Apple announces Sept. 15 event where it’s expected to reveal new iPhones

• Apple just announced a digital-only event where it’s expected to reveal the new iPhones.
• Apple typically unveils its new iPhones during an event at its headquarters in September, but this year it will host it online-only due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus.

Apple just announced a digital-only event on Sept. 15 where it’s expected to reveal its newest iPhones. Apple typically unveils its new iPhones during an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. in September, but this year it will host it online-only due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus. It’s possible Apple also announces the Apple Watch Series 6, a refresh to its iPad Air and other products at the event.

The event starts at 10 a.m. PT. Apple didn’t provide any additional details but will likely stream it online, as it usually does.

Apple is expected to announce four new iPhones this year, including two “regular” iPhone 12 models and two iPhone 12 Pro models with new designs that include sharper edges around the corners. For reference, the new design will be similar to 2010′s iPhone 4, according to TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Screen sizes include a 5.4-inch model, two with 6.1-inch screens and a big model with a 6.7-inch display, according to Kuo, who also said that Apple won’t include headphones or a charger in the box.

Bloomberg said in April that the iPhone 12 Pro models will have three cameras and a new 3D lidar sensor that helps with augmented reality applications. That sensor first launched in the latest iPad Pro models earlier this year.

Kuo said the new iPhone models will support next-generation 5G networks, though it’s still unclear which models will also support the fastest, but limited range, mmWave 5G. You may not see faster data from 5G where you live right now, but it will become more important in the coming years as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon roll it out more broadly.

Reports have suggested Apple will also announce a new iPad Air that looks more like an iPad Pro sometime this fall, with a screen that runs from edge-to-edge. But, it’s possible Apple also saves that for an October event like it did in 2018, when it announced new iPads and MacBooks.

Apple typically announces its new Apple Watches alongside the latest iPhones. This year, Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 6. The latest watchOS 7 software supports sleep tracking and will be available for current Apple Watches, but expect that to be one highlight. Rumors have suggested it will also detect blood oxygen saturation. Last year, Apple lowered the price of the Series 3 and made that its more affordable entry-level Apple Watch. Apple could do the same this year by dropping the cost of the Series 5 and introducing it as a more affordable option to the new Apple Watch Series 6.