What to Expect at Apple's 'Wonderlust' Event: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9, and More

Politics, News Sept. 11, 2023, 11:18 p.m.

Apples "Wonderlust" event tomorrow may reveal the iPhone 15 series with notable upgrades, including USB-C ports and improved cameras. Apple Watch Series 9 and AirPods updates are also anticipated.

Apple's Upcoming "Wonderlust" Event: What to Expect

Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados worldwide are eagerly counting down the hours until Apple's highly anticipated "Wonderlust" event, set to take place tomorrow at the iconic Steve Jobs Theater. As the summer season draws to a close, this annual fall iPhone event has become a cultural touchstone, right up there with the arrival of pumpkin spice everything. This year's event promises to be no exception, with rumors swirling about the unveiling of the much-anticipated iPhone 15 and the latest iteration of the Apple Watch.

The tech community has been buzzing with excitement for months, fueled by a steady stream of iPhone 15 rumors. Some suggest a straightforward round of year-over-year upgrades, while others hint at a potentially game-changing addition: the rumored iPhone 15 Ultra. With anticipation reaching a fever pitch, here's a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect from Apple's fall event, which you can livestream starting at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT.

Apple's event invitations are known for their enigmatic nature, and this one is no exception. It features the iconic Apple logo composed of minuscule dust-like particles, with grooves carved into it, resembling wind-sculpted sand dunes. The event's tagline, "Wonderlust," cleverly plays on the word "wanderlust," suggesting a strong longing for exploration. But could it also hint at a desire for curiosity and wonder? Like everyone else, we're trying to decipher the hidden meanings behind the invitation. Do the grooved cutouts in the logo foreshadow a sleeker iPhone design? Could the particles symbolize enhanced cameras capable of capturing minute details? And might the metallic shades of gray, blue, and gold allude to the color options for the new iPhone or Apple Watch? Or perhaps, it's a reflection on the transient nature of existence? The answers remain elusive, but one thing is certain: the iPhone 15 Pro is poised to be the star of the show.

Building on the success of the iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 15 lineup is expected to consist of four models: the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable source for Apple leaks, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will essentially be revamped versions of the iPhone 14 Pro, minus the telephoto camera and stainless steel body. These new phones are set to inherit a powerful 48-megapixel main camera and the A16 chip, both of which debuted in the 14 Pro models. On the exterior, they will replace the display notches with the Dynamic Island cutout, previously introduced with the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.

Despite the addition of the Dynamic Island, it's unlikely that the base iPhone 15 models will receive high-refresh-rate displays like their Pro counterparts, according to display analyst Ross Young. However, ChargerLab, a reputable source for battery and charging-related rumors, suggests that all four iPhone 15 models will support 15-watt wireless charging, utilizing the Qi2 open standard announced earlier this year. If this pans out, it could open the door to a wide range of wireless charging devices, no longer restricted to licensed Apple MagSafe accessories.

The most significant change across all four iPhone 15 models is the shift away from the Lightning connector. Likely influenced by pressure from the European Union, which adopted USB-C as a common charging standard, the iPhone 15 series will feature a USB-C port in place of the Lightning port. This marks the first change to the iPhone's power port since the introduction of the Lightning port in 2012, which spelled the end of the wide 30-pin iPod connector era.

The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are expected to undergo the most substantial changes. According to Gurman, these models will bid farewell to stainless steel frames in favor of titanium, potentially reducing their overall weight. The A17 chip, featuring a super-tiny 3-nanometer processor, will power these models, representing Apple's smallest silicon to date. Additionally, slimmer display bezels are likely on the horizon.

A noteworthy change exclusive to the Pro models is the USB-C port, which, unlike the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, could support faster data speeds, facilitating tasks such as file transfers and handling ProRes video files. Moreover, the iPhone 15 Pro Max may boast a groundbreaking 6x optical telephoto camera, thanks to a horizontal-mounted periscope lens and camera unit similar to those found in competitors like the Pixel 7 Pro, Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Sony Xperia 1 V. This advancement promises enhanced detail, resolution, and dynamic range in zoomed-in photos, surpassing the capabilities of the current iPhone 14 Pro's 6x digital zoom.

Kuo's report also hints at solid-state volume and power buttons for both Pro models, differentiating them from the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. These buttons would eschew mechanical components in favor of touch-sensitive controls with clever haptic feedback, reminiscent of the iPhone 7's "home button." Although the concept isn't entirely novel, as it was featured in the HLuzala U12 in 2018, its execution left room for improvement.

There are a few rumors, albeit somewhat dated or speculative, that continue to circulate. One such rumor suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro Max may be rebranded as the iPhone 15 Ultra, a notion initially proposed by Bloomberg's Gurman. However, recent silence on the matter raises questions about its validity.

Another intriguing but unconfirmed rumor emerged from MacRumors, which discovered code in a beta version of iOS 17 describing functionality for an action button akin to the one on the Apple Watch Ultra. This hypothetical hardware addition could mark a first for Apple, potentially enabling phone-specific shortcuts or camera shutter activation. The event on the 12th will undoubtedly shed light on this mystery.

In a more modest update, the next standard Apple Watch is expected to be a relatively incremental improvement over the Apple Watch Series 8. The Series 9 may introduce a new color option, as suggested by a post from X/Twitter user ShrimpApplePro, indicating the possibility of a pink variant. Furthermore, the Series 9 is likely to feature the new S9 chip, described by Gurman as delivering performance improvements and enhanced efficiency, which could translate to improved battery life.

For fans of the rugged Apple Watch Ultra, there's reason to be excited as well. A second-generation version of this robust wearable is rumored to be in the works, potentially incorporating a faster chip and boasting a striking black titanium finish, according to ShrimpApplePro's post. A black version of the Ultra could indeed be a visually striking addition to Apple's lineup.

Beyond iPhones and Apple Watches, other exciting developments may be in store. An updated AirPods case with a USB-C connector is on the horizon. Furthermore, we can anticipate official release dates for iOS 17 and WatchOS 10, as well as updates on Apple's Vision Pro headset, which was initially unveiled at WWDC in June.

While the tech world eagerly awaits the moment Tim Cook and his team take the stage at the Steve Jobs Theater to make these announcements, one thing is certain: Apple's "Wonderlust" event promises to be an exhilarating showcase of innovation and technological advancement. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and surprises that lie in store.