will Apple unveil? | Best ways to sell or trade in your iPhone CNET | Apple's Sep 12 event: What the pros expect TechRepublic
What new hardware will Apple unveil?
I'm coming across "claims" that Apple will use the Sept.12 event to unveil the following:
- Three new iPhones
- New Apple Watch
- New iPad Pro tablets with Face ID
- New MacBook and Mac mini
That's a lot of stuff to unveil during an event, even if it drags out to the three-hour mark.
New iPhones
Three new iPhones mirrors last year's launch, where the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus was joined by the iPhone X. This time around we are expecting a 6.1-inch LCD "budget" model priced around $800, a 5.8-inch OLED iPhone with a $950 price tag, and a 6.5-inch OLED " iPhone XS Max" with an expected price tag almost as big as the name of $1,100.
How to escape from Apple's iPhone ecosystem - step by step
And, since more expensive iPhones seem to be outselling the cheaper models, expect Apple to spend more time on the higher-priced devices.
Apple Watch refresh
The scant Apple Watch leaks point to an incoming refresh, and doing this alongside unveiling the new iPhones makes sense since they complement one another.
Apple TV or tvOS update
There's also likely to be some talk about the Apple TV, either a refresh or how the new tvOS update keeps it relevant.
AirPower launch and new AirPods
And what about that AirPower wireless charger that Apple teased us with a year ago? If this lands, then we're also likely to see new AirPods land too (or at the very least a new charging case).
Also: When IoT/home automation devices explode
It's also worth bearing in mind that these events aren't back-to-back pounding of new stuff. Apple takes its time, kicking off with some waffle about how well its retail business is doing, how well apps are selling and how much cash developers are earning.
Then there are the obligatory design videos complete with Jony Ive narration.
iPad Pros and Macs
So, will Apple unveil new iPad Pros, MacBook, and Mac mini? I don't think so.
First off, that's a lot of stuff dropped in one go, and risk the message being diluted (the message ultimately being, "spend over $1,000 on an iPhone"). The top-end iPhone is likely to be the showstopper, with the Apple Watch a likely second, and Macs and iPads are likely to get lost in this.
Also: 'iPhone XS Max' will reportedly be name of new iPhone Plus CNET | iPhone XS: 7 things the pros need TechRepublic
Secondly, announcing new Macs, especially a MacBook, so close to the back-to-school season feels clumsy and sends out a confusing message. This is doubly so if those Macs didn't land immediately.
My best guess is that the new iPad Pro tablets, along with any MacBooks or the Mac mini, will have a separate unveiling, probably in October.
Roll on Wednesday!
Top 10 hidden iOS 11.4 shortcuts and tricks for the iPhone
PREVIOUS AND RELATED COVERAGE:
How to watch Apple's September 12 iPhone event
Not invited to Apple's September 12 iPhone unveiling? Here's how you can grab a front-row seat (yes, even Windows users are invited!).
Want a new iPhone or Android smartphone? Here's how to sell or trade
The new Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was just announced and we expect three new iPhones and two Google Pixel phones to launch soon. Now is the time to consider selling your current one before market prices drop or plan to participate in a trade-in program.
he major smartphone launch season is upon us and one of the first out of the gates is the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, immediately taking over the top spot in our list of best smartphones.
Best smartphones for 2018 CNET
The mostly excellent Galaxy S9's new features aren't quite as good as we'd like, but you'll probably want to buy one anyway.
Best smartphones of 2018 for tech experts TechRepublic
Looking to get a new smartphone? Here are 12 devices with the best features out now.
RELATED STORIES:
- How to watch Apple's 2018 iPhone event on September 12
- Apple's iPhone XS: 9 things you need to know before the keynote
- iPhone XS: One thumb up, one thumb down
- The big yawn: These new iPhones will be so boring, I can't wait
- iPhones, iPads, MacBooks: What new hardware will Apple unveil?
- iPhone hope and dread: In its game of phones, what features will Apple kill next?
- Why do people want a new iPhone? This research gives a fascinating clue
- How Apple Watch saved my life
- iOS 12: Release date, new features, and hidden features CNET
- iPhone XS: A cheat sheet for professionals TechRepublic