The Apple Event 2023 is right on schedule, and the iPhone 15 is set to be in the spotlight. But that doesn’t rule out any surprises the Cupertino-based tech giant could be hiding up its sleeve.
Taking place on September 13 in New Zealand, Apple’s annual event is gearing up to reveal the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, Apple Watch Series 9 and possibly an Apple Watch Ultra 2. That’s not all, as we may even see a few updates to other devices, including the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C.
The Apple September “Wonderlust” Event will be live-streamed from Apple Park, and there are plenty of ways to tune in. This guide will explain how to watch the Apple Event 2023, and everything we expect will be announced.
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How to watch Apple Event 2023 in NZ
For New Zealand viewers, expect an early start if you want to watch along.
The Apple Event 2023 will go live on Wednesday, September 23, at 5am NZT. The “Wonderlust” event will take place at Apple Park in Cupertino, and you can expect CEO Tim Cook to kick things off.
The best way to watch the event is through Apple’s YouTube channel. A placeholder video has already been set up, and you can set a reminder to be notified about when the event will start.
You can also watch the event through apple.com or in the Apple TV app.
Apple’s iPhone events are usually over an hour long, so have some popcorn ready (or cereal – better suited for an early morning).
Apple Event 2023: What to expect
Unlike Google giving us a peek at what’s to come at its October 4 event, Apple doesn’t give us any hints about what’s to come. However, we’ve seen plenty of rumours and leaks from trusted sources indicating what will be revealed. That, along with the company’s track record of iPhone launches barely going off schedule, we have a good idea of what the September event will have in store.
Here’s what to expect during the event.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Keeping in line with last year’s launch, Apple is set to reveal the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. Expect the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes as the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus but with a few notable updates.
This year’s new iPhone is tipped to come with USB-C instead of Lightning, thanks to a new EU regulation that the tech giant can’t ignore. No more Lightning cables; you’ll now be able to charge the iPhone 15 using the same USB-C cable Android phones use.
The standard iPhone models are also expected to feature the Dynamic Island. We have yet to see the full potential of the company’s new pill-shaped notch on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, so a new arrival may bring new updates. Another design update includes a frosted glass back instead of the usual glossy finish.
The iPhone 15 models should come with an A16 chip, which we saw in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. It’s hardly a surprise, as the tech giant introduced this chip strategy with its latest models.
Finally, the 15 and 15 Plus are expected to get the same 48-megapixel rear cameras found on the iPhone 14 Pro models. That means standard models can capture more light for better picture quality.
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (or Ultra)
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rumoured to get even bigger updates than the standard models. This year, we may also see the introduction of the iPhone 15 Ultra – the company’s rumoured premium flagship phone that may replace the Pro Max. This is likely to be announced at the same time as the other iPhone 15 models but may be released a month later, similar to the delayed iPhone 14 Plus.
We could be saying goodbye to the mute switch. The mute switch may be replaced by a button you can program — an “Action button” of sorts, like the one found on the Apple Watch Ultra.
The Pro models are gearing up to be equipped with the new A17 Bionic chip, which is said to be built on a 3-nanometer chip. That means better performance (possibly up to 15 percent). It’s a shame the standard iPhone 15 models aren’t tipped to be getting the same, but it appears to be Apple’s new strategy to stretch the gap between the standard and Pro iPhones.
Cameras are also tipped to see an upgrade, with the tech giant bringing in Sony’s latest and greatest image sensors. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is set to exclusively boast a new periscope zoom lens, which allows for 5x or up to 10x optical zoom.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch is the iPhone’s best companion, so it’s likely we’ll see the launch of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, don’t expect too many changes.
Both smartwatches are rumoured to look the same as the current Watch models, meaning the Series 9 will come in 41mm and 45mm sizes, while the Ultra 2 will come in its 49mm titanium case. We may see a few new colours and watch straps, as the Ultra 2 is said to come in a new black colour option.
The Series 9 and Ultra 2 are believed to have a new S9 processor, the first chip update since the Apple Watch Series 6. That should introduce a significant boost in performance and longer battery life to both smartwatches.
That’s not all, as we could see a heart rate sensor refresh and a “U2” Ultra Wideband chip for better GPS location tracking. Otherwise, there aren’t many other new updates or features we can expect.
AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
The AirPods Pro 2 may be getting a minor update, with the only change being a USB-C charging case rather than the usual Lightning port.
This will align with the USB-C ports coming to the iPhone 15 models, and it could lead to faster charging. However, there won’t be any further updates as those will have to wait for a potential AirPods Pro 3 release sometime in the future.
Since Apple has yet to announce anything officially, take this all in with a pinch of salt. Moreover, the company may have a surprise “One more thing” and more devices to reveal.
Nevertheless, it won’t be long until we discover what the tech giant is whipping up at its Apple Event 2023. In the meantime, check out our thoughts on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, and see why they’ve made it onto our list of best phones in NZ.
