What to expect from Apple’s iPhone 13 event today

It’s September, must be time for a new iPhone! 

Tech giant Apple will host its all-digital ‘California streaming’ event less than four hours from now, introducing its latest line of consumer devices. While the announcement of the day (or night for Indians!), would be a new family of iPhones, the general consensus is the Cupertino giant holds a lot more under the wraps. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

Four iPhone 13 models with new camera capabilities

Following last year’s trend, Apple is expected to announce four models of the iPhone 13 at the upcoming event – iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max.  

Under the hood, the iPhone 13 series will run on a new A15 processor, but the most important upgrade would be the camera. According to noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology will come to Apple’s entire lineup this time, which is a sign that the company is ready to make augmented reality (AR) features ubiquitous in its devices. 

LIDAR technology uses light to measure the distance between objects, which is an essential tool for AR applications that aim to put virtual objects within the real world. Apple fitted LIDAR sensors on its top two iPhones last year, and has it on its top iPads, but is reportedly going to make them available on all phones this year, allowing developers to reach more consumers. 

Combined with better low light capabilities on the iPhone 13 series, the company seems to be going all in on pro iPhone users, which comprise of movie makers, influencers and more. In addition, they will support satellite Internet networks in some regions, setting them up for future products from satellite Internet companies like billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink and Bharti Airtel’s OneWeb. 

Apple Watch Series 7

Along with the iPhone 13 lineup, Apple is expected to showcase a new Watch Series 7 with larger screen real estate and a flattish design, matching the design language of the iPhone 12 and 13. The device will reportedly come in larger 41mm and 45mm case sizes and sport thinner bezels. The company had worked with healthcare firms and non-profits last year, to put its new blood oxygen monitor to use on specialized healthcare usecases and we expect more of the same this year. 

AirPods 3

The third generation of Apple’s entry-level AirPods are also expected to make an appearance. The new buds, though expensive for India, hit a market that has been burgeoning in the country. Market research firm Counterpoint Research reported recently that the market for true wireless earbuds grew, year-on-year, by 68% in India in the second quarter this year, so Apple may be able to sway the premium buyers in this range.