Apple’s “Wonderlust” event is one of the most anticipated tech events of the year, and for good reason. It’s where Apple typically unveils its latest and greatest products, including new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.
This year’s event is shaping up to be no exception, with rumors swirling about a number of exciting new products. Here’s a closer look at what to expect:
New iPhones
Apple is expected to announce four new iPhones at the event: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro Max (or Ultra). All four models are rumored to feature Dynamic Island, a replacement for the notch on older iPhones. The higher-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models are also rumored to get titanium frames, thinner bezels, and an Action Button.
The Action Button is a customizable toggle that would replace the mute switch on the upper-left side of the pro-tier iPhones. Possible uses for the Action Button (based on code uncovered in iOS 17) include launching the camera, lighting the phone’s flashlight, activating Focus, opening accessibility features or standing pat with the standard mute function.
The most likely camera upgrade is a new periscope lens exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (or Ultra). It would use a prism to bend or fold light captured by the sensor, leading to an optical zoom of 5x to 6x without making the phone beefier. The iPhone 14 Pro series supports up to 3x optical zoom.
One of the surest bets about a new flagship iPhone’s features is a faster, next-generation chip. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to use a 3nm chip, likely called the A17 Bionic. It would provide performance boosts (and maybe longer battery life). Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 / 15 Plus pair is rumored to repeat what the company did in 2022: recycling last year’s high-end chip. That means the iPhone 15 / 15 Plus would use the A16 Bionic, found in the iPhone 14 Pro.
Apple Watch
Apple is also expected to announce two new Apple Watch models at the event: the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is rumored to get a new S9 chip and a pink color option. The S9 chip is expected to be based on the A15 chip that debuted in Apple’s iPhone 13 (2021) lineup. It’s rumored to move from a 7nm manufacturing process to a denser and more efficient 5nm or 4nm one. Expect performance boosts and (perhaps) longer battery life.
The Apple Watch Ultra is a new high-end Apple Watch model that is rumored to be targeted at athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s expected to have a larger and more durable case than the standard Apple Watch, as well as a longer battery life.
AirPods
Apple is expected to announce new versions of its AirPods lineup at the event. The new AirPods will reportedly feature USB-C charging cases instead of Lightning cases.
Software
Apple is expected to announce more details about its latest software updates at the event, including iOS 17, watchOS 10, and iPadOS 17.
iOS 17 includes a new StandBy mode, voicemail transcriptions, FaceTime video voicemails, contact posters, NameDrop and new in-line predictive text suggestions (among other additions). Meanwhile, watchOS 10 is arguably the platform’s most significant update since the wearable’s 2015 launch. The new software changes the Apple Watch’s fundamental control scheme: The side button now activates Control Center (instead of recent apps or the dock), and twisting the watch’s Digital Crown from the watch face scrolls through a customizable stack of glanceable widgets.
The Apple event will be streamed live on Apple’s website and YouTube channel on September 12 at 1 PM ET.
