Apple have announced an event scheduled to live stream on September 15th. We’re expecting an Apple Watch Series 6 and updated iPad Air, but where’s iPhone 12?

Prominent Apple leakers predicted Apple would release a new Apple Watch and iPad Air yesterday via a press release. This didn’t happen, with Apple instead announcing the date for an upcoming event. As usual with events, Apple are being tight-lipped about what’s being announced, but some hints can usually be obtained by the imagery.

Apple Event

Apple have updated the events page on their site and set up a live stream on YouTube ready for September 15th. Clearly the “Time flies” text on then YouTube live stream thumbnail indicates an Apple Watch update. Apple have hidden an easter egg on their events page. Open the page on an iPhone via Safari and tap the blue Apple image to view it in AR. The numbers 9.15 mark the date for the stream.

The only other bit of information we have directly from Apple themselves are the tags they chose for the live stream on YouTube. These can found in the source code for the stream. The tags list most key Apple products as well as specifying Series 6, to further confirm rumours of a new Apple Watch.

Apple Event Tags

The rest of the information we have is going off leaks, predictions and rumours outside of Apple.

iPhone

September is usually the month we get our first look at the new iPhone. Many have been calling the event next week the “iPhone Event”, however sources close to Apple suggest iPhone production has been delayed due to the pandemic. It seem the iPhone will debut at a separate event in October, with iPhone 12 pre-order/release due October and iPhone 12 Pro in November. It would be unusual for Apple to host two event a month apart, but as neither will happen on stage in front of an audience, this make sense. Two events means double the press coverage, without having to hold two physical showcases.

Apple Watch

Apple Watch Series 6 likely won’t be a huge redesign, but rather a minor spec bump, with improved performance, water resistance, WiFi/cellular speeds, battery, as well as blood oxygen montioring and mental health capabilities.

Currently on sale from Apple are the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 3 at a reduced price. This year, we may see Apple release a Series 6 alongside an Apple Watch SE, much like iPhone SE, this will likely be a Series 3 body with upgraded internals at a ‘budget’ price.

iPad Air

Alongside the Apple Watch Series 6, the other key product expected to drop next week is an updated iPad Air. Last updated in March 2019, iPad Air serves as a mid point between the ‘budget’ iPad and iPad Pro. Holding a similar form factor to the iPad with beefier interals. The updated iPad Air will likely feature a thinner bezels, much like the iPad Pro, with a Touch ID sensor under the display or build into the power button. Other potential features include USB-C, A12Z/A13 chip, Smart Connector for Magic Keyboard and four speakers.

Other Products

Two fairly minor updates don’t seem enough to fill an entire event. There are no other rumoured annoucements for next week, but products we are expecting from Apple in the near future that could feature on stage include 12-inch MacBook with Apple Silicon, 13-inch MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon, 24-inch iMac redesign with Apple Silicon, 16-inch MacBook Pro with Intel, AirPods Studio, AirTags, HomePod Mini and AirPower. Many of these will likely show up on stage at next month’s iPhone event.