The next Apple Event 2021 should be big, and it’s now official. Invites have gone out for a “California streaming” event that will take place September 14 at 1 pm ET/ 10 am PT.
Most signs point to a revealing of the new iPhone 13, Apple Watch 7 and AirPods 3. We could also see the new iPad 9 and possibly even an iPad mini 6.
Last year, Apple split its top launches into a series of virtual keynotes, and while we are still anticipating multiple Apple events before the end of 2021, the September installment will be the one most people care about.
Like previous recent Apple events, this one will be virtual, broadcasting from Apple Park. After its September event, Apple could return in October or November (or both) with other rumored products like the MacBook Pro 2021 (14-inch), MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021, and iPad mini 6.
In fact, the idea that Apple’s September event could be the first of many this fall was lent further credence this week when someone spotted that the hashflag for the event is paid for until December 2021 — implying that Apple could be intending to use it again.
Either way, the collection of incoming devices means there are exciting times ahead for Apple fans. But it’s a lot to keep track of, so we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the remaining Apple Event 2021 plans below.
Apple event news: Updated September 9
Apple September 2021 event: Date, time and how to watch
The Apple Event will take place September 14 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT and will be broadcast from Apple Park.
Apple says you will be able to watch the Apple event live at Apple.com and it will also be broadcast on YouTube. Our guide to how to live stream Apple’s Sept. 14 product launch has full details of how you can tune in on the day.
Apple event: iPhone 13
Apple’s most anticipated 2021 launch is the new iPhone. And thanks to several reports and leaks, we have a pretty good sense of what to expect from the iPhone 13 lineup.
We believe there are four iPhone 13 models arriving in the same iPhone 12 sizes. All four models should feature a smaller notch, faster A15 Bionic chip, larger batteries and improved 5G. iPhone 13 Pro models could get an always-on display option, dynamic 120Hz refresh rates and an improved ultrawide lens, too.
There are couple of more questionable rumors circulating. While in-screen TouchID is reportedly a no-go, Apple is reportedly testing revamped Face ID hardware that work with masks, making it easier for people to get into their iPhone when part of their face is covered. Also, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 13 will feature satellite communications, letting the phone send messages without a traditional cellular collection; reportedly, that capability will work as part of a new emergency messaging feature.
See our guide to the 7 biggest iPhone 13 rumors you need to know for a more in-depth look at possible new iPhone features, and our iOS 15 beta review for all the confirmed upgrades on the way. We also collected everything we know about the iPhone 13 cameras for you smartphone photography buffs.
Apple event: Apple Watch 7
The Apple Watch 7 should be the best Apple Watch yet. We haven’t seen as many exciting Apple Watch 7 leaks as iPhone 13 ones, but we know of some possible changes.
For starters, the Apple Watch could be due for its biggest redesign in years. Say so long to the curved screen chassis — instead, several sources say the Apple Watch 7 will feature flat edges to better follow the iPhone’s design language. The Apple Watch 7 display will also be flat, and could benefit from a “new lamination technique” that raises the watch’s display closer to the top cover.
Another rumor from a leaker on Chinese site Weibo says that the Apple Watch 7 will come in two new larger sizes: 41mm and 45mm. This would be larger than the 40mm and 44mm sizes on the Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch SE. The larger sizes, along with a new double-sided S7 processor, could finally offer a battery life boost.
Will it be enough for the Apple Watch 7 to be the best smartwatch overall? Even if we don’t see these major design changes, the watch will still ship with watchOS 8. The latest wearable software brings a new Mindfulness app, precipitation alerts, support for digital keys, multiple timers and more.
Of all the products mentioned here, the Apple Watch 7 seems the likeliest to get pushed back to a later Apple product event. A report claims the Apple Watch 7 could be delayed due to production woes, leaving it uncertain as to when Apple will unveil and ship its latest wearable.
Apple event: AirPods 3
Lastly, the AirPods 3 seem likely to debut in September. Following the success of the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, Apple can cement its claim to the best wireless headphones around with a refresh of its entry-level earbuds.
The AirPods 3 reportedly entered mass production in August, while Apple has simultaneously scaled back production on current-gen AirPods. But with the rise of counterfeit AirPods sales, it’s difficult to gauge what other leaks are accurate.
Some reports say the latest model will look like AirPods Pro without the eartips, while others suggest the AirPods 3 will indeed feature flexible eartips. There are conflicting reports about the inclusion of active noise cancellation, too.
Most major features the AirPods 3 are likely to come as part of iOS 15 updates. The buds could get Dolby Atmos support and spatial audio to create a more cinematic experience. We’d also expect support for automatic switching, Headphones Accommodation for amplifying soft sounds and frequency adjustments, and Hearing Health, which has been updated to send notifications when listening to music that’s too loud.
Apple October 2021 event: New MacBook Pro, iPad and more
Apple’s launch-apalooza will likely continue into October, or even November. Unlike the mobile and wearble-centric September event, this one could focus on iPads and Macs. We know Apple is working on refreshed models within both product families.
Two new MacBooks are expected to bring an external, flat-edged redesign and internal overhaul through the M1X slice of Apple Silicon. Expect two models in the 14-inch MacBook Pro 2021 and 16-inch MacBook Pro 2021. The 14-incher would be a new size, and both systems are tipped to feature stunning mini-LED displays.
The current MacBook Pro M1 is excellent, but there’s always room for improvement. Apple could challenge the Dell XPS 13 to win a spot on our best laptop list with a much-improved webcam and the return of HDMI.
The one bummer could be price, with a recent rumor suggesting the upcoming 14-inch MacBook Pro will start at $1,799. We’re not sure how credible that tip is, though.
As for iPads, we might see both a new iPad mini and a new low-cost iPad, perhaps the iPad 9. The iPad mini 6 might get the iPad Pro’s full-screen design, as well as a larger 8.5 to 9-inch display. The iPad 9 could start at $299 and offer significant performance boosts compared to the Apple iPad 2020.
Apple events: What’s next?
The iPhone 13, Apple Watch 7, AirPods 3, new Macbook Pros, iPad mini 6 and iPad 9 should bring us to the end of 2021. It’s not uncommon for Apple to toss in a surprise product launch in late December, though it could come via press release instead of event. It could be a Mac Mini 2021 or MacBook Air 2021, or perhaps something a little more experimental.
Other products we’ve heard early rumors about include the AirPods Pro 2, which are arguably due for a refresh. Further on the horizon are Apple Glasses or an Apple VR and mixed reality headset. And an Apple Car could come at some point down the road.
Tim Cook is allegedly planning to step down after “one more” big product reveal sometime between 2025 and 2028, so at least one of those innovations could be a few years out.
So, keep your eyes tuned to Tom’s Guide, as we’ve got our eyes on Apple events.