Apple started sending out invitations to its upcoming launch event in September, where it's expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 6s and a new Apple TV.
As previously rumored, the big event will take place on Sept. 9 at the large Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. The venue has a capacity of 7,000 seats, far greater than the venues Apple recently used for its new product launches.
Rumors of the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have been intensifying as anticipation is heating up ahead of the unveiling, but the smartphones will likely not be the only new devices Apple unveils.
The company is also expected to take the wraps off a new Apple TV set-top box, complete with support for Apple's sassy digital assistant, Siri. The event announcement features the tagline "Hey Siri, give us a hint," which could hint at the voice input expected to grace the new Apple TV.
Apple's new set-top box is also expected to boast a redesigned controller with a touchpad, a dedicated App Store for third-party applications, and a number of other neat features.
Previous reports, for instance, have suggested that the new Apple TV will rock an A8 processor under the hood (dual-core), as well as a native SDK to turn the set-top box into a platform and maximize the hardware's potential. The new remote, meanwhile, could also be motion-sensitive, coming with a number of sensors that would allow it to function similarly to a Nintendo Wii remote.
If rumors turn out to be accurate and Apple offers a game controller with a microphone for Siri, physical buttons, a touch pad and motion-sensitive controls, the Apple TV refresh could be a great hit.
Other reports also suggested that Apple is gearing up to launch a neat TV service with its new Apple TV set-top box, which could give it a significant edge against rivals.
Lastly, Apple is also expected to tweak the design of its Apple TV, making the new unit slightly thinner and wider. Otherwise, the set-top box will likely sport the same outer shell as its predecessor, which would ensure compatibility with other Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networking gadgets.
