With Apple having announced the date and venue for its next mega event, expectations now are on an all time high. All eyes are on the Cupertino giant as it prepares to launch its 2015 flagship smartphones, along with new iPads, new Apple TV and some accessories for Apple Watch.
Here we take a look at some of the more pragmatic expectations associated with the September 9 event.
iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
As has been the tradition, the ‘s’ series of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus would carry on with the 2014 design but with more stronger 7000 Series aluminum, and will pack some serious improvements under the hood. Force Touch is easily one of the most expected feature, while an all new A9 CPU based on SiP along with 2GB onboard RAM is almost a given as well. On the camera front, experts are still juggling with a 12MP or 16MP module capable of recording videos in 4K. There’s also talk of 5MP front cam with front-facing flash for the selfie-conscious as well. The rumors regarding the base model iPhone 6s being bumped up to 32GB of storage have come crashing down, after a recent leak showed the phone carrying 16GB.
Meanwhile, there are strong arguments suggesting the arrival of Motion wallpapers for the iPhone 6s / 6s Plus, akin to the Apple Watch, which could also mean deeper blacks on the new display. Also expected is the introduction of a new rose gold color for the new models.
What is not expected though is the rumored iPhone 6c.
Prices of new iPhones on contract will be $199 (16GB), $299 (64GB), $399 (128GB) for 6s and $299 (16GB), $399 (64GB), $499 (128GB) for 6s Plus. iPhone 6 will start from $99 following the event while 6 Plus will start from $199. iPhone 5s will go free while iPhone 5c will be discontinued.
Pre-orders are expected to begin on September 11 with the launch being slated for September 18.
Apple TV 4
It’s been years since Apple refreshed the Apple TV. The fourth-generation set-top-box from Cupertino will be much slimmer but taller than the Apple TV 3 and possibly be cladded in metal. Not much is known on the software front, but we could be looking at a brand new interface, a dedicated App Store, and a SDK for third-party apps.
The main highlight will be the remote for the set-top-box which will be completely re-imagined. It will feature touch-support as well as full featured Siri so that you can control it completely with your voice. The remote is also said to feature Wii-like motion control for gaming purposes. Additionally, third-party wireless game controllers will also be supported.
The new Apple TV will also sport universal search feature which will return movies and tv shows from all the third-party apps installed, and not just from Apple’s own iTunes Store.
Under the hood it will have Apple’s A8 processor and will be powered by iOS 9 core. 4K streaming though will not be supported.
It’s expected to cost $149 and will come with 16GB onboard storage compared to 8GB in current models.
iPad Pro
Apple is also expected to unveil 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 2732 x 2048 resolution and A9X CPU. This iPad model is said to sport Force Touch-enabled stylus and will have optional keyboard attachment accessory. It will be available for pre-order in October and will go on sale in November with iOS 9.1 as shipping operating system.
iPad mini 4
Apple’s smaller 7.9-inch tablet is also expected to get some love at the September 9th event. The iPad mini 4 will reportedly feature same design, slim profile, specs and camera as the current-generation iPad Air 2. Unlike current-gen iPad mini 3, the iPad mini 4 will be able to fully support iOS 9’s new Split View, Slide Over and PiP features.
iPad Air 3 is not expected to make an appearance at this event.
Apple Watch Bands And New Metal Finish
Apple Watch will not only get new color options for the Sport band, but is also expected to get new metal finish for Sport model, along with a new cheaper gold-plated stainless steel Watch.
iOS 9 GM
GM versions are usually released for developers a week before the final public release, and it won’t be any different for iOS 9. Apple will announce release date for the final version of iOS 9 at the event and will release GM build for developers to test before the public launch. For more on what’s new in iOS 9, check out our video walkthrough here: iOS 9 Beta Features: Hands-On Video Walkthrough.
watchOS 2 GM
Same as iOS 9, Apple will release a GM version of watchOS 2 to developers before launching it publicly for all Apple Watch users a week later. For more on what’s new in watchOS 2, check out our video: watchOS 2 Beta For Apple Watch: New Features Video Walkthrough.
El Capitan GM
OS X El Capitan 10.11 is more focused on bug-fixes and performance improvements across the board, but Apple has cleverly thrown in some useful features for power users as well. Introduction of Metal technology for gaming, Windows-like Split View and Snap feature, improved Mission Control, Mail, Photos, Spotlight etc. are just some of the features. Like iOS 9 and watchOS 2, Apple may release final GM version of El Capitan too for developers to test before its public launch. For more on what’s new in El Capitan, check out our hands-on video of it here: Our Top 5 Favorite OS X El Capitan Features [Hands-On Video].
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