While most of its rivals have flocked to Berlin to unveil their newest devices at the IFA trade show, Apple has scheduled its own exclusive media event for Sept. 9 to showcase its latest innovations.
Apple's invitation for the upcoming event hints at what is next to come. It says, "Hey Siri, give us a hint," which means Apple's smart digital assistant may play a big role in the upcoming products. Many people have actually asked Siri for a hint, to which the smart-mouthed assistant sassily refused.
But even then, the rumor mill had already been churning as far back as several months before, and pretty much every new thing that Apple plans to launch has been revealed, thanks to the audacity of supply chain sources from the Far East reaching out to the various rumor blogs dedicated to finding top-secret information about Apple's latest moves.
An iPhone 6s, a long awaited revamped Apple TV, new software, additional Apple Watch bands and the long rumored iPad Pro as Apple's "one more thing" are expected to show up on Sept. 9.
iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
As expected, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will look pretty much the same as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, but with several notable changes. First off, Apple is said to be using 7000 series aluminum for its new iPhones, a much stronger and more durable alloy than the 6000 series it uses for its current flagships, a move that is seen to be Apple's attempt to finally put Bendgate behind it.
The phones are also expected to receive a modest camera bump to 12MP with the ability to record videos in 4K, which should give the iSight camera another edge over its rivals. The iPhone 6 camera, which only has an 8MP sensor even when its rivals are soaring into double-digit megapixels, is widely regarded as one of the best phone cameras available. A bump to 12MP should further reinforce Apple's standing in this department.
The phones will also be the first iPhones integrated with Force Touch, Apple's new pressure-sensitive technology that allows the phones to distinguish between different types of pressures. The Apple Watch and the new MacBooks already have Force Touch, a feature that Apple calls the "most significant new sensing capability."
Apple TV
The Apple TV sold 1 billion units, surpassing its hobby status and going into serious product category, in 2014. Still, fans have waited quite a while for Apple to issue a refresh to its now $69 set-top box.
That wait may soon be over on Sept. 9, as a rumored new Apple TV with major enhancements is expected to be revealed. Chief among these changes is reportedly a new Wii-like controller that allows gesture-based controls. Rumors are rife that Apple TV will be more game-focused, and Apple will be pushing the Apple TV up against big-league gaming consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Siri is also expected to be integrated into the device, as well as an App Store dedicated to Apple TV. What may not make an appearance, however, is the reported $40-a-month cable TV replacement service that Apple will roll out in 2016. Word has it that Apple's negotiations with cable networks are delaying the announcement.
Lastly, the new Apple TV is believed to be much more expensive than its predecessor. Some reports peg the starting price between $149 and $199, which is way more than the $99 launch price the current Apple TV had.
iOS 9, OS X 10.11 and WatchOS 2
Multiple beta versions of iOS 9 and OS X 10.11 have made their way to the hands of beta testers, but Apple has yet to release the final versions of the software to the wider public. One of the biggest changes to iOS 9 might include a "smarter" Siri, with better search results and integration with more apps. iOS 9 will also include better security settings, new privacy features, better battery management and an upgrade to the Maps app.
Meanwhile, OS X 10.11 is more about providing better performance, thanks to the use of Metal, a graphics technology used in new iPhones and iPads. OS X 10.11 will also include features such as split-screen mode, improved Spotlight search and Mission Control, revamped apps, a new two-factor authentication and more.
The WatchOS 2 is also expected to make an appearance, with the focus of the new software being more customizations and updated Apple Watch apps.
Apple Watch Bands
There is not likely going to be a new Apple Watch soon, but Apple is believed to be readying new bands for the Apple Watch Sport. Currently, the colors come in bright colors, along with the more muted black and white, but additional colors can be expected on Sept. 9.
One More Thing: iPad Pro
Rumors of a 12.9-inch iPad called the iPad Pro have been in the air for quite some time, and perhaps we may expect to see such a device next week. The latest report from 9to5Mac says Apple may finally unveil the much rumored large-screen tablet on Sept. 9, along with a refreshed iPad mini.
The iPad Pro is codenamed J98/J99 and is expected to run on iOS 9.1 out of the box. The tablet will have two front-facing speakers and Force Touch. Meanwhile, the iPad mini 4 will, of course, be an even thinner version of the iPad mini 3. It will reportedly run on an A-series chip and will have an upgraded camera.
Not much else is known about the iPad Pro, and 9to5Mac says Apple may still push back the announcement of the device for October.
