Apple confirmed on Tuesday that it will host its next launch event, titled “Wonderlust,” on September 12. The company’s rumored iPhone 15 series smartphones are expected to make its debut at the event. Apple is tipped to add notable hardware upgrades to the iPhone range this year, such as a periscope camera for the Pro series and a new programmable ‘Action’ button. According to recent reports, the Cupertino-based company could also launch the Apple Watch Series 9 and a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, as well as a version of the second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB Type-C port.
From Apple’s announcement of the next launch event to the products expected to debut in the coming weeks, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming ‘Wonderlust’ event set to take place on September 12.
Apple ‘Wonderlust’ event and expected software updates
The next Apple event is called “Wonderlust” and will take place on September 12 at 10 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST). Earlier this month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicted the same launch date for the company’s next smartphone lineup, which is expected to consist of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Like previous Apple events, you should be able to stream the “Wonderlust” event live via the company’s website, the Apple TV+ app, and YouTube.
We already know that Apple will be updating its smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, Mac computers and Apple TV models with new operating system versions, thanks to the developer and public betas that have been rolled out to users. The company is expected to release iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, tvOS 17 and macOS Sonoma a few days after launch.
iPhone 15 series
Apple is expected to launch four new smartphones this year as successors to its iPhone 14 series, but the new models will reportedly feature notable hardware upgrades. According to recent reports, each model is expected to be equipped with a USB Type-C port with the option of Thunderbolt/USB 4 support and faster charging up to 35W. All four models also feature the Dynamic Island that comes with last year’s Pro models. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would get an upgrade to the A16 Bionic chip, while the Pro models could switch to a 3nm A17 Bionic processor.
Images of the alleged iPhone 15 Pro cases with a cutout for the action button
Photo credit: Weibo / Uncle Pan
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are tipped with a new action button instead of the mute switch. This button could be programmable and allow you to launch apps, perform tasks, enable device and accessibility features, or even launch shortcuts, according to a report. Meanwhile, the top model is expected to have a periscope camera that would deliver improved optical zoom performance. Both models are tipped to come in a titanium chassis with new color options.
Apple Watch Ultra (2nd generation) and Apple Watch Series 9
Unlike the iPhone 15 series, details about Apple’s plans to launch new smartwatch models are not readily available. According to previous reports, the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 9 could be equipped with a new S9 chip, marking the first major processor upgrade on the watch since the Series 6 model unveiled in 2020 – in terms of performance and battery efficiency.
If you’re expecting major hardware upgrades, you might have to wait for Apple to announce these rumored products at its upcoming launch event. Even if these become iterative upgrades, Apple is reportedly working on a major 2024 Apple Watch X model that could arrive in time for the smartwatch’s 10th anniversary next year.
Refresh AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
Last year, Apple unveiled the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) alongside the iPhone 14 smartphone series and the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra. The second-generation AirPods Pro model offers improved battery life, better active noise cancellation, and case tracking support, much like an AirTag. At the upcoming ‘Wonderlust’ event, Apple is tipped to launch the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with a USB Type-C port.
This isn’t the first time the company has revamped an existing accessory: Apple has launched an upgraded AirPods Pro model (1st generation) with a MagSafe-compatible charging case. The previous report claiming that the company’s true wireless stereo earphones (TWS) would support the modern charging port does not mention any plans to refresh other recent models such as the AirPods (3rd generation) and the AirPods Max.
Stay tuned here for more updates as the event date approaches.
