As the saying goes, only three things are certain in life: death, taxes and Apple’s September event. Once again, the company will (probably) announce a slew of new products next month, with the date officially set for September 7th. And if the onslaught of rumors is anything to go by, there could be a lot to look forward to during Apple’s “Far Out” event.
From the iPhone 14 to the Apple Watch Series 8, there are a few products that feel like shoo-ins this year. But the iPad and AirPods lines could get some love, too, and there might even be a surprise or two in store. Here’s a rundown of everything we can expect to see, and if you’re feeling impatient, be sure to check out the best Apple deals available here and now.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro
(Image credit: PhoneArena)
This is the obvious one. Apple has released a new iPhone every September (except in 2020, when the pandemic pushed things back a month), and we don’t expect things to be any different in 2022. And like every year, the rumor mill has been working overtime. to generate countless rumors about Apple’s next smartphone.
From the removal of the notch to the addition of an always-on display, it looks like we’re in for some interesting updates, namely for the Pro model. Apple is rumored to be planning to differentiate the standard and high-end iPhone more than usual this year, with the base iPhone 14 not even set to receive a chip upgrade. And if you’re a fan of small phones, you might want to stick with that iPhone 13 mini: All persistent leaks point to Apple doing away with the iPhone mini this year, replacing it with a larger 6.7-inch iPhone . 14 Max.
Apple Watch Series 8
A fan-made rendering of the Apple Watch Series 8 (Image credit: ConceptsiPhone)
The Apple Watch also usually gets an update around the same time as the iPhone 14, although changes to Apple’s wearable are usually a bit more incremental. Last year’s Apple Watch Series 7 offered little improvement over the 6, except for a slightly larger screen (which allowed for the world’s smallest qwerty keyboard). But while the Apple Watch Series 8 (opens in new tab) is expected to borrow the same design (again!), rumors of a new Watch model are a little more intriguing.
The so-called Apple Watch Pro is said to offer the first redesign since the Apple Watch Series 4 (when things got a little rounder and thinner). In addition to features including a temperature sensor and a low-power mode (to improve battery life), it looks like the Apple Watch ‘Pro’ will come exclusively in super-tough titanium.
iPad (10th generation)
Alleged leaked CAD renderings of the new iPad (Image credit: Mysmartprice)
If there’s one Apple product that owes a bit of design love, it’s the entry-level iPad. The only model that still has a home button (and lacks support for the Apple Pencil 2), the cheapest iPad looks decidedly long. But rumor has it that could change in 2022.
Recently leaked CAD files gave us our first alleged look at the design of the 10th generation iPad, showing something much more similar to the iPad Air and iPad Pro, with flat edges, four speakers and an LED flash . Interestingly, these renders still retain the home button, and it’s currently unclear whether it will feature a Lightning port or make the jump to USB-C.
AirPods Pro
A fan-made rendering of the AirPods Pro 2 (stemless) (image credit: Konstantin Milenin)
Despite the name, the AirPods Pro are starting to look a little tired. First introduced in 2019, Apple’s high-end headphones haven’t had an update in three years. But rumor has it that some pretty nifty (and in some cases, creepy) new features could be on the way.
We’ve heard a lot of rumors that the iconic “stem” might be gone from AirPods Pro soon. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the AirPods Pro will feature “a completely new design that dispenses with the short stem sticking out from the bottom for a design similar to the Beats Fit Pro.”
But it’s some of the rumored features that have really caught our attention. Apple is also said to be working on an impressive (and slightly terrifying) new security feature through which AirPods could identify the user by the shape of their ear or the gait of their step. It all seems a bit dystopian to us, but hey, more security could be a good thing. There are also some really weird rumors, including a suggestion that Apple will add the ability to control your AirPods with your teeth (yes, you read that right).
Apple VR headset
Is this what Apple’s VR headset will look like? (Image credit: Ian Zelbo/Future owns)
Okay, this is the furthest one. But that’s the name of the event, so… maybe? Rumors about Apple’s VR headset have been picking up pace over the past year, and with the Meta Quest 2 and PS VR 2 only growing in popularity, Apple could be planning to strike while the VR iron is hot.
So what do we know about the headphones? Bloomberg says (opens in new tab) that the device will be similar in size to the Quest 2 and will be able to track hand movements for features like a virtual keyboard. The headphones are reported to feature a fabric exterior (perhaps similar to the AirPods Max?) and, rather unusually for Apple, a built-in fan.
But perhaps the most impressive details are when it comes to the interiors. Apple is reportedly testing “some of its most advanced and powerful chips,” including some that dwarf even the incredible M1 chip. While we’re not sure exactly how Apple wants to use the device, if it packs an even better chip than its alt. -extreme laptops, could the company intend for this new creation to become our primary device?
Time will tell what Apple plans to announce next month, but if you’re not in the mood to find out, there are plenty of incredible iPhone 13 deals and iPad deals to sink your teeth into in the meantime.
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