Start your Apple announcement advent calendar – the big day is about a week away. And like kids trying to guess what’s under the Christmas tree, speculations are mounting for what’s to come on September 9.
Much like the tightlipped nature of her Cupertino design team, Siri doesn’t budge when asked to shed a little light on the event…
But if you ask nicely she says…
So we took Siri’s advice and sifted through the rumors to compile them – all in one place.
Hardware
In recent years, Apple’s September events have focused largely on next-generation iPhones.
This year it’s widely expected that the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus will be unveiled, and likely available within days of the announcement. MacRumors predicts updates will include a reinforced body, Force Touch capabilities for navigation (allegedly dubbed “3D Touch Display”), a faster processer, 2GB RAM, and an improved camera.
VentureBeat’s Mark Sullivan takes it a step further, adding that the presumed 12-megapixel rear camera will have the ability to shoot video in full 4K high-definition resolution.
The VB team also predicts a brighter display, a better cellular radio and…new colors! That is, “Rose Gold” and a darker shade of “Space Gray.”
The new crop of iPhones are said to have “always-on Siri” that will allow users to activate Siri by just saying, “Hey Siri.”
Next up, rumor has it Apple will unveil the next-generation Apple TV – or Apple TV 4 – which will also function as the home’s encrypted IoT hub. Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac believes it will look similar to the current model, but thicker and slightly wider. It’s expected to feature a faster processor, more storage space, and a touch-based remote control.
According to 9to5Mac, the TV will include “near-universal” control by Siri, and be accompanied by a new remote.
TechCrunch reports that the remote will be slightly larger and thicker, and include physical buttons, a touchpad, and a microphone to chat with Siri. It’s also purported to be motion sensitive – possibly priming it to function as a game controller.
BuzzFeed’s John Paczkowski says Apple will also debut a universal search feature with the new set-top box that allows users to search for a show or movie once, and then see results from a range of different sources.
Also on the projected new product list is a larger, enterprise-targeted iPad Pro.
And the last piece of hardware expected to debut (for now)? New Apple Watch bands, so says 9to5Mac.
Software
One of the most exciting opportunities for app makers comes in the form of the rumored App Store and Software Development Kit set to accompany the next-generation Apple TV.
Companies including live-streaming app maker Periscope are said to be already “secretly” developing Apple TV apps. AirBnB is suspected to be doing so as well.
It’s also thought that we’ll get an update on the launch dates of iOS 9 and watchOS 2. And what’s so cool about watchOS 2? It will make Apple Watch apps insanely great.
One final rumor
Variety Magazine reports that Apple is in talks to make its own movies and TV shows. And they aren’t the only ones predicting this move.
Reality
All that we can count on is new announcements and expanded opportunities for app makers on Apple’s platform – what will those actually look like? Only Siri knows, and she’s not telling.
Tune in to the real event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET here. Or on your (soon outdated?) Apple TV.