Apple’s next product keynote gets underway in just a couple of hours - and it’s arguably the company’s most important event of the year.
The California-based tech firm traditionally launches its latest iPhones in Septmber, which appears to be the case for today’s event. Apple sent out invitations to the keynote last week, according to Macworld, with the tech giant later confirming that its next event would take place on 10 September.
But the next generation of iPhones won’t be the only products announced at the event. A new version of the MacBook Pro laptop and the latest addition to the firm’s Watch series are also rumoured to be on the cards.
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Here’s what to expect from Apple’s next product keynote and where to watch it:
How to watch the iPhone 11 launch live
Apple will be streaming the iPhone 11 launch from its YouTube channel (above) and its events page. The stream is set to go live at 10am local time (6pm UK time) and should run for about two hours.
iPhone 11
Apple goes to extreme lengths to prevent tech news sites and bloggers from leaking information about its upcoming smartphones. And while it has been mostly successful at keeping its handsets a secret, a few details about its latest devices have found their way into the hands of reporters.
If the rumours are true, the new iPhone range will comprise three devices: the regular iPhone 11, serving as a successor to the current iPhone XR, an XS replacement known as the iPhone 11 Pro and a larger model called the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
It’s been reported that the new smartphones will come with a “completely redesigned camera”, The Daily Telegraph says, consisting of a “square-shaped, triple rear camera” that’s set to “enrich photo and video quality”.
Expect the latest version of Apple’s mobile processor, rumoured to be called the A13, says Macworld. Fans will have to wait until next week to find out what tricks the new chip will bring and whether it provides any battery life improvements.
But don’t expect a 5G version, warns CNet. Intel reportedly “ran into problems” producing a chip to connect to the new generation of mobile networks, suggesting that a 5G-compatible iPhone won’t land until 2020.
The new iPhones may also do away with 3D Touch, a feature introduced on the iPhone 6S that let users access sub menus and manipulate images by applying pressure to the screen.
MacBook Pro 16in
Along with the new iPhone range, Apple is rumoured to be working on a larger version of its MacBook Pro laptop.
The new model will allegedly feature a 16in display complete with bezels that are far narrower than those on the current 15in MacBook Pro. In fact, The Sun says that it’s “possible that Apple may broaden screen size” while retaining the same footprint as the 15in laptop.
Given that Apple updated its MacBook range ahead of its Worldwide Developers Conference in May, it seemed unlikely that the company would announce the new model during its September keynote.
However, a report from Taiwanese tech news site DigiTimes last month claimed that Apple would be releasing a 16in MacBook Pro with “ultra-narrow” bezels in September.
That report was followed by a statement from market research firm TrendForce earlier this month, according to Macworld. It anticipated the next MacBook Pro would hit store shelves next month, suggesting the product will be revealed during Apple’s September keynote.
Watch Series 5
Like the iPhone, Apple often launches a new iteration of its smartwatch every 12 months.
This year’s model, often referred to as the Watch Series 5, is rumoured to focus on “heath and fitness”, says Pocket-lint. It’s possible that Apple will take on the likes of Garmin with its latest Watch, perhaps introducing “more running functions like cadence tracking”.
The tech site says it would “like to see battery improvements to match other smartwatches in the market”, as well as an option to prevent the device’s display from automatically turning off when it’s not in use.
It’s also rumoured that Apple will finally introduce sleep tracking to its Watch series, a feature found on some of the device’s key competitors. According to 9to5Mac, the mode will monitor the user’s quality of sleep through “multiple sensors and inputs”, including their “movement”, “heart rate” and even the noises they make.
