September 7 might bring iPhone 14 unveiling

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This concept shows the new iPhone 14 in purple.
This concept shows the new iPhone 14 in purple.
Photo: Jon Prosser/Ian Zelbo

Apple’s next big product event — the release of the iPhone 14 series — will take place on September 7, according to a new report.

The event kicks off a busy release period before the end of the year, with new Macs, iPads and Apple Watches expected.

iPhone 14 series launch set for September 7

Wednesday’s report, by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, noted that iPhones made up more than half of Apple’s total sales in 2021. Recently, overall smartphone sales have dropped a bit for economic reasons. But Apple continues to signal a position of relative strength so far.

Though an Apple spokesperson didn’t comment on the event’s specific timing, Gurman mentioned the iPhone unveiling usually takes place in the first half of September. He also pointed out that Apple’s requirement for corporate employees to return to the office three days a week starts two days ahead of the expected event date.

Apple is expected to stream the event, as it has with other events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Changes expected in the iPhone 14 lineup

The basic iPhone 14 reportedly won’t look much different from iPhone 13, but predictions call for no “mini” version (5.4 inches) and the addition of a large standard (non-Pro) version (6.7 inches).

Among the changes in the lineup, Apple should finally ditch the “notch” camera cutout on the Pro models. In its place will be a less-intrusive “pill and hole” setup for sensors and camera.

The Pro and Pro Max models also should see an improved chip, but the standard models supposedly will stick with the A15 from the iPhone 13.

The Pro models are expected to see big camera improvements. A 48-megapixel wide-angle camera alongside 12-megapixel ultrawide and telephoto sensors should prove to be big upgrades. Those models also might see price hikes this year.

For a fuller accounting of all the leaks pointing to tweaks and new features in the iPhone 14 lineup, see our recent roundup.

More than just iPhones: Apple Watch 8

It likely won’t be just iPhones we hear about on September 7. Other new hardware should appear. That usually includes new Apple Watches.

Apple Watch Series 8 reportedly will take its design cues from the 7 series but add a new, rugged Pro model with advanced fitness tracking plus a titanium case and a bigger display. Check out our roundup of all known changes and new features.

The lineup may add a new body-temperature sensor and features for women’s health. A new version of the affordable SE model may sport a more robust chip than the previous version.

Other new hardware, like iPads and Macs, is in the works but may not figure into the early-September event.

The standard 10.2-inch iPad may get an A14 chip and USB-C port. Updated iPad Pro models with M2 chips may arrive before the end of the year. An M2 Mac mini and MacBook Pro may also appear before year’s end.

Gurman added that new iPhones often appear in stores roughly 10 days after the event. He said “some retail store employees have been told to prepare for a major new product release on Sept. 16.”

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