Apple Goes Far Out on 7/9
By Shawn Chung - Singapore
For long-time consumer technology journalists, the annual global tech events, such as CES, Computex and IFA, plus Apple and Samsung’s annual Spring and Fall smartphone Events are metronomic markers on our annual calendar.
And with the uncertainty and disruptions over the last two years, it feels strangely comforting that Samsung, and Apple, have kept to their regular schedule, with Apple now announcing that they will hold an event on the 7th of September.
Event details, as usual for Apple, are scarce, and we don’t yet know if Apple is switching to a post-pandemic live event with members of the media, or whether it will remain hybrid. What we do know is that the Apple ‘Far Out’ event will take place on the 7th of September at 10 a.m. American Pacific Time at the Steve Jobs Theater on Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. Livestreams will be available at apple.com, Apple TV and on the Apple YouTube channel.
Apple’s event invite has a very neat twist to it. When viewed using an iPhone or iPad, you can click on the Apple Icon on the screen to enter AR or Object mode, and experience a star field around you.
This has led to a number of rumors.
Astrophotography: astrophotography features have been present on Android devices like the Google Pixel 6 Pro for a number of years, so Apple could be playing catch-up.
Satellite Connectivity: There hasn’t been any information or rumors about Apple working with a Satellite Internet service like OneWeb or Starlink to add internet anywhere services to the iPhone, so but it is more likely the iPhone 14 will be able to send out an emergency SOS ping outside cellular network coverage, and this could even extend to simple text messages over iMessage.
Augmented Reality: Apple has been improving the AR capabilities of the iPhone and iPad for years, not only improving its neural engine, but also adding LiDAR sensors, and this could extend to a new ‘AR everywhere’ service.
What products to expect?
Apple always announces the latest iPhone generation at its Fall event, so there have been a number of rumors, including the perennial ‘remove screen notch’ (Which I personally don’t think will happen, as the notch integrates the sensors for Face ID). We do know there will be a new processor, the A16 chip, and there will be improvements to the camera, with the possibility of Apple shifting to a 48-megapixel sensor?
Apple may launch a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, and there could be Pro models with enhanced systems, the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max. Most rumor-sites insist that Apple will not release an iPhone 14 mini.
Alongside the iPhone, Apple is expected to update the Apple Watch to Apple Watch Series 8, including an Apple Watch Pro.
We could also see a new second-generation Apple AirPods Pro.
