What to Expect at Apple's September 2019 Event: New iPhones, Apple Watch Models, Services Updates and More

[RogerWilco]

People will always gripe about price but when the cameras are this good it is still a good value. Some people don't remember when you paid $400 for a point and shoot I guess.

Now they pay $1000 for a Apple point and shoot that takes calls — just like the $75 Android phones.

 

[bluespark]

Like many of us here, I'd love some Mac news, but I expect we'll have to wait a bit for that. As others have pointed out, this September event is typically focused on iOS, services, phones, and wearables. Adding much outside that would risk diluting the media focus away from these very profitable segments.

I wouldn't complain if I wee wrong, though.

 

[eulslix]

Whatever marketing guru came up with the tagline probably didn't give a wet slap what was actually being launched. They came up with a clever play on "By invitation only", the word "innovation" probably tested well with focus groups, it doesn't give away anything about what is being announced and it doesn't commit to anything that can be objectively tested and disproved.

Personally, it strikes me as bland and generic - its what the seller would always say about any new model of anything ever - and suggests that they might not have anything particularly new to show. If they had something truly novel they'd probably come up with some sort of "teaser" suggesting a surprise or a revelation.

Of course, they might surprise us - but you can't predict that from the tagline.

Or, maybe, they're going to offer a "by invitation only" preview of Apple Arcade...? You know, that thing that's a bit like Steam except with an "innovative" subscription model?

I hear ya... Well I guess we’ll have to wait it out then. No other way to tell

 

[npmacuser5]

So I’m sure you can tell us the price increase from X to XS or the difference from 6S to 7 to 8 and how the increased base storage wasn’t worth anything.
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Don’t forget to pay your equity off with Apple Pay using your Apple Credit Card to save another 2%.

More like Moore’s Law expectations.
Apply Moore’s Law to the pricing by providing choices that work. Example base storage has never really been an option for iPhone if one even uses their Apple device for more then texts, emails and talk.

 

[AmazingTechGeek]

I'm just really not all that excited this year, but it seems like there might be a couple cool new things like Apple Tags and maybe a HomePod Mini. I'm curious about the third camera on the iPhone and the possibility of better low-light performance, but it's not something I'm clamoring for. Maybe since the rest of the iPhone update seems kinda "meh" the camera will be a bigger upgrade than we realize. I'm interested to see the titanium Apple Watch but won't be buying it this year. Hopefully they don't get rid of it like the ceramic because I'm definitely interested—I just refuse to upgrade my Apple Watch so frequently. I have to draw the line somewhere, right? Especially since the titanium will likely have a hefty price tag. I'll most likely sign up for Apple Arcade.

I think when people are spending $1000+ on iPhones, they want significant upgrades before spending that sale kind of money. I only upgraded my X to XS last year as it fixed a lot of issues the former had.

As interesting as the triple lens camera is, my XS is already a great device that is fast enough and lasts long enough to meet my needs. Would rather invest in a new MacBook or iPad this year (or just save my money).

 

[Expos of 1969]

I do enjoy watching these events except for the bit when I wince every year and shout at my iPad. It's the bit when Tim Cook invariably says, in his most earnest and serious voice to imply that he's actually imparting some amazing new information - "this is the most advanced iPhone that we've ever built".

No kidding Tim. I mean really; it's called technological progress. As long as you stick on the annual refresh cycle for the flagship iPhones then if there's ever a year when, for your flagship model, you have to say "here's the new iPhone. We've been working on it for the last year and we're really proud of it but I'm afraid that it's not quite as advanced as the one we announced a year ago" then something has gone very seriously wrong.

Maybe I shouldn't let that one line get under my skin so much but it really does.

I think the most cringe-worthy part is when Tim presses his hands together with fingers pointed up as a gesture of prayer (religious or secular). Second on the list are the demos of the VR games done by a couple of hapless company reps on stage. The one during the last Apple event was terrible. Embarrassing for the audience and the performers.

 

[pmore]

That awful camera.

 

[MisterSavage]

Me too! I am already in the process of getting my home equity line of credit squared away so that I can get my hands on these beautiful pieces of art as soon as they are released.

I know that was a joke but on the iPhone upgrade program I'll pay around $110 to be able to trade up to the new phone and around $60 a month after that.

Can't await the new iPhone video camera! Made some nice experiences with iPhone XS (all recorded with the native "Camera" app):

Danube river cruise?

 

[Jack Neill]

And in 2020--rectangles with cameras and screens. Don't wait for a "major design update" there isn't such a thing.

Along with a boring grid of icons like its 2007 all over again.

 

[tkukoc]

Skipping the presentation this year. Usually Im at work and watch from my office or take off work but this year I purposely scheduled several meetings in a row. So there's zero chance I will even have one minute to check a live stream or website. I'll just catch the highlights later on. Didn't see much at all that interests me this year based on leaks/reports anyway. Like I said last year, Apple Watch is my favorite product to code for... so if there's something big added I'll grab a new one of those. But the phones... ah.. not much happening this year to entice me unless I get something used later. I don't see me paying full price for a spec update phone anymore. When you could get stuff for less than a grand it was ok.. now.. nope. To those watching.. have fun! To those who are purchasing new devices.. enjoy them.. for me.. meetings... meetings... meetings..

 

[citysnaps]

For Photography Give Me A Nikon F2 Photomic Any-day. Beets a Smartphone all round for serious Photography.View attachment 856491

In general, I've seen no evidence camera brand/size/cost/complexity/etc drives the strength and power released of photographs produced.

Indeed, I like to ask photographers I meet on the street the question: "So, what do you shoot?"

If the answer is something like: "I shoot a Canon 5D Mark IV, with a 70-200 f/4 zoom and an 85mm f/1.4 prime," that tells me something.

If instead, the answer is, for example, something like, "I make photographs illustrating how gentrification in large cities leads to the displacement of low income families," that tells me something else. That would be a photographer I'd want to have a beer and conversation with, looking at her photos.

 

[TonyRS]

Wait, you're not waiting with bated breath to finally see how the iPhone XSS will look?

It’s not going to be as good as people hope. That’s the Trend that’s being ignored.

 

[DevNull0]

I know that was a joke but on the iPhone upgrade program I'll pay around $110 to be able to trade up to the new phone and around $60 a month after that.

So $720 for a year of monthly payments and $110 for the trade up. $830 to rent the latest iPhone for a year. You're a financial genius.

 

[v0lume4]

In the minority here, but I'm more excited about the possibility for a 2nd gen iPhone SE next year.

There's more of us out here waiting for the same thing! If we do get an updated SE-like device next year, then I believe I'll be coming back to team iPhone! Even if it ends up being the iPhone 8 design.

I just want a pocketable, durable phone that's going to last me for years. No notch, no FaceID (I don't even use passwords/Touch ID so why pay for the facial recognition sensors), and no $999 price tag. I'm ready!

 

[jgbr]

People get far too excited and over pumped, raising the bar too high on this so their expectations are over the top, which only results in them complaining when they are not met. Be more realistic Apple commentators.

 

[Jmausmuc]

Was planning on getting a new iPhone this year to replace my iPhone X but decided to stick with it one more year.
The missing 5G might be acceptable to some but I want to keep my phone for 2-3 years and I don’t want to be using a phone without 5G in 1.5 years when it is more commonplace. At least the pro devices should have it.
Aside from that:
- no new design
- same notch
- no killer-feature that I could think of
- “polarizing” camera design

I really can’t think of any reason why a iPhone X or XS user would want to make the switch.
i just had Apple put a new battery into my iPhone X today.

 

[scottlitch]

I'm calling it now; iPhone will become Apple Phone. They've exhausted the naming scheme for iPhone and renaming it will bring it into alignment with their other products like Apple TV and Apple Watch, and services like Apple Music and Apple TV+.

 

[DevNull0]

I'm calling it now; iPhone will become Apple Phone. They've exhausted the naming scheme for iPhone and renaming it will bring it into alignment with their other products like Apple TV and Apple Watch, and services like Apple Music and Apple TV+.

They could always call it the "iPhone Y." As in "why would I buy this phone that's almost exactly like the last 2 years worth of releases?"

Then they can follow it up next year with the 2020 "iPhone Y!". Pronounced "iPhone Y Not?"

 

[patent10021]

Wow, almost 2020 when the world is on USB-C and Apple can't get its poo together.

 

[citysnaps]

Was planning on getting a new iPhone this year to replace my iPhone X but decided to stick with it one more year.
The missing 5G might be acceptable to some but I want to keep my phone for 2-3 years and I don’t want to be using a phone without 5G in 1.5 years when it is more commonplace. At least the pro devices should have it.
Aside from that:
- no new design
- same notch
- no killer-feature that I could think of
- “polarizing” camera design

I really can’t think of any reason why a iPhone X or XS user would want to make the switch.
i just had Apple put a new battery into my iPhone X today.

For me it will be a better camera.
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Wow, almost 2020 when the world is on USB-C and Apple can't get its poo together.

The whine-fest here would be epic.

 

[mihike]

I don’t expect 128GB base for this year seeing as 512GB likely to remain the top tier - Apple’s been doing the low base tier then quadrupled second tier for the last few years now (16>64>128, 64>256>512, etc).

I think 128GB will become the base next year (at a higher starting price) along with a 1TB model (128GB>512GB>1TB).

Good point, thanks.

Just looking back at how often Apple bumped the base memory at launch:

iPhone 4: 8 Gb
iPhone 4S: 16 Gb (8Gb available a year later)
iPhone 5: 16 Gb
iPhone 6: 16 Gb (start of the quadrupled second tier)
iPhone 6S: 16 Gb
iPhone 7: 32 Gb
iPhone 8 / X: 64 Gb
iPhone XS: 64 Gb

So doesn't look too promising, but I'll keep up hope based on the quick one-year transition through 32 Gb. Maybe with the underwhelming list of other expected upgrades there's hope!

 

[Plutonius]

After the event, expect to see

Lot's of Apple complaints on MacRumors.

People threatening to leave the Apple ecosphere.

People claiming that they would never purchase the announced products.

Apple stock tanking for a couple weeks before returning to current levels.

Record Apple earnings.

 

[MisterSavage]

So $720 for a year of monthly payments and $110 for the trade up. $830 to rent the latest iPhone for a year. You're a financial genius.

The price you pay for all 24 installments on the Apple iPhone Upgrade program is the exact same price you would have paid if you bought the phone in full with AppleCare included. Nice insult. Very mature discussion.

 

[smulji]

Look at Apple's history. Based on the rumors, this September keynote seems to be busy with Watch updates (not new model), new iPhones, talking about iOS 13, very likely announcing the tile tracker + the one more thing.

Announcing a new MacBook Pro has nothing to do with the topic of that keynote and will be unrelated. Since when Apple has introduced new computers on their September keynotes?

That's why they host an October event where they talk only computers and iPads, plus MacOS and now this year iPad OS.
It's common sense I'd say, not that I know more than any of you.

"Announcing a new MacBook Pro has nothing to do with the topic of that keynote and will be unrelated."

Apple introduced Apple Music at WWDC. *shrugs*

Most of the iPhone & Watch rumors sound like minor updates at best. Even if you add in new ATV / Arcade, Apple Tiles / Tags, how much of a keynote can one get out of that?
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Call me naive, but I somehow got the impression Apple will surprise us with something big this year.

First, there is the very provocative headline “by innovation only”, which is a ballsy move considering Microsoft, Google, Samsung are all about to present their innovations right now. We also just learned, that Apple is going to stream their event for the first time on YouTube. Then there’s a long series of rather underwhelming rumors, none of which quite hits the mark for something truly innovative. And we have solid hints at a “one more thing” revelation.

How is there no rumors yet? I don’t know, but Apple has invested into making their supply chain leak proof, so maybe it finally pays off.... I actually could imagine something truly transformative along the lines of Apple glasses being revealed (might even make sense to introduce them together with a phone that’s supposed to be capable of charging accessoires)

Mark Gurman's take with respect to Tuesday's announcements

https://twitter.com/markgurman/status/1170378912779489280?s=20

 

[nickgovier]

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