Like clockwork, Apple just sent out invites to announce its next event; mark your calendars for September 12 at 10 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Eastern. The event will take place at the Steve Jobs Theater on Apple’s campus in Cupertino, California, and will be streamed live for all to watch.
What can you expect? Well, in four words: new iPhones and Apple Watches. Historically, the annual early fall event is used to unveil the next generation of iPhones and Apple Watches, but iPads and AirPods have also appeared.
I’ll be on the ground, breaking it all down and reporting back as it happens, but ahead, I’m sharing what we can likely expect and the best deals on Apple devices you can score right now.
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Apple’s ‘Wonderlust’ Special Event
As we’ve learned from years past, the tagline and graphic on the “special event” invite can be used to garner information about what Apple might announce. In 2022, the “Far out” and an Apple logo made up of stars hinted at the Emergency SOS feature, which lets your iPhone connect to a satellite up in the sky during emergencies when cell service and Wi-Fi aren’t available.
Here’s what we can expect this year, though, in terms of products and software updates:
The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro
The successors to the iPhone 14 family--14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max--are basically a definetite, and according to the rumor mill, this year could pack a punch for standard and Pro models.
Across the entire iPhone 15 lineup will be a much-rumored—and long-awaited by some--switching of the charging port--Bye-bye Lightning and hello USB-C. Yes, like Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, the Google Pixel, a bevy of iPads, and even every MacBook, the iPhone is adopting USB-C. It remains to be seen if Apple will include a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box to make the adjustment easier. These are a few of our favorite USB-C cables:
- Anker 643 USB-C to USB-C Cable 6-ft, $14 (was $20) at Amazon
- Anker 310 USB-C to USB-C Cable 3-ft 2-Pack, $8 (was $10) at Amazon
- Belkin BoostCharge USB-C to USB-C Cable 240-watt, $20 at Belkin
- Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex USB-C to USB-C Cable, $25 at Belkin
- Nomad USB-C Kevlar Cable 5-ft, $45 at Nomad
We expect the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus to get the Dynamic Island, which premiered on the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. It impressed me during my initial review of the Pros, and since then, with more apps supporting it, Dynamic Island is like a second display inside the main one. You can quickly use it to put a call on speaker, adjust playback, or even monitor your Uber ride without opening another app.
It would be stellar to see this arrive on the non-Pro iPhones, and the 15 and 15 Plus will also get the A16 Bionic that launched with the Pros last year.
Regarding the iPhone 15 Pros, rumors indicate a significant jump in optics. Currently, the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max top out at 3x zoom optically, which lags behind Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy lineups. Apple will solve this with a new Periscope lens replacing the Telephoto lens and likely delivering up to 6x optically zoom. This will be a handy lens for capturing items or objects far away.
Along with ditching the Lightning port, Apple might remove the vibrate/silent switch on the iPhone since its inception in favor of a customizable “Action button.” Additionally, the Pro iPhones should sport slimmer bezels, the introduction of a titanium build, and a faster A17 chip that is built on the 3-nanometer standard.
If you’re interested in or at least partially in the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, or 15 Pro Max, it’s best to lock in your trade-in value now to get the most for your current phone. We’d recommend locking in the trade-in value now with a service like Decluttr.
Right now, a 128GB iPhone 14 Pro in excellent condition is worth $660, and by locking in the offer, you don’t risk it getting devalued after Apple announces the new models and is locked in for 28 days. That gives you ample time to decide what to do and even upgrade to a new model.
The other option is to trade your current iPhone or other smartphone to your carrier, like Verizon or AT&T, for credit. Chances are you’ll see the option presented at the time of preorder for the new iPhone model, and depending on the offer, it will immediately lower the price of the monthly payment of the new device.
One quick work on pricing—the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will likely stick at the same $799 and $899 as the 14 counterparts, but the new Pros will probably see a $100 hike? It’s likely due to the higher-end titanium material over stainless steel and aluminum and the periscope camera lens. The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to land at $1,099 (starting), and the 15 Pro Max at $1,299 (starting).
Chances are, if you’re leasing the phone from Apple or a carrier, the price increase won’t mean much for you. If they include a fancy color-matched USB-C to USB-C cable, that would be well worth it.
DON'T MISS: Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air is back to an all-time low price — but the the deal didn't last long last time
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
Last year, Apple dropped a trio of Apple Watches--the second-generation SE, Series 8, and the Ultra--but for 2023, we’re only expecting two new ones. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2--or second-generation Ultra--will likely debut alongside the new iPhones.
Regarding the Apple Watch Series 9, it appears to be a more conservative year for enhancements. Rumors suggest that it should get a new processor to speed things up and possibly stretch the battery life further. We’re not expecting any new health or activity features aside from what is coming via the watchOS 9 update. For fans of Barbie or the color pink in general, Series 9 should debut in that color alongside Starlight, Midnight, and (PRODUCT) RED.
The Apple Watch Ultra was a massive introduction in 2022 as the first new smartwatch model with a rugged design and a much larger 49-millimeter display. It also sported a titanium build, enhanced GPS connectivity, and days-long battery life.
For it’s second-generation, the Ultra should come in a new black color option alongside the silver titanium. Like the Series 9, it will get an upgraded processor and should stick with the $800 price tag.
Considering these aren’t major new features, the current Series 8 and Ultra are still excellent buys. Regarding the SE second-generation, it’s still the best value and will be the latest model for the foreseeable future.
- Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen 40mm + GPS, $240 at Amazon
- Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen 44mm + GPS, $270 at Amazon
- Apple Watch Series 8 41mm + GPS, $329 (was $399) at Amazon
- Apple Watch Series 8 45mm + GPS, $359 (was $429) at Amazon
- Apple Watch Ultra, $799 (was $800) at Amazon
An update to AirPods Pro
While it is way too early for the next generation of AirPods Pro--the second generation only launched last year--there is a good chance we’ll see a port update. Like the potential swap of Lightning for USB-C on the iPhone, Apple may change the AirPods Pro case.
The rest of the case's features should remain unchanged, like the built-in speaker for FindMy pings and the ability to charge via MagSafe, Apple Watch charger, or Qi-enabled wireless chargers. AirPods Pro second-generation are still excellent for true wireless earbuds with class-leading noise cancelation and transparency modes.
- AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, $219 (was $249) at Amazon
iOS 17 and watchOS 9
Alongside Apple’s Vision Pro headset reveal in June, a slew of next-generation software updates for the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac were shown off. We expect Apple to formally announce the release dates of iOS 17 and watchOS 9, which will be free software updates for those devices. That’s great news if you already have an iPhone and Apple Watch.
watchOS 9 brings an updated interface with a new ability to quickly swipe up to see widgets and notifications. It also brings a few new watch faces and a bevy of new updates for fitness or activity tracking.
iOS 17 revamped nearly all of AirDrop for easy file sharing between Apple devices, finally lets you leave a video message when someone doesn’t pick up a FaceTime, new safety features within Messages, and general speed improvements.
You can see our thoughts on the new software here and expect Apple to reveal hidden features that impress on the latest hardware.
What’s Still Good to Buy Now
The rest of Apple's lineup still looks excellent since the focus will likely be on new iPhones and Apple Watches. Namely, if you're eyeing an iPad, AirPods, or a Mac, it is still an excellent time to shop.
Furthermore, you can save on many Apple devices ahead of Labor Day. Apple's entry-level 13-inch MacBook Air with M1 is 25% off on Amazon in silver, space gray, or gold. At $749—with free shipping for Prime members—it delivers enough speed for any task and lasts for days with long battery life. It's ultra-portable with a thin, wedged design and features two USB-C ports.
If you're after a bigger screen in a lightweight design, the 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 that debuted in June is 15% off at Amazon at just $1,099. It comes in four colors—Starlight, Midnight, silver, or space gray—offers an even more speedy processor and boasts an expansive 15-inch Retina display that gets very bright.
AirPods are some of the best true wireless earbuds in the audio world and work seamlessly with all of Apple's devices. While not at the lowest price ever, AirPods Pro second-generation are discounted to $219 on Amazon—a $30 savings. You can see our full review here, but know that these offer the best transparency mode and active noise cancelation that we've tested.
AirPods Max is a premium but excellent pair if you prefer over-ear headphones. They've been on the market for a few years, but rumors aren't indicating an immediate refresh anytime soon. AirPods Max come in five colors, sport a high-end aluminum and stainless steel design, and have a processor inside each earcup for a robust audio experience. Currently, Amazon has these headphones down to $477 from $549.
Regarding iPads, Amazon has discounted nearly the entire lineup on Amazon. These offer plenty of power for typical tablet tasks in work and play. Even the entry-level 9th Gen allows multitasking on the 10.2-inch display and can handle gaming. It's currently seeing a 15% discount in either silver or space gray with 64GB of storage at $280.
Those seeking more power or want the ability to use the enhanced Stage Manager multitasking feature will need to opt for an M1-powered iPad Air ($560, was $600 at Amazon) with a 10.9-inch display or an 11" or 12.9" iPad Pro with the M2 Chip.
While we aren’t expecting to see new AirPods, Macs, or iPads at this event, we’d likely expect those to arrive post-October 2023. And in typically Apple fashion, there is always a chance they could also show off these gadgets.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
