What we’re expecting from Apple’s Fall event

Apple's Fall event is just a few days away. Here's what the iMore crew hopes we'll see.

If you've been under a rock this past week, you may have missed Apple announcing the date of its annual Fall event — September 7 — along with a Bokeh-inspired teaser to get the internet a-buzz. We've got a pretty good idea of what the folks in Cupertino are plotting, but that doesn't mean Apple can't pull out a surprise or two from its proverbial magician's hat. What can you expect to see on Wednesday? What do we think will remain shrouded in secrecy? Read on.

Where are we going for this fancy Fall event, anyway?

This is the third time we've seen the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco play host to an Apple event, and like the previous two occasions, we expect it to be packed full of press, analysts, engineers, and a VIP or two (dozen). The event itself is likely to center around Apple's flagship product, the iPhone, along with the Apple Watch, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Jeff Williams come out to chat Health and accessibility, or crowd favorite (and Apple Music executive) Bozoma Saint John introduce some new Apple Music's improvements. And hey, who knows? Maybe even a musical guest.

Lory

The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium is this wonderful old theater that is used for all manner of events, including music, comedy acts, and on Sept. 7, Apple! Unfortunately, I am not important enough (yet) to attend this whirlwind of adventure this year. So, I'll actually be across the street, acting as an off-site liaison for anything and everything Rene and Serenity needs throughout the day.

Rene

Apple is going back to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Last September they filled that giant space with multiple living-room sized demo areas for the new Apple TV. Last June they filled it with WWDC attendees, media, and analysts. This time? My guess is something in between. No developers, but a ton of media and analysts, and Apple biggest product of the year, iPhone 7.

Mikah

I think my colleagues have the answer covered: Apple's taking us back to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. I hope they keep the place nice and cold — that many bodies in one place make for quite a bit of radiant heating. Hey Siri, turn up the AC!

I'm going back to the Bill Graham for the third time in under a year, and I'm excited about it! Last September, Apple needed such a large space for its makeshift Apple TV living room setup, but in lieu of such a TV-focused announcement I hope the extra room is used for a press overflow room. It's almost impossible to get time with the products right after the keynote, with everyone crowding around the perfectly-prepared wooden tables, so let's hope Apple has a trick up its sleeve this time around.

iOS 10: What we're looking forward to

In general, I expect a quick rundown of everything you're going to love in iOS 10 — along with a September 14 release date. The biggest things I want to hear about in more detail, however, are the changes to Apple Music. We got a brief overview of the new Music app at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, but certain features (like the My New Music Mix) have only just appeared in the developer and public betas. Bring on the tunes!

Lory

I've been knee-deep in everything iOS 10 for months now, and I'm just about ready for this puppy to go live. There are still some features that won't work until the software update officially launches and they are some of the features I'm most excited about. I'm also pretty sure that the new iPhone 7 ( or whatever Apple will call it) will have some software features that won't show up in older devices. I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store.

Rene

There are always a couple of iOS features that we don't see at WWDC — the ones tied to new hardware features. Typically that includes new camera stuff, and that's what my money's on this year. Rumor has it there's a big camera update in the works, and that means a big Camera.app update to match it. Think burst mode from year's past: a way to make the new features super-accessible.

Mikah

One downside to writing about Apple is losing the chance to be surprised by many of the fun, new features in Apple's various operating systems. So, like Rene, I'm looking forward to the reveal of the final few iOS features that Apple's been saving for the launch of the new iPhone. I'm also looking forward to all my favorite HomeKit-enabled devices to get updated for iOS 10's Home app.

Like Rene, I expect some big camera software changes to debut alongside the new iPhones, but I also wouldn't be surprised if Apple uses the stage to roll out improvements to 3D Touch, which is going to be front and center in iOS 10. I've been using the iOS 10 beta for some time now, and have been repeatedly impressed by the scope of changes, from iMessage to Maps to Music, and how well they integrate into the existing UI. Even small things, like the way Command Center integrates with the new Home app, is something to behold.

iOS 10: What we're not expecting, but might be possible

This is likely an iPhone and Apple Watch event, which means I have to give up my "I sure hope they release more iPad-specific features in iOS 10" torch. Womp womp. Probably next Spring, when the next iPad comes around.

Lory

Am I ridiculous to keep hoping Dark Mode will show up in iOS 10? I've read the rumors that there is code hidden in the beta for a system-wide dark theme for the iPhone and iPad, but so far, nothing has surfaced in any of the beta versions we've seen. I'm not holding my breath, but I'm also not giving up hope.

Rene

A dark theme for iPhone and iPad! Seriously, even the invitation is on a black background!

Mikah

Dear Apple, bring me loads of iPad-specific improvements so I can further replace my Mac as my go-to device for content creation. Look, many signs point to Apple releasing iPad-specific features later this year, but I'm really bad at waiting for things.

The more I used my iPad Pro as a computer, the more versatility I want in Split View. Especially on the larger 12.9-inch model, I feel like there is more Apple could do with the feature. At the very least, make it easier to switch between apps on the right panel so I'm not scrolling through dozens of possibilities before finding the right one.

iOS 10: Moonshots

Third-party apps can process the Raw camera format… wouldn't it be swell if the native Camera app could do the same? Along those lines, I wouldn't mind a few more advanced in-app settings. I love my third-party camera apps, but they're not a swipe away from the lock screen. (Alternatively: Apple releases a secure way to set third-party camera apps as the launch-from-the-lock-screen app!)

Lory

Backward compatible True Tone displays for older iPad devices and 3D Touch for the iPhone SE (you said moonshot … I'm just shooting for the moon!).

Rene

Did I mentioned Night Mode? How about a full-on CSS-like theming engine where we can tweak colors to match our mood. Or password and Touch ID protection for every app? Or a way to shoot the actual moon? Sorry. Breathe.

Mikah

You know what would be really neat? If instead of implementing its own specifications for home automation (HomeKit compatibility), Apple integrated with all the major home automation communication technologies. In other words, don't make me hunt for HomeKit-enabled devices; give me the ability to add every single home automation gadget I own to my iOS 10 Home app.

Split View mode on the iPhone 7 Plus, or whatever it's called. Or at least Picture-in-Picture. I already do so much of my work on the iPhone, why shouldn't I be able to do two things at once?

New iPhones: What we're expecting

Everyone's made a fuss about the whole lack of headphone jack thing, but I'm far more interested in what we've heard over the iPhone's new camera. From the sounds of things, we're expecting a dual-lens camera on the larger device, along with some smart software improvements to make Apple's already-great smartphone camera something spectacular.

Lory

I'm not going to lie, I'm not too shook up over the new iPhone. Apple is, disappointingly, focusing all of its fancy-pants features on the larger iPhone model and I'm still a four-inch screen kinda girl. Would a dual-lens camera in a 4.7-inch phone make me switch? Maybe. Would a Space Blue case make me jump on the larger-screen bandwagon? Probably not, but I'm going to have to face the inevitable at some point: Smaller screens are going the way of the dinosaur and if I want all of the new-fangled features, I'm going to have to go big.

Rene

Apple has been on a tick-tock cycle since 2008, but now it seems like the company will be doing a second tock. During tock years, we typically get a better camera (see the 12 megapixel, 4K iSight on iPhone 6s), a new color (see rose gold), and a curveball (see 3D Touch). So, the pattern would make it seem like we'll get a better camera, a new color, and something else cool. Increased water resistance feels more likely than wireless charging or anything else on the wish-list.

Mikah

Gee, thanks, Rene for crushing my moonshot dreams (spoiler alert). Even though he crushed my dreams, I think Rene has it covered: color, camera, cool. I'm looking forward to upgrading my camera, trying out a new color, and hopefully seeing True Tone on iPhone at last!

I think we're going to get two phones, with identical sizes and screen resolutions, that offer improved underlying technology like DCI-P3 calibration and True Tone. We're going to get better cameras, though not necessarily higher-resolution ones, and larger, longer-lasting batteries. We may also get waterproofing, which appears more likely than wireless charging, since Apple usually bets on a winning horse, and neither PMA nor Qi appear to be dominant in that market just yet.

iPhone: What we're not expecting, but might be possible

I'd love to see some wireless charging in action (or maybe a cheat via a purported Smart Connector?), but I suspect we might have to wait another year.

Lory

A four-inch iPhone 7 with all of the same features as the larger-screen iPhone devices.

Rene

There are rumors of higher resolution, higher density displays, and I'd love that. It might even make iPhone workable for low-end VR headsets like the ones Google's been pushing.

Mikah

I guess it's possible Apple could surprise us all and bring the dual-camera set up to both sizes of the new iPhone. If there's one complaint about which I've heard more than others, it's that those who prefer smaller devices feel like they're being left out of Apple's product advancements.

Smart Connector! I'd love to see Apple integrate the iPad Pro's Smart Connector into the body of at least one iPhone 7 (likely the larger Plus model) with support for a better accessory experience. Sure, we don't need an iPhone-sized keyboard, but I can see the bi-directional power and data port utilized for battery cases and other intriguing things.

iPhone: Moonshots

Apple Pencil for iPhone Plus. Yes, a stylus is silly for navigating, but it's not about tapping on objects anymore — people want to write, sketch, and do more on their smartphones. I'd use it, and I suspect a lot of others would, too. (And it might relieve Apple from having to create an iPad mini with Pencil support.)

Lory

I'm fairly certain that my answer above fits here, too. But, if I'm going to really shoot for the moon, I think I'd love to see a Lightning cable with a reversible USB side. I'm also on board with Ren's desire for Apple Pencil support. Now, THAT would make me switch to a larger iPhone.

Rene

Espresso out the Lightning port? (Can't come out the headphone jack, now, can it?). Joking aside, I'd love — love — Apple Pencil support on iPhone 7 Plus. It would be my new Field Notes.

Mikah

True wireless charging would be nifty. The key word there, though, is "true." I'm not talking about charging-pad wireless charging (you still have to set your doggone phone down on the doggone charging pad), I'm talking about walk-around-my-house-and-my-iPhone-charges wireless charging. Bring it on!

An integrated home button that would considerably cut down the overall size of the phone. Apple is way, way behind the competition in size reduction — after using the Galaxy Note 7, the iPhone 6s Plus feels like a brick — and much of that extra vertical space is taken up by the home button. I'm not saying the company should get rid of it entirely, but finding a way to integrate it into the screen would be amazing. Again, likely not going to happen, but a boy can dream, can't he?

Apple Watch 2: What we're expecting

Lory

I'm almost definitely getting the second-generation Apple Watch, so it doesn't even have to be that much different to win me over. Native voice recording (with a Voice Memos app) would be pretty great. I'd also be excited about GPS support. As far as battery life is concerned, I'm happy with how long my current model lasts. Give me a second-gen S chip too, please.

Like Lory, the second Apple Watch is pretty much a no-brainer for my wallet, but I'm still hoping for some significant battery improvements in the second generation — especially for the 38mm version. Apple's smallest wearable looks great on small wrists (like mine), but it's been much more iffy on battery, especially where workouts are concerned. watchOS 3 has improved my first-generation watch somewhat, but this area is ripe for major improvement.

Rene

iPhone and iPad, the first generations, were incredibly cool yet incredibly limited products. It wasn't until iPhone 3G and iPad 2 that we began to see how cool those products could really be. I'm hoping the same is true with Apple Watch 2. Add GPS, amp up the Apple S computer-on-a-chip, and it should fly.

Mikah

Well, some birdies told me we're going to see GPS support in Apple Watch 2. It's not something that makes much of a difference to me, personally, but I'm happy for my runner friends. Like any new iteration on an Apple device, I imagine we'll also see a new, more-power-efficient chip with significant speed improvements.

I'm expecting a similar form factor to the current Apple Watch with a more capacious battery and support for GPS. I'm also expecting better performance from the S2 chip, which should be based on the A9 or A10, not the A5.

Apple Watch 2: What we're not expecting, but might be possible

Cellular is close to a moonshot — there's not enough space in that tiny casing for the battery life necessary to free the Apple Watch from its iPhone tether. That said, I'd love to see the Apple Watch able to pick its own Wi-Fi spots, rather than rely on the iPhone to make that handshake.

Lory

My cohorts have already said it best. I'm not expecting, though I am openly wishing for, Apple Watch Untethered (the name of my next movie).

Rene

Like Ren said, LTE networking doesn't seem likely yet. The current Apple Watch runs at the thermal limits of that casing and with not much battery life to spare. Throw in another, hot, high-demand radio, and wrists will burn.

Mikah

I guess Apple could make the thing thinner, but it's not likely. As for a cellular model (as my colleagues have noted), I'd be surprised to see that come to Apple Watch in the second model. A frightening possibility: First-generation Apple Watch bands don't work with the second-generation Apple Watch (I don't think this will happen, but it could happen).

I'm not expecting the Apple Watch 2 to be considerably thinner than the current version, nor am I holding out hope for a cellular model, the benefits of which are still unclear. Samsung appears to be forging ahead with cellular versions of its latest smartwatches, and I am not confident of its value just yet.

Apple Watch 2: Moonshots

I'm pretty sure we'll see some new bands, but one feature I am not expecting is a case or band redesign that destroys all past band compatibility.

Lory

What about a space blue case? That would be fun. To be honest, though. I probably wouldn't get one. My current Apple Watch is space gray and my band options are very limited without clashing. If we're wishing for the impossible here, I'd also like to see a fully waterproof model for the deep sea divers out there.

Rene

I'm a simple person. Some alternate colors for the Hermès cuff and I'll be happy.

What?

Mikah

A round Apple Watch.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Moving on.

Moonshot? How 'bout a 46mm version with a larger battery?

One more thing?

I mentioned it briefly above, but I would dig a mini Pencil for the iPhone 7 Plus.

Lory

iPad mini Pro!

Rene

iPads Pro updated with Apple A10 processors, DCI-P3 displays, True Tone, and USB 3.0 across the line!

Mikah

New Macs! (I know, I know … I'm the worst.)

iPhone 7 SE with 3D Touch, an A10 chip, and the fancy new camera setup. What can I say? I love my small phones.