Apple expected to unveil new iPhones and next Apple Watch

Apple is expected to unveil new iPhones and the next Apple Watch at a virtual event on Tuesday evening.

There are already plenty of rumours doing the rounds about what the company is planning, including bigger cameras, some satellite technology for use in emergencies and a design tweak.

We assume it will be the iPhone 13, though anything is possible. Four different models are also expected, similar to last year’s line up. And as usual, there should be an updated chip. So what else can we expect?

Colours

Leaks claiming to show the colour of the new devices indicate that the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini will come in black, blue, purple, white and pink, along with the Product Red version.

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For the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, last year’s blue looks set to be replaced with a bronze colour.

Design

Are we about to say goodbye to the notch? The camera notch on the iPhone has divided fans for the past few years; some hate it, others find it tolerable. There are few people that would miss it though, and the iPhone 13 could be the one that bids goodbye to it.

That would put Apple up there with the Samsung Galaxy S21, which uses a punchhole camera, although we would like to see the under display camera that has debuted on a number of Android devices recently, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.

Others claim the notch is staying, but that it will be smaller. We will see who got it right later on Tuesday when Apple reveals all.

That aside, we aren’t expecting any major changes to the current design. The iPhone 14 rumours, however, are something entirely different.

Cameras

It wouldn’t be an iPhone launch if we didn’t get updated cameras thrown in. This year the focus seems to be on light, and in paryicualr low light shooting. The new iPhone is rumoured to have a larger sensor than its predecessors, which would let in more light and give you better images, even when conditions are less than perfect.

There is also talk of a portrait video mode, and better astrophotography than before, so your Instagram-worthy night shots are only a few clicks away.

Security

We had just got used to FaceID for everything when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and mask-wearing rendered the security feature almost useless. So it was back to using passcodes again (unless you had an Apple Watch). Now it seems we may be getting another option: an under-screen fingerprint reader could be on the cards for the new iPhone.

But will it be a single point on the display, like the ultrasonic reader on the Galaxy flagship phones? And will it replace FaceID as the only biometric to unlock your device? We shall see later on Tuesday.

Battery

Could we see a further improvement in battery life this year? Maybe. Reports indicate that the Pro Max battery capacity has been increased by 20 per cent, while the others get a 10-15 per cent boost.

But more battery capacity does not equal extended battery life. Whether or not users will see any increase in usage time is another thing; the new Pro Max at the very least is rumoured to have bigger power requirements than last year’s model - a 120Hz refresh rate on the display. That means smoother scrolling, and it puts it on a par with some of the latest releases from its Android rivals, but it will be tougher on the battery.

The iPhone 13 could also debut a feature seen in Android rivals for a while - reverse charging. That means your iPhone could be used as a wireless charger for your AirPods, or another device that is equipped with wireless charging.

Capacity

Speaking of capacity, there is a chance that we could get a super-sized iPhone in the new line up. there are strong rumours of a 1TB capacity device, which would give you ample space to video almost every aspect of your life and store it on your phone. Would it mean the end of your iCloud subscription? Unlikely. You’ll still need to back it up somewhere, and the free storage you get with an iCloud account just doesn’t cut it.

The rest

There has been talk about the iPhones 13 being able to use satellite communication in emergencies when mobile networks aren’t an option, but that is not expected to be live at launch.

The new devices are also expected to support WiFi 6E.

Apple Watch Series 7

What about the new Apple Watch? Last year’s Series 6 had everything from a blood oxygen sensor and a faster chip to a better, brighter display. The Series 7 rumours are reaching fever pitch, with some claims that the watch is not only getting a tweaked design, but it will also get a boost in battery life.

The current Watch has about 18 hours in battery, which still leaves you charging it once a day or every day and a half. A significant change to battery life would be a boost for the smartwatch – and its wearers.

We could also see new colours, with a pastel green potentially in the mix. And the new device is almost certain to feature an updated chip.

As always though, these are all rumours. The event starts at 6pm on Tuesday; check back afterwards to see everything Apple announced.