Apple event 2019: Full guide on announcements including new iPhone 11 and Apple Watch
APPLE'S latest major launch event is tantalisingly close and promises plenty of new tech for gadget fans to get their teeth into.
As well as three new iPhones, rumours suggest the tech titan will unveil a new Apple Watch, iPad and more at this evening's show in California. Follow our Apple event live blog here.
Apple hasn't officially announced what it will be on show, but various leaks mean we already know what to expect.
Held at Apple's lavish HQ in San Francisco, the event will be live streamed on YouTube and Apple's website from 6pm BST.
Buckle up: We've got your full guide to the show below.
New iPhones: The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
Apple always launches new iPhones during its yearly September event, and there's no reason to think this year will be any different.
Rumours suggest we'll see three new iPhones: The iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max and entry-level iPhone 11.
These are the followups to the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR respectively.
We'll start with the pricier gizmos.
The 11 Pro and larger 11 Pro Max will largely keep the same design as their predecessors.
The Pro boasts a 5.8-inch OLED display, while the Max has a 6.5-inch screen.
The biggest change is the camera, with the two phones housing a triple-camera array wedged into a bizarre square module on the back.
While a triple-camera system might sound wacky, it can actually bring major benefits to photography – and your Instagram game.
For instance, having two cameras on the new iPhone XS lets the handset sense depth more accurately.
This allows Apple to offer augmented reality features – like realistic Snapchat filters, and better versions of games like Pokémon Go.
This also makes professional-grade Portrait Mode selfies possible, where the subject is in focus but the background is blurred.
Adding a third camera makes it even easier to sense depth, potentially improving all of these features.
But you can also have a different range of lenses, like wide-angle, telephoto, zoom, or even macro – for shooting objects up close.
Sadly, we're lacking specific details about how Apple may use its triple-camera set up.
In any case, Apple hasn't even confirmed that the iPhone will boast three cameras, so take all rumours with a pinch of salt for now.
The new iPhones are also expected to get an upgrade to Face ID, Apple's impressive security tech that scans your mug to unlock your phone.
Face ID now works when your phone is laying face down on a desk, for instance.
Improved waterproofing and shatter-resistance mean the phones are a little hardier than last year's offerings.
We're also anticipating an upgrade to the microchip that powers Apple's phones. Among other things, the new A13 processor will bolster how quickly your apps load.
New iPhones: The iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 will be a cheaper option for those not wanting to splash the cash for Apple's flagships.
According to the rumours, it seems Apple isn't really rocking the boat with this handset.
It will feature the same overall design and 6.1-in LCD display as last year's iPhone XR.
We're expecting the camera to get an upgrade to a dual-lens array housed in the same square module as the pricier 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.
Some new colours, including green, are also on the way.
Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple Watch got a big upgrade last year, so we're expecting something with a little less dazzle this year.
This year's changes are expected to focus on the watchOS 6 software update.
References to unreleased Apple Watch ceramic and titanium models turned up recently in the beta test software for the new update.
And rumours suggest Apple is launching sleep-tracking software with this year's Watch.
There will also be menstrual cycle tracking tools, apparently.
Bigger MacBook
Fans of big laptop screens will be pleased that Apple should be launching a revamped 16-inch screened MacBook Pro.
The laptop screen will probably look similar to the current 15-inch models but will have thinner black bezels surrounding the screen.
If released, this large laptop would be Apple's biggest since it discontinued the 17-inch MacBook Pro in 2012.
The move could be an attempt by the company to draw in professional computer users who may prefer larger screens.
Apple has also already announced that it will be launching a Mac Pro with a 32-inch XDR Pro Display later in 2019.
Apple TV, TV+ and Arcade
One of the big announcements at this year's event is an upgrade to Apple TV.
This is the set-top box and app through which you can stream and watch your favourite shows.
A few minor changes are expected, namely an updated model with an A12 chip.
Two services, Apple Arcade and Apple TV+, were revealed in March and are due for launch later this year.
Apple Arcade is a gaming service, while TV+ is a new streaming platform featuring original shows as Apple takes aim at the likes of Netflix.
The firm has already signed deals with top talent like Oprah Winfrey (on a multi-year contract), Reese Witherspoon, Chris Evans, Steve Carrell, Jennifer Garner and M. Night Shyamalan.
And there have been extensive rumours that Apple plans to ship all of this content inside a new TV streaming app.
The problem is that no one knows exactly what to expect from the Apple service.
Hopefully, we'll find out more at the event.
Apple Tag
Rumour has it that Apple is firing up a new tool to help you find your lost keys.
Tag is a Bluetooth-powered service that uses an AR headset to help you locate items that have gone missing.
Say your iPhone is in another room and you can't remember where you put it.
With Tag, you may be able to simply slip on a headset and have the phone make a radiating blip to help you find your device.
It's already all-but confirmed that Apple is building the tech. Whether or not the firm shows it off at its event waits to be seen.
New iPad, AirPods and more
Other tech Apple could launch include a new iPad and a fresh pair of its wireless earbuds, the AirPods.
One thing that's been missing from the AirPods is noise-cancelling capabilities, something Huawei recently announced with its latest wireless buds, the FreeBuds 3.
On the iPad front, we could see a new Pro model with three cameras on the back.
iOS 13 updates
Apple officially unveiled iOS 13 – its latest major iPhone software update – back in March.
However, the company often saves a couple fun software features for its September event.
So far, we know Apple fans are getting a revamped Maps app and a "Dark Mode" that makes your phone easier on the eyes at night.
The update will likely launch alongside the iPhone 11 Pro and pro Max sometime next week.
iPhone tricks to try today
Here are some of the best...
- Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily
- Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs
- Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete
- Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency
- Check if you're due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you're down to 80% capacity. If you're below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple
- Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier
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In other news, you can read more on what to expect from the new iPhones here.
Already got an iPhone? Check out the best iPhone apps here.
And, here's what the largest rumoured Apple leak said we can expect from the September show.
Are you excited for Apple's launch event? Let us know in the comments...
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