iPhone 14 launch event reportedly will be another prerecorded video

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iPhone 14 Pro models may get an always-on display, finally.
Apple has started working on the iPhone 14’s launch event.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly does not plan to hold an in-person iPhone 14 event this September. Instead, the company will once again announce the upcoming iPhones via a virtual event.

No physical launch event for iPhone 14

Apple has not held a physical launch event in more than two years due to the pandemic. And in today’s edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says that’s not about to change anytime soon. Apple already started prerecording the iPhone 14 launch event, according to Gurman. This dashes all hopes of the company holding a physical iPhone launch event in September.

Apple held this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference virtually. However, it hosted a limited in-person screening for selected developers and media outlets.

With COVID-19 cases in the San Francisco Bay Area declining, Apple could take the same approach for the next iPhone launch. The company could invite reporters, influencers and others to Apple Park to watch the prerecorded event, after which they could get some hands-on time with the new products.

Apple recently dropped the mask mandate for its corporate employees at “most locations.”

New iPhones and Apple Watch will debut in September

Alongside the new iPhones, Apple undoubtedly will announce the Apple Watch Series 8 at the event. The new smartwatch should retain the same design as the current model, with an S8 chip unlikely to bring any noticeable performance boost.

A key new addition reportedly will be a body-temperature sensor capable of detecting fevers. That should tie in nicely with new health features coming in watchOS 9.

Additionally, a new Apple Watch “Pro” model reportedly will join the lineup. Aimed at extreme sports enthusiasts and featuring a rugged titanium shell with a bigger display and beefier battery, it could help Apple attract hardcore Garmin users.

Also in his newsletter, Gurman said he thinks Apple will hold a second fall event in October to launch the new M2-powered iPad Pro and Macs. Apple reportedly delayed the iPadOS 16 release until October. A third event should follow in early 2023, at which Apple will unveil its long-rumored AR headset.

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