The rumour mill has being going wild for a while now… Tech-savvy iPhone-chasers from around the globe have been going through all corners of the web to find the slightest new detail about Apple’s upcoming products. But tonight, the wait comes to an end.
At 1am AEST (sorry Aussies!) the tech giant is set to lift the veil from their newest devices. This is what you can expect to see at their keynote presentation for the worldwide developers conference (if you decide to stay up!)
One thing to keep in mind before diving into this preview is to take it all with a grain of salt. While some expectations from tonight’s event might be a bit more reliable than others (it’s a pretty safe bet that the iPhone 14 is going to be there, right?), they’re all based on speculation and statements from industry specialists that have yet to be confirmed by the company themselves. Alright, now let’s dive in!
iPhone 14
The latest in Apple’s flagship products are set to grab the spotlight at the event. The US company will be following their own trend in releasing different models for their series line of 14 phones, with a regular, Pro and Pro Max device.
However, according to a recent article by Forbes, there’s a chance that the three models may not be releasing simultaneously, which would be a first for the company. Forbes quotes a number of people with inside knowledge of the industry who point out that several complications regarding the front camera of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have pushed back its launch date by about a month.
In regards to what the devices will look like, rumours say not much is going to change with the 14 itself compared to its predecessor, however the 14 Pro and Pro Max models are set to have a few upgrades, most notably their larger screen and their price hike! Reports say the iPhone 14 Pro will cost over $US300 more than the 13 model. Ouch!
iOS 16
Apple will of course be bringing new updates to its operating system, introducing its latest version, the iOS 16. According to Apple specialist Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the new system will come with “fresh Apple apps”, though it remains unspecified if that means new applications or a coat of paint for already existing ones. There’s also a high chance of widgets making an appearance.
It has been heavily rumoured that iOS 16 could also be introducing the highly desired “always on” feature. For the iPadOS 16, there are rumours of new multitasking features which could make the devices easier to use and more reminiscent of a desktop PC.
Watch Series 8
In regards to their new series of digital wristwatches, macrumours points out that Apple are set to be changing their design to create smoother flat edges, like those of the iPhone 13. Reportedly, there will be three watch sizes rather than the usual two, with the company adding an even bigger option to their 41mm and 45mm choices.
As for the system functions, the new wearable device is set to come with even more features to keep your health under “watch”, such as a temperature sensor, a health apnea detector, a car crash detector and improvements to its atrial fibrillation function which will help calculate “burden”. The internal chip will also be upgraded to an S8 to make it faster and more efficient.
MacBook Air
Reportedly the new 13-inch Macbook Airs will be coming with two USB-C ports and MagSafe charging capabilities, while it will retain its TouchID tech. They will also come in two new colours -other than the gold and silver that they’re already available in- with the addition of a dark blue and rose gold option.
On the down side however, they will not be available for a while, as reports say that the company will be releasing the new small Macs a bit later on in the year (sometime in Q3), with production being pushed back due to COVID and global chip shortages.
What else can we expect to see?
Apart from a major focus on their key products and services, it’s a safe bet that Apple will be keen to show off the fruits of their own investments in the budding world of new technologies, such as VR, AR and potentially even the Metaverse.
According to rumours (this is becoming a recurring theme!) the company will be revealing their new mixed-reality device, which could be similar to what Meta recently (kind of) showed off.
Other than that, we can expect mentions and cameos from other high-profile companies and celebrities. This is an Apple event, after all…
