Apple Event Tomorrow: What to expect – New iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods?

It’s been 1093 days since Apple opened the doors of Steve Jobs Theatre for an event to announce new products. While this year’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference was in part an in-person event this “Far Out” September event is as close to normal as we’ve been in two years.

Attendees need to register a negative Covid-19 test, and wear a mask while indoors, but we’ll be seated inside the Steve Jobs theatre for a keynote once again.

We already know a lot about what the iPhone 14 will be, but the physical dummies don’t tell us the specifications and performance of these new devices.

So here’s what we expect.

Apple iPhone 14 – Bringing back the Plus

There will be four iPhones, following the same trend as iPhone 12 and 13, however there won’t be an iPhone 14 Mini.

Instead, the lineup for 2022 will likely be:

• iPhone 14 – 6.1 inch
• iPhone 14 Plus – 6.7 inch
• iPhone 14 Pro – 6.1 inch
• iPhone 14 Pro Max – 6.7 inch

I was sure the larger base model would be the iPhone 14 Max, but it seems Apple is bringing back the Plus tag, first used on the iPhone 6 Plus.

But to really differentiate the Pro models from the standard, the Max name looks like being just for the top end device.

It also seems possible the processor will be differentiated across the standard and Pro models. iPhone 13 models all feature the A15 Bionic, possibly an incremental processor for the 14 and 14 Plus, while the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max will see the A16 chip.

Cameras will be key, improvements across the whole range, while of course the 14 Pro models will be big improvements in night time and zoom photography.

On the Pro models the “notch” will also become an in-screen cut out, thus maximising the pixels and reducing the interference from the camera module.

Several new Apple Watches

Updates to the Apple Watch SE and a new Apple Watch Series 8 will feature an improved processor, and more advanced sensors, and of course better fitness and health tracking, because we expect Apple Fitness+ to be a big part of the keynote.

Additionally, for the first time, a Pro Model of the Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch Pro will be far more expensive, feature an all new interface with buttons on both sides of the watch, allowing for more tactile control for those running, racing, and outdoor adventuring.

This will compete with high-end Garmin and Suunto watches, along with the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Updated AirPods?

Seems about time we see a new set of the Apple AirPods Pro headphones. Improved sound, noise cancelling and spatial audio, with better battery life. Just ideas but long overdue.

Augmented Reality

The continued rumours of an Apple “Augmented Reality” headset just won’t go away. Fuelled by new trademark filings which indicate this will be the Apple Reality One.

It’s likely the AR headset will be the next “One More Thing” – but is it ready now? Will we get it tomorrow?

I think it’s a low chance, but hey – I’ve been wrong a lot before.

How to follow the Apple Event

The event takes place 3am Eastern Australian time, and will be streamed live on Apple.com.au. Of course, you can visit EFTM.com throughout the morning, get notifications in the EFTM app, and watch updates on Channel 9 News and The Today Show.