Apple confirms September 14 ‘California Streaming’ event (updated)

by Jonny Evans · Published September 7, 2021 · Updated September 8, 2021

Apple invites us to ‘California Streaming’

But we don’t yet know it’s iPhone.

Hours since the news was leaked, Apple has sent out the invitations to its next special event, tagged, California Streaming. We all expect it will feature the all new iPhone 13, but we can’t know for certain until Cupertino pulls its curtains.

We also anticipate the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 7, which will be limited availability at first.

The event will be streamed online at apple.com, and takes place September 14 at 10am PDT. (6pm in the UK).

The invitation shows a rather calm and lovely purple-tinged image of a lake I’d quite like to be swimming in as I write this, surrounded by mountains with a beautiful rose-tinted background. This is surmounted by a glowing Apple logo. About the only thing the cottage industry of Apple invite decoders may get from this is that it could perhaps feature AR in some way. But mostly they say that every year.

What to expect?

You know what to expect, really. Except it’s possibly not going to be an iPhone. But, if it is, as reported prior, anticipate:

iPhone 13 will be iPhone 13

Superstitious people may skip an upgrade this time around as a photo depicting an alleged packaging stickerfor the iPhone calls it “iPhone 13”. This follows some speculation Apple may call it something else because thirteen is unlucky, or something.

Greg Joswiak Tweets:

https://twitter.com/gregjoz/status/1435272731746979840?s=20

iPhone 13 may be more expensive

The global chip supply shortage is driving up costs and it looks like Apple’s chip supplier, TSMC, may have raised costs slightly, according to Digitimes. Though other reports have said Apple has been able to source its chips well ahead of time, which may help protect prices. But I think an uptick is possible.

The first iPhones go on sale at an O2 store on London’s Oxford Street int the UK in November 2007

iPhone 13 pre-orders September 17?

A Chinese website gained a nice traffic bounce on strength of claims that the iPhone will be available for pre-order September 17 and ships September 24. It will be available in as iPhone, iPhone mini, iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max. This suggests a special event in the next three weeks.

iPhone 13: Can’t get the staff

Foxconn is doing all it can to recruit 200,000 more people it thinks it needs to make these iPhones in time. The factory can make up to half a million smartphones each day. Wedbush estimates Apple may ship up to 150 million iPhones by the end of the year.

iPhone 13: Plays nice with masks?

A report claims Apple has been working to build a new version of Face ID that works with masks and foggy glasses.

iPhone 13: mmWave push

More iPhones in more markets will offer support for the faster mmWve 5G standard.

iPhone queue at NY Fifth Avenue in 2017

iPhone 13: Demand seems strong

Turns out the record-breaking iPhone 12 demand will continue with iPhone 13.

One more thing: AirPods September 30

The new ones are coming and they’ll be more like the AirPods Pro.

And as reported in July:

A15 chips, AMOLED Displays

We’ve all been expecting these iPhones will boast 5nm A15 processors and AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate.

It may have reverse charging

AirPods running low on power? Just pop them on top of your iPhone to charge them up again. That’s what may happen if it’s true that Apple plans to integrate larger wireless charging coils in the device, one potential use of which is reverse charging.

Apple’s Hi, Speed event takes place October 13

It may have stronger MagSafe magnets

Another possibility is that the larger coils may let Apple use stronger MagSafe magnets. Apple this week let slip a new MagSafe charger, so there you go…

It may have a better wide-angle camera

We’ve recently heard claims iPhone 13’s will have automatic focus, along with optical image stabilization, portrait mode for video and an astrophotography mode.

iPhone 13 Pro Max Silicone Case #Apple #IPhone13 pic.twitter.com/jkcQ0sdtXF

— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) September 4, 2021

The Pro will have the best camera

The iPhone 13 Pro will apparently have an improved ultra-wide camera and autofocus mode, with a 6-piece lens. These features will be made available across the iPhone range in 2022, one rumor-monger claims.

The colors?

There have been a rash of suggestions, including: Black, Pink, Purple, Orange, Product Red, White, Blue, Gold/Silver. Not all of these will make the cut, I imagine.

Updated September 8

Fresh speculation from PineLeaks adds additional claims, but most agree the source is questionable.

No price increase for iPhone 13 (at least, not in the US)
Added one hour battery life to iPhone 13 mini, batteries larger across the range
ProMotion displays on high-end iPhones throttles to 60Hz in Low Power Mode.
Camera sensors receive 15% more light. Up to 40% on Ultra Wide camera sensor.
Cinematic portrait mode uses optical image stabilization has additnoal effects.
Night mode will recognize stars and adjust accordingly