Apple September keynote: iPhone 7, Apple Watch 2 and more

Silicon Valley giant Apple is gearing up for yet another product launch and this year's September event – due to take place this evening – should herald the introduction of two major new products.

The company has already has already launched a smartphone this year - the entry-level iPhone SE in March - but September is brand-new iPhone season and a flagship handset to replace the iPhone 6S is expected to top the bill.

iPhone 7

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The meat and bones of the presentation will be an introduction to the iPhone 7 - and rumours suggest it could be a controversial device.

For starters, the handset is not tipped to look and feel much different from the iPhone 6 and 6S. Leaks have consistently painted a picture of a phone with the same curved aluminium casing, display sizes and technology – LCD screens measuring 4.7ins (12cms) for the regular handset and 5.5ins (14cms) for the iPhone 7 Plus.

There's likely to be some minor revisions, such as neater antenna bands that tuck into the top and bottom edges, new-look cameras owing to hardware changes and potentially a different range colours to choose from.

The new cameras could be promising. The lens on the regular phone is much larger than on the iPhone 6S, suggesting big improvements, but the iPhone 7 Plus goes even further – it's tipped to get a high-spec dual-camera system.

One thing that's sure to infuriate, if it comes true, is the loss of the headphone jack. From the iPhone 7 onwards, you'll probably need wireless Bluetooth or Lightning port headphones for audio output beyond the phone's built-in speaker.

iOS 10

The software running on the smartphone should be of interest too. Apple's next mobile operating system – iOS 10 – was previewed during the firm's Worldwide Developer's Conference in July. It's been in the hands of beta testers ever since, but the final launch version will be on the iPhone 7 that's being showcased this evening.

Messages will get an extensive overhaul. The platform will now support much more in-line content – for example, if you share a YouTube video, it will play in Message rather than requiring the recipient to open a Safari tab or YouTube app separately. Other features include new, bigger emojis, as well as animated messages – they'll shake and rumble if you want to add emphasis.

The lock screen has also been overhauled with a new, richer notifications hub that displays extra information with notifications that update in real-time. This means you can do more things with the phone while it's locked.

The Photos app will also get an overhaul, with facial and object recognition automatically grouping snaps based on who and what is in them. There are a number of important changes to Siri too – the personal assistant will now work with third party apps like Uber from iOS 10 onwards. The software will go live and public next week and we have a full round-up of what's coming here.

Apple Watch 2

After launching in April 2015, the Apple Watch is due an update - and those in the know believe that will happen next week.

Evidence supporting a new watch comes from the unveiling of WatchOS 3 at Apple's WWDC conference this summer, as well as numerous leaks published by respected Apple tipster Ming-Chi Kuo.

MacRumours says the watch should come with a faster processor, larger battery, greater waterproofing, a GPS chip and a barometer. However, it won't get a 4G chip, so will still rely on being paired to an iPhone for most of its major functions.

As for the design, it's expected to look and feel more or less exactly the same as the current device, so don't rule out the wearable being called Apple Watch S instead.

MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro line-up of flagship laptops is due for an upgrade and there are strong rumours that an all-new version will launch later this year. The updated MacBook Pro is expected to boast a lighter, thinner design, a stylus friendly trackpad and Touch ID capabilities, as well as a new OLED touch bar that will replace its function keys.

This touch sensitive strip is said to be dynamic and can display context sensitive commands – for instance, if you load up Spotify, you'll get a string of special keys just for that app.

Given that a Q4 2016 launch looks increasingly likely, the September event has drawn some interest from Mac fans. However, AppleInsider says that the new MacBook hardware won't feature at this particular event. A separate Mac keynote is likely to take place in October, with a release shortly afterwards.

iPad updates

Rumours of new additions to Apple's range of tablets are less clear, though there are at least two new iPad products that are due for a refresh. Some believe Wednesday's event could be the time and place.

For instance, MacWorld expects the iPad Mini 5 to arrive this week, given that the Mini 4 made its debut in September 2015. The site even mentions the possibility of Apple's smallest tablet joining the expanding 'Pro' line, transforming it from entry level iPad to a small but very powerful device.

Elsewhere, Forbes notes that stocks of the iPad Air 2 are running low and in increasingly short supply at Apple's retail stores – a potential sign that the 9.7ins iPad line-up is set for a refresh. However, the site does not expect any iPad hardware to surface at the event. Instead it predicts that Apple will be focusing strictly on its Watch and iPhone. New tablets may appear alongside new MacBooks later this year.

How to watch

The event kicks off at 7pm UK time on Wednesday 7 September and you'll be able to watch live on Apple's website.

Streaming is available through more or less any Apple device with up to date software, barring the first generation Apple TV. Watching on a PC will be a tad awkward – the stream will only run on a Windows 10 PC with the Microsoft Edge internet browser.