Apple’s 2020 fall launch event could usher in multiple new iPhones, the Apple Watch 6, and even the AirPods Studio.
Apple unveils the latest and greatest iPhone model each fall, usually to much fanfare. The event happens every year at the same time, and the anticipation for it is always sky-high. Of course, there’s a good reason for that — while the new iPhone model alone is reason enough to be excited, Apple also usually unveils other hardware, like a new Apple Watch model, and maybe a few surprises, too. This year could be a little different. Rumors have been surfacing for months about the possibility of Apple’s supply chain being slowed. Some rumors indicate that while Apple will announce the iPhones at the normal time, they won’t be available until a little later in the year. Other rumors suggest that the announcement may be a little later in October, rather than the normal time in September. Also, along with the iPhone, we’re expecting some other announcements. Here’s everything we expect to see at Apple’s fall hardware event, from the new iPhone 12 to a new Apple Watch Series 6. Apple typically holds its iPhone events in early-to-mid September, which is rapidly approaching. But unfortunately for everyone, it doesn’t announce the actual date of the event until a short time before — and that time frame can be even shorter now that it’s a virtual event. Apple could theoretically change the date all the way up until the last moment. The iPhone 11 series was announced on September 10, the iPhone XS series on September 12, and the iPhone X series on September 14. That points to an announcement coming either September 7/8 or September 14/15 this year. But in 2020, there’s a caveat: Apple has said that it expects to sell the new iPhones later in the year. On an earnings call, Apple’s chief financial officer said: “Last year, we started selling new iPhones in late September. This year, we project supply to be available a few weeks later.” Now it’s completely understandable that the global pandemic has caused delays in Apple’s supply chain, and with the insane number of iPhones it needs to make, a small hiccup can have a big impact. But the question is, will Apple delay its actual unveiling as well? Or simply hold it at the usual time and push back pre-orders? There’s about an even-money chance of both. When Apple unveiled an all-new design with the iPhone X, orders were delayed several weeks from the announcement. Some supply chain-based reports point to a dual-stage release of various iPhone models based on when they’re ready in the fourth quarter. The main event, of course, will be the release of the iPhone 12, which is expected to represent the first major design change to the iPhone since the company launched the iPhone X. But it may not be as different as people some want. While the device will likely swap out the rounded edges for blockier ones, like the new iPad Pro and the iPhone 4, it will probably still retain the notch.
