apple Apple just sent out invites to push for its next special event, which is expected to launch the iPhone 14 (four phones) and the Apple Watch (three watches). The invitations mean there were two surprises from the company. MORE FROM FORBESApple iPhone 14 surprise approved in new Apple Insider report By David Phelan
When is the special event?
It is set for Apple Park on Wednesday September 7 at 10am. Pacific. The first surprise is that the date is almost a week earlier than expected. The second surprise is that the confirmation of the event also came earlier than expected. Up until a week or so ago, many were betting on next week for the event, with Tuesday September 13 in the frame. Then two suggestions, from Max Weinbach and Mark Gurman led to a quick management of expectations. Until today, almost everyone, including Mr. Gurman, assumed that confirmation of the event would come on Wednesday, August 31, exactly one week before the shindig itself. Fair enough, this is the usual timing from Apple. But, again, Apple has raised eyebrows. It’s perhaps no coincidence that in Europe at least, the focus of the tech world until a few minutes ago was on the build-up to IFA, a huge tech show in Berlin that rivals CES in Las Vegas. Since Apple’s announcement, that focus has suddenly shifted back to Cupertino. Oh, and the invitation, which reveals as little as you’d expect from an Apple event announcement, does confirm one detail, and it may also come as a surprise: the keynote will be in the Steve Jobs Theater, not outside like it was at WWDC.
So what can we expect?
The iPhone 14 is a ‘soo-in’, with four models predicted: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The most interesting, I would say, is the brand new model. The mini that was introduced with the iPhone 12 mini and continued for the iPhone 13 mini is being retired. It’s not yet clear whether the iPhone 13 mini will remain part of the lineup alongside the iPhone 13, but my guess is that it will. But the new phone, which may be called the iPhone 14 Max but could just as easily be the iPhone 14 Plus, will be the first time an iPhone with a 6.7-inch screen will be available without the Pro moniker attached. This looks likely to attract a whole new range of buyers who want a big screen but don’t need the advanced features of the Pro or can’t afford the high price tag that the iPhone 14 Pro Max attracts. It will likely have an aluminum frame and dual cameras, and won’t have the 120Hz refresh rate expected for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Many other components will be identical, but it is believed that the Pro phones will have a faster processor than the non-Pro ones. MORE FROM FORBESApple Watch Series 8: Apple May Have Just Unveiled Its Brilliant Upgrade By David Phelan
How about the Apple Watch?
I’m glad you asked. It looks like there will be a record number of new Apple Watch models this year. The Apple Watch Series 8 will be accompanied by an all-new Apple Watch SE. That’s cool, but the big excitement is reserved for what’s rumored to be called the Apple Watch Pro, a larger watch designed for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Nothing else;
The most likely other item is the second-generation AirPods Pro, which would be pretty cool. Other objects could land, either on September 7 or in October. These will likely include new Macs, a new iPad Pro, and the biggest upgrade yet to the basic iPad with an all-new design. MORE FROM FORBESApple AirPods Pro 2: Insider Says Crucial Design Upgrade Could Take Weeks By David Phelan
