Apple is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual launch event scheduled for Tuesday at its Cupertino, California headquarters. This event is expected to showcase a range of new hardware, including the much-anticipated iPhone 15 and new Apple Watch models.
The event will be presented via a prerecorded video featuring key company executives, and it will be available for streaming on both YouTube and Apple’s official website. Apple has adopted this format for its product unveilings since 2020, with last year’s event lasting approximately an hour and a half. These launches serve as crucial moments for the company, generating excitement around its products and setting the stage for a robust marketing campaign leading into the pivotal December quarter, historically the company’s strongest sales period. Notably, last year’s Apple YouTube video from the launch event garnered a staggering 31 million views, highlighting the enduring appeal of Apple’s direct communication with its audience.
This year, Apple has high hopes that its new iPhone lineup can reverse a recent sales decline, effectively counter renewed competition from Huawei, and lure Android smartphone users into making the switch to Apple’s ecosystem.
In addition to the iPhone, Apple introduced its Vision Pro VR headset in June, with plans for an official launch in 2024. Although Apple may provide some updates on its efforts to attract developers to its VR platform, detailed information about this product may not be revealed until the following year.
Unlike Apple’s iPhones and Watches, its Macs and iPads are unlikely to take center stage during Tuesday’s event, as the company typically reserves separate launch events for these products. Last year, new iPad models were introduced via a simple press release.
This year’s event invitations bear the tagline “Wonderlust,” though it’s important to note that Apple’s taglines do not necessarily provide direct hints about the products being unveiled. CNBC will be offering live coverage of the launch event from Apple’s headquarters, along with a live blog on CNBC.com.
To provide some context, last year’s September event saw Apple introducing new iPhone models, Apple Watches, and updated AirPods. As we anticipate this year’s event, here’s what we can expect:
Apple is expected to unveil four new iPhone models, following the naming pattern established since 2020. If Apple adheres to its previous naming conventions, these models will be branded as part of the iPhone 15 lineup.
Reports from Bloomberg News, hardware analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, and Wall Street analysts suggest that Apple will introduce two mid-range iPhone models, one featuring a 6.1-inch screen and the other a 6.7-inch screen. Additionally, two higher-end “Pro” iPhones with titanium casings and improved cameras are anticipated.
One of the most significant changes expected is the adoption of a USB-C charging port, replacing Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, which has been in use since 2012. This shift aligns Apple’s charging port with the industry-standard USB-C port found on many Android smartphones, modern laptops, iPads, wireless headphones, and various other devices.
The decision to switch to USB-C is largely driven by new European regulations mandating a common charging port. While Apple is unlikely to emphasize the regulatory aspect of this change, it is expected to highlight the advantages for users, including enhanced convenience and faster charging. Apple may also brand the port with its own proprietary marketing name to distinguish it from generic USB-C connectors.
