What to expect from Apple in September and beyond

Updated to reflect Sept. 9 media event.

Apple fans, take note: We’re now just a few days away from the start of what promises to be the most exciting part of this year’s technology calendar. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Cupertino is likely to unleash new iOS devices, perhaps a new Apple TV, and probably a few surprises.

New iPhones arriving in September

In recent years, Apple has held two special events in the fall; one in September and another in October. A similar schedule should be in the cards for this year.

Everything should kick-off Sept. 9 when the company is holding an iPhone-centric media event. During that event, which will be held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California, we should see the “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” make their debut.

Also expected: One final look at iOS 9 before the update is released to the public.

Like the iPhone 4s and iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus should be incremental hardware updates, at best. The new handsets should feature better cameras, be made of a stronger aluminum alloy, and come with Force Touch. The new iPhones may also be available in rose gold for the first time.

The new devices may also feature 2GB of RAM, double what is found on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Along with a faster A9 chip, that should make both models true speed demons. The handsets themselves should look nearly identical to the iPhone 6 models.

What about the “iPhone 6c”?

The arrival of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will probably mean it’s the end of the line for the 4-inch iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Because of this, we could also see the arrival of the so-called iPhone 6c. Though announced in September, this new handset might not be available in stores until late-October.

Current iPhone lineup: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, and iPhone 5c Projected iPhone lineup: iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6c

The next Apple TV

The last Apple TV hardware update occurred in 2012. Since then, Cupertino’s “hobby” device has fallen behind even the year-old Amazon Fire TV to become the fourth best-selling streaming video product. That should begin to change in the coming weeks when the fourth-generation Apple TV is expected to launch.

Though the new Apple TV may lack a long-rumored video streaming service like the one offered by Sling TV, it could include an App Store for the first time. The new device may also include a refreshed user interface and remote control.

Little on the Apple Watch front and other September happenings

Last year’s September event featured the unveiling of the Apple Watch. This year, the wearable device will be a supporting player, at best. One can expect to hear more about watchOS 2 next month. Also likely: some new Watch bands. Apple could also use the company’s September event to discuss HomeKit, CarPlay, and more.

Finally, a wildcard

Apple’s September event is being held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in the heart of the city. This could prove significant since the location can accommodate 7,000. By contrast, last year’s heavily promoted Apple Watch event was held at the 2,300-seat Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, California. Apple wouldn’t book a 7,000-seat auditorium to simply unveil an off-year iPhone. Therefore, maybe they are prepping for a huge surprise.

The so-called “iPad Pro”? Unlikely, since that device is expected to launch at Apple’s October event, which may also feature the unveiling of new iMacs and other Macs.

Stay tuned. What do you want to see Apple announce in the coming weeks?

Photo: Patrick Hagan

Related articles