This week would, in any other year, be the time we saw Apple unveil its latest iPhone lineup. But there is a lot going on in the world, and Apple’s fall 2020 launch will be pushed back a bit.
Now we know exactly how much: Apple has announced a product launch event is set for Tuesday, September 15.
Apple’s events are usually known for being expertly produced and delivered in front of hundreds of people in a theater-like setting — most recently at Apple’s own campus — but this year will be quite different. We can expect Apple to roll out another preproduced video keynote presentation, as it did earlier this year for its WWDC developer conference, to launch some, if not all, of its new products ahead of the holiday shopping season.
Given the timing, speculation points to the launch of the new iPhone 12 lineup, which is going to consist of four models: A base iPhone 12, the larger iPhone 12 Max, a higher-end iPhone 12 Pro, and the top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max. After using a similar design for three generations now, leaks of the iPhone 12 series shows the new phones bringing a fresh hardware look, with flat sides and sharp angles reminiscent of the iPhone 5. The displays are expected to be subtly larger, but with smaller bezels, and the same Face ID cutout at the top.
The iPhone isn’t the only game in town, though: Apple also has to launch new versions of its iPads and Apple Watch too. Here’s where things are still in a gray area, though. Rumors have indicated that Apple will launch a new entry-level iPad, and potentially an iPad Air, alongside a slightly improved Apple Watch 6. Reputable Apple leaker Mark Gurman believes this September 15 announcement will be only the Apple Watch and iPad, and the iPhone will be reserved for a later event to coincide with its later shipping date.
Even if the iPhone 12 launch does wait a few more weeks, getting into an early October time frame, there’s still plenty to get excited about. Other rumors indicate Apple could launch a new smaller (and less expensive) HomePod speaker, and another new AirPods model. A fresh line of accessories is an easy bet, as are big companywide initiatives Apple is focusing on.
We’ll be watching closely for any and all information that leaks out ahead of Apple’s big fall 2020 iPhone event.
