Apple’s iPhone 13 launch event is happening tonight, on September 14. The invite for a virtual ‘California Streaming’ event was sent out to the media last week, and a handful of leaks gave us an idea of what to expect, although Apple has managed to cut down on leaks a little, this year. The event takes place at 10.30pm IST, and the iPhone 13 range is expected to be announced at the event, alongside the Apple Watch Series 7 smartwatch. Although the third generation AirPods were also expected, a late leak suggests these might not be announced tonight. The iPhone 13 range is likely to include four models – iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
iPhone 13 launch event: How to watch livestream
Apple’s California Streaming event will take place on September 14 at 10am PDT, or 10:30pm IST. Interested viewers can simply head to Apple’s event page to view the event. It will also be streamed on Apple’s official YouTube channel and users can set a reminder in advance to get a notification when the streaming goes live. Apple TV users can view the keynote via the app. Once the event is over, it can be viewed at any time in the Apple Podcast app. Alternatively, viewers can also tune into the iPhone 13 launch event livestream below:
iPhone 13 series specifications, features (expected)
Rumours suggest that the iPhone 13 range may feature smaller notches than the last year’s versions and have larger camera sensors to absorb more light. In the new lineup, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are also reported to have better ultra-wide cameras.
The regular iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are reported to be available in 64GB and 128GB storage options. In contrast, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are expected to come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage versions. The rumour mill also suggests that there could be a 1TB storage model for iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max this year.
As for colour options, iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are tipped to come in Black, Blue, Pink, Purple, (PRODUCT) RED, and White colours. iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are, on the other hand, expected to come in Black, Brone, Gold, and Silver colours.
The entire iPhone 13 range is expected to see an overall increase in weight and thickness. iPhone 13 Pro Max is reported to see an 18–20 percent larger battery compared to last year’s model. The Pro models may offer 120Hz refresh rate, but it is reported to throttle at 60Hz when in Low Power Mode.
Leaks suggest that iPhone 13 may come with a portrait cinematic video feature that employs an electronic image stabilisation (EIS) system known as “Warp.” This will allow users to blur background while recording video. The optical image stabilisation (OIS) camera system is said to switch to a less aggressive and more “smooth” operating mode. The night mode feature is expected to be upgraded to recognise when stars are in the scene and internally adjust itself accordingly. This is done through a new algorithm that analyses structures, resharpens, and adjusts shadows in night-time shots.
One of the headlining features is reported to be the satellite feature. It will reportedly allow users to transmit short emergency texts and send SOS distress signals for crises, like plane crashes or sinking ships, in remote areas. This may only work in areas without any cellular coverage and only in select markets. iPhone 13 is not expected to get the feature immediately and the functionality will likely go live next year. While the hardware support will be embedded in the iPhone 13 range, the feature will not be rolled out for a few months. The feature will allow users to use iPhone 13 as a satellite phone and will not have the ability to make calls anywhere in the world without cellular coverage.
While an early report suggested that iPhone 13 may cost more to mitigate the rise in chip production cost, a recent report refutes these claims, and says that the range will not see a price hike. The Face ID tech is also said to have been worked upon. It is reportedly going to work with masks on and with foggy eyeglasses as well. Apple is also reported to integrate an Apple Watch-like Always On display and add support for Wi-Fi 6E.
Apple Watch Series 7 specifications, features (expected)
In addition to the iPhone 13 series, Apple is expected to unveil Apple Watch Series 7 at its California Streaming event. The new Apple Watch model is expected to match the iPhone and iPad design language, with a flat display that could be slightly larger in size over last year’s Apple Watch Series 6. Apple Watch Series 7 is likely to also see battery life improvement over the original Apple Watch. Gurman recently said that the wearable “this year won’t be about health upgrades — rather, the focus will be a new design with flatter edges, that new display and a new chip.”
AirPods 3 specifications, features (expected)
Coming to the third generation AirPods, the earphones could also be unveiled at the Apple event. The tech giant may call it AirPods 3 and they may come with an AirPods Pro-like design. The next-generation AirPods could also include a wireless charging case as standard. The charging case is tipped to have a 20 percent larger battery compared to the second generation. Batteries may likely be the same size as the ones on AirPods Pro. As for sound quality, it may offer noticeably better bass and low ends.