Apple's Sept. 14 Event: What We Expect to See ?

The virtual Apple iPhone 13 launch event has a date, and we think Apple's going to unveil some exciting stuff

Jasmine Le

lehang1997hanu@gmail.com September 08, 2021 | 10:42

The next Apple Event 2021 should be big, and it's now official. Invites have gone out for a "California streaming" event that will take place September 14 at 1 pm ET/ 10 am PT

Most signs point to a revealing the of the new iPhone 13, Apple Watch 7 and AirPods 3. Last year Apple split its top launches into a series of virtual keynotes, and while we are still anticipating multiple Apple events before the year's end, the September installment will be the one most people care about.

Apple's Sept. 14 Event: What We Expect to See ?

Tim Cook. Photo: Apple

Like previous recent Apple events, this one will be virtual, broadcasting from Apple Park. The company has already held two virtual keynotes this year: the Spring Loaded event featuring Apple AirTag key finders and colorful Apple iMac 2021, followed by WWDC 2021 in June.

After its September event, Apple could return in October or November (or both) with other rumored products like MacBook Pro 14-inch 2021, MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021, and iPad mini 6, as reported by Tom’s Guide.

The collection of incoming devices means there are exciting times ahead for Apple fans. But it's a lot to keep track of, so we've outlined everything you need to know about remaining Apple Event 2021 plans below.

Apple September 2021 event: Date, time and how to watch

The Apple Event will take place September 14 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT. The special Apple event will be broadcast from Apple Park. Apple says you will be able to watch the Apple event live at Apple.com.

We also expect the Apple event to be broadcast on YouTube, but that is not yet confirmed.

Apple event: iPhone 13

Apple's most anticipated 2021 launch is the new iPhone. Thanks to several reports and leaks, we have a pretty good sense of what to expect from the iPhone 13 lineup.

We believe there are four iPhone 13 models arriving in the same iPhone 12 sizes. All four models should feature a smaller notch, faster A15 Bionic chip, larger batteries and improved 5G. iPhone 13 Pro models could get an always-on display option, dynamic 120Hz refresh rates and an improved ultrawide lens, too.

Photo: MacRumors

There are couple of more questionable rumors circulating. While in-screen TouchID is reportedly a no-go, Apple is reportedly testing revamped Face ID hardware that work with masks, making it easier for people to get into their iPhone when part of their face is covered. Also, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 13 will feature satellite communications, letting the phone send messages without a traditional cellular collection; reportedly, that capability will work as part of a new emergency messaging feature.

See our guide to the 7 biggest iPhone 13 rumors you need to know for a more in-depth look at possible new iPhone features, and our iOS 15 beta review for all the confirmed upgrades on the way. We also collected everything we know about the iPhone 13 cameras for you smartphone photography buffs.

Apple event: Apple Watch 7

The Apple Watch 7 should be the best Apple Watch yet. We haven't seen as many exciting Apple Watch 7 leaks as iPhone 13 ones, but we know of some possible changes.

For starters, the Apple Watch could be due for its biggest redesign in years. Say so long to the curved screen chassis — instead, several sources say the Apple Watch 7 will feature flat edges to better follow the iPhone's design language. The Apple Watch 7 display will also be flat, and could benefit from a "new lamination technique" that raises the watch's display closer to the top cover.

Apple's new AirPods 3 could look similar to this concept design by Michael Rieplhuber. Photo: Twitter

Another rumor from a leaker on Chinese site Weibo says that the Apple Watch 7 will come in two new larger sizes: 41mm and 45mm. This would be larger than the 40mm and 44mm sizes on the Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch SE. The larger sizes, along with a new double-sided S7 processor, could finally offer a battery life boost.

Will it be enough for the Apple Watch 7 to be the best smartwatch overall? Even if we don't see these major design changes, the watch will still ship with watchOS 8. The latest wearable software brings a new Mindfulness app, precipitation alerts, support for digital keys, multiple timers and more.

Of all the products mentioned here, the Apple Watch 7 seems the likeliest to get pushed back to a later Apple product event. A report claims the Apple Watch 7 could be delayed due to production woes, leaving it uncertain as to when Apple will unveil and ship its latest wearable.

Apple event: AirPods 3

Lastly, the AirPods 3 seem likely to debut in September. Following the success of the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, Apple can cement its claim to the best wireless headphones around with a refresh of its entry-level earbuds.

The AirPods 3 reportedly entered mass production in August, while Apple has simultaneously scaled back production on current-gen AirPods. But with the rise of counterfeit AirPods sales, it's difficult to gauge what other leaks are accurate.

Some reports say the latest model will look like AirPods Pro without the eartips, while others suggest the AirPods 3 will indeed feature flexible eartips. There are conflicting reports about the inclusion of active noise cancellation, too.

Photo: MacRumors

Most major features the AirPods 3 are likely to come as part of iOS 15 updates. The buds could get Dolby Atmos support and spatial audio to create a more cinematic experience. We'd also expect support for automatic switching, Headphones Accommodation for amplifying soft sounds and frequency adjustments, and Hearing Health, which has been updated to send notifications when listening to music that’s too loud.

iPad Mini 6

Other Apple tablets, including the iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro have already seen updates this year, so that just leaves the iPad Mini. According to Gurman, a redesign for the iPad Mini "should be a go" for fall 2021, according to CNNet.

Ninth-generation iPad

We could see an upgrade to Apple's iPad this fall with a new ninth-generation model. According to Gurman, the tech giant's next tablet could feature a slimmer design and an improved processor.

New MacBook Pros, Mac Pros, Mac Mini, iMac and Apple Display

Last year, Apple announced that it would be producing its own chip, known as the M1, to power its Mac. Since then, there has been speculation that Apple may soon announce a new version of its processor for the new MacBook Pro or Mac Pro.

Apple also previously announced a new iMac powered by the M1 processor, but it was only the smaller 24-inch model. Bloomberg has reported that Apple is working on processor updates for both the Mac Mini and 27-inch iMac.

Apple may also be working on a more affordable version of its Pro Display XDR that was originally released in 2019. Bloomberg reported in January that Apple was in "early development" of a cheaper monitor.

Echo Show competitor, soundbar with Apple TV and AR/VR headset

We could see some brand-new devices from Apple this year. This includes the possibility of an Apple competitor to the Amazon Echo Show that would fuse an entry-level iPad with a speaker, a soundbar equipped with built-in Apple TV similar to Roku's soundbar, and an Apple augmented- or virtual-reality headset.

If you're looking for more about the latest from Apple, you can take a look at the iPhone 13's release date. You can also check out how the iPhone 13 could compare to the iPhone 12, whether it's still worth it to buy an iPhone 12 or iPhone 11, and everything coming in iOS 15. Plus, why isn't the iPhone SE 3 on this list?

Photo: MacWorld

Apple Events: What's next?

The iPhone 13, Apple Watch 7, AirPods 3, new Macbook Pros, iPad mini 6 and iPad 9 should bring us to the end of 2021. It's not uncommon for Apple to toss in a surprise product launch in late December, though it could come via press release instead of event. It could be a Mac Mini 2021 or MacBook Air 2021, or perhaps something a little more experimental.

Other products we've heard early rumors about include the AirPods Pro 2, which are arguably due for a refresh. Further on the horizon are Apple Glasses or an Apple VR and mixed reality headset. And an Apple Car could come at some point down the road.

Tim Cook is allegedly planning to step down after "one more" big product reveal sometime between 2025 and 2028, so at least one of those innovations could be a few years out.