Apple sent out invites Tuesday to its annual September product launch event, which will happen September 12. The tagline is “Wonderlust,” so Apple is apparently hoping we’ll all be feeling both wonder and lust when it unveils the iPhone 15 series.
We’re also expecting to see the next generation of Apple Watch models.
Get ready for a massive Apple September event
Every year, Apple CEO Tim Cook takes to the stage in mid-September for an event that’s crowded with big news. This year will surely be no different. Tuesday’s Wonderlust event invite doesn’t jump the gun and reveal what’s on the agenda. But we need look no farther than Apple’s previous fall events to see a roadmap of what’s coming next month.
Company executives will be there to reveal the release date for iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and tvOS 17. Apple unveiled these operating systems at WWDC23 in June, so the features are no secret. But the autumn product launch event means the wait for these is almost over.
Software is secondary, though. Many months of leaks have shown us that the headliners on September 12 will be the iPhone 15 series, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Just like other Apple showcases in recent years, this will be a hybrid event. Some developers, journalists and other VIPs will receive invites to attend the event in person at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. There, they will watch Apple’s prerecorded presentation, which will showcase all the new hardware arriving in the coming weeks.
Apple will simultaneously stream the undoubtedly slick video — essentially an informercial on steroids — from the Apple website and in the Apple TV app. (See behind-the-scenes photos from WWDC22 at Apple Park.) The event starts at 10 a.m. Pacific on September 12.
iPhone 15 series live on stage
We won’t get the definitive word on the next iOS handsets until the launch event, naturally, but a great many details already slipped out. Perhaps the biggest change coming is that 2023 will mark the end of an era, as the iPhone 15 series supposedly will be the first Apple handsets with USB-C. The old Lightning connector will soon be a thing of the past.
Other expected changes include the Dynamic Island expanding to all four of the upcoming devices. The same goes for the 48MP camera from 2022’s Pro models.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max reportedly will get a new Apple A17 processor, and titanium in their chassis. The Pro Max could come with an even more advanced camera with a periscope lens.
For more details, read our roundup of leaked specs for the entire iPhone 15 series.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, too
The Apple September event isn’t just about iPhone. Another major announcement almost certainly on the docket is Apple Watch Series 9.
Leaks say that potential buyers should look forward to improved performance coming from a faster processor. However, no significant redesign is expected.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 also will likely be unveiled September 12. The updated rugged smartwatch might sport the faster chip, too, plus — for the first time — a new color option.
Don’t miss our roundup of rumors on all the 2023 Apple Watch plans.
New Macs are coming in … October maybe?
No one should get their heart set on seeing new MacBooks or an iMac at the Apple September event. It’ll be mostly about the iPhone 15 series and updated Apple Watch.
There are supposedly multiple macOS models on the way, all with a souped-up M3 processor. And Apple might also give the basic $449 iPad a spec bump this autumn. But these almost certainly won’t be on display in September.
Exactly when they will arrive, and whether there will be an Apple October event to show them off, is anyone’s guess right now.
Image: Apple
