We searched the latest rumors and leaks and plays all the songs from The Mamas and The Papas back and forth to get the best possible picture of what to expect at next Tuesday’s “California Streaming” event.
The invitations sent out a week in advance don’t seem to be giving away the game here. There were some extremely cool AR tricks that were available through Safari on mobile that might hint at some fancy camera upgrades, though augmented reality has become a staple with these invites.
The California streaming title, meanwhile, appears to be more of an allusion to the purely virtual nature of the event than anything to do with Apple TV (of course, we were in the past). As for that beautiful shot of the Sierras, it could well be a nod to macOS, even though the company has moved to Monterey. It seems equally likely to be a reference to the above title.
The biggest, easiest, and most important answer to what to expect is a new iPhone. Last year’s models experienced a significant delay due to supply chain bottlenecks related to COVID-19. Of course, supply chain issues remain, but it looks like the company seems to be back on track with its pre-pandemic release cycle.
The biggest upgrade to the iPhone 12, of course, was the long-awaited addition of 5G. That, coupled with the delay, led Apple to some pretty massive sales quarters amid a wider stalemate in the entire wireless market. While other manufacturers have skipped the number out of superstitious concerns, Apple seems to be firmly on board with the iPhone 13 (the iPhone 14 is said to have already leaked as renders of its successor).
Credit: Getty Images / Qi Heng / VCG
Recent reports suggest that the iPhone 13 will come in four different configurations – much like its predecessor. So: the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. The screen sizes should stay the same: 5.4, 6.1 (x2) and 6.7 inches. Meanwhile, a separate report suggests we will see additional colors, with the full range of products being black, white, blue, purple, pink (instead of green), and product (red). Remember, however, that it is not entirely out of the question to offer different color availabilities in different markets.
Unsurprisingly, camera upgrades are all the big news here. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the specs from last year’s Pro Max model will migrate to the rest of the line (including possibly lidar). A ProRes video mode is set to follow the addition of ProRAW to further advance the bonafides of the handset as a semi-professional video shooting rig. Cinematic Video is designed to give the video an effect similar to portrait mode. Kuo has also suggested that the devices get a Qualcomm X60-based feature that enables emergency calls via satellites – allegedly only available in select markets.
Of course, the phone also gets the latest chip from Apple, the A15, which is said to be coupled with a 120 Hz ProMotion display. Apple could also bring an always-on feature to the screen, hopefully with minimal impact on battery life. In terms of appearance, we assume that it will be more or less the same as its predecessor, albeit with a slightly smaller camera notch on the front – if not up to the fake Ted Lasso iPhone. The camera hump on the back should meanwhile get bigger and possibly offer an improved telephoto lens.
Oh, and apparently they’ll be more expensive than the iPhone 12 – clearly not one of the new features Apple will be actively promoting.
Credit: Apple
The Apple Watch 7 seems to be the other big news of the event. Apple’s extremely popular wearable is said to be more massive, with a larger display, resulting in a slightly larger case size from 40mm and 44mm to 41mm and 45mm. The overall size won’t be all that big of a change though, as the company is looking to downsize its bezels in this go-round.
Perhaps the most exciting 24/7 rumor is the extra battery life. This has long felt like a blind spot for the product compared to competing smartwatches – especially after Apple significantly improved sleep tracking. Most don’t expect big new health features for the watch on this excursion, which is a bit of a surprise here, given that health and fitness were a major cornerstone for Apple.
Credit: ProWellTech
AirPods 3 seems like a pretty good choice. The latest version of the company’s entry-level earbuds (and their case) are said to get a new Pro-style design, along with a new chip that aims to improve battery life. Active noise cancellation and interchangeable tips will apparently not show up to keep up the difference between the two models.
Don’t be surprised if the company-wide upgrade to in-house silicon sees a slew of new Macs. Rumors point to a new MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and a larger 27-inch version of its ARM-powered iMac.
The event begins Tuesday, September 14 at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT. We’ll be here and let you know the news as soon as it arrives.