What To Expect At Apple Event: Three New iPhones, AirPower, iPad Pro 3, Apple Watch Series 4

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The much-awaited Apple event is just around the corner. The Cupertino company has been releasing new iPhones in the first half of September since the iPhone 5 in 2012. There is no reason to believe the company would change the tradition this year. Experts who have analyzed Apple’s iPhone release pattern over the years suggest that the tech giant would hold its next big event on September 12.

Apple hasn’t yet sent out press invites for the iPhone launch event, but we expect the company to send out the invites in the next few days. The Apple event is expected to be held at the Steve Jobs Theater in the Apple Park campus. Let’s take a look at all the products Apple could unveil at the event.

2018 iPhones Launch Date
Image Source: KGI Securities (screenshot)

Three iPhones with a display notch

TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple will launch three new iPhones this year. Kuo’s prediction was confirmed by Bloomberg contributor Mark Gurman, who learned from supply chain sources that all the three iPhones coming this year would sport a display notch and the Face ID technology. Recent reports suggest all three new iPhones could ditch the 3D Touch functionality.

Kuo predicts Apple will release a 5.8-inch iPhone X successor, a 6.5-inch iPhone, and a 6.1-inch model with an LCD screen. Sources familiar with the matter told Les Numeriques that the new iPhones would be called iPhone XS,  iPhone XS Plus, and iPhone 9. The iPhone 9 would get only a single camera and 3GB RAM while the other two models would sport dual cameras and 4GB RAM. All three models will be powered by Apple’s next-gen A12 chipset based on the 7nm manufacturing process. The A12 promises 40% better energy efficiency and 20% speed bump over its predecessor.

Apple iPad Pro 3 Concept 2
Image source: Alvaro Pabesio / Behance.net

iPad Pro 3

The third-generation iPad Pro is going to get a major design overhaul next month. According to Kuo, the iPad Pro 3 will be available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch screen sizes. However, Japanese blog Mac Otakara claims the new iPads will retain the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch sizes of their predecessor. What they both agree on is that the iPad Pro 3 would have slimmer bezels and a smaller form factor compared to the previous generation.

The iPad Pro 3 will launch without the physical home button. Apple is said to add Face ID technology in the upcoming iPads.

Apple Watch Series 4 Concept
Image Source: @VenyaGeskin1 / Twitter (screenshot)

Apple Watch Series 4

The next-gen Apple Watch will almost certainly debut at the upcoming Apple event. The tech giant has traditionally unveiled new Apple Watch models alongside the iPhones. Apple hasn’t upgraded the Apple Watch design in years. We could see some major design changes with this year’s Apple Watch Series 4. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the new Watch will have slimmer bezels, allowing Apple to increase the screen size.

Kuo has learned from supply chain sources that the Series 4 Watch would be available in 39.9mm and 45.2mm screen sizes, up from 38mm and 42mm. The upcoming Watch is also expected to feature better health tracking such as an improved heart rate sensor, better sleep tracking, and ‘sunscreen detector.’

Apple's AirPower Wireless Charging Mat
Image source: Apple

AirPower

The AirPower wireless charging mat was announced at last year’s Apple event, but the product hasn’t started shipping yet. Ming-Chi Kuo has told clients that the AirPower would start shipping in the third quarter this year, which means it should go on sale around the same time as the three new iPhones. The AirPower allows you to wirelessly charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods by placing them on the charging mat.

As is the case with all Apple products, this is going to be ridiculously expensive. The rumor mill claims it would have a price tag of $150. If you are not interested in AirPower, here are some of the best alternatives.

Products unlikely to debut at the September Apple event

The iPhone maker is also rumored to launch an upgraded Mac Mini and a new low-cost 13-inch MacBook to replace the aging MacBook Air. But these products are unlikely to be unveiled at the September Apple event. The tech giant could hold another event in October to announce the Mac Mini and MacBook Air successor. In the past, Apple has held events in October for products other than iPhones. Some reports also suggest that the company could refresh the iMac and iMac Pro.

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