Whether you're looking to get your beach bod ready for the summer or just want to track your health and fitness, smartwatches are a fantastic way to monitor your progress and enhance your results. Even better, Amazon is running a sale on wearable tech right now, so you can snag a smartwatch at an even smarter price.

These handy (or should that be wristy?) devices can track your heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled, steps taken, and more, with fancier models even having modes for specific types of exercise. Beyond fitness goals, most smartwatches these days offer plenty of health and wellness benefits, including sleep tracking, heart rhythm notifications, and menstrual health tracking.

Beyond the health benefits, smartwatches are just amazingly useful pieces of tech that let you check messages, answer calls, get notifications, control your music playlists, and more. Take the Apple Watch Series 10, for example; the quintessential "do everything" smartwatch, and right now, it's down to just $299, a full $100 off the MSRP.

Our top pick for a fitness-first device has to be the Fitbit Charge 6, which is currently $40 off, down to just $119. It's the ultimate fitness tracker at an incredibly affordable price, and that's why we gave it our editor's choice award in our Fitbit Charge 6 review. It has great features, excellent battery life, and, most importantly, it's intuitive to use.

We've got a good mixture of fitness trackers and smartwatches below, so whatever your needs and price range, we're sure you'll find something to suit you.

Smartwatch and fitness tracker deals at Amazon

• Amazfit Bip 5 - 46mm - GPS: was $89 now $59 at Amazon
• Amazfit GTR Mini - 43mm: was $99 now $69 at Amazon
• Fitbit Inspire 3: was $99 now $78 at Amazon
• Fitbit Charge 6: was $159 now $119 at Amazon
• Amazfit Balance - 46mm - GPS: was $199 now $149 at Amazon
• Apple Watch Series SE - 40mm - GPS: was $249 now $169 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: was $299 now $195 at Amazon
• Fitbit Sense 2 - GPS: was $249 now $199 at Amazon
• Samsung Galaxy Watch FE 40mm LTE: was $249 now $199 at Amazon
• Garmin Forerunner 165: was $249 now $199 at Amazon
• Garmin vívoactive 5: was $299 now $238 at Amazon
• Apple Watch Series 10 - 42mm - GPS: was $399 now $299 at Amazon
• Garmin Forerunner 265S: was $449 now $349 at Amazon
• Garmin Venu 3S : was $449 now $349 at Amazon
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 - 49mm - GPS + Cellular: was $799 now $729 at Amazon

The Apple Watch is already the company's health tracker, and the AirPods will follow suit. Still, the iPhone maker wants to do more when it comes to health.

As of right now, Apple devices keep track of various health metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and calories burned, but that data is just collected. The company does appear to have a plan to make use of that health data with the help of AI.

Apple wants its Health app, which tracks those health metrics, to offer AI coaching to improve your health, according to a report from Bloomberg.

This new strategy, reportedly referred to as Project Mulberry or Health+ among employees, is underway at the company, with doctors brought in to train AI agents. These doctors and other experts are also making videos to explain certain health issues and what can be done to improve them, the report says. The goal of this project is to have an AI coach that can look at all the health data collected from the various Apple and third-party devices to give recommendations on how to improve a user's health.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on this new health project.

AirPods and health

The Apple Watch was the company's primary way of gathering health metrics. That could be changing in the future with the AirPods being its next health-tracking device.

Apple reportedly wants its earbuds to have heart-rate monitoring, temperature sensing, and other sensors in order to gather more data on the user. The company also filed paperwork for a patent to have the AirPods keep track of other fitness metrics, such as how steadily a person walks and their breathing patterns, in order to determine if a person has a possible health ailment.

These plans for the AirPods are still a long way from happening, if they ever do.

Apple still needs to figure out AI.

AI, however, is the feature Apple is currently wrestling with. The company revealed its big endeavor into AI with Apple Intelligence when it unveiled the iPhone 16 last September. The rollout for Apple Intelligence, however, has yet to meet the standard the company is known for.

Even though Apple Intelligence "launched" not long after the release of the latest iPhone, the features Apple showed off have been slowly trickling out. Currently, Apple Intelligence can do certain functions like summarizing notifications, offering smart replies for texts, and cleaning up photos that a user may not want anymore, but it's still lagging behind.

Most notably, the big integration of AI into Siri to give the assistant an overhaul to become a true AI assistant has yet to materialize. Apple scrapped its plans for this smarter Siri and has plans to release the updated assistant sometime next year. This change also led to a shake-up within Apple, as the head of the team that developed the Vision Pro VR headset has reportedly been put in charge of the Siri team.

Apple will hold its Worldwide Developer Conference starting June 9. This is the annual event where the company shows off the new features coming to iOS 19 and its other devices.

Apple may have a secret weapon when it comes to AI devices.

On Sunday, reports from Bloomberg surfaced suggesting Apple may add a camera to the Apple Watch to provide visual context for AI, giving it multimodal abilities similar to Meta's Ray-Ban glasses.

(Think: pointing your device at a pair of shoes and then asking where you can buy them.)

Apple has had a slow start bringing AI to its devices, but the Apple Watch might be the perfect place for Apple's AI features to stand out, despite Apple being late to the AI party.

Unfortunately for Apple, while the Watch could be the key to its success in AI, there's still one big problem: Siri delays.

Could Apple succeed where other AI wearables failed?

I'll admit, at first, I was skeptical about whether the Apple Watch needed a camera. Smartwatches aren't exactly the ideal form factor for photography, after all. That's not what Apple is planning to use this camera for, though, at least, not according to reporting.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the purpose of a camera on the Apple Watch would be to effectively turn it into an AI wearable. The camera would gather visual context about the user's surroundings to inform AI requests, questions, and tasks. A similar visual intelligence feature is available on the iPhone 16, as well, using the new camera control button.

If you heard anything about the ill-fated Humane AI pin or Rabbit R1 from last year, that may sound eerily familiar.

Those devices, both flops, attempted to act as standalone AI devices. The Humane AI pin was even a wearable like the Apple Watch. Neither one managed to click with users. So, you'd be forgiven for thinking it would be a mistake to use those devices as a model for the future of the Apple Watch.

However, Apple might be onto something here.

The Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch in the world by a long shot. It's arguably the most popular wearable, period. Even if the Humane AI pin hadn't had a slew of problems, it would have always struggled to compete for users because it was a new type of wearable with a completely new and unusual user interface.

The Apple Watch doesn't have that problem. It's a wearable people already know and love, with features and functionality beyond AI, which might be exactly why it's the perfect place for Apple to succeed in AI where Humane and Rabbit failed.

Apple doesn't need to convert users to the Apple Watch. They're already there. Apple has few rivals in the wearables space and already collects a wealth of user data, particularly regarding fitness, that would be invaluable for building a good personalized AI experience.

All Apple needs now is a modern AI. That's the problem.

The Apple Watch could be an AI superstar... but not without Siri

Apple's existing dominance in the wearables market gives it an edge Humane and Rabbit didn't have, one that could make the Apple Watch the most popular "AI gadget" and help Apple find success in AI despite being late to the party.

Making the Apple Watch a worthy AI device hinges on Apple's big Siri update that was promised back at WWDC 2024. The Large Language Model (LLM) version of Siri has been plagued by delays, setting its release back until 2026 or possibly even 2027, according to recent rumors.

There are still some AI features Apple could bring to the Watch in the meantime, like a ChatGPT integration, but as long as LLM Siri is stuck in development, making the Watch a genuine AI device will be out of reach.

That may be part of why Bloomberg's report hints that an Apple Watch with a camera is still "generations away from hitting the market." So, we probably won't see that upgrade on the Watch Series 11, but it could be a possibility for the Watch Series 12, or potentially the Ultra 3 or Ultra 4.

Apple seems to be aware that the pressure is on to launch LLM Siri and the rest of its promised Apple Intelligence features. It recently replaced the executive in charge of its AI department, bringing over Mike Rockwell instead (who was behind the Vision Pro's development).

Apple is also facing a lawsuit for false advertising about Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16, which surely isn't helping CEO Tim Cook's team.

Only time will tell whether or not Apple can find its footing in AI, but I think it could be heading in the right direction by focusing on AI wearables.

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Apple appears to be pushing to make its wearables perform more AI functions.

The iPhone maker already has in the works AirPods that will have built-in cameras to take pictures to know the environment around it. A new report now says the company wants to do something similar with the Apple Watch.

Apple is reportedly planning to add a camera to its Apple Watch, as reported by Bloomberg Sunday. The reported plan is to have a camera added to both the standard Apple Watch Series and Apple Watch Ultra. It would be placed in the standard watch's display while the Ultra would have it on the side where the crown is.

The camera would be able to see the environment around it and use AI to provide the user with whatever information they want.

This feature, according to the report, is still a long way from happening, so don't expect it to show up on the next Apple Watch, which is likely to be shown this September.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for confirmation on the report.

What is new in the Apple Watch Series 11?

There is little doubt that a new Apple Watch is coming later this year. The company tends to release the new line in September along with the newest iPhone.

As for the Apple Watch Series 11, right now, there isn't much we know about it. There are rumors that it might have a MicroLED display to provide better colors and higher resolutions. It's also likely that the new watch will have better battery life and a faster processor. It's still too early to know what Apple wants to do with the smartwatch, but we could get a better idea in June when the company puts on the Worldwide Developer Conference where it shows the upcoming features for the next big software update for the wearable, WatchOS 12.

What likely won't be showing up in the next watch is a blood pressure monitor. Bloomberg reports Apple continues to have issues implementing the feature. The company has been working on the feature for years, but it appears that it won't be coming to fruition anytime soon.

Will Apple figure out AI?

AI is the rage right now in tech, and it's clear Apple want to make it a part of its ecosystem. However, it seems to just not find that sweet spot in quality it wants for all of its products.

Apple Intelligence launched last fall shortly after the release of the iPhone 16, but it's been a slow rollout of features. It can do some neat stuff like summarize text messages, remove objects from photos, and prioritize notifications that the AI thinks you care about most.

Those features, however, aren't really the AI revolution Apple seemingly was going for when it revealed Apple Intelligence last September.

One of its biggest planned features involving AI was overhauling the iPhone digital assistant Siri. The company intended for Siri to be a true AI assistant that understands an iPhone user's personal information such as pulling up a task to do in an old email or knowing what a family member is doing based on texts and calendar details.

This new Siri was to make its debut sometime this spring, but Apple delayed the feature, and it may not show up until sometime next year.

Following the setback, Apple recently reshuffled the leadership of the team developing Siri. Mike Rockwell, who led the team in creating the Apple Vision Pro, was reportedly put in charge of the Siri team last week. It remains unclear if Rockwell can get the team past the finish line in the coming months, if not years.

Nearly 10 years after it closed up shop, Pebble is back with a pair of quirky new smartwatches that might convince me to retire my Apple Watch.

On Tuesday, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky launched the spiritual successors to his original Pebble smartwatches, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2.

While they may be under the new banner of Core Devices, both smartwatches take clear inspiration from the original Pebble watches and even run PebbleOS, which Google open-sourced in January.

From the minimal, industrial design aesthetic to the always-on e-paper display that made the original Pebbles iconic, the new Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 are a love letter to Migicovsky's original brand, and the passionate fan base that has continued to wear Pebble watches long after the company went out of business in 2016.

As Migicovsky said in a blog post about Pebble's return, "If you had a Pebble and loved it… this is the smartwatch for you."

Even if you weren't an original Pebble fan, the new Core Devices watches offer something no other brand does, and it might just convince me to ditch my Apple Watch.

Simple, open-source, and fun: What Core watches do different than Apple

While I missed out on the original Pebbles, I've always admired that the brand marched to the beat of its own drum, leaning into a fun, quirky UI design and allowing users to create their own custom apps and watch faces.

Pebble fans even kept their smartwatches alive after Pebble was shut down through the fan-made firmware Rebble. The Rebble Store also became the home of thousands of Pebble watch faces and apps (which, according to the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 announcement, will "immediately work" on the new watches).

Pebble fans have even 3D-printed replacement cases and buttons for their aging e-ink smartwatches. That "hacker" spirit has always been a big part of the Pebble community, even moreso now that PebbleOS is open-source.

The whole ethos of Core Devices is a refreshing change of pace compared to the sleek, luxury design of the Apple Watch, which is not only the best-selling smartwatch in the world, but the best-selling watch period.

The new PebbleOS watches aren't trying to compete with Apple. Migicovsky even warns potential customers that the Core Devices watches aren't Apple Watch rivals, stating, "There is NO way for a 3rd party smartwatch to compete with Apple Watch. Apple restricts 3rd parties in major ways."

Core Devices seems to be aiming for an entirely different crowd, one that cares more about tech that's fun and open-source rather than perfectly polished. Ironically, it's that ethos that's making me want to swap out my Apple Watch for a Core Time 2.

PebbleOS is a nerdy pixel art wonderland that leaves the cleaner UI design on Samsung and Apple smartwatches looking almost boring. Even better, the always-on e-ink display on the Core Devices watches is estimated to last up to 30 days on a single charge. Compare that to the Apple Watch Series 10 which can only manage 36 hours per charge (on low power mode).

Like the Pebble watches, the new Core Devices watches aren't for everyone. However, they're perfect for anyone who wants a smartwatch that doesn't take itself too seriously, whether you're a lifelong Pebble fan or a newcomer to the community.

How to pre-order one of the new Pebble watches

The new Core Devices watches are currently available for pre-order exclusively through the RePebble store, but you'll need to act fast if you want to get your hands on one. They're only shipping in small, limited batches. Batch one of the Core 2 Duo is already sold out and batch one of the Core Time 2 isn't far behind.

The Core 2 Duo, which features a 1.2-inch black and white e-ink display, is available in black and white for $149. The Core Time 2, featuring a 1.5-inch color e-ink display, costs $225, but the final color options have not yet been announced.

I've already pre-ordered a Core Time 2, so my Apple Watch's days may be numbered. Pre-orders for the Time 2 aren't shipping until at least December, but what's a few more months if you've been waiting almost 10 years for Pebble's return?

Welcome back, Pebble.

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With 2025 already gathering pace, it's time to turn our attention away from last year's hottest tech and look forward to a coming year of innovation.

While 2024 had plenty to showcase for Apple, including the excellent performance and efficiency of the M4 chip powering iPad Pro and MacBook Pro devices, this year promises to take things up a notch once again, delivering a swathe of upgrades throughout the Apple catalog and introduce the new M5 chip to select hardware.

So, what can we expect to see from Apple in the coming year? Let's find out.

Apple's product roadmap for 2025: The year ahead for MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and more

Between Apple's more "fixed" annual events, historically repeated release windows, and unofficial claims from reputable sources, we can paint a pretty detailed image of what's to come for the Cupertino-based company in 2025.

Of course, there's no guarantee that everything listed here will be released according to our estimates. Last year's iPad mini 7 was a prime example of how even the most in-the-know sources can be left guessing when it comes to the arrival of a new product.

However, as of the time of writing, these are our more informed predictions regarding Apple's itinerary of releases, starting in spring, 2025.

March - May, 2025

Putting aside last year's showcase of the Vision Pro in February, Apple typically waits a few calendar months before dropping any major reveals. If the company follows suit in 2025, then we can probably expect the majority of its next products to arrive in the spring.

• iPhone SE 4: One of the more anticipated iPhone releases in years comes by way of Apple's budget offering, the iPhone SE 4 — or, as rumors suggest, the newly named iPhone 16E.
  
  The new iPhone SE is expected to receive a full redesign, bringing it more in line with the look of post-iPhone 14 handsets, while adopting an OLED display with Face ID, the iPhone 15's Action Button, and an Apple Intelligence-ready processor (likely an A17 Pro or A18 Bionic chip paired with 8GB of RAM).
  
• MacBook Air M4: According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip will launch early this year, closing the gap in performance between its MacBook Pro models, which are also set for a silicon refresh later this year.
  
• iPad 11: Similarly, Gurman reports that the 11th generation of iPad will also be released in the spring, offering several design changes and an Apple Intelligence-compatible chip, potentially the A17 Pro.
  
• iPad Air M4: Similar to its laptop counterpart, the iPad Air is also claimed to be due for an M4 upgrade, bringing more Pro-level performance to the ultra-thin slate in the near future.

June, 2025

Since 2007, Apple's annual WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) has historically fallen in the month of June, giving us a pretty solid expectation of when we'll get our first look at the latest milestone operating system updates for MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and more.

• macOS 16
• iOS 19
• iPadOS 19
• watchOS 12
• visionOS 3
• tvOS 19

September, 2025

Apple's star-studded line-up of mobile tech typically takes center stage in September, meaning it's here we can expect to see the unveiling of the 11th-Gen Apple Watch (including the third-generation Ultra and SE models), new third-generation AirPods Pro, and the iPhone 17 family of smartphones — including the rumored new "Air" model, alongside familiar Pro and Pro Max options.

• iPhone 17: This year's iPhone 17 line-up will reportedly ditch the "Plus" model for a thinner and lighter "Air" alternative featuring a new single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera — a bold design change that according to The Information will extend to the iPhone 17 Pro models also, switching things up to a horizontal camera array and potentially stepping away from the titanium chassis of the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro.
  
• Apple Watch 11: The Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to include new blood pressure monitoring and blood-glucose tracking features, along with the potential adoption of Apple Intelligence. The next generation of Apple Watch will likely be powered by the S12 chipset, potentially offering better efficiency and a longer-lasting battery life.
  
• Apple Watch Ultra 3: The much anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to include satellite connectivity and 5G access, but won't be adopting the micro-LED display tech after Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the company will be sidelining this adoption for the "foreseeable future."
  
• Apple Watch SE 3: The third-generation Apple Watch SE was expected to arrive sometime in 2024. However, clearly, we've been left wanting.
  
  Apple's smartwatch is expected to pull back on price by offering a plastic chassis and an S9 chip, and it is rumored that it will feature a "new look" redesign by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. While we could see this device appear far earlier in the year, it may make the most sense for it to launch alongside other Apple Watch models in September.
  
• AirPods Pro 3: The third generation of Apple's AirPods Pro are reported to receive a new design (including its charging case) in 2025 alongside an improved H3 chip affording better noise-cancellation and potentially more health-based features.

Beyond hardware releases, September is also the month that Apple's new operating systems leave beta testing and receive public releases. We'd expect further Apple Intelligence integration across the board here, along with the usual supply of handy, platform-specific features.

• macOS 16, iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and more to release

October - November, 2025

• MacBook Pro M5: Apple's crowning achievement in hardware could come by way of a new M5-powered 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro released later this year. Currently tipped for an October 2025 release, the M5 MacBook Pro would pave the way for Pro, Max, and Ultra models to follow.
  
• iPad Pro M5: With the iPad Air expected to receive an M4 upgrade earlier this year, it stands to reason that the Pro model of iPad may face a similar boost in performance, also adopting Apple's latest M5 chip late into 2025. Last year's iPad Pro was the first device to feature the company's M4 chip, and Apple may choose to award its high-performance slate with a similar refresh once again.
  
• HomePod mini: There are several rumors suggesting that work is well underway at Apple in the development of a new smart home hub with a display. However, the jury is still out on whether we can expect this product to arrive in 2025. In the meantime, Apple is expected to refresh the HomePod mini with a faster chip, improved WiFi and Bluetooth, and more colorways.

Outlook

Taking into account everything we've heard or know so far, 2025 is set to be a pretty stacked card for Apple. All of these anticipated announcements have the potential to satisfy a great many macOS, iOS, and even iPadOS users.

That's without mentioning some of the more exciting rumors surrounding a new Apple Vision Pro headset, a foldable iPhone, and a super-sized 17-inch to 20-inch foldable iPad — all rumored wildcards that may or may not feature in some way this year.

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If you're still hunting for good holiday deals on Apple gear, Walmart has you covered. Whether you're looking for a generous gift for a loved one or yourself, these deals on recent-gen iPads and the latest Apple Watch go easy on your wallet.

While none of these deals are all-time lows, they're all close enough to remain enticing. For example, the 9th generation Apple iPad (2021) is down to $249 from its usual price of $329. This model is the least expensive iPad you can buy today, and it's a good choice for basic app use, web browsing, and streaming. The one gotcha is it uses a Lightning connector, so if you've been on a tear to ditch Apple's old mainstay, then look elsewhere.

One possibility instead of the iPad 9 is to step up to the $279 iPad 10. The 10th generation iPad has a USB-C connector, which makes it a great iPad choice if you're looking for a model that's more seamlessly compatible with USB-C Apple devices like MacBooks or iPhones. While Walmart only has the blue and silver colorways at this price, Best Buy has all four colorways on sale for the same price.

Meanwhile, if you're looking to accessorize your Apple tech with a smartwatch, you can splurge out on the latest Apple Watch Series 10 for $349 (it's also the same price at Amazon).

While none of these deals will come before the Christmas holiday, you might be able to pop into a local store and pick one of these up (depending upon availability and store hours in your area). Act fast to grab one of these deals while they last.

Today's best Apple iPad and Watch Series 10 deals

By and large, the iPhone was the successor to the iPod. However, the Apple Watch has picked up some of the music devices' legacy. Like some of the smallest iPods, it could be worn. And while it lacked the biosensors and health tracking of the Apple Watch, iPods were Apple’s original personal fitness devices, pairing with sensors in Nike sneakers to measure runs. Indeed, some folks even experimented with housings for the 6th generation iPod nano to turn that device with a square touchscreen into a wrist-worn device.

In 2024, the Apple Watch gets to return that touching gesture. TinyPod is an Apple Watch enclosure designed to let you use the Apple Watch off the wrist. Some models even come with a scroll wheel to better mimic the look and user experience of early iPods. Functionally, the reasoning goes, the Apple Watch is a better iPod than the iPod was, boasting a richer app library and internet connectivity via Wi-Fi (which all but the iPod touch lacked) and even optional cellular connectivity (which no iPod ever had). Particularly with smart stacks, the Apple Watch can serve up a host of useful info snippets or functions.

As is typical for new platforms from Apple, the company has extended a wide range of its apps to the Apple Watch. It can make phone calls, use Apple Pay, record voice memos, show emails, navigate with maps, display photos, play podcasts or music on Apple Music, and check texts via messages. Other supported apps include Apple’s News, Find My, and smart home manager applications. Popular third-party apps include Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Keep, Google Maps, and Microsoft OneNote.

That the Apple Watch would even inspire the TinyPod is a testament to the strength of the leading wearable platform that Apple has created, one that can provide just enough functionality to leave your phone behind for a while, particularly if you have one of the larger iPhones. But watchOS isn't nearly as broad a platform as iOS. Many of Apple's updates over the past few years have focused on complications or new health-tracking features.

The scroll toll

What, then, is the advantage of taking the watch off your wrist and putting it into a case that pays homage to the iPod? The TinyPod’s scroll wheel provides one-handed control of the Apple Watch’s digital crown. However, as the TinyPod is entirely mechanical, the scroll wheel must be physically moved with enough finger pressure to transfer the energy to that native input control. Unfortunately, the surface doesn’t provide enough friction to make that easy. If you fondly remember the buttery smooth sliding of your thumb around the iPod’s wheel, you’ll be disappointed.

The scroll wheel works better with two fingers, turning it like a tiny steering wheel. While this can be fun with a few casual games, especially one inspired by Sega’s classic Out Run, it isn’t ideal in general use. In addition, the scroll wheel can’t be clicked; actions must be activated with the side button. Fortunately, the touch screen remains active and a better option for navigating the watch’s interface. Just be sure to support the back of the watch with your hand, as it’s easy to push it out of the enclosure.

With its mechanical operation, the TinyPod does not have its own battery, nor does it drain the Apple Watch battery as it has no Bluetooth connection. In fact, turning off features such as wrist detection and always-on display helps extend the Apple Watch’s battery life significantly. And since the device’s back is open, you can still conveniently charge the watch with the original Apple charger and most third-party wireless chargers. Still, the enclosed product isn’t particularly thin; it's thicker than the iPhone in a protective case.

Bottom line

A cheaper TinyPod variant omits the scroll wheel. While that provides better ergonomics than using the Apple Watch bandless, it still doesn't provide much protection. It turns out that your wrist is a pretty good place to keep the Apple Watch. Those who fondly remember the iPod Classic and Nano will appreciate the TinyPod’s kitsch value.

However, those who want to use the Apple Watch off the wrist (perhaps because they prefer an analog timepiece, find bands irritating, or engage in activities that could damage the watch) may be better served by a more form-fitting, less expensive case, like this one. There are also more capable alternatives, like the seventh-generation iPod touch, now fading into obsolescence as it is capped at iOS 15 — for those willing to stray from Apple’s ecosystem — small, cheap Android phones with screens under 5”.

Black Friday is now in full swing, and your attention will be strained as hundreds of deals on fantastic tech come flying your way over the coming weekend as we approach Cyber Monday.

However, amid that chaos we're bringing you the latest and greatest deals on Apple smartwatches you can find online, including one offer that you'll literally have to pinch yourself to believe.

The Apple Watch is typically subject to some pretty tame discounts. However, breaking that trend, you can grab yourself the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for just $149 at Amazon — a stunning $100 discount on Apple's already immaculately-priced fitness tracker, decimating its regular $249 asking price.

Killer Apple Watch deals are in short supply this Black Friday, and we're looking ahead to Cyber Monday to see what the Cupertino company has up its sleeve for us.

Still, there are some solid discounts to take advantage of during Black Friday. Let's take a look!

Today's best Black Friday Apple Watch deals

Apple has been forced to pull a recent watchOS update following numerous reports of major issues for Apple Watches following its release on October 1.

The news comes just over two weeks after Apple had to pull an update for iPads after iPadOS 18 was reported to be 'bricking' (rendering the device inoperable) the company's high-end M4 iPad Pro tablets.

At the time of writing, Apple is yet to resolve the previous issue, which has left many M4 iPad Pro owners needing to replace their devices, and those unaffected unable to upgrade to the company's recently released milestone iPadOS 18 release — cutting them off from enjoying the latest iPad features like Writing Tools, Image Playground, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, Home Screen customization, the new Control Center, and the new Calculator app with Math Notes.

Apple Watch woes add to Apple's update headaches

Following the release of WatchOS 11.1 Beta 3 on Tuesday, October 1, several reports from users sprung up on Reddit with owners complaining that their recently updated Apple Watches were encountering major issues when syncing the Messages app.

While most users complained that the Messages app wouldn't sync, often timing out before being able to bring new messages to their Watch, others encountered more severe issues that caused the device to lock up completely when receiving Message notifications.

Some users suggest disabling Message notifications to avoid this issue. However, others report that the lockups are more consistent, happening shortly after a reboot with no way to avoid the issue.

In response, Apple has pulled WatchOS 11.1 Beta 3, no longer offering it for download.

A silver lining (for most)

Thankfully, the number of affected users will be much smaller than those impacted by the recent iPadOS 18 fumble that saw some of the company's top-flight iPad Pros rendered completely useless and in need of complete replacement.

watchOS 11.1 Beta 3 is an update targeted solely for hardware linked to Apple developers. Meaning the vast majority of Apple Watch users wouldn't have even been aware of the update, as it was only circulated among this small subsection of devices.

Frustratingly for the most affected Apple Watch owners, it's likely that Apple won't be able to fix this with a second patch, and these devices will need to be repaired by Apple directly.

A warning for early adopters

However, while these updates are usually released to a comparatively small group of users, the buzz surrounding Apple Intelligence has led many regular Apple users to sign up to the Apple developer program to gain early access to several of the inbound features ahead of their full release.

While Apple Watches won't be getting much in the way of Apple Intelligence features, may have introduced these users to a wave of early updates for other devices.

To those people: welcome to the dangerous world of Beta testing. Issues like those arising from Apple's most recent watchOS Beta release are rare, but not unheard of. Typically, most Beta updates will create as many bugs as they try to fix, as Apple's own developers attempt to iron out software kinks between public releases.

While excitement around Apple Intelligence builds, it's tempting for many users to jump into the action early, but let this be a warning sign of the potential downside to that decision.

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• Best Apple Watch deals of October 2024: From $189

Apple unveiled its latest Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the all-new Apple Watch Hermès at its 'Glowtime' presentation yesterday. While the event mostly focused on iPhone, we got a first look at some big upgrades coming to Apple's beloved smartwatches.

Apple Watch Series 10 in particular has been updated in several areas, whether that be with its reduced size, improved display, additional features and far more. 

It's currently available to pre-order and is set to launch beginning September 20 starting at $399 for the 42-millimeter aluminum case, with the new titanium model starting at $699.

Without further ado, here are seven new updates to the Apple Watch Series 10 that you should know before buying.

1. The fastest charging in Apple watch

The Apple Watch Series 10 can be charged faster than ever before thanks to a "larger and more efficient charging coil." It can last up to eight hours of normal daily use after fifteen minutes of charging, and from only being plugged in for eight minutes it can power eight hours of sleep tracking.

We've all forgotten to charge our devices, so being able to get as much juice into your watch in as little time as possible is huge. The ability to hit 80 percent battery in around 30 minutes brings Apple Watch Series 10 to a whole new level.

2. Thinner than ever before

The Apple Watch Series 10 is Apple's thinnest smartwatch so far, with its 42-millimeter case size coming in at 42 x 36 x 9.7 millimeters and weighing anywhere between 29.3 grams (with cellular) to 30 grams.

In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 9's smallest 41-millimeter case comes in at 41 x 35 x 10.7 millimeters and 32 grams, making it a whole millimeter thicker and a decent bit heavier than the latest generation.

However, it isn't quite as light as the 2nd Generation Apple Watch SE, which benefits from its smaller size and is 26.4 to 27.8 grams at 40 millimeters or 33 grams at 44 millimeters. 

3. Larger display at higher resolution

With every new iteration of an Apple product, we expect (and hope) that display bezels will get smaller as more and more of the front panel is taken up by the screen, and that's exactly what's happening with the Apple Watch Series 10. It now features nine percent more active screen area than the Apple Watch Series 9.

The 42mm model's display resolution is now 374 x 446 pixels with a 989 square millimeter display area, while the 46mm version has a 416 x 496-pixel resolution with a 1,220 square millimeter display area.

Comparatively, the Apple Watch Series 9's 41mm model was at 352 x 430-pixel resolution with a 904 square millimeter display area, and the 45mm model came in at 396 x 484 pixels with a 1,143 square millimeter area. 

Long story short, it's at a higher resolution, it's larger and has smaller bezels.

4. Sleep apnea detection

Apple unveiled that the new Apple Watch Series 10 will feature sleep apnea notifications, a first for any Apple smartwatch, but not for smartwatches in general. Samsung already beat Apple to the punch there.

The ability to monitor or 'diagnose' sleep apnea is part of a steady march forward on making the Apple Watch a must-have health device and should appeal to the drowsiest among us.

As claimed by Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, sleep apnea can have some serious complications, including heart damage or heart failure, cardiac death, and arrhythmia.

The feature is currently pending FDA clearance, and it will be supported on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, so it's not necessarily exclusive to the latest model.

However, it doesn't exist as a surefire method of detecting sleep apnea, as the notification will insist that there's a possibility over the course of multiple sleep session before recommending the user go to a doctor.

5. Aquatic features for swimmers

The Apple Watch Series 10 is introducing two new aquatic features. It's already water resistant up to 50 meters and is "swimproof," but it now has a depth gauge of up to six meters alongside a water temperature sensor all available in the Oceanic+ application. In the same app, you can track time and direction.

However, as seen on the product page for Apple Watch Series 10, Apple says "They should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth." Essentially, this is exclusively for swimmers and not for professional divers looking to submerge deep beneath water.

6. Say goodbye to stainless steel

Unlike previous generations, Apple Watch Series 10 will no longer be available in stainless steel, with only options between an aluminum or titanium model.

The aerospace-graded polished titanium finishes come in three color schemes: slate (black), Gold, and Natural (silver). Titanium is well known for its strength-to-weight ratio, as it weighs 34.4 grams (compared to Apple Watch Series 9's 42.3 grams of stainless steel) yet is still "extremely durable."

Aluminum has always been an option in previous models, although the latest model has an all-new option for Jet Black aluminum, which is polished to be "extremely reflective" before going through a "30-step anodization process to create a deep, glossy black" according to Apple's website.

7. Audio playback is finally here

Apple Watch Series 10 can now play audio through its built-in speakers, allowing users to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks, right from the smartwatch itself. This is pretty useful if you don't want to constantly have AirPods or another external audio device connected.

This isn't the first time the Apple Watch has been able to play sound, as the Apple Watch Series 9 could utilize Siri, phone calls, voice mail, and voice memos through its speakers.

More from Laptop Mag

• The Apple Watch Series 10 is brighter, thinner, and can help detect sleep apnea
• Apple iPhone event 2024: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, AirPods, and Apple Intelligence
• The AirPods Pro 2's first-of-its-kind hearing aid feature is here to end your reliance on subtitles

The best back-to-school tech product for kids this year could launch in just a few weeks. It might be well worth the wait for many parents and students for one major reason: school phone bans.

Next month, Apple is hosting its September iPhone event, where we’re expecting to see the iPhone 16 along with new Apple Watches. One will most likely be the rumored Apple Watch Series X, but we could also get the updated Apple Watch SE. The budget-friendly version of the Apple Watch might not sound exciting, but it could be a big deal for kids and parents. 

Recent rumors hint that the new Apple Watch SE will feature a revamped design with a colorful plastic chassis and a lower price, making it the perfect smartphone alternative for kids. This year it could be especially helpful to buy your kid an Apple Watch SE instead of a smartphone due to a recent wave of phone bans sweeping schools across the country. 

Here’s a look at the upcoming kid-friendly Apple Watch SE and why it could be the perfect back-to-school tech buy for families.

New kid-friendly Apple Watch could launch next month 

Apple may be gearing up to launch a new version of the Apple Watch SE, this time with updates specifically designed for kids and families. Apple’s budget-friendly smartwatch gets a refresh every two years like clockwork. The last two versions both launched in September, each two years apart (2020 and 2022). 

That means there’s a strong possibility Apple’s upcoming September iPhone event could include a new version of the Apple Watch SE. 

The 2024 edition is rumored to feature a plastic chassis, which could allow Apple to offer brighter colors that will appeal more to kids. A plastic chassis would also lower the price of the Apple Watch SE, making it competitive with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch. According to industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple might lower the Apple Watch SE starting price to around $200, rather than the current starting price of $249. 

A lower price and plastic case could also make the Apple Watch SE a more appealing buy for kids since it won’t be as big of a deal if a child accidentally breaks or scratches their watch.

If the combination of a kid-friendly design and budget-friendly price aren’t enough to sway parents to buy an Apple Watch for their kids instead of a smartphone, there may be one other major reason worth considering: phone bans in schools.

Why Apple Watches are a back-to-school must-have this year 

This year could be the perfect time to opt for a smartwatch for your kids instead of a phone, and not just because Apple is launching a more kid-friendly watch. This summer, states and school districts across the U.S. have been announcing smartphone bans, from California to Louisiana. These bans range in severity, with some limiting phone use to recess and lunch while others require students to keep their phones in their lockers all day. 

These bans are designed to help curb smartphone addiction in kids and teens, which is a legitimate issue. A 2023 study found that 1 in 5 teens report being on YouTube or TikTok “almost constantly.” In June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy called for warning labels on social media platforms, citing serious mental health risks to kids and teens. Even if social media and phone use weren’t connected to depression and anxiety, phones are undoubtedly a huge distraction in schools. 

So, it’s not surprising many schools are taking action to try to address the issue. The only drawback is that some phone bans could make it more difficult for parents to get in touch with their kids in an emergency or monitor their location for safety purposes. 

Smartwatches offer a solution, particularly for pre-teen kids. They allow parents the peace of mind of staying connected with their kids without opening the door to distractions like social media and web browsing due to the limited screen size. 

Apple Watches are especially advantageous since they’re easy to connect to a family network of Apple devices and allow parents to use Apple’s Find My feature to locate their kids in case of an emergency.

Apple even has a feature called “Apple Watch For Your Kids” that makes it easy to pair a watch with a parent’s iPhone and set it up with kid-friendly guard rails like requiring permission before purchasing apps. There’s also a “Schooltime” feature that restricts the watch’s capabilities during school hours to prevent distractions.

Phone bans may spark an increase in parents opting to give their children smartwatches instead of phones, but this isn’t a new idea. Parents have been using smartwatches as a stepping stone to phones for the past several years, a compromise kids seem to like, too.

The new Apple Watch SE could be perfectly positioned for families if Apple goes through with giving it a more colorful, budget-friendly design.

Laptop Mag will be covering all the latest announcements from Apple’s September event, including the iPhone 16 and any new Apple Watches. So, make sure to stay tuned for more details and updates. 

More from Laptop Mag

• Don't buy the iPhone 16 — Apple's best iPhone is yet to come
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On September 9, Apple officially unveiled a new Apple Watch for the device's 10th anniversary and it has a lot to offer. 

The Apple Watch Series 10, or "Series X", is the lightest model to date and features a larger display, new sensors, faster charging, and a long-awaited health feature. As of September 20, it's officially available for purchase, too. 

Whether you're thinking about trading in your old Apple Watch or getting ready to buy your first one, there are a few things you should know about the Apple Watch Series 10 before making your final pick. 

See also: Upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 10 and save up to $200 with this exclusive trade-in offer

Here's a look at everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 10 including its price, release date, design, and features. 

Latest news (updated September 20, 2024)

• The Apple Watch Series 10 is brighter, thinner, and can help detect sleep apnea
• Apple September Event 2024: News on the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch 10
• New Apple Watch SE could star in Apple's all-new affordable catalog of devices
• watchOS 11: Supported Apple Watches and expected release date

Apple Watch Series 10: Release date

The Apple Watch Series 10 was released on September 20, 2024, which was spot on with our prediction prior to the watch's announcement on September 9, 2024. Apple's release dates tend to follow a similar pattern every year, which makes it easier to guess when a new device will launch. 

Here's a look at all Apple Watch release dates so far: 

Apple Watch Series 10: Price and where to buy

The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at just $399, the same as the Series 9. That might not come as a surprise considering Apple has kept its Watch prices pretty consistent over the years. All of the main "Series" models have always been at least $300, with the Series 4 through 10 starting at $399. (Of course, the price goes up for premium models featuring different materials, cellular functionality, or special watch bands.) 

You might not have to pay full price for the Apple Watch Series 10, though. There are already some great deals out there that can save you hundreds of dollars on a new Apple Watch, such as this offer from Best Buy: 

To compare the Series 10 to previous models, take a look at this chart of all Apple Watch prices over the years: 

Apple Watch Series 10: Thinner design, larger display

The Apple Watch Series 10 retains the same basic design as previous models, but it's the thinnest version yet. Apple claims the Series 10 is 10% thinner than the Series 9, which might not sound like much, but on a device that's already this small, that can make a tangible difference. 

Despite being thinner than ever, the Apple Watch Series 10 also has a larger display. Apple slightly tweaked the sizes, increasing them to 42mm and 46mm. Don't worry, though. If you have an older Apple Watch in the 41mm and 45mm sizes, your watch straps will still work with the Series 10. 

The display isn't just bigger. It's also wide-angle OLED and 40% brighter when viewed from an angle, meaning it's significantly easier to see outdoors or in bright lighting. 

Apple also added a new color option: Jet Black Aluminum. This sleek, glossy black colorway is one of the base options, so you don't even have to pay extra for it. Some people may be disappointed that it replaced the classic Space Gray and Midnight aluminum options, though. 

Apple Watch Series 10: New sensors

One of the highlights of Apple's announcement for the Apple Watch Series 10 was the unveiling of Sleep Apnea Detection. This feature isn't exclusive to the Series 10, though. When it launches it will be available on the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.

Sleep Apnea Detection monitors your breathing while you sleep and records sleep disturbances (indicated by breathing changes). This data can hint at a possible case of sleep apnea if it persists over time. The Health app will notify users if it detects signs of sleep apnea and collect Watch data into a convenient PDF for users to take to their doctor.

This feature could be a major motivator for many people with older Apple Watches to upgrade since sleep apnea is a highly under-diagnosed condition that can have serious long-term effects. 

Apple also added some water-focused sensing capabilities to the Series 10 including a water temperature sensor and depth guage. The Apple Watch Series 10 still isn't a fully-fledged SCUBA diving watch, but these new sensors are helpful for a wide variety of other water activities like surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and more. 

Apple Watch Series 10: watchOS 11

Sleep apnea detection and new water-focused sensors aren't the only new features on the Apple Watch Series 10. It will launch with watchOS 11, which brings even more new tools and capabilities announced back at WWDC 2024. 

For example, the new Tides app allows you to track tides directly from your watch and view nearby beaches. Similarly, the Oceanic+ app offers features specifically for snorkeling, helping you find nearby snorkeling spots and routes and view conditions like temperature and depth.  

The new Training Load feature improves workout tracking by using an algorithm to calculate an "effort rating" for workouts. This allows you to track the intensity of your workouts and monitor workout intensity trends, which can help prevent injuries from doing too many intense workouts in a row. You can adjust the effort rating for workouts, as well, if you want to tweak the algorithm's estimated rating. 

watchOS 11 will also include a new Vitals app, which will allow you to view health data in greater detail. This is helpful for people who use their Apple Watch to monitor medical conditions or changes in certain health metrics since the Vitals app can notify you if any of your metrics go outside of your normal range. Similarly, the Health app is getting a Cycle Tracking feature in watchOS 11, which can also monitor the progress of pregnancies. 

watchOS 11 isn't just bringing new health features. It will also include a live translation app that can use machine learning to translate words and phrases directly from your Watch. There will be a new safety feature, as well, called Check In, which can use your Watch's location data to let a designated contact know when you've return home safe, such as after a late-night run. 

Apple Watch Series 10: Should you upgrade?

The Apple Watch Series 10 (or "Series X") officially arrived in stores on September 20, so it's now available to buy. If you have an older Apple Watch, it's definitely worth upgrading, especially if health tracking features are important to you. This is especially true if you have a Series 5 or earlier since these older watches are no longer receiving watchOS updates. 

However, if you have a Series 9, it might not be worth upgrading. The Series 9 has most of the main features of the Series 10 and will get watchOS 11 and Sleep Apnea Detection. 

While the Apple Watch Series 10 isn't the drastic redesign many rumors suggested, it still includes some welcome updates and a thinner chassis. So, overall, it's a solid entry for the Apple Watch's 10th anniversary. 

Laptop Mag will be covering all the latest news on Apple's latest devices so stay tuned for more details. 

More from Laptop Mag

• The Apple Watch Series 10 is brighter, thinner, and can help detect sleep apnea
• watchOS 11: Supported Apple Watches and expected release date
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When Apple announced the iPad Pro M4 in May, the feature everyone was talking about was how thin it was. The 13-inch iPad Pro M4 is the thinnest product Apple has ever made, including the iPod Nano. Right now, it's also one of the most powerful products Apple ever released, making for an enticing combo of low weight and high processing power.  

Apple is (allegedly) bringing that same design upgrade to the iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch. The question is, how thin can Apple make its top products without sacrificing durability and battery life? Is another "bendgate" durability scandal in Apple's future? 

The iPad Pro M4 hints at the answer.

iPhone, MacBook and Apple Watch are getting thinner

Apple is entering its thin products era. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to slim down the iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch as it did with the iPad Pro M4. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo corroborated this rumor, reporting on June 17 that the Apple Watch X will get a larger screen and thinner chassis than the current line-up.

The sheer thinness of the new iPad Pro has been its highlight feature since Apple announced it at a virtual event last month. Now it looks like Apple is planning similar redesigns for the rest of its product line-up.

It's still unclear when exactly we'll see these new ultra-thin devices, but a May 17 report from The Information speculated that the iPhone 17 will feature a thinner chassis and complete redesign, similar to the iPhone X design overhaul. Gurman also noted in his June 16 newsletter that the iPhone 17 will likely be the first to feature the thinner design.

If this pans out, Apple might also launch a redesigned MacBook the same year as the iPhone 17. That means we will likely see the thinner Apple Watch X next, potentially in September, then the iPhone 17 and redesigned MacBooks in 2025. The question is, will Apple need to make crucial compromises to achieve thinner designs? 

Will thinner designs sacrifice durability and battery size? 

Back in 2014, shortly after Apple released the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, a video went viral of YouTuber Unbox Therapy bending the iPhone 6 Plus with his bare hands. Lewis Hilsenteger, who runs Unbox Therapy, made the video after reports surfaced online that the iPhone 6 Plus was bending in people's pockets. It set off "bendgate," one of the biggest durability controversies Apple ever had. 

As Apple aims to make all its products thinner, will durability become an issue again? It's not hard to imagine an iPhone as thin as the iPad Pro M4 bending in your pocket like the iPhone 6 Plus. The iPad Pro M4's chassis is even made of aluminum, just like the chassis on the iPhone 6 Plus that folded in Lewis Hilsenteger's bare hands. 

Luckily, Apple seems to have found a solution in the 9 years since the "bendgate" incident. Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, explained how Apple accomplished this in the iPad Pro M4 in a rooftop interview with Arun Maini (known for his YouTube channel Mrwhosetheboss), commenting: 

"We also have a cowling over the main logic board, a metal cover... it helps on both thermal spreading but it also effectively creates a central rib that runs through the whole thing that tremendously improves the stiffness of the product." 

The iPad Pro M4 is the first product to include this structural design. Apple hadn't developed it yet back in the iPhone 6 Plus "bendgate" days. Early bend tests for the iPad Pro M4 showed that it was surprisingly durable despite how thin it is. So, it looks like it might be possible for Apple to maintain its durability standards even after slimming down the iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch. 

The only thing still up in the air is battery life. It may be possible to maintain the current battery capacities in the MacBook Air and Pro in a slightly thinner chassis but the iPhone features a much smaller footprint to work with, making a large battery in a thin design a serious engineering challenge. 

We'll be watching closely to see how Apple tackles that challenge with the iPhone 17. Until then, stay tuned for more rumors, news, and details on Apple's thin product overhaul, the iPhone 16 and 17, and more. 

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You don't have to wait for Apple Memorial Day deals to start to score a solid discount on an Apple Watch. Apple retailers like Amazon and Best Buy now offer the lowest prices of the year on select Apple Watch models. 

For a limited time, you can get the Apple Watch Series 9 for just $329 at Best Buy. Normally $429, that's $100 off and the lowest price ever for this 45mm smartwatch. Powered by Apple's latest S9 chip and featuring new double-tap gestures, the Watch Series 9 is the most advanced wearable from Apple yet. 

Whether, you're a first-time smartwatch buyer, upgrading from an older App Watch or Mother's Day gift shopping, the Apple Watch Series 9 is worth a look. Especially at this tempting deal price. If you're on a smaller budget, you can get the 40mm Apple Watch Series 9 for $299 ($100 off). It's not its lowest ever price, but still a nice discount. 

That's just a sample of the many pre-Memorial Day deals available at the moment. Here are today's top three Apple Watch deals.

Top 3 Apple Watch deals 

Sales on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 were paused late last year due to a patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo. The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the blood oxygen monitoring features on Apple's devices infringed on patents held by Masimo. Thus Apple pulled both watches from their shelves.

According to a statement by Masimo, those features will be dropped on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9. 

Redesigned watches

According to Masimo, Apple has redesigned the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 without the blood oxygen meters. Matt Whewell, director of Global Communications at Masimo told The Verge, "Apple’s claim that its redesigned watch does not contain pulse oximetry is a positive step toward accountability." Additionally, Bloomberg is reporting that the redesigned watches have already been shipped to Apple stores.

Devices already sold still have the oxygen monitoring features, and The Verge is reporting that "the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 would continue to be available with the feature."

The redesign should allow the watches to be sold in the US once again, however if you already own an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Series 9 with an oxygen meter and that function is important to you, you may want to carefully read the details on any future watch OS updates.

The iPhone has been the focal point of Apple’s annual releases for well over a decade, but new plans point to the smartphone taking a backseat in 2024 — with Apple giving its wearable lineup a push to the front and center as it prepares to launch it’s first-gen mixed reality headset the Vision Pro, an overhauled Apple Watch X, and it’s ever-popular AirPods.

The news arrives from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who reports that the Cupertino company is poised to make 2024 the year of the wearable after a slump in sales throughout fiscal 2023. Apple’s response to this is to treat its wearable tech to some of the “biggest upgrades ever”, while simplifying its catalog in much the same way as it recently did by dropping the 13-inch MacBook Pro to avoid clashing with the MacBook Air’s offerings. 

Apple’s wearable road map for 2024: What to expect 

According to Bloomberg, Apple is looking to release two new fourth-gen AirPods with updated designs and USB-C charging cases to suit different price points with one including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Gurman also claims that the AirPods Max headphones, while not a huge seller, will receive a USB-C makeover too – though we shouldn’t expect any massive overhauls in terms of design or software.

The new Apple Watch could be one of the more notable changes in Apple’s wearable lineup as it’s already been rumored to bring a huge redesign to the product. Dubbed the Apple Watch X, the 10th generation of Apple Watch is set to receive a new look and a new watch strap mechanism that relies on magnets, while potentially taking advantage of Apple’s 3D printing technology, and microLED displays.

The new Apple Watch is also claimed to feature a new pair of health monitoring features including hypertension and sleep apnea detection. Alerting wearers if it senses either of these conditions and recommending them to reach out further for more information and further checks as a result.

However, the star of the show will no doubt be the Vision Pro headset, which could launch as early as January 2024, with Apple planning to train retail employees on the hardware the same month to ensure they’re familiar with set up and how best to market it to people.

Outlook

The Vision Pro is Apple’s first foray into the VR/AR realm, and there’s a lot riding on its success. Switching focus to wearables this year more than any other makes a lot of sense for Apple. Not only does it help boost flagging sales of its earphones, headphones, and smartwatch devices, but it also elevates the status of wearable devices as a whole, reminding consumers that this is a key market for Apple going forward.

Will Apple’s wearable-focus for 2024 pay off? It’s high time some of these devices got the love and attention they deserve, so hearing word of new designs, new features, and new options will be great news to many. Hopefully these changes can result in an increase in sales and a push to keep wearables at the forefront of Apple’s plans over the coming years.

Update (11/23/23): We've confirmed that this deal remains active today, but some models are selling out. You can still get the $299 price on the Starlight and Product (RED) Apple Watch Series 8, while the Midnight model is available for $322. 

With Black Friday just a day away the Apple Watch Series 8 is at its lowest price ever. Given the minor upgrades to the Apple Watch Series 9 this year, saving big on the Series 8 is a great option.

Right now, you can get the Apple Watch Series 8 for $299. It usually fetches $399, so that's $100 in savings — taking the Apple Watch Series 8 back to its lowest price. This is one of the best Apple Watch Black Friday deals and best Apple Black Friday deals available right now.

Apple's Watch Series 8 features GPS and an always-On Retina LTPO 396 x 484-pixel OLED display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness. It added a temperature sensor, Crash Detection, and emergency SOS. Plus, it's more durable than previous Apple Watch models. Waterproof to 50 meters, it's also crack-resistant and IP6X dust resistant. 

In our Apple Watch Series 8 review, we loved its gorgeous display, excellent UI and new stylish colors. We were also impressed by the smartwatch's addition of menstrual and ovulation tracking. The Apple Watch 8 is an Editor's Choice smartwatch with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Size-wise, the Apple Watch Series 8 is identical to the Watch Series 7. The 41mm aluminum case model measures 1.6 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches and weighs 1.14 ounces. Just like the Watch Series 7, the Apple Watch Series 8 includes heart rate tracking, blood-oxygen level tracking, and an ECG app. New to the Watch Series 8 were two temperature sensors for improved sleep tracking and cycle tracking.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a solid choice if you're in the market for a wearable, but if you want longer battery life or aren't all-in on the Apple ecosystem you should also consider these Garmin Black Friday deals. 

Apple is already bringing a number of manufacturing processes in-house, including the development of Micro-LED displays and 3D printed titanium parts for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

However, a recent report from Korean outlet ETNews indicates that Apple's self-made plans are expanding. This time with a focus on producing a first-of-its-kind component that could have a major impact on iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, and even the upcoming Vision Pro: a more powerful and efficient battery.

Apple's self-built batteries

Apple's in-house direction weans the brand from its reliance on third-part suppliers like Samsung and LG, and ensures it won't be caught short when it comes to securing vital parts in the manufacturing process – an issue plaguing the industry across the board at times. It also gives Apple more direct control over their battery tech and build processes.

According to ETNews, Apple's in-house battery work is still in the development phase, with a goal of incorporating its self-made batteries into products after 2025. It's claimed that Apple are experimenting with different anode and cathode materials to develop an entirely first-of-its-kind component that "has never been commercialized around the world."

The results? A more powerful battery with better efficiency, improved capacity, faster charging, and slower discharge. A total enhancement across the board that could bring Apple's already impressive battery performance to all-new levels.

Outlook

Apple's success with in-house manufacturing remains to be seen, with its first batch of self-made Micro-LED displays set to arrive in an Apple Watch Ultra refresh in 2025.

Taking more control of the manufacturing process could further Apple's eco-goals, ensuring a reduction of the company's carbon footprint – and by developing batteries that incorporate renewable materials and promote less e-waste. However, this is speculative, and until we hear from Apple directly, we won't know the extents of their goals when it comes to its battery-focused future.

Apple’s latest OS updates have just dropped for all compatible iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch devices! The full release of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10 has been much anticipated since their unveiling at this years WWDC, and we want to make sure you’re up to date on what to do in advance, and how to download it on each device. 

iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10: What time will the update be available?

Today’s updates are now live! Apple released its new updates into the wild at around 10 a.m. PDT for those on the west coast of the United States, or 1 p.m. EDT for those on the east coast.

Here’s the list of when the latest iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch updates went live in their respective time zones:

• United States and Canada: 10 a.m. PDT, 11 a.m. MDT, 1 p.m. EDT
• Brazil: 2 p.m. BRT
• United Kingdom: 6 p.m. BST
• Europe: 7 p.m. CEST,
• Russia: 8 p.m. MSK
• India: 10:30 p.m. IST
• China: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1 a.m. CST
• Australia: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1 a.m. AWST, 3 a.m. AEST
• Japan: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2 a.m. JST
• New Zealand: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 5 a.m. NZST

iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10: Is my device compatible?

Not all devices will be able to make the jump to Apple’s next wave of operating system updates. So be sure to double-check that your device is one of those capable of downloading the update in advance.

Here's Apple's official list of supported devices for the iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10 updates:

iOS 17 compatible iPhones

• iPhone 14 (iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max)
• iPhone 13 (iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max)
• iPhone 12 (iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max)
• iPhone 11 (iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max)
• iPhone XS (iPhone XS Max)
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2nd Generation or later)

iPadOS 17 compatible iPads

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd Generation and later)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st Generation and later)
• iPad Air (3rd Generation and later)
• iPad (6th Generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th Generation and later)

watchOS 10 compatible Apple Watches

• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch SE

iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10: Before you update

Before any major software update, Apple recommends you backup the data on your device using iCloud or your computer. If you don’t know how to do this, follow our guides on how to backup your iPhone or how to backup your iPad to get up to speed.

Once you’ve made a backup, you’ll need to make sure you have a charger to hand. Apple recommends leaving your device on charge during the update process to avoid any issues mid-install. You’ll also need to make sure you’re connected to the internet (preferably by Wi-Fi), to make sure your download is as stable as possible.

Finally, you’ll need to free up enough space to perform the download and install the latest OS update. Typically, iPhone and iPad OS updates can be up to 6GB in size, so ensure there’s plenty of room on your device to handle that download. Apple Watch updates tend to be smaller in size, usually requiring between 2GB and 3GB of storage.

How to update iPhone/iPad to iOS/iPadOS 17

Updating your iPhone or iPad to the latest version is straightforward and easy to do. After checking your device is compatible, follow these simple steps to get the latest OS update.

Step 1: On your device, open “Settings.”

Step 2: Tap “General,” then “Software Update.”

Step 3: Tap on the software update you wish to download (or the option saying “Upgrade to iOS 17/iPadOS 17”).

Step 4: Tap on “Install Now” or “Download and Install,” before following the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

How to update Apple Watch to watchOS 10

Apple Watches running watchOS 6 or later can install the new update by pretty much the exact same procedure. Just make sure that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi and follow these simple steps to download the watchOS 10 update:

Step 1: On your Apple Watch, open “Settings.”

Step 2: Tap “General,” and then “Software Update.”

Step 3: Install the pending software update and follow all on-screen instructions.

However, if your Apple Watch has been shy about updating for some time and you’re running a version of the OS below watchOS 6, you’ll need to use your iPhone to perform the update. In this instance, you need your iPhone to be running the latest iOS version first. After you’ve done that perform the following steps:

Step 1: Open the “Apple Watch” app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap “My Watch,” “General,” and finally “Software Update.”

Step 3: Download the pending update and wait for the progress wheel to appear. This could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete.

Earlier this week, Apple held its "Wonderlust" event in Cupertino, launching new iPhones and Watches. Although the A17 Bionic-powered iPhone 15 Pro Max is garnering praise, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 arrived with some incremental improvements, the Series 9 watch moved laterally. 

Don't get me wrong, the Apple is lovely, but you can enjoy a similar experience with a Wear OS watch for a comparable price or less. Interestingly, the Ultra 2 and Series 9 differences are more physical than anything else, as both feature Apple's latest S9 SiP silicon and can use all the same apps. Sure, you get a siren on the Ultra, but is that worth spending $400 more? That's just a tiny reason to skip the Series 9; here are a few more. 

Magnets!

As our intrepid Jason England pointed out recently, the mechanical system for switching out and securing watchbands is antiquated and awkward. With Bloomberg's Mark Gurman stating there may be a new magnetic watchband system coming, that's my first reason for skipping. 

Battery life still needs to improve

Battery life is a significant reason I am not interested in the Apple Watch Series 9. It only gets 18 hours of daily battery life. I have experienced week-long battery life with the OnePlus Watch. 

Apple's Ultra 2, due to its larger size, gets up to 36 hours of battery life and 72 hours in low-power mode. However, who wants to run around in low-power mode? These numbers are based on Apple's testing and not independent tests, but Apple isn't making any significant claims about improvements over previous generations. 

Stale design

Apple has a habit of finding a practical design that works for them and then not changing it for eons. Sure the Series 9 brightness improved to 2,000 nits, but what can we say about the design, as it's seen only marginal change since its inception? 

It's one area Samsung has done better; they've taken chances and made a few design changes over the years, and although one or two were not well received, Samsung has taken the feedback and brought back well-loved features and continued exploring new designs.

It's rumored Apple will make some significant changes with the upcoming Series 10 or Series X; who knows what they'll name it. However, it would be nice to see Apple take a chance and maybe shock the world with a large round watch. 

It's still a little too early to theorize what the team at Cupertino has in mind, but now that the Series 9 is shipping soon we expect more Series 10/X leaks will start and I'm hopeful that the magnets are just part of a much more interesting Apple Watch.

Two of the largest smartphone companies in the world enter the ring, but only one can leave. With Samsung in one corner, boasting its acclaimed Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and in the other corner, Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max. Both phones are the highest-end models for their respective flagship series and are undeniable beasts.

We’re exclusively comparing specs in this competition, as we don’t have the iPhone 15 Pro Max in our hands just yet. We’ll update with our final decision once we complete our review, but based simply on what each phone is packing under the hood, let us see which one comes out on top.

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Specs

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Price

iPhone’s Pro Max series would have had the advantage over Samsung most years, as iPhone 15 Pro Max has solidified itself as the most expensive iPhone in this latest series, bumping up the price by $100. 

This means both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are $1,199, making the two companies evenly matched in cost for their most premium smartphone model

Winner: Draw 

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Design

Tons of little upgrades are coming to the iPhone 15 series, but it’s hard to count something like USB-C ports as an “upgrade” when everyone else is already doing that (and that Apple was forced to do it). At the very least, the inclusion of the Action Button (a feature from Apple Watch Ultra) is massive, which provides a haptic response that can be modified to perform unique tasks.

But beyond functionality, iPhone 15 Pro Max has finally made its upgrade from stainless steel to titanium. This should make the phone lighter but also sturdier than ever. However, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wasn’t using stainless steel to begin with, as that was something Apple has always been a bit behind on.

Instead, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is made with “armored” aluminum. The question here comes down to a battle between aluminum and titanium, but the results online about which one is stronger are rather mixed. This isn’t just because the internet cannot come to an exact agreement, but because its use case, grade, and concentration can all make a massive difference. 

It would be rare if both Apple and Samsung used the exact same density and grade quality for their metals, so we won’t know which one is stronger until experts properly test the phones themselves. And while aluminum is way lighter than titanium on average, Samsung does not have the lighter phone. iPhone 15 Pro Max is 7.8 ounces, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is 8.3 ounces. This could be due to many other factors, but at the end of the day, lighter is better.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max 

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Display

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch, 2,796 x 1,290 resolution OLED display with adaptive refresh rate from 1-120Hz. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features the same refresh rate, but also boasts a 6.8-inch, 3,088 x 1,440 AMOLED screen.

We can’t compare testing numbers between these two phones, as we’ve tested only the Samsung, but based on some previous numbers from iPhone 14 tests, we can make some assumptions. The iPhone 14 Pro Max was already brighter than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, with the former achieving 1,565 nits at its peak, while the latter was a bit behind at 1,444 nits. 

During Apple’s September event, the company claimed that the 15 series displays would go as high as 2,000 nits of brightness. Whether or not this statement is entirely true will be determined when we can actually test the phone, but we can say with some confidence that it’s unlikely it will be worse than the previous generation, considering Apple is claiming it’ll be way better.

We can also make an educated guess based on the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s color performance that Samsung will have its next model beat once again. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra achieved 136.7% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max was at only 83.2%. We’re not expecting this new phone to jump 50% higher, especially since a majority of Apple products normally hover around this 80% range.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Processor

Spoiler alert: The iPhone has this in the bag. Apple is making some massive moves with its processor development by introducing the world’s first commercially available smartphone with a 3nm chipset in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

iPhone 14 Pro Max was already ahead of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in our Geekbench 5.4 tests, with the former hitting a score of 5,333 and the latter a tad behind at 5,081. By no means is this a massive gap, but it’s clear that Apple was in the lead and considering the company is continuing to innovate in processing power, we’re expecting that to remain the case.

Beyond just the potential for this to provide excellent performance boosts, it could also mean a huge change in battery life efficiency. We won’t know for sure until we get our hands on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and can test it ourselves, but there’s reason to believe that it could result in hours extra of battery life.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max 

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Cameras

iPhone 15 Pro Max has finally unveiled its periscope camera or, as Apple likes to call it, the “Tetraprism.” Beyond this just sounding like the latest McGuffin in a Marvel Cinematic Universe flick, it’s hilariously on point for Apple to be so extra in the design of something that already exists. I had previously written an explainer on the ins and outs of periscope cameras, which involves reflecting light at a 90-degree angle after lining multiple lenses to perform a greater optical zoom. But instead of just having light reflect through a 90-degree angle, the “Tetraprism” has it bounce off of multiple lens in a zig-zag to reach a 5x optical zoom.

But Samsung’s greatest assets are its incredible cameras. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 megapixel sensor as the primary, while it also has a 10MP camera with 10x optical zoom, which doubles what Apple is promising. iPhone 15’s primary camera is unfortunately still only 48MP.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 

Outlook

Determining a winner solely based on specifications isn’t completely fair, as we still have to test the iPhone 15 Pro Max and see how it does in application. Beyond that, whether or not you should buy an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy depends on more than just specs, as each phone’s application suite might be most important to you.

But if we’re analyzing solely based on the numbers we see thus far, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra overpowers the iPhone 15 Pro Max with better optical zoom, high megapixel sensor and potentially more vivid display. iPhone 15 Pro Max will almost certainly have superior nits of brightness, while its performance could blow us away alongside a lighter build. We have one draw, two wins for Apple and two wins for Samsung. At this point, the winner entirely depends on if the battery life rumors are true, but assuming they are, Apple takes this victory home.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max 

Apple has to be one of the greatest group of inventors of our age… Right? Think of all the products it has brought to market, the smartphone, the tablet, and the smartwatch! Think of all the features they’ve created like that one that does all the video calls and the new Apple Watch gesture where you make “Quack quacks” with your hands!

It’s true! Without the iPhone there would be no smartphones, without the iPad there would be no tablets, and if it wasn’t for the Apple Watch you’d still be fumbling around with your Casio calculator timepiece as you punch in “58008” and giggle your way into a pressure headache.

Or, maybe not...

Apple gets a lot of credit for the products it brings to market, some of which is entirely justified. But they’re also often credited with being visionaries and pioneers who created those markets in the first place — and that could not be further from the truth. The brand’s popularity is unquestionable, its commitment to putting high-quality products into the hands of consumers is undeniable, and its historical revisionism is frankly unparalleled.

I’m not sure if years of praise for their genius has gone to Apple’s head and they truly believe the inferences they make about their products. Or, if Apple is gaslighting us all into believing the products that came before its own are simply Mandela Effect mirages that had no real influence or impact.

Either way, I wanted to set the record straight. So, here are seven times Apple took the credit for reinventing the wheel and how they keep getting away with it.

7 times Apple took credit for reinventing the wheel 

1. Smartphones

The iPhone — the first hand-held, portable, cellular phone featuring a touchscreen with a calendar, clock, notes, address book, games, email, and a calculator. Except it wasn’t, I just described the IBM Simon, which was released in 1994. “Aha!” I hear you say, “Then the iPhone was the first full-color, capacitive touchscreen smartphone with a camera!” Sadly, that was the LG Prada — the device that many believe inspired the iPhone. And by ‘inspired,’ I do mean was ripped off by.

“Fine! The App Store then! That has to have been the first mobile app store, it’s literally called the App Store.” Wrong again, my friend. That honor goes to Japanese brand NTT DoCoMo who launched i-mode (no relation) in 1999. Even in the era of the smartphone, Apple was pipped to the post by Danger Inc., Handango, and Nokia. Hell, even that little slide-to-unlock feature was kicking around three years before Apple made it a thing on the iPhone too. 

2. Tablets

Tablets have been around since the 80s, Apple even made one itself in 1993 called the Apple Newton. That’s clever, isn’t it? But these tablets were far removed from the iPad that would launch in 2010. The iPad was the tablet that made tablets a thing. Never had so much potential been found in such a small and portable device before.

The iPad had an operating system, a color display, apps, a music player, and even a web browser! If only Microsoft hadn’t been making Windows XP tablets for the better part of 7 years prior to the iPad release, all that would’ve been absolute madness to drop on the human race at once. We’d have gone stark raving mad and burnt the Apple leadership at the stake for being witches. Thankfully, we’d seen most of it all before. We’d just never seen a man in a turtleneck and jeans give it to us.

3. Smartwatches

Do you remember 2014’s introduction of the Apple Watch? The thunderous swell of excitement as Tim Cook announced they have “One more thing…” to reveal to us all? That was the day Apple unveiled its wearable, the sequel to the timepiece worn by humans since the 1810s. It literally took the world 204 years to develop anything better, and it was Apple who did it.

Except it wasn’t, was it? Long-standing rival Samsung beat Apple to it with the Gear range of smartwatches — some of which ran as completely separate cellular devices and even had a camera in them. Even Google got ahead of Apple with Android Wear. Nike, Pebble, and Sony got there first too. New ground had long been broken, all Apple had to do was watch, copy the best bits of each, add a bit of polish – then get on stage to act like time itself hadn’t existed before the creation of this device. And wouldn’t you know it, it bloody worked too.

4. Portable MP3 players

What made the original iPod so special to many? It could store a thousand tracks on it at once. One thousand, CD quality tracks. In Steve Jobs’ own words, this was a “Quantum leap” for the portable MP3 player, the 5GB of onboard storage was something never before offered and for just $399 you were practically taking the shirt off of his back!

Interestingly, the iPod keynote reveal is one of those few moments of pure cognitive dissonance captured on film. You get to see it as Steve Jobs points directly at the Nomad Jukebox, a cheaper device than the iPod with a 6GB hard drive. Moments before saying his 5GB device is something so groundbreaking that just holding the iPod in his hands may cause the ground beneath his feet to rattle, open up, and swallow him whole.

Yet again, the Nomad Jukebox didn’t have that little spinny wheel did it? Although, technically, neither did Apple who in 2013 had to pay $3.3 million in damages to its actual inventor. 

5. Virtual/mixed reality

The WWDC of 2023 saw Apple emerge into an all-new market. Never before had anybody done what Apple planned to do — merge reality with a virtual plane, seamlessly blending between the two while offering digital playgrounds you exist in within the form of a 3D avatar. The Apple Vision Pro was born! Tim Cook might as well have waltzed onto the stage wearing a silver spandex catsuit and loudly proclaimed “Welcome to the future, you’re welcome!”

Stop it! Stop looking around for your HTC Vives and your Meta Quest 2s, they don’t exist. I know so because Apple said such experiences are only possible with the combination of an M2 and R1 chipset. It was all Virtual Boys and anaglyph glasses before Apple took to the stage that day to single-handedly deliver us the virtual reality dream not a single one of us got bored of two years prior. No siree. 

6. Video calls

How did we survive without FaceTime? Apple’s video messaging app has risen to such prominence that it has broken free from the constraints of the noun and found itself repositioned as a verb. To FaceTime is to experience an entirely new form of long-distance communication that surpasses the mere audio reception of the human voice. You can now watch your friends and family in real-time, live, as if glancing through a magical portal into someone else's mundane life for a change.

What a historic event! It was like being around to observe the dawn of the telegram! Or the birth of email! Or the HTC Evo 4G — a smartphone with built-in video calling software that came out a month earlier. Not to mention the slew of other apps that had been doing the same thing for years like Skype. But no, Steve Jobs had grown up dreaming about video calls, and finally, he was able to make it a real thing. 

7. ‘Double Tap’ for Apple Watch

It’s said that good artists borrow, and great artists steal. That means the PR team working on the Apple Watch Series 9 and watchOS 10 release are great artists. One of the main takeaways from Apple’s recent Wonderlust event was the new Double Tap feature for the Apple Watch, allowing users to simply tap their index finger and thumb together to interact with the wearable.

It’s innovative, it’s revolutionary, it’s groundbreaking, it’s… Well, it’s been a part of the interface as far back as the Apple Watch 4. Double Tap is simply a rebranding of the device’s AssistiveTouch Double Pinch accessibility option. Double Tap’s highlight as a show-stealing feature of note is a masterclass in spin —  but just another Tuesday for Apple.

In Apple’s defense… 

OK, maybe Apple doesn’t always directly come out and say they’ve invented such-and-such a device. But from the way the brand talks you’d assume so at the very least — and that’s sort of what they’re banking on too.

It’s a subtle misdirection where Apple hits you with the words ‘never before seen’ and ‘innovation’ enough times that you’re hypnotized into believing they’re treading new ground with every stride.

In 2000, Apple was involved in a bit of legal hot water over claims they made about the iPhone 3G. “Twice as fast, for half the price” was the phrase that gave them trouble, and while that claim never quite manifested into the performance of its product Apple insisted that it never lied. However, it followed that up by saying that “anyone who believes what the company says in its ads is a fool.”

Apple said that as a legal defense when accused of lying in its advertisements. Keep that in mind next time Tim Cook goes walkies at Apple Park and a passing drone catches him energetically preaching about the latest iDevice heading your way.

Outlook

None of this is to say Apple hasn’t invented anything during its time at the top of the technosphere. That would be bonkers, barmy, deluded even. There are probably 1,000 patents worth of innovative upgrades in your iPhone alone, things that Apple has indeed invented in order to further the product. They have a knack for putting the pieces together better than most, but that doesn’t mean Apple invented the concept of the smartphone — even if they’re happy to let you believe they did.

Apple’s real strengths are in innovating existing tech, fine-tuning what’s already there and building upwards. In effect, Apple is the great gentrifier of the tech world: swooping into a space, tidying things up, and pushing up prices in its wake. So why do so many people believe otherwise? In a word: marketing.

Apple’s secret weapon is its phenomenal ability to market itself as inventors. Every new feature presented to us simply couldn’t exist without the power of {insert new Apple device here}. It would be literally impossible for this technology to exist without the {insert new Apple device here}. Apple’s marketing speak is legendary — and highly effective.

But only a fool would believe it. Their words, not mine.

Since 2007, all iPhone models have featured the traditional Ring/Silent switch to quickly toggle between hearing iPhone sounds and turning them completely off. At the Wonderlust event on September 12, Apple revealed this longstanding iPhone switch will be replaced with an action button on the iPhone 15 Pro. 

Similar to the action button on the Apple Watch Ultra, the iPhone 15 Pro’s action button will act as a programmable button that can open an app, start a process, and more. This handy new button can carry out more than one task, so you won’t have to choose just one of the nine available options. 

Everything you can do with the new action button

By default, the iPhone 15 Pro’s action button will still function as a Silent Mode toggle. This will help immensely with the transition from Apple’s long-standing Ring/Silent switch to this new action button. You’ll have to press and hold the action button to mute or unmute the phone’s ringer and alert sounds.

Simply pressing the action button once can start or stop recording a voice memo with the built-in Voice Memos app or launch the Camera app to quickly snap a photo. You can also use a single button press to access your most-used accessibility setting, like Live Speech, Assistive Touch, or Zoom. 

Or, you can create your own custom Shortcuts to launch your favorite social media app, start a playlist, control a smart device in your home, or send a message — all with one press of the action button. With the Shortcuts feature, you can even run a unique command outside of simply opening an app.

Other things you can do with the iPhone 15 Pro action button include toggling your flashlight on or off, activating or deactivating a Focus mode when you’re trying to get some work done, use the Magnifier app to read the fine print, and launch the Translate app to quickly translate text or have a real-time conversation with someone in a different language than yours. 

With every action button press, you’ll feel distinctive haptic feedback based on which task you’re currently carrying out with the button. You’ll also be able to spot visual cues toward the top of the iPhone in the Dynamic Island to ensure your intended action was executed correctly. 

Although the action button is an awesome upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro, we’re more excited about the speedy 3nm A17 Bionic chip and the (hopefully) beefy battery life of the Pro and Pro Max models. If you can’t wait to get your hands on Apple’s new high-end phones, be sure to preorder the 15 Pro or Pro Max as soon as possible.

Apple’s Wonderlust event was packed with details about the Apple Watch Series 9’s awesome “quack quack” to answer calls gesture and the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s inclusion of Siri on device – but little was said about when to expect the software that makes it all work: watchOS 10!

The same can be said about the Phone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus’ new Dynamic Island, or the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Action Button. However, we’ve already caught the details on when to expect the arrival of iOS 17, the same goes for the iPadOS 17 release date too!

But where’s the love for watchOS 10? It’s here! Apple has recently confirmed the release date for watchOS 10, and we’re here to let you know when you can, how you can, and who can download the update when it launches later this month.

watchOS 10 release date

According to Apple, eligible Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra owners will be able to update their device to watchOS 10 from Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

The release of watchOS 10 will likely happen simultaneously alongside iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. With that in mind, and following Apple’s previous OS release schedule, here’s when the new wearable OS download is likely to go live on the day:

• United States: 10 a.m. PDT; 11 a.m. MDT; 12 noon CDT; 1 p.m. EDT
• Canada: 10 a.m. PDT, 1 p.m. EDT, 2 p.m. ADT
• United Kingdom: 6 p.m. BST
• Europe: 7 p.m. CEST, 8 p.m. MSK/EEST/TRT
• India: 10:30 p.m. IST

watchOS 10: Which devices are supported?

Apple’s software updates are tailored towards its latest devices, but support older models up to a certain threshold. Every new release sees certain models drop out of compatibility for newer releases, and watchOS 10’s debut will be no different.

Here is Apple’s official list of watchOS 10 compatible devices:

• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch SE
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch Ultra 2

Reminder: Not all features of watchOS 10 will be available across all of these devices. If you want to experience everything that watchOS 10 has to offer, you’ll need to get your hands on the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 when they’re made available for preorder from Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 or when both devices go on sale from Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. 

watchOS 10: How to download watchOS 10

Want to know how to download watchOS 10 when it arrives later this month? No problem! There are two ways to update your Apple Watch to the latest version, one for devices running watchOS 6 and above, and another for smartwatches on any lower versions.

Note: Before starting any update process, make sure that your Apple Watch is at least 50% charged. Apple recommends leaving your Apple Watch on its charger while the update completes and not to restart your device mid-install.

Updating an Apple Watch to watchOS 10:

Apple Watches running watchOS 6 or later can install updates with zero hassle. Just make sure that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi and follow these three simple steps to update:

Step 1: Open you Apple Watch, open “Settings”

Step 2: Tap “General,” and then “Software Update”

Step 3: Install the pending software update and follow all on screen instructions.  

Updating an Apple Watch to watchOS 10 with iPhone

If you’ve an Apple Watch gathering dust in your wardrobe running watchOS 5 or lower and want to update it to the latest version then you’ll need to make use of your iPhone to perform the update – so first, ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS and is connected to Wi-Fi. After which, you should be ready to perform the update:

Step 1: Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone

Step 2: Tap “My Watch,” “General,” and finally “Software Update”

Step 3: Download the pending update and wait for the progress wheel to appear. This could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete. 

watchOS 10: What to expect

watchOS 10’s unveiling at WWDC gave us plenty of insight into what was heading to the Apple Watch this year, and it was a substantial upgrade to say the least. What the Apple Watch lacked in massive overhauls to hardware, it more than made up for in software improvements – including a total rethink of the watchOS UI. Here’s some of the key features arriving with watchOS 10:

Smart Stack: Smart Stack is a new feature that maximizes the potential of any watch face throughout the day. Adapting itself to fit with the wearer’s context, Smart Stack showcases widgets that can be cycled through using the Digital Crown to quickly browse through Calendar events, Reminders, Weather forecasts, and more with ease.

It looks to be a great way of keeping an eye on your day ahead, with its content tailor to time of day and what your current activity is.

Hiking and Cycling: Activity tracking for cycling and hiking has been overhauled with new metrics and Bluetooth accessory compatibility for potential pedal pros. These accessories can help track cadence, speed, and power to your Workout View and gain better insight into your exercises.

As for hiking, the Compass app has now made the leap to 3D – with estimated way points on Cellular connectivity and emergency call signal availability automatically added as you travel. There’s also better trail information, and topographic maps featuring elevation and points of interest.

NameDrop: Name drop works similarly to the iOS 17 feature of the same name. Hold your Apple Watch close to someone else’s iPhone or Apple Watch to enable NameDrop, here you’ll be able to quickly share contact information with one another – without any of the fuss involved in mishearing numbers or names. It’s quick, easy to use, and a fantastic feature to look forward to.

Offline maps: iOS 17 will see iPhone users finally be able to download maps for offline use. Pair that downloaded data with an Apple Watch device and you’ll be able to navigate and view detailed place cards from your smartwatch any time your iPhone is turned on and within range.

New look apps: A new design language for watchOS 10 sees your favorite apps looking better than ever thanks to a UI overhaul. Apps now utilize more of the Apple Watch’s display to ensure you get the most relevant and useful information you need at a glance. 

New watch faces: watchOS 10 welcomes two new animated watch faces to its collection by way of Palette, an overlapping gradient pattern that cycles through its colors to match your time of day, and Snoopy, featuring the iconic Peanuts characters Snoopy and Woodstock – who react to your activities, the weather, and play with your watch hands.

Outlook

Once again, the watchOS 10 update is set to release on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. That means we're just days away from getting to grips with the Apple Watch's latest batch of features and new look UI overhaul.

For breaking news and updates on all things Apple and Apple Watch, follow Laptop Mag on Twitter, Facebook, and Flipboard for the latest word as it arrives. 

There’s plenty of buzz around the new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 lineup, but don’t get too excited if you’re expecting a new iPad this year as well. We learned a lot about Apple’s upcoming products and software, but iPad news — aside from details about iPadOS 17 — was lacking. 

According to reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, you’re out of luck if you planned on spoiling someone with a new iPad this holiday season. Apple is reportedly not going to release any new iPad models this year. But hey, at least you can still splurge on a new iPhone 15 or upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 9. 

How reliable is this rumor of no new iPads?

Ming-Chi Kuo has given reports in the past with more details than this one, and he usually specifies whether he’s getting the information from sources within the supply chain or forming his own opinions based on what he’s learned. With this tweet, which reads “New iPad models are unlikely before the year’s end,” Kuo doesn’t give any extra details on where he learned this information or how he came to that conclusion. 

We weren’t expecting to see new iPads at Apple’s Wonderlust event, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman — a highly reliable tech reporter — suggested that there might be an “iPad refresh in October” and a new iPad Air “coming soonish.” With other rumors of a new iPad Air in 2023 and a recent leak that suggested a new iPad Mini upgrade soon, it’s difficult to know which rumors hold more weight.

This tweet from Kuo about Apple not releasing any new iPads comes shortly after another tweet from Kuo that suggests Apple won’t be releasing any new MacBooks this year either. This suggestion corresponds with another leak we reported on back in May 2023. 

It’s impossible to know whether Kuo is making these predictions for no new iPads or MacBooks based on direct information from sources or past performance and habits. If we don’t hear anything from Apple about an event in October, the rumors are likely true. If that’s the case, we’ll just have to settle for the best iPads and best MacBooks out right now to spoil our friends and family this holiday season.  

After yesterday's Apple Wonderlust event, where we saw new iPhones and Apple Watches, some were left saddened by the lack of an announcement of a new iPad. While you may not be getting new hardware just yet, Apple didn't forget iPad fans completely; iPadOS 17 is coming September 18, and it looks like an interesting update. 

For now we'll have to let our visions of an iPad mini 7 continue to dance in our heads and I'll keep saving my pennies for when it does arrive.

Apple is great at quietly working on the next best thing while keeping its devices updated with new improvements to its outstanding iPadOS, and the tech goliath has even given us a glimpse of what's to come. 

iPadOS 17 

If you visit the iPadOS 17 preview page and slide past all the improved, personalized lock screen and motion effect live photo wallpaper nonsense, you'll discover some solid upgrades, like the new Widgets on the lock screen.

The upgrade will feature interactive widgets that allow you to play music, turn off lights in your home, and more, simply by tapping a widget icon.

Improvements to iMessage let you quickly catch up on a conversation and keep abreast of all the details from start to finish. There is an improved iMessage Search feature to help you locate messages faster.

Also, audio messages can be transcribed for reading if you can't listen to them. There's also an improved sticker interface and the ability to create stickers from your own photos.

The app iPadOS 17 update I'm very impressed with is FaceTime. FaceTime is the one reason I still have an iPhone. You can use your iPad in conjunction with Apple TV, use your iPad as a camera, and view the call on your television.

You can also use your hands to trigger 3D augmented reality effects like hearts, confetti, or fireworks within FaceTime. Lastly, you'll be able to quickly record a video or audio message if someone misses your call, which is a feature that has been around on Android for a while now.

Apple's Health app comes with iPad, is optimized for the larger display, and will feature mental and vision health applications.

You can now quickly handle PDFs and Notes with the new Autofill feature, which you can use with an Apple Pen. You can now link notes and collaborate with others in real time on PDFs. 

You can read more about the upgrades on the iPadOS 17 preview page, and while I'm happy for the update, I'd still rather have that new iPad mini 7. 

Apple just unveiled its latest September showcase, giving us our first looks at iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Alongside this, we saw the latest features coming with the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9. We learned some shocking news as well, like how the iPhone 15 Pro Max is $100 more.

But not everything happening with Apple this month was fully disclosed during the event, as the company just unveiled the release dates for each of its operating system updates. Not only has iOS 17's date been unveiled, but iPadOS 17 and watchOS as well. Most importantly, however, is that MacOS Sonoma will be available starting on September 26.

What to expect from MacOS Sonoma

MacOS Sonoma is bringing several changes to the Mac experience that could make it worth upgrading, we've even covered 5 macOS Sonoma features that may convince you to update. But if you want the really quick version, widgets are arguably the biggest addition coming to desktop, allowing users to lock little windows on their desktop that could show the weather, to-do lists, special photo albums, notes, calendars, and the time in different parts of the world.

Beyond just having access to these widgets on MacOS, they can be freely swapped between your iPhone and Mac device through something called Continuity. Widgets will also fade partially in the background while another window is in focus, allowing the user to not get too distracted. We covered a full list of features to look forward to previously if you want to dig deeper.

It's also important to keep in mind that MacOS Sonoma will not be available on the three laptops from 2017: MacBook Pro, iMac and the 12-inch MacBook. Apple commonly phases out older hardware when implementing new operating system updates, and if you're holding onto a 2018 laptop, be prepared to potentially lose support in 2024.

You can now preorder the Apple Watch Ultra 2 starting from $799 at Apple. Powered by an all-new S9 chip, it improves the first generation Watch Ultra with enhanced performance and a brighter 3000-nit display. It's the best smartwatch for pro athletes and anyone else who wants a top-tier multifunctional GPS smartwatch. 

Just like the Apple Watch Ultra, the Ultra 2 features a light yet durable 49mm titanium case and leans heavy on health tracking. It features heart rate, blood-oxygen and ECG tracking apps and more. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is 100-meter water resistant, and swimproof. It's suitable for high speed water sports and diving up to 40m. It's also military-grade durable, and dust resistant. 

If you want a large display multisport watch and long battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the watch for you. 

Preorder the Apple Watch Ultra 2

You can now preorder the Apple Watch Series 9 starting at $399 at Apple.com. It's available in 41mm and 45mm case sizes in your choice of aluminum or stainless steel. The most efficient GPS smartwatch from Apple yet, the Apple Watch Series 9 improves upon the Apple Watch Series 8 with an enhanced S9 chip, a brighter 2000-nit display and new double tap gesture. 

Beyond these upgrades, it retains the same features and functions as its predecessor. Just like the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers heart rate tracking, blood-oxygen level tracking, crash detection, and emergency SOS. It features an always-on 2,000-nit Retina display. As we've come to expect from the Apple Watch Series, it's also IP6X dust resistant and waterproof to 50 meters. 

Overall, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for Apple users. If you wish to treat yourself or someone special to a wearable, it's one to consider. 

Preorder the Apple Watch Series 9 below. 

Preorder Apple Watch Series 9

At Apple's Wonderlust event earlier today, the Cupertino tech goliath unveiled the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9. Both smartwatches feature Apple's new custom S9 SiP silicon, with 5.6 billion transistors, a massive 60% more transistor than the previous S8 chip. 

The new chip features a four-core Neural Engine process for machine learning (AI) that supposedly learns three times faster and enables many innovations like the new gestures feature set in WatchOS. 

The differences between the two are more physical than internal, with both allowing for carbon-neutral combinations. Both Apple watches feature the same health applications and SOS safety measures, with the difference being the Ultra 2 gets a Siren.

Let's look to see in what other ways these two watches differ. 

APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2 VS. APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: PRICE AND VALUE

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in a titanium 49mm case and costs a hefty $799. The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in a 41mm or 45mm aluminum or stainless steel case, starting at $399. Sure, you can save $400 on the Series 9, but for a person my size, the Ultra 2's 49mm size fits best, and because I'm rough on things, titanium will hold up better. 

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2

APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2 VS. APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: DESIGN

With the Ultra 2, you'll get a larger, brighter display, better battery life, and the ability to dive deep (328 feet). Is that worth $400? That is up to you to decide. Are you a swimmer? Do you need a watch made of a more rigid material like titanium? Also, are you okay with just one color choice for the case? 

The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in many colors, giving you far more options. Sure, it maxes out at 45mm and only comes in aluminum and stainless steel, but those are enough for most. Also, when was the last time you dove deeper than 1 meter into anything? 164 feet of water protection is enough for your local pool and scuba diving. 

When you add that both watches come with the same new S9 SiP chip and applications, that $400 extra seems like throwing money away. 

Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 

APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2 VS. APPLE WATCH Series 9: DISPLAY

The Ultra 2 has the always-on Retina LTPO OLED 1.9-inch 502 x 410-pixel display; however, this year's Ultra can reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. The Series 9 features a 1.9-inch 430 x 352-pixel Retina LTPO OLED display and a potent 2,000 nits of brightness.  

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2

APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2 VS. APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING

The Apple Watch Series 9 is rated at 18 hours of battery life and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. The larger Apple Ultra 2, with its bigger battery, can last up to 36 hours, and in Low Power Mode can last for up to 72 hours according to Apple's claims. 

Both Watches feature fast wireless charging. However, bigger is better because longer battery life is better, so the Ultra 2 will take this one too. 

Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2.  

Outlook

Whichever Apple Watch you buy, it's just a matter of preference and what you are willing to spend. Both watches offer fantastic performance thanks to the new S9 SiP chip, solid battery life, and access to great applications. 

If I had an extra $799, I would buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as it's a better for someone my size. Also, who knows when I might need to dive 300 feet to invade an underwater base? I could be MI6 for all you know. 

However, if you don't need the built-in siren or to dive into a dark, watery abyss, for $399, you can get a fantastic Apple Watch Series 9. Either way, you're winning. 

The Apple 'Wanderlust' event has just finished, and we're expecting to see the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, along with the swish new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

We also saw the Apple Watch Series 9, and a new Apple Watch Ultra 2 too. Plus, we AirPods Pro 2 has made the move over to USB-C too (after Apple's spat with the EU). Here's all the detail about every single announcement!

Every product announced at the Apple 'Wanderlust' September event

• iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• Apple Watch Series 9

Let's start with the star of the show...

Welcome to Laptop Mag's Apple 'Wanderlust' event live blog! Keep checking in here for the latest news, analysis, and maybe a cheeky meme or two about everything the Cupertino chums announce!

Let's start by talking about one of the more dead cert announcements that will take all the headlines tomorrow — the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

There have been numerous rumors rolling out about these new top tier blowers from Apple, and we've got them all documented just below.

• iPhone 15 Pro leak shows its lost a lot of weight — here's why (report)
• A new Bloomberg report reaffirms multiple rumors regarding the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, including colors and feature updates.
• Apple's September event is official with invites confirming Sept. 12 date
• The technical specs of the A17 Bionic in iPhone 15 Pro have been leaked.
• iPhone 15 Pro looks set to support Thunderbolt charging and data speeds, but you will have to pay for an additional cable.
• The iPhone 15 Pro models will reportedly get a new storage capacity: 2TB
• In-the-know journalist claims release date leak suggests there will be no delays to the iPhone lineup this year.
• New renders showcase how much slimmer the bezels are on the iPhone 15 Pro models compared to the iPhone 14 Pro models.
• A new 9to5Mac report reaffirms our prediction that the Apple September event will be on September 13 with the iPhone 15 Pro release date on September 22.
• The iPhone 15 Pro OLED displays have gone into production at Samsung and LG per The Elec's supply chain sources
• The iPhone 15 battery is set to get a whole lot better, as Apple is moving to stacking battery layers — greatly expanding the capacity.
• iPhone 15 Pro charging speed will improve, iPhone still won't charge as quickly as many Android phones.
• The iPhone 15 Pro Max is getting a camera layout change, but it won't look much different from its predecessor.

Let's talk Apple Watch Ultra 2

You already know that we love the Apple Watch Ultra. From the bold, utilitarian design to the impressive battery life, this is an ideal watch for pro athletes and average Joes with a little money for sure!

The rumors are circling a new model dropping at tomorrow's event, so let's take a closer look at what we can expect from Apple Watch Ultra 2.

• A new 3D printing process created in-house by Apple means that the company is able to get a tighter control on manufacturing internal components and make the device lighter.
• There may be a new dark titanium finish
• The power is being beefed up with a new S9 chip — based on Apple's A15 Bionic.

iPhone 15 and 15 Pro dimensions have been leaked

We've heard a lot of rumors, but today, MacRumors gave us a clear view of the dimensions and weight of the new iPhones.

In short, the iPhone 15 isn't changing much at all, and the iPhone 15 Pro models are benefitting from smaller bezels and a titanium frame that reduces the weight by up to 10%.

AirPods may also be making the jump to USB-C

USB-C has basically been confirmed many times over for the new iPhone 15 models, given the hardware leaks and the need for Apple to abide by EU's new rules.

But another device may be making the transition too, as rumors suggest AirPods will be reintroduced with the new port at tomorrow's 'WonderLust' event. 

This claim relates to the standard AirPods, and it is unclear whether AirPods Pro will be making the switch over (unless the company quietly changes it on the website after the event). 

However, Gurman has previously reported on Apple possibly releasing a USB-C AirPods Pro case alongside the iPhone 15. Elsewhere, expectations are being set for a hearing test-esque feature in the software, which will “play different tones and sounds” to help determine how well a person can hear. 

Should you really be waiting for the Apple Watch Series X?

We already know Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are getting announced at the event tomorrow. However, based on what’s coming in 2024, you may want to skip this minor upgrade.

According to Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch X is set to bring a huge redesign that changes everything about the wearable, and the secret sauce is magnets.

Apple has stuck rigidly to a mechanical system for attaching watch straps, and it’s been great for maintaining the reusability of old straps. But they have been awkward for the company to workaround, as they are taking up a lot of space.

That’s where the magnets will come in. According to these leaks, watch straps will attach magnetically, which enables Apple to both make the Watch X smaller, and stuff it with more battery/improving the internal components.

Let's talk pricing (it's not good news for your bank account)

It started with the iPhone 14 lineup getting an unexpected price bump in the UK and EU (thanks to inflation), but the US looks set to see the 15 lineage get its increase too.

Several rumors are pointing to the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max getting a $100 bump. The reasoning behind this seems to be two fold — reduced demand and the cost of expensive materials like titanium.

This means we can wave goodbye to the $999 Pro iPhone.

iPhone 15 battery life is set to get a whole lot better

We love the iPhone, but battery life is a common complaint across all our reviews. Apple is set to tackle this problem with a huge hardware upgrade in the iPhone 15!

According to Twitter user “RGcloudS,” the company is moving the new iPhones over to a stacked battery technology, which will not only increase the energy capacity, but make the battery keep performing at its best for a whole lot longer too. For context, here's the predicted capacities.

• iPhone 15: 3,877mAh (+15%)
• iPhone 15 Plus: 4,912mAh (+12%)
• iPhone 15 Pro: 3,650mAh (+12%)
• iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,852mAh (+11%)

That’s a big jump up, which is definitely needed. Each version of Apple’s own silicon may be getting some improvements in power efficiency, but there’s no avoiding the fact they get a little more power-hungry too.

Are we getting an iPad mini 7?

One wildcard device for tomorrow's event is the iPad mini 7. We've seen Mark Gurman of Bloomberg and trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicate that the smallest iPad won't get an update until early 2024, while ShrimpApplePro, another popular Apple leaker, hinted that the iPad mini 7 is due to be released later this year.

At this point we are leaning toward it not appearing tomorrow as the leaks have quieted down, while details regarding the rest of the devices known to be coming tomorrow have continued to spike. The fact that it sounds like a fairly iterative update with an upgrade to potentially the A17 Bionic chipset and a base storage bump means Apple could easily just quietly announce it in a press release in October rather than taking up time during the September event.

Either way, we'll know soon enough.

What is the 'periscope zoom' on the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

One of the major upgrades expected exclusively for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the addition of a "periscope zoom" lens. If you want a deep dive into the question then read our full coverage on what is a periscope zoom, but if you want the TL;DR version it is essentially is reflecting light through a prism set at 90-degrees in order to allow for multiple stacked lenses within the camera array that wouldn't otherwise fit in the body of a phone.

The end result is that we are anticipating the iPhone 15 Pro Max to offer a 6x optical zoom compared to 3x on the iPhone 15 Pro. Now whether you think that's important may be another matter. I've made my case for why you need a telephoto zoom on a phone before, but it's certainly a matter of personal preference and your actual mobile photography usage.

Regardless, I certainly hope this rumor is true, as I can't wait to do a telephoto face-off with the Android competition that isn't completely stacked in Samsung's favor.

iPhone's are going to have Qualcomm inside through 2026

What does the iPhone 15 have to do with Qualcomm? While Apple produces the Bionic A17 that we expect to see inside the iPhone 15, Qualcomm still makes the modem that gives your iPhone its cellular connection.

We weren't expecting a change for the iPhone 15, Apple indicated it was targeting 2024 to move to its own modem, but just today Qualcomm announced that it is locked in to produce 5G  chips for Apple's products through 2026, meaning the iPhone 18 would be the first to feature all-Apple chips.

The only connectivity feature we'll be curious to keep an eye on tomorrow is whether Apple has any improvements to its emergency satellite SOS with the news that Google may have a better rival feature coming soon.

This might be your last chance to buy an iPhone 13 mini

One iPhone 15 model you won't be seeing of course is a mini. Last year the iPhone 14 Plus replaced the mini in the lineup and after using it for a year one of our staunchest Android fans was won over by several features.

However, while the mini may not have gotten a new model, the iPhone 13 mini did get to stick around on the Apple Store at a new more affordable price, offering small phone fans a chance to snap up the mighty mite of a phone. Well with the iPhone 15 arriving the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are destined to hit the Apple Store discount bin and that will likely mean the end of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini availability. 

So if you've been holding out on that iPhone 13 mini purchase and just can't stand going with a 6+ inch phone then this might be your last chance.

iPhone 15 Pro or no?

The question of whether to go with the "Pro" iPhone model has become increasingly difficult in recent years with the vast majority of the upgrades going exclusively to the pricier models. The question of whether to go with the iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro will be no different and we recently took a thorough look at the widening inequality gap between the options with an eye to the iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro.

It increasingly feels like you are getting last year's phone if you don't opt for the Pro model. Now last year's iPhone is nothing to sneeze at, but when you are buying a brand-new phone it does feel like a bit of a bait and switch. The catch is that Apple doesn't continue to offer the previous year's Pro models, so your choice is to get the brand-new iPhone 15 or 15 Plus, which is a lesser version of last year's iPhone 14 Pro or you can save money by getting an iPhone 14 or 14 Plus, which is essentially a lesser iPhone 13 Pro. 

If you don't particularly care about having the best phone then by all means just find a good deal and go with that, but if you value the best phone experience possible, save up for a Pro model even if it means skipping another year. 

Apple Watch Series 9

We've already given you an overview of what to expect with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but for those who can't see spending $799+ on an Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 9 should offer some upgrades of its own.

While the overall design is expected to remain the rumored move to an A15 Bionic-based chipset should deliver both improved performance and efficiency. This would be the first upgrade to the chipset since the Apple Watch Series 6, so if you've sat out the last couple of generations this isn't a bad time to jump in. 

However, before you put that pre-order in you may want to take a look at some of the rumors regarding the Apple Watch Series X.

Late-breaking iPhone 15 Pro storage and RAM rumors

According to a new report from MacRumors, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max won't get the previously rumored upgrade from 128GB to 256GB of base storage. That bump was making the projected $200 price increase for this year feel slightly more palatable, so we'll keep our fingers crossed that MacRumors is wrong, but we wouldn't bet on it.

However, they aren't quite ready to dump water on another internal upgrade rumor as while their sources confirmed that Apple tested iPhone 15 Pro models with 6GB and 8GB of RAM, it was still unclear which made it into the final shipping product. While Apple gets by just fine from a performance standpoint without the kind of RAM we see in flagship Android phones, we are expecting OnePlus and others to deliver phones with 24GB of RAM this year, so 8GB on the top-end iPhone 15 models seems reasonable.

Apple doesn't reveal the RAM in the iPhones, so this one will have to wait for a teardown for the real answer.

What would entice you to go for the iPhone 15?

So if the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are getting most of the major upgrades, what may win over buyers to the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus?

If you are considering picking up the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus after the iPhone 15 announcement to save some money there are some reasons to consider going for the latest (if not greatest).

One reason would be the Dynamic Island, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus should be adopting the design element that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. We're still a bit disappointed in the Dynamic Island, but it's clear that it isn't going away and Apple will continue to add features and functionality to it, so you don't want to be left out of that.

Another reason is the upgraded primary camera. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus should be jumping to a 48MP sensor similar to what we saw in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max last year. We'll need to see if it really offers similar performance as that sensor, but it's a safe bet that it's going to be a solid upgrade from the 12MP sensor regardless.

Finally, while the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are only bumping up to the A16 Bionic and not the 3nm A17 Bionic, so we aren't looking at a big efficiency leap there, but rumors all point to a considerable boost in battery size this year that should add hours to their battery longevity with roughly a 3,877 mAh for iPhone 15, 4,912 mAh for Phone 15 Plus3,279 mAh for iPhone 14, 4,325 mAh for iPhone 14 Plus

• 3,877 mAh for iPhone 15 vs. 3,279 mAh for iPhone 14
• 4,912 mAh for Phone 15 Plus vs. 4,325 mAh for iPhone 14 Plus

Beware the eSIM future

If you didn't make the leap to the iPhone 14 last year then one new reality of the iPhone 15 lineup for you is that they are eSIM-only. Hopefully, things go better this time around, but after my recent eSIM disaster, I'm not so confident.

In my case, they accidentally swapped two phones on my account and then it took them hours to get it sorted out with multiple calls to the national support line as the individual stores have no capacity to resolve eSIM issues at a certain level.

I was hardly alone though, many experienced getting basically locked out of their phone line at least temporarily as their number got stuck in eSIM purgatory after switching it off their current phone, but not having it complete the transfer to the new phone.

When it goes off without a hitch eSIM is great, no worrying about a special tool to get the SIM tray out and no fumbling with the now tiny nanoSIM cards, but I miss the ease of swapping my phone with a SIM card and knowing without a doubt that it would work.

I'm not trying to scare you, chances are the eSIM swap will go fine, but maybe hold off on the swap until you can comfortably be without your phone for a few hours, just in case.

Happy Apple event day!

The big day is here, and just like usual, Apple is pulling out its own custom like animation on X (Twitter). Have a go on our own post just below!

Expect iOS 17 news alongside other Apple OS updates

Today's breaking news won't exclusively focus on Apple's latest iPhone hardware. With the iOS 17, iPadOS 17, MacOS Sonoma, and WatchOS 10 Betas in full-swing, we expect to hear more about when we can get out hands on the full update today!

Featuring Stand By mode, Personal Voice, interactive Widgets, Contact Posters, Live Voicemail and more, iOS 17 stands to be one of the better OS releases in years. 

Similarly MacOS Sonoma has been wowing testers for its impressive gaming potential thanks to the new Game Porting Toolkit, and iPadOS 17 will see a number of features make their way to Apple's slates such as offline Maps, felxable layouts, predictive text, and FaceTime video voicemail. No Stand By for iPad just yet, but Apple's tablet seems like a dead cert for it this time next year.

Apple's USB-C swap-out: Thunderbolt for Lightning?

Today looks set to be the day Apple lay the Lightning port to rest in favor of the more widely-adopted USB-C connection.

However, there could be more to the story as recent reports seem to show that the adoption of USB-C could see iPhone 15 Pro models receive a dramatic boost in wired charging to 35W and a huge increase in data transfer speeds thanks to Thunderbolt tech.

Rumors of Thunderbolt making its way to iPhone began circulating after a Retimer chip was seen as part of leaked images of the iPhone 15's USB-C port. Though some still believe this could some sort of Made For iPhone (MFi) verification point that limits the speeds and charge rates for non-Apple manufactured USB-C cables.

Time will tell which way Apple swings on this one...

Hit the ground running in iOS 17 with these guides!

If Apple mimic last year's iPhone release schedule, then we could be less than a week away from a full iOS 17 release!

Want to hit the ground running with Apple's latest platform update? Check out our selection of handy how-to guides on getting to grips with iOS 17's latest and greatest features!

• How to make a Contact Poster in iOS 17
• How to use ‘Live Voicemail’ in iOS 17
• How to use Visual Look Up in iOS 17
• How to set up and use Standby mode in iOS 17
• How to set up and use Personal Voice in iOS 17
• How to use Check In on iOS 17

Will 3D printing come to more than just Apple Watch Ultra 2?

Rumors are rife that Apple Watch Ultra 2 is going to be the first product to adopt the company's new 3D printing method.  The benefits are that manufacturing costs go down as the Cupertino chums have a far tighter control over creating tiny titanium parts for the device.

Not only that, but it could very well reduce the weight of the watch too — something that was a common issue with the original Apple Watch Ultra. But let's think big for a second. If this is successful, imagine just how this process could help trim the iPhone's weight, and even go bigger!

It's no stretch of the imagination to say it could be a very real prospect.

Apple's online store is offline... Gee! I wonder why?

As is customary, with hours left until Apple's September event, the online store is down. You can expect it back a few minutes after the event ends — stuffed full of info about the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and (maybe) the new iPad mini.

Could the iPhone 15 Pro Max be Apple's LAST!?

Now hold up. I'm getting a little dramatic. Apple is not going to retire the big screen Pro iPhone. Instead, the company is probably going to change the name from "Pro Max" to "Ultra."

As reported by Rael Hornby, we've seen a ton of reports that the iPhone 16 will come with a branding change to the Ultra, as to further differentiate the phones and possibly get more consumers interested in trading up!

But this year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max could be the last of its namesake, but it’s retiring with a bang and not a whimper.

Not only will the device make the switch to a titanium frame, it will likely be outfitted by Apple’s 3nm A17 Bionic processor, feature an upgraded telephoto (Periscope) lens and LiDAR sensor, a new U2 ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, USB-C connectivity is 35W of charging and Thunderbolt data transfer speeds, an all-new Action Button in lieu of the tradition mute switch, and LIPO manufactured ultra-slim bezels.

Bad news! There may not be a new iPad this year...

We were hearing rumblings on the run up to today's event that we may be seeing a new iPad Mini. But Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has doused those fires with a report that claims we are "unlikely" to see a new iPad introduced before the end of the year.

Not only that, but Kuo has also claimed that we won't see M3 MacBooks in 2023 too! This may be Apple's only big announcement of the fall, so savour it.

StandBy Mode is easily my favorite iOS 17 feature — so much so it's kind of frustrating

iOS 17 brings a ton of new features to the iPhone, and we're set to hear about them all at today's Apple event! But my favorite one by far is StandBy Mode.

It's weird because this is one of the more gimmicky additions — a nightstand-esque experience that turns your landscape iPhone on a MagSafe charger into a full screen presentation of widgets, photos and the clock.

But it has fundamentally changed the way I use my iPhone. Read more to find out why.

This leaker needs to be stopped!

Just hours away from the Apple event, we're getting a ridiculous amount of information from @leaks_legit on X — confirming such bombshells as the iPhone 15 being able to make calls, send text messages and take pictures with a camera.

Seriously, this person needs to be stopped or else I'm going to have nothing to report on! Eat your heart out, Mark Gurman!

ICYMI — the exact dimensions and weight of iPhone 15 lineup were leaked!

We’ve heard a lot about the new titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro, but whether this would actually make the phone lighter has been a question on everybody’s lips. Now, we have an answer.

MacRumors has obtained dimensions of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max — all of which lines up with what Mark Gurman recently said about the phones. Namely, don’t expect any drastic changes on the 15, but the Pro and Pro Max have had a glow up.

USB-C ya soon, Tim!

Why Tim didn't bother to use the very obvious wordplay here is beyond me! But we are T-Minus 2 hours away from the big event!

Let's talk cameras

One of the key things that everybody loves about an iPhone is its camera system. Ever since the iPhone 4, it’s become a point of focus for Apple’s big announcements.

The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro look set to take another impressive leap forward in photography and videography. Here is what we expect to see at the big September keynote.

These upcoming camera upgrades look mighty interesting. The sensor upgrade in the standard iPhone may be the cherry on top of what seems to be a sundae of minor upgrades. But it’s the Pro Max that seems to be getting all the special treatment this year.

T-Minus one hour until the main event!

We are just 60 minutes away from the Wonderlust event, where we will hear all about the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the Apple Watch Series 9!

Stick around for all the latest news and in-depth coverage from Laptop Mag (and the occasional meme).

Last minute iPhone 15 Pro rumors

We're just 45 minutes away from the Apple event kicking off, so let's run through the last minute rumors and leaks about the main attraction — the iPhone 15 Pro.

• iPhone 15 Pro leak shows its lost a lot of weight — here's why (report)
• A new Bloomberg report reaffirms multiple rumors regarding the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, including colors and feature updates.
• Apple's September event is official with invites confirming Sept. 12 date
• The technical specs of the A17 Bionic in iPhone 15 Pro have been leaked.
• iPhone 15 Pro looks set to support Thunderbolt charging and data speeds, but you will have to pay for an additional cable.
• The iPhone 15 Pro models will reportedly get a new storage capacity: 2TB
• In-the-know journalist claims release date leak suggests there will be no delays to the iPhone lineup this year.
• New renders showcase how much slimmer the bezels are on the iPhone 15 Pro models compared to the iPhone 14 Pro models.
• The iPhone 15 Pro OLED displays have gone into production at Samsung and LG per The Elec's supply chain sources
• The iPhone 15 battery is set to get a whole lot better, as Apple is moving to stacking battery layers — greatly expanding the capacity.
• iPhone 15 Pro charging speed will improve, iPhone still won't charge as quickly as many Android phones.
• The iPhone 15 Pro Max is getting a camera layout change, but it won't look much different from its predecessor.

Last minute Apple Watch Ultra 2 rumors

News around a brand new Apple Watch Ultra has been swirling faster and faster, and it's reached a boiling point just 30 minutes before the Wonderlust event.

We loved the first generation, and we can't wait for number 2 — here's what to expect.

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 may add a second color option
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 could use 3D-printed parts to reduce cost

Last minute Apple Watch Series 9 rumors

The Apple Watch Series 9 looks set to be announced in just 15 minutes time! Here are all the last minute rumors... Wait were you expecting a list? Turns out the rumor mill has been largely quiet because nobody is expecting any big developments beyond the S9 chip.

Which begs one simple question. Is Apple Watch Series X the one you should really be waiting for?

Take your seats! The show is about to start...

The Steve Jobs Theater is packed out and the countdown has begun. Settle in!

Showtime!

Tim Cook is here and after confirming Apple Vision Pro is on track to launch early next year, we're kicking off with the Apple Watch!

Meet Apple Watch Series 9!

The design remains the same, but the internals have been upgraded with a beasty S9 chip that offers up to a 2x increase in speed. Not only that, but the built-in neural engine is now able to run Siri requests entirely on the device!

Precision finding and a 2,000-nit screen on Apple Watch Series 9

Two big additions coming to the Apple Watch Series 9 are out in the wild! Thanks to a 2nd generation ultra wide band chip, you can use precision finding entirely on your watch to find your iPhone.

On top of that, the display is incredibly versatile — going from 2,000 nits in bright environments to just 1 nit.

Double Tap revolutionizes single-handed Apple Watch usage

Double Tap is a brand new feature coming to the Apple Watch Series 9! Rather than needing to use your free hand to interact with it, the S9 chip is able to detect finite changes in your blood pressure to detect when you double tap your thumb and index finger together.

This means you can take calls, silence alarms and perform a whole lot of interactions while keeping your hands free.

Well this took an interesting turn...

The Apple event is getting meta, as we're now seeing some sort of SNL-esque skit talking all about the company's environmental bragging points. Octavia Spencer seems impressed!

Introducing Apple 2030 — Cupertino cuts down big

Apple's carbon emission-reducing program has an official name: Apple 2030. Watch Series 9 is the first product from the company to benefit from being completely Carbon neutral.

How exactly did the team do this? It starts with 100% recycled materials inside Apple Watch Series 9, including 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. The Sport band has been reworked to use 82% recycled yarn.

On top of that, Apple is matching any predicted costs you pay for charging your Apple Watch with an equal amount of investment into emission reducing programs across the world.

Apple is replacing leather with FineWoven

This is the new material that Apple will use from today to replace any use of leather. Made using 60% PCR materials, it is a far more environmentally friendly choice of fabric.

Here's everything you need to know about Apple Watch Series 9

Time to go Ultra! Apple Watch Ultra 2 is here

Don't blink! Apple is running through these announcements fast, as we hit the Watch Ultra 2.

Using the same S9 SiP chipset, we'll see the same performance as Watch Series 9. On top of that, the display stack has been updated to support up to 3,000 nits total brightness. Stand by for pricing...

Full Apple Watch Ultra 2 specs here

Apple Watch lineup pricing remains the same!

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in at $799 (no second color though - boo!)
• Apple Watch Series 9 from $399
• Apple Watch SE 2 from $249

GO TIME! iPhone 15 is up to bat

As expected, the standard iPhone 15 is also taking a trip to the Dynamic Island! We'll update these further as we see them. The glass itself is color infused, meaning the camera bump is not a separate piece of glass. It is all one single piece.

Snap happy — 48MP main camera comes to the iPhone 15

The leaks were true! The iPhone 14 Pro's 48MP shooter is coming to the standard iPhone 15. We're looking at a 26mm focal length with f/1.6 aperture. With 2x Pixel Binning, you get a 24MP resolution photo.

Next generation portraits?

Portrait mode has been given a few small but significant upgrades! Firstly, it will now work on pets (fellow dog lovers, rejoice). Second, iPhone will now recognize if a person is in the scene, and react by automatically by activating portrait mode. Third, you can adjust focus and depth control after the photo has been taken.

Another leak is proven right... A16 Bionic comes to iPhone 15

This will enable a lot of the computational photography, and the many machine learning-driven features like clearer calls!

Can't call AAA? Roadside assistance with Satellite comes to iPhone 15

Beyond Satellite assistance for SOS, you can now call a tow truck or engineer.

Ding dong! Lightning's dead!

It's the announcement you (and the EU) have been waiting for. Apple's just confirmed that the iPhone 15 is making the jump over to USB-C!

And that's the iPhone 15...

No real surprises — all the leaks were correct! Pricing remains the same:

• $799 for iPhone 15
• $899 for iPhone 15 Plus

Time to go Pro with the Grade-5 titanium iPhone 15 Pro!

Man this is a good looking phone! The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has a sand blasted titanium finish around the edges and ultra-thin bezels. Not only that, but repairability has been improved too thanks to a new internal structure.

The Action Button is here!

As predicted, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are packing a new Action Button. On top of that, you can customize it with certain context-aware actions.

Bye Bionic! A17 Pro is here

Apple's announced its brand new 3 nanometer chipset for iPhone 15 Pro, and it comes with a new name. The Bionic has been dropped, and its replaced with A17 Pro!

With a six-core CPU, six-core GPU, revamped neural engine and a USB 3 controller for 10Gbps data transfer speeds, you're looking at an up to 20% improvement in performance across the board.

Hardware-based ray tracing comes to iPhone 15 Pro

RESIDENT EVIL VILLAGE AND 4 REMAKE COME TO IPHONE!?!

Ok, Apple. I'll give you that. This is a surprise. Thanks to A17 Pro, RE Village and 4 Remake is coming to iPhone 15 Pro later this year!

Peri...wait what? Tetraprism!?

This is a periscope lens — don't get it twisted. But the iPhone 15 Pro Max now sports a 120mm zoom, thanks to the new tetraprism telephoto lens.

Spatial video comes to iPhone 15 Pro

Take that, those who thought this feature was just coming to iPhone 16. The slightly altered lens layout is allowing users to capture 3D video content to be enjoyed on the Apple Vision Pro.

iPhone 15 Pro keeps the same pricing as 14 Pro...Sort of

Take that, doubters! The standard iPhone 15 Pro keeps that $999 price tag. But what's that? The Pro Max has made a jump by $100 to starting at $1,199.

Pre-orders start this Friday, and the phones will launch on September 22.

Annnd that's a wrap!

But we're not done! Keep an eye on this live blog for all of our post-event coverage coming up real soon...

Welcome to the post-show

Did you enjoy it? We certainly did! We've been busy working on all the post-event coverage you could possibly want.

And while you're here, why not tell us what peaked your interest the most by voting in our poll just below.

Post-show coverage

• iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?
• iPhone 15: 3 biggest upgrades
• iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro: Inequality keeps widening over the years
• iPhone 15 Pro Max price is $100 more — here's why
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Is it worth the upgrade?
• iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Bigger, but not better

Here are the best deals for Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max — phones that bring impressive features like increased battery capacity, a 120Hz display, new camera technology and the A17 Pro chipset, which has all been crammed into a fresh new design.

• Order the iPhone 15 Pro from Apple right now

Combine that with a new tetraprism lens on iPhone 15 Pro Max, all of the new goodies in iOS 17, an always-on display thanks to LTPO 2.0 tech, and a titanium frame, this is the bleeding edge of Apple innovation.

Best iPhone 15 Pro deal — Editor's Pick

The iPhone 15 Pro has just been announced, and we expect deals to be announced real soon. Keep this page bookmark

Best iPhone 15 Pro Max deal — Editor's Pick

iPhone 15 Pro contract and SIM-free deals

iPhone 15 Pro Max contract and SIM-free deals

The biggest sibling of the iPhone 15 family, the Pro Max, is almost available to pre-order! Check in here for the best deals

iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max accessories

If you're going all-in on the prosumer-tier iPhone models, you might as well take the plunge and pick up some 2nd Gen AirPods Pro and an Apple Watch Ultra, too. No phone purchase should end at just the phone itself.

It’s the day of Apple’s Wonderlust event and the latest iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to dominate the headlines with reveals of pricing, specifications, and release dates. However, this year could be the last time Apple’s top-tier device, the iPhone Pro Max, is part of that deluge of news — at least in name. 

Will Apple retire the Pro Max name?

Apple has a bit of a messy naming structure at the minute with its indecision to pick and stick with either the Pro Max or Ultra nomenclature on its high-end devices and components.

Want the top-tier Apple Watch device? Then you want the Apple Watch Ultra. Want the primo iPhone experience? Then you want the iPhone 15 Pro Max. And, if that wasn’t confusing enough, along comes Apple Silicon with both Max AND Ultra variants of its M1 and M2 processors.

It’s time to clean house on these messy tech tiers, and the iPhone Pro Max name could be first on the chopping block when the iPhone 16 releases in 2024. Bloomberg’s scribe of all things Apple, Mark Gurman, has previously reported that Apple has considered bringing the Ultra branding to its flagship smartphone — especially as the feature set between the Pro and Pro Max models begins to expand.

However, Gurman has seemingly confirmed that Apple intends to stick with the Pro Max title for this year after a recent spate of rumors pointing to a last-minute adoption of the Ultra moniker. As such, it’s business as usual from the Cupertino crew today, though next year's lineup could look a little different with a potential 16th-gen showcase featuring the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and newly branded iPhone 16 Ultra.

Outlook

This year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max could be the last of its namesake, but it’s retiring with a bang and not a whimper.

Not only will the device make the switch to a titanium frame, it will likely be outfitted by Apple’s 3nm A17 Bionic processor, feature an upgraded telephoto (Periscope) lens and LiDAR sensor, a new U2 ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, USB-C connectivity is 35W of charging and Thunderbolt data transfer speeds, an all-new Action Button in lieu of the tradition mute switch, and LIPO manufactured ultra-slim bezels.

Talk about leaving on a high note! Take a bow Pro Max, your watch is over. 

For breaking news and updates on all things Apple and iPhone as it arrives, follow along with our Apple September event live blog or catch Laptop Mag on Twitter, Facebook, and Flipboard for the latest word as it arrives.  

The Apple September 2023 event is almost here. The annual event is happening on September 12 this year and we’ve got the details on how to watch along live.

The event should see the launch of the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max as Apple attempts to dominate the smartphone market. On the wearables side, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 should arrive. The wildcard hardware for the event is the iPad mini 7, so tablet fans may have something to cheer about too.

The event will be broadcast live from Apple Park, so if you want to see it live with us then keep reading for how to watch and when everything kicks off. If you can’t watch along for any reason we’ll be bringing you the latest as it happens with our live blog and full coverage on each new product.

How to watch the Apple September event 2023: Wonderlust 

Apple’s September 2023 event will kick off live from Apple Park in Cupertino on September 12 starting at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT, 6 p.m. BST). 

The easiest way for most people to watch the event will be via Apple’s YouTube channel and they have helpfully already created the placeholder link, so you can even let YouTube remind you when it goes live or just return to this page to watch the video.

If you aren’t a YouTube fan then you can either tune in on any Apple device via the TV app or Apple typically provides a dedicated link to the event stream at the top of the Apple Store. 

What’s coming at the Apple September event 2023: Wonderlust? 

While the flood of leaks has given us a pretty clear picture of what to expect at the event, Apple doesn’t give any indication as to what’s coming, and while the event invite sometimes offers clues, the Wonderlust image isn’t particularly helpful. C’mon Apple, Google just pre-announced everything coming on October 4, doesn’t that sound like fun?

Regardless we can be pretty sure about what’s coming, so here’s a quick rundown of the devices to expect.

iPhone 15

The iPhone 15 is the main event with a new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max (or is it Ultra?) all expected. The big news for all four models is the rumored move to USB-C from Lightning. While it’s sure to garner lots of wailing and gnashing of teeth, it will have been 11 years to the day since Apple switched from the 30-pin to Lightning on the iPhone 5.    

As for specific updates for each model, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will mirror the design of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus almost exactly with one major exception: the Dynamic Island. While we are still waiting to see the usability of the Dynamic Island take off, most will be happy to wave goodbye to the notch. The base models are getting a significant primary camera upgrade with the move to a 48MP sensor, perhaps the same one used in the iPhone 14 Pro last year. Last, but not least, the non-Pro models will get the A16 chip from last year’s Pro models.

Moving on to the 15 Pro and Pro Max, there are some exclusive updates for the latter, but let’s look at the uniform upgrades first. Apple is introducing LIPO (low-injection pressure overmolding) displays to the iPhone for the first time, which will allow for much slimmer bezels, giving the Pro models a superior screen-to-body ratio. Both Pro models will also adopt a titanium chassis, which should reduce the weight of both phones while maintaining the same or better durability. 

The A17 Bionic should be powering the Pros and this isn’t one of those incremental bumps, this is the big move to a 3nm chip that we’ve been waiting for. This should not only deliver a solid performance bump, but more crucially it should offer improved efficiency, solving the battery life complaints that we had with most of the iPhone 14 models last year. The Pro phones are also ditching the mute switch in exchange for an “Action Button” that can handle user-customizable functions.

Finally, let’s take a quick look at the camera upgrades coming to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The most notable is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which is the introduction of the first periscope zoom lens on an iPhone. This should take the 15 Pro Max’s optical zoom to 6x, up from 3x on the previous Pro Models (and still on the 15 Pro). There is some conflict on whether the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will both get an upgraded 48MP ultra-wide sensor as well to match the primary sensor, which in turn may be moving to a larger 1/1.14-inch sensor that could push its low-light capabilities even further. If all of these upgrades are real, the iPhone 15 Pro Max could finally reclaim the title of best phone for photography to go with its seemingly unstoppable run as the best phone for video.

While the upgrades to the 15, 15 Plus, and 15 Pro aren’t bad, if you’ve ever had the slightest thought of purchasing a Pro Max, this looks like one of the best years to take that leap.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 

For wearable fans, we are expecting the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. There are no visual updates expected for either model, with the same sizes and designs as last year. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 may offer a new black option to go with the original stainless steel.

The big upgrades are coming inside the watches with performance and sensor upgrades designed to improve the overall experience. Some of this will be the result of the first upgrade to the Apple Watch chipset since the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. A rumored new heart rate sensor should improve the overall accuracy of the heath data, which has become the core of Apple Watch.

AirPods Pro

Don’t get too excited, while it’s rumored that we’ll get an AirPods refresh at the September event, it may just be moving the AirPods Pro case to USB-C. None of the leaks have suggested any additional hardware upgrades. The AirPods and AirPods Max will reportedly get a similar update early next year. 

iPad mini 7

It seems less likely that we’ll get the iPad mini 7 at the September event as the event draws near and we aren’t seeing a significant influx of rumors regarding the tablet. However, we’re not giving up hope yet, so here’s a quick look at what we expect for Apple’s tiny tablet.

We aren’t anticipating any major design changes for this generation, with the possible exception of some new colors. As for spec upgrades, the biggest move could be a jump to A17 Bionic from A15 on the iPad mini 6. Just as we covered on the iPhone 15 Pro models, this 3nm chip should not only offer a fairly significant performance enhancement but also superior battery life due to the efficiency improvements.

The big lingering question is whether the iPad mini 7 will also get an upgraded display, a 120Hz Pro Motion doesn’t appear to be in the cards, but something to correct the jelly scrolling effect that frustrated some users on the mini 6.

Our resident iPad mini fan recently wrote up his hopes and dreams for iPad mini 7, which includes a somewhat more rational price for the diminutive tablet down to at least a $399 starting price. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for iPad mini 7 fans, but be prepared to possibly wait until early next year. 

Apple’s Wonderlust event is now a matter of days from kicking off and excitement for a fresh lineup of iPhone devices is reaching a fever pitch. It’s not just the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro people are talking about either.

Expected to be unveiled this coming Tuesday is also the Apple Watch Series 9 and a revised Apple Watch Ultra 2. Toss in some freshening up of the AirPods and an outside chance at seeing the iPad Mini 7 for the first time and you can understand why Apple is one of the few companies capable of drumming up this kind of fervor in the tech world. 

While we have a fair idea of what to expect, thanks to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, we also have a sneak peek at what this new lineup of devices might be touting. Based on previous reports and Bloomberg sources familiar with Apple’s plans here are some key details about the upcoming iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple’s AirPods.

iPhone 15

Ever since its unveiling in Jan. 2007, the iPhone has been the must-have smartphone for many, staying fresh, cool, and cutting edge — and it’s practically stayed there in the eyes of its adopters ever since.

Flash forward to 2023, and Apple is on the verge of unveiling the iPhone 15 line-up across four models: the base iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max/Ultra. According to the report, here’s what we can expect of each:

iPhone 15, 15 Plus features

• 6.1-inch, 6.7-inch displays
• Aluminum frame, frosted glass back
• Includes dynamic island
• A16 Bionic processor (4nm)
• 48MP main camera (up from the iPhone 14’s 12MP sensor)
• Improved telephoto and ultrawide sensors
• “U2” ultrawide-band chip
• USB-C connection
• Pink, Black, Blue, Yellow, and White color options

iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max / Ultra features

• “Ever so slightly larger” displays than the iPhone 14 Pros (6.1-inch, 6.7-inch)
• Brushed titanium frame, frosted glass back
• Bezel size reduced by 1/3 w/ low-injection pressure overmolding
• A17 Bionic processor (3nm)
• 6x optical zoom Periscope lens (Pro Max / Ultra exclusive)
• “U2” ultrawide-band chip
• USB-C connection (with improved transfer speeds)
• Grey, Black, Dark Blue, White color options
• Mute switch replaced by “Action Button”

Apple Watch

Next year looks set to be a huge year for the Apple Watch. Celebrating its 10th Generation, the Apple Watch X could be the overhaul many have been longing for. But let’s not write off this year’s entrants so early, there’s still plenty to write home about.

Not only will Apple’s Wanderlust event see the unveiling of the Apple Watch Series 9, but also a refresh Apple Watch Ultra 2. Looking at both devices, you’d be forgiven for thinking not much has changed.

However, with a refresh of the internals (including a new S9 processor), a change-up in production methods, and watchOS 10 just around the corner Apple’s smartwatches are likely to feel a lot more different than the eye would have you believe. Here’s what sources claim we can expect to see from the duo: 

Apple Watch Series 9 features

• 41-millimeter, 45-millimeter sizes
• Design parity with the Apple Watch Series 8
• Stainless steel 3D printed components
• S9 processor
• “U2” ultrawide-band chip
• Faster, more accurate health sensors
• New optical heart rate sensor

Apple Watch Ultra 2 features

• 49-millimeter size
• Design parity with the Apple Watch Ultra
• Titanium 3D printed components to follow in 2024
• S9 processor
• “U2” ultrawide-band chip
• New “Dark Titanium” color
• Faster, more accurate health sensors
• New optical heart rate sensor

AirPods

According to Gurman, the iPhone’s switch to USB-C will result in Apple working hard and fast to bring the new connection to all of its other devices and accessories. Among the first will be the AirPods Pro. Shortly followed by the AirPods and AirPods Max early next year.

Major hardware changes aren’t expected to feature for Apple’s AirPods — though a software update will showcase “improved automatic device switching, the ability to mute and unmute from the AirPods themselves, and a new feature called Conversation Awareness.”

Conversation Awareness will recognize when others talk, audio ducking any media to allow AirPod wearers to hear what’s being said. Those still struggling to hear will even be able to engage with the AirPod’s new hearing-test system — a health and fitness-focused feature that will debut alongside a body temperature sensor for the earbuds also.

Outlook

Apple's Wanderlust event kicks off on Tuesday Sept. 12, 2023 unveiling new iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPod lineups. To catch every detail make sure to check out the pre-recorded keynote when it goes live via the Apple Events website and Apple’s YouTube channel at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET, and 6 p.m. BST for those in the U.K.

For news, rumors, and updates on all things iPhone and Apple related, follow Laptop Mag on Twitter, Facebook, and Flipboard for the latest word as it arrives.

Apple’s AR Glasses are a bit elusive at the moment. If you’re unfamiliar with the product, the AR Glasses are meant to replace traditional glasses as a smart wearable, allowing you to view map directions, your calendar, and more through the lenses rather than on your smartphone. If it’s successfully produced, Apple AR Glass could be a groundbreaking advancement for smartglasses.

We initially thought Apple may officially announce them at a 2020 Apple Event, but to date, we still only have Apple Glass rumors to go on. Things were quiet until earlier this year when a reliable Apple analyst suggested a potential release date of 2026 or 2027. 

Fast forward to the present, where we’re now checking out a newly granted patent from Apple that shows Digital Crown controls for Apple’s potential AR Glasses—controls that resemble those on the Apple Watch. Let’s dive into what exactly the patent says, and what it suggests about the future of Apple Glass.  

What this patent suggests about Apple Glasses

Any new patent we see from Apple, whether it’s just been filed or granted, indicates that Apple has thoughts about a product or feature. There’s no guarantee a product or feature shown in a patent will ever be released, but it tells the public that Apple is fleshing out ideas in an attempt to potentially bring a product or feature to life. 

This recently granted patent touches on a wide range of potential control methods for Apple’s head-mounted devices. A few of the patent illustrations, Figures 8A and 8B, clearly resemble Apple Glasses and the patent text refers to them as “smart glasses.” 

The patent reads “FIG. 8A shows a side view of an operation of an HMD [head-mounted device]. Again, as used herein, the term HMD can include smart glasses.” In Figure 8A, the 850 label points to the smart glasses, while 860 points to the frame and 854 points to the user interface.

Apple's patent goes on to state that 820 labels an input device that "can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the input devices of... 220." In the patent PDF, 220 labels the Digital Crown input device on an Apple Watch. So controlling the future Apple Glass could feel very similar to controlling the familiar Apple Watch.

The company also borrowed this Digital Crown button design from the Apple Watch for its newly announced Vision Pro headset, so it seems highly plausible that the technology could transfer over to Apple Glasses as well.

Figure 8B is an extension of 8A, detailing what the user interface on smart glasses might look like. 803 labels the user interface as a whole, while 805 points to app icons resembling those you'd see on your smartphone or smartwatch.

The patent states "input by a user's finger 824 at the input device 820 can cause the applications to move or change," and that input could be "a swipe, a rotation, a tilt, or combinations thereof," similar to the Apple Watch. Unique to Apple's potential smartglasses would be a second input that could come from a gaze-tracking camera (858) detecting when a user looks at a specific icon (813).

As always, patents filed by Apple or even granted patents don’t indicate a product or feature is going to come to fruition, but we’re hopeful this news means Apple’s still working on its AR Glasses. Check out all the most recent Apple Glass rumors to get up to speed. 

Extended Apple Labor Day sales continue to slash prices on the brand's popular gadgets. We're days from Apple's September event and we're seeing the lowest prices of the year on select MacBooks, iPads, iPhones. 

For example, you can still get the MacBook Air M1 for $749 at Amazon and several other retailers. If you want to spend the least amount possible on a new MacBook, this is the one to buy. Despite being replaced by the MacBook Air with M2 Chip — also on sale for $929 ($170 off) at B&H, the M1-charged MacBook Air is still one of the best laptops to buy. If you prefer a larger display to work on, you can get the latest 15-inch MacBook Air M2 for an all-time low price of $1,099 at Amazon. 

Adding fuel to ongoing iPad mini 7 rumors, the iPad mini 6 is heavily discounted. For a limited time, you can get yourself an iPad mini 6 for $399 ($100 off) at Amazon. In our iPad mini 6 review, we gave it a solid 4 out of 5-stars and our Editor's Choice award. The tablet's compact size, speedy performance, bright display, and battery life were some of the things we love about it. If you were hoping for a price break on the iPad mini 6 or want a tablet you can take everywhere, the iPad mini 6 is a wise choice. 

These are just a few examples of the best Apple Labor Day sales you can still snag this week. From MacBooks to charging accessories, see the best Apple Labor Day deals still available. 

Apple Labor Day deals still available

Quick links

• Amazon: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals
• Best Buy: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals
• B&H: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals
• Target: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals 
• Walmart: see today's best post-Labor Day Apple deals 

MacBook

iPad

Mac mini & iMac

AirPods

Apple Watch

iPhone

Apple accessories

The iPhone 15 may be the headliner at the Apple September event, but there’s still plenty of excitement surrounding the Apple Watch Series 9 debut. While there will certainly be upgrades to this year’s wearable over last year’s, we’re more fascinated by a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that indicates Apple will start using 3D printing processes with some Apple Watch Series 9 models. 

This builds on a rumor from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last month explaining how Apple may use 3D printing technology to create tiny titanium pieces on the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The company is starting small with 3D printing, but eventually, these processes could be enhanced for Apple’s larger devices, like smartphones or tablets. 

What’s the big deal with 3D printing Apple Watch parts?

The two big benefits of Apple using 3D printers for wearable parts include eliminating unnecessary waste and reducing overall costs and production speed. Typically, components are cut from a large slab of metal, and there ends up being a lot of excess material after parts are cut out. This wastes material and money, whereas 3D printing creates the perfect amount of what you need and decreases the environmental impact. 

Gurman explains that Apple is using a process known as binder jetting to create the Apple Watch Series 9 chassis. Binder jetting starts with a powdered substance, goes through a process known as sintering that “uses heat and pressure to squeeze the material into what feels like traditional steel,” and ends with a milling process to smooth out the final shape.  

Right now, the company is just playing around with 3D printing the chassis for stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 models, which 9to5Mac says “make up a minority of the watch hardware.” Because there’s less demand for these steel models, there’s less risk if anything goes wrong with mass 3D printing this vital component for the Apple Watch Series 9. 

There's going to be quite a bit to cover at the Apple September event, so it'll be no surprise if we don't hear directly from Apple about 3D-printed components of the Watch Series 9. In the meantime, be sure to check out everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 9 so far to see if you should pick one up when it's available. 

The Apple Watch Series 8 is cheaper than ever at Amazon for Labor Day. In what seems to be a Prime Day October preview, Amazon dropped the Apple Watch to its best price yet. This deal arrives just days before the next Apple Event which could put Apple Watch Series 9 rumors to rest.

Right now, you can get the Apple Watch Series 8 for $309. It usually fetches $399, so that's $90 in savings — the Apple Watch Series 8's biggest discount yet. This is one of the best Labor Day deals you can sang right now. 

Apple's Watch Series 8 features GPS and an always-On Retina LTPO 396 x 484-pixel OLED display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness. It has a new temperature sensor, Crash Detection, and emergency SOS. Plus, it's more durable than ever before. Waterproof to 50 meters, it's also crack-resistant and IP6X dust resistant. 

In our Apple Watch Series 8 review, we loved its gorgeous display, excellent UI and new stylish colors. We were also impressed by the smartwatch's addition of menstrual and ovulation tracking. The Apple Watch 8 is the Editor's Choice smartwatch with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Size-wise, the Apple Watch Series 8 is identical to the Watch Series 7. The 41mm aluminum case model measures 1.6 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches and weighs 1.14 ounces. Just like the Watch Series 7, the Apple Watch Series 8 includes heart rate tracking, blood-oxygen level tracking, and an ECG app. New to the Watch Series 8 are two temperature sensors for improved sleep tracking and cycle tracking.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a solid choice if you're in the market for a wearable. 

Have you ever been witness to the sleekness of an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch and thought it looked too professional? Would you rather have something that brings you back to those childhood watches that used bold bright colors with goofy cartoon characters on them? 

Well, according to a new Nothing leak from Tech & Leaks Zone on Telegram, you might not get the cartoon character, but its rumored watch design wonderfully sends me back to the days of browsing Brooklyn's Toys R Us. But rather than cheaply made toys to mess around with for a day before getting bored, why not an actually useful smartwatch made with high quality material, yet still boasting such a nostalgic design?

Nothing's CMF Smartwatch shows that tech can be fun

Comparing Nothing's leaked CMF smartwatch to a children's toy is not a criticism. The industry of technology takes itself far too serious and focuses on simple, slick designs that utilize grayscale color patterns. Nothing has already been getting weird with its intricate, see-through smartphones with LED lighting, so it's cool to see the company go a different direction with its smartwatches.

Beyond just design, Tech & Leaks Zone has further details regarding specifications. With a 1.96-inch AMOLED display, a peak brightness of 600 nits, a watch case made of aluminum alloy, an always-on display and a 50Hz refresh rate. It features monitors for heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep tracking, stress, breathing and more.

It's also IP68 dust and water resistant. The first number means it's highly protective against dust—or dust tight—while the second number means it can survive in water for a long period of continuous immersion. It also has built-in GPS and a 330mAh battery. The leak suggests that the watch is launching as soon as next month on September 26 at $55.

The Apple September 2023 event is official with Apple sending out the invites to the annual event this morning. While everyone loves to mine the invites for hints as to what is coming at the event, the single word "wonderlust" and the Apple logo that appears to have been snapped by Thanos aren't giving any massive clues this time around.

Here's a quick rundown of when it is taking place and what we expect to see there.

When is Apple's September 2023 event

We'll take a brief victory lap on this one as the Apple September 2023 event is on September 12, which aligns perfectly with our prediction.

As per the new norm, the event will be live-streamed from Apple Park starting at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. Eastern). 

Apple hasn't offered details on how to stream it just yet, but safe bet it will be available on YouTube and Apple.com, we'll bring you those details as soon as they are available.

What will be announced at the Apple September 2023 event?

For a deeper dive on everything we expect you can take a look at our Apple September 2023 event rumor hub, but here's the TL;DR version.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models are sure to be the star of the show. No major design revamp this year, but rumored updates include substantial upgrades to the cameras, new 3nm chips for the Pro models, the introduction of the Dynamic Island to the standard iPhone 15 models, and battery life improvements across the entire lineup.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 should also debut at the event with a new processor for the first time in years for the Series 9 and some design tweaks to the Ultra 2 that may make it slimmer and lighter than the original while retaining its endless battery life and rugged durability.

We would be willing to mark all of those announcements on our Apple September event bingo cards right now, but there's one other product that may arrive as well. An iPad mini 7 could debut two years after the iPad mini 6, just don't count on any major changes, our biggest wish is for at least a slight price drop from the $499 starting price.

With just a couple of weeks to go we are excited to finally see Apple's new lineup arrive, so stick with us for all of the latest rumors as the final days tick down and of course, we'll bring you live coverage of the event and full reviews in the following weeks.

Apple has filed patents for its devices in the past that never make it to fruition, but we’re hoping to see this color-changing patent for upcoming Apple Watches come to life. Put simply, the patent describes how you’d be able to point your Apple Watch at anything — a band or your outfit — and see it magically the item’s color. 

This Apple Watch patent was originally filed in July 2021, and just granted a few days ago on August 22, 2023. Right now, you can customize your Apple Watch by choosing a different watch face, but it takes time and a bit of storage space. With this patent, the process of customizing your watch face for the day would be easier and more personalized. 

If you haven’t purchased an Apple Watch yet, check out our Apple Watch Series 8 review.

The technology behind auto-changing colors on the Apple Watch

Personalizing your Apple Watch by swapping out your band is a great choice. It’s easy to change an Apple Watch band, and there are so many options to choose from. Buying multiple bands can quickly add up, which is why people turn to changing up their Apple Watch face instead. 

If you want to customize your watch face to match your outfit for the day, this can be a time-consuming process. You’re also limited to the color palettes currently available in the Watch app. Apple’s possible patent would allow people to match their watch face to the color of their choosing in a short time with a color-sampling light sensor behind the display. 

The Apple Watch could determine an object’s color by “[emitting] light towards the external object in front of the display while the light sensor gathers color measurements.” The patent notes that the watch could match colors “of an external object such as a watch band, a piece of clothing, or any other suitable external object.” This suggests that you could point your Apple Watch at a piece of jewelry, a handbag, a tie, or even a piece of furniture if you wanted to. 

The patent describes how “the control circuitry may use a watch-band specific algorithm” to accurately determine colors of watch bands and a “clothing-specific algorithm” for clothes. Because Apple knows the colors of its bands and can program this into the algorithm, matching your watch face to a band would likely be more accurate and rely less on light-reflecting measurements than matching the watch face to a piece of clothing.

There’s also information on how the capacitive display and its touch sensor may be used to determine the material of the object you’re pointing your watch at. There could be specific algorithms designed for each potential material, and your Apple Watch face would reflect the material and color of your object. 

Filing a patent or even having it granted isn’t definitive confirmation that we’ll see the feature come to future Apple Watches. However, it is a sign that Apple has thought about this chameleon-like feature and how the company would go about creating it.

It’s almost a given that we’ll see the Apple Watch Series 9 revealed at Apple’s September 2023 event — especially since the watch has been an annual release for nearly a decade now.

A radical shift in design isn’t likely this year, with much of what to expect being on par with Apple’s annual refreshes. However, the Series 9 will be the first since the Apple Watch 6 to feature an all-new processor, which will make it the fastest and most efficient of Apple’s smartwatches to date.

What else can you expect from the Apple Watch Series 9? We’ve rounded up all the news and coverage of the upcoming device for you including release date, design, price, and specifications. Let’s dive in.

Apple Watch Series 9: Latest News

• Follow our Apple September event liveblog for all of the announcements as they happen
• Apple is reportedly using 3D-printed parts in the Apple Watch Series 9
• Is Apple Watch Series X the one you should really be waiting for?

Apple Watch Series 9: Release Date

Expected to make its appearance alongside the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, the ninth generation of Apple Watch looks set to be revealed at the September Apple event.

We wouldn’t expect an appearance from the Apple Watch SE this year, as the smartwatch’s bi-annual release pattern points to a new model in Sept. 2024. However, all signs indicate that we will see the unveiling of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at this year’s event, and it could feature improved performance with a new color option.

Apple's "Wonderlust" invites for the September 12 Apple event don't offer any clues about the Apple Watch Series 9, if they follow the typical pattern that means that pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 9 will begin on Friday, Sept. 15, with the smartwatch available to buy in-store a week later on Friday, Sept. 22. 

Apple Watch Series 9: Price

The Apple Watch has consistently stuck to the same price tag for some years now. While there are plenty of rumors about the increased costs of the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro, we’d expect no such changes when it comes to pricing for the Apple Watch Series 9.

Similarly to the Apple Watch Series 8, we expect the Apple Watch Series 9 to launch for $399/£399 for the aluminum model and $699/£699 for the stainless steel model in the U.S. and U.K.  

Apple Watch Series 9: Design and colors

The overall design of the Apple Watch Series 9 is unlikely to deviate much (if at all) from last year’s model. That means we’ll see the 41mm and 45mm models return with the same Always-On Retina display, trim bezels, and sturdy aluminum or stainless steel chassis options (with an Ion-X strengthened glass display or crack-resistant front sapphire crystal), featuring IP6X and WR50 certifications to provide excellent water and dust resistance.

It’s also likely that we’ll see the same (PRODUCT)RED, Silver, Midnight, and Starlight matte color options returning for the aluminum model, and Gold, Silver, and Graphite polished colors for the stainless steel option. However, a recent leak revealing an all-new Apple Watch Ultra 2 color also indicated a new color for the Series 9 is on its way: Pink. 

Apple Watch Series 9: Features and specifications

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, there’ll be no major hardware changes for the Apple Watch Series 9. Instead, we expect a modest refresh with the goal of tuning-up performance in time for the upcoming watchOS 10 release.

Top of the list for a long-overdue refresh is the Apple Watch’s processor. The Series 9 will feature Apple’s latest S9 chipset which is based upon the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus’ A15 Bionic processor.

It’s the first ‘true’ processor update since the S6, and could see a considerable performance boost for the smartwatch. S6 could also potentially be the first time Apple’s Neural Engine makes its way into a wearable.

The increased performance will go some way to making the most of watchOS 10’s newer features including the new Smart Stack widgets, topographic 3D map and compass, full face apps, reactive watch faces, and expanded health tracking.

The new chip is also likely to improve efficiency and in turn battery life. While it’s unlikely to result in the Series 9 going toe-to-toe with week-long wearables, it could go some way to improving the Apple Watch’s 18-hour lifespan and even more so for the 36-hour low-power mode.

Outlook

The Apple Watch Series 9 is set to be a modest refresh, but the inclusion of a new processor is long overdue and its increased performance could make for a solid reason to upgrade. However, if you’d rather wait for something more considerable, then the overhauled Apple Watch X is only a year away.

We’ll be keeping our ears to the ground when it comes to Apple Watch Series 9 updates as we race toward the Apple September 2023 event. So make sure to bookmark this page and check back often for the most up-to-date information we have.

For news, rumors, and updates on everything Apple Watch related, and all things tech, follow Laptop Mag on Twitter, Facebook, and Flipboard for the latest word as it arrives. 

The iPhone 15 action button is one of the most highly anticipated rumored new features for the next-generation phone line. It's reportedly replacing the mute switch. I don't think anyone will be playing Taps for the forgettable slider, so we're elated that Apple is reportedly swapping it out with something more serviceable.

However, what, exactly, is an action button anyway? Well, it's expected to work similarly to the action button featured on the Apple Watch Ultra, which can launch the stopwatch, initiate workouts, turn on the flashlight, double as a shortcut for the Dive feature and other functions.

In the same way, the iPhone 15 action button will likely serve as a shortcut to many different tasks and apps, allowing you to quickly access your favorite functions.

Despite Apple's attempt to keep everything under wraps, details about the rumored iPhone 15 action button have been spilling out from several different sources. That being said, here's every single thing we know about the iPhone 15 action button.

iPhone 15 action button latest news

• iPhone 15 Pro Action Button seemingly leaked in iOS 17 code — 9 things it can do
• iPhone 15 Pro may ditch the mute switch — here's the new button it's getting
• iPhone 15 Pro set to steal a killer feature from the Apple Watch Ultra — but the mute switch is probably dead

iPhone 15 action button design

To Apple's dismay, popular leaker Majin Bu got his hands on alleged iPhone 15 Pro cases and showed them off on X (formerly Twitter). They reveal the iPhone 15 Pro's new Apple Watch-inspired action button.

Unlike the Ring/Silent switch, the new action feature appears to be a flat, traditional button design. As Forbes pointed out, this design will increase the iPhone 15 Pro models' durability and water resistance. 

At one point, there was a lot of chatter about Apple using solid-state buttons (unmoving buttons with capacitive touch sensors) for the iPhone 15 Pro models, but in April, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the company dropped its solid-state buttons plans after experiencing "unresolved technical issues before mass production." In a shareholder letter in May, Apple supplier Cirrus Logic appeared to confirm Kuo's report. 

Another well-known leaker, @UniverseIce, posted dummy models of the iPhone 15 Pro, which also shows off a small, flat button that mirrors the design language of the longer volume up-and-down buttons

9to5Mac is another outlet that claims to have a pretty good picture of the new action button's design. Stating that it snagged CADs from "an extremely reputable source," you can see the new action button in all of it's glory.

Keep in mind that the new action button is not expected to be featured on the entry-level iPhone 15 nor the iPhone 15 Plus.

What can the iPhone 15 action button do?

What, exactly, can the action button do? Well, this time we have a leak from Apple itself. In late July, we reported that the iOS 17 developer beta 4 code references the iPhone 15 action button and all of its capabilities.

As a result of this leak, we now know that the iPhone 15 Pro's action button is programmable with the following features:

• Magnifier - a handy tool for reading small text
• Focus Modes - you can toggle Focus Modes on and off depending on your workflow
• Flashlight - turn on the LED camera flash to see in low-light areas
• Camera - access the camera app quickly
• Customized shortcuts - activate a shortcut you programmed with a quick press of a button
• Voice Memos - conveniently access iPhone's built-in sound recorder
• Translation - launch the Translate app with ease

Although the mute switch will no longer be a thing, the action button should also allow users to turn on silent mode, too.

Interestingly, embattled leaker @analyst941 claimed they have the scoop on how specific combo presses activate certain functions:

• Light press - Camera app
• Hard press - Capture photo
• Hard, long-hold press - Captures and records video

However, this assumes that the action button has solid-state buttons (haptic feedback), which Kuo and other leakers have shut down. 

The tipster also claimed that the action button can be used to power down one's device. (Currently, iPhone 14 Pro models require you to press the side button and volume up or down to shut down the device.)

Keep in mind, however, that Apple busted @analyst941. Long story short, Apple was feeding false information about upcoming products to various Apple employees, and after spotting @analyst941 regurgitating the inaccurate details it planted during its investigation, @analyst941and their source (an Apple employee who is @analyst941's sister) got caught red handed.

As such, it's difficult to discern whether this action button leak is fact or fiction, but we're leaning toward the latter.

Can't get enough of iPhone 15 rumors? Check out our two oft-updated rumor hubs for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models.

We already know Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are getting announced at the company’s September event. However, based on what’s coming in 2024, you may want to skip this minor upgrade.

According to Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch X is set to bring a huge redesign that changes everything about the wearable, and the secret sauce is magnets.

Magnets!

At the moment, Apple has stuck rigidly to a mechanical system for attaching watch straps, and it’s been great for maintaining the reusability of old straps. But they have been awkward for the company to workaround, as they are taking up a lot of space.

That’s where the magnets will come in. According to these leaks, watch straps will attach magnetically, which enables Apple to both make the Watch X smaller, and stuff it with more battery/improving the internal components.

As for what these components could be, Gurman points us towards a new blood pressure sensor, and a new microLED display to up the brightness and color.

Outlook

So, while there is some hype around the Series 9 and its upgraded processor (the first time it’s been updated since the Series 6), this looks set to be a very minor upgrade in the face of next year’s model.

The 10-year anniversary of the Apple Watch looks set to be similar to the iPhone’s, in which we see some big changes that dictate the next ten years. While aesthetics haven’t been discussed, I can only hope for a move away from the more bubbly design, which would include a flat display.

News around the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is swirling faster and faster, and we’re hearing more about what to expect from the next generation of Apple’s premium wearable. From a new processor to an all-new color option, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is set to be a notable refresh of an already impressive smartwatch.

With Apple’s September 2023 event right around the corner, we’ve gathered together everything there is to know about the follow-up to 2022’s Apple Watch Ultra including our expectations on its price, release date, design, and likely specifications. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Latest News

• Follow our Apple September event liveblog for every announcement as it happens
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 may add a second color option
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 could use 3D-printed parts to reduce cost

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Release date

Apple Watch and iPhone releases go hand-in-hand, so it’s almost a given that we’ll see the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 announced at the Apple September 12 event.

Similar to the expected iPhone 15 release pattern, it’s highly likely that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be available for preorder on Friday, Sept. 15 with shipping and in-store availability on Friday, Sept. 22.

For a roundup of everything we expect to appear at Apple’s upcoming event and up-to-date information on when and how to watch the keynote, check out our Apple September 2023 event hub. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price

The original Apple Watch Ultra launched in Sept. 2022 for $799, an already hefty price for a wearable. While current rumors suggest a sizable price hike for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, a similar jump in price isn’t likely for the Watch Ultra 2.

In fact, even though it is expected to feature a new processor, a change in Apple’s regular manufacturing process could see the cost of producing the wearable drop slightly. While we wouldn’t count on Apple passing these savings on to customers — there’s an outside chance at the very least.

As it stands, we’d expect the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to stick to the same price point set by its predecessor.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Design and colors

The Cupertino company has had a busy year of filing patents that give us an idea of where the Apple Watch range of wearables could be heading in the near-future — including strap-based health sensors and a built-in camera.

However, Bloomberg’s resident Apple aficionado, Mark Gurman, believes that we shouldn’t hold our breath on major hardware changes for either Apple Watch models. Instead, Gurman believes the biggest changes to Apple’s wearables will come in the form of a “fairly extensive upgrade” through the new watchOS 10.

That being said, there are some significant changes coming to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — you just won’t be able to see them. According to all-things-Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has undertaken a new approach to the manufacturing of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. One that both speeds up production and lowers costs: 3D titanium printing.

A number of the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s internal components are now being 3D printed by Apple in-house. The tiny titanium parts could result in a lighter, more affordable wearable — provided Apple is willing to pass the savings in manufacturing costs onto customers, that is. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the first of the company’s devices to get this in-house treatment, and later models are also expected to be the first device to don an Apple-built micro-LED display at some point in 2025.

According to a recent leak, options for Apple Watch Ultra 2 colors could be set to double — from one to two! The standard “natural” titanium tone will reportedly be joined by a dark titanium finish, an option Apple had previously considered for the original Watch Ultra.

A year on, Apple is apparently ready to pull the trigger on this new option for the second generation of their ultra-premium wearable. However, its limited colorway still places it behind the competition in many aspects — even against the more affordable Apple Watch Series 9’s color options.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Specs

It’s all quiet on the Western front when it comes to information about the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s specifications. However, we do know that both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will feature a new, more powerful S9 chip.

The new chipset is based on Apple’s A15 Bionic – the same processor found in the iPhone 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 14, 14 Plus. The new chip could bring a sizable upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s processing power and performance alongside efficiency for improved battery life.

That new processing power could be best put to use by the release of watchOS 10 later in the year. The operating system upgrade for Apple Watch devices looks set to feature Smart Stack widgets, full-face apps, reactive watch faces, and topographic and 3D map and compass features.

Outlook

Visually, it’s unlikely that much will change for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, under the hood, we can expect a fair amount of refreshes to both hardware and software that should keep Apple’s smartwatch feeling fresh for another year ahead.

For news, rumors, and updates on everything Apple Watch related, and all things tech, follow Laptop Mag on Twitter, Facebook, and Flipboard for the latest word as it arrives. 

With the Apple September event quickly approaching, new rumors are constantly swirling about Apple products online. Although there’s plenty of hype around the new Apple Watch Series 9 and the iPad Mini 7, the reveal people are most excited for is the iPhone 15.

One of the most plausible rumors is the addition of a USB-C charging port (due to an EU mandate), which will finally replace Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. Recently leaked photos give some validity to this particular rumor. In other words, you may need to toss your Lightning cables once and for all if you upgrade to the iPhone 15. 

The proof is in the pictures, thanks to X (Twitter) 

Two X (formerly Twitter) users (i.e., @lipilipsi and @John011235) shared a photo of USB-C charging ports, allegedly for the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Though the photos came from two different X users, it looks like the same photo with different zoom levels. 

The USB-C parts aren’t attached to a phone, and neither X user has much of a previous track record for Apple leaks. One user posted some pictures and videos of behind-the-scenes assembly of the iPhone 15, so we’re excited at the prospect that these could be iPhone 15 charging ports — a rumored feature that we’ve expected for a while.

We’ve known that Apple was eventually going to switch to a USB-C charging port — at least in Europe. The EU made a common charging port mandatory, forcing the iPhone to require USB-C by 2024. However, it wasn’t clear whether Apple would put off the switch from Lightning to USB-C for another year, or whether Apple would bring this change to non-European countries.

With these photos and other rumors, it appears that the iPhone 15’s move to the USB-C standard is imminent, but Apple is tacking on some strange restrictions. The reason everyone wants USB-C to be universal is because it’s faster and more convenient for sharing a single charging cord for multiple devices. 

Rumors about Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFi) program suggest the company would add a verification chip to the iPhone 15’s charging port to artificially slow charging and data speeds when using any third-party accessory that hasn’t paid a fee to be in Apple’s MFi program. This decision will force iPhone 15 users to buy Apple-certified cables if they don’t want their expensive new phone to charge slowly. 

It might be a while before we see Lightning cables disappear completely. Apple will likely continue to sell the iPhone 13 and 14 models for a few more years. iPhone 15 models and newer will finally have that universal USB-C port Apple users have been waiting for — just with a few limitations. 

There’s a ton of hype and rumors about the upcoming iPhone 15 series, and mere weeks left until the expected release date. The iPhone 15 Pro could have a record-setting battery life, there are exciting changes coming to iOS 17, and we’ll hopefully see upgrades to the camera setup. 

All rumors will be officially confirmed or denied at the Apple event, likely held on Sept. 12 or Sept. 13. Based on our evidence, the iPhone 15 should be available to preorder from Sept. 15 and have a release date of Sept. 22. 

The Apple September event is right around the corner, which means we’re weeks away from getting our first glimpse at the iPhone 15, Apple Watch 9, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 among other important updates. However, if you can’t wait until then to know when you can get your hands on Apple’s latest iPhone offering you’re in luck.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, as mentioned in this weekend’s Power On newsletter, has been told to expect Apple to introduce the new iPhone on either September 12 or 13. Not only that, Gurman also claims that the new iPhone 15 will go on sale September 22. 

This lines up nicely with our own iPhone 15 release date predictions, and could also give us a good estimate of when to expect preorders to begin for Apple’s latest smartphone. 

Apple iPhone 15: expected preorder and release dates

The last two iPhone models announced at Apple’s September event (iPhone 13, iPhone 14) saw preorders open the following Friday with the devices going on sale a week later. If Gurman’s sources are accurate, this means that iPhone 15 preorders could begin on Friday, Sept. 15 with the devices widely available a week later on Friday, Sept. 22.

While we don’t yet have word from Apple about the exact date of its September event, 9to5Mac recently revealed that mobile carriers have been asking employees not to take Wednesday, Sept. 13 off due to a major smartphone announcement.

While there are no names mentioned, we highly doubt any other manufacturer would be so bold as to attempt to outshine Apple during this period.

Outlook

Rumors have swirled about a potential delay in the iPhone 15 release, making this information all the more welcome. It would appear that we can safely expect the iPhone 15 to follow its usual release pattern – though there could still be a dilemma for Apple over the iPhone 15 Pro.

The top-tier iPhones are reportedly facing shortages due to production issues based around Apple’s desire to drastically reduce the size of bezels on Pro models. However, with no direct mention from Gurman about such a delay, we could be looking as a hurdle free release windows for Apple's iPhone 15 lineup after all.

For news, rumors, and updates on all things Apple, iPhone, and tech, follow Laptop Mag on Twitter, Facebook, and Flipboard for the latest word as it arrives.

WWDC feels like it only just came and went, but it’s already time to turn our eyes toward the next event on the horizon: the highly anticipated September 2023 Apple Event. This is when we’ll get our first look at the new Apple iPhone 15 Series and Apple Watch Series 9 devices, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — all from the comfort of our own homes.

Want a peek at what’s to come? Read on for everything we know about Apple’s September 2023 event, including its expected date and time, how to watch, and all of the products we expect to see.

Apple September 2023 event: Latest news (Updated: September 11)

• Follow our coverage of every announcement on our Apple September event liveblog
• iPhone 15 Pro leak reveals that it has lost a lot of weight
• Apple's September event is official with invites confirming Sept. 12 date
• Our roundup of the latest and breaking Apple Watch Series 9 rumors and leaks.
• iPhone 15 may FINALLY get a feature that Android users have enjoyed for years. 35W charging could be heading to iPhone 15.
• Apple reportedly decreasing iPhone 15 production — here's why.
• iPhone 15 may have 'thunderously' fast data-transfer speeds — and it's not just due to USB-C.
• A secret chip in the iPhone 15? You’re not USB-Cing things. Photos reportedly point to Apple going ahead with its Made For iPhone USB-C limitations.
• A round-up of all the current Apple Watch Ultra 2 rumors including specifications, price, release date, and more.
• A selection of all the iPad Mini 7 rumors we know so far including its design, specs, features and likely pricing.
• In-the-know journo's claimed release date leak suggests there will be no delays to the iPhone lineup this year.
• This iOS 17 feature can quick launch your iPhone camera for the perfect shot in an instant.

Apple September 2023 event: Date, time, and how to watch

Invites went out on August 29 confirming that the Apple September event is Sept. 12, right in line with our predictions.

As with most modern Apple events, the pre-taped keynote will almost certainly be available to stream live via the Apple Events website and Apple’s YouTube channel.

As for when to watch, Apple’s September event will once again kick off at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET, and 6 p.m. BST for those in the U.K.

Apple September 2023 event: What will Apple announce?

Apple typically reserves its September event to reveal a new iPhone lineup alongside new Apple Watch devices. Beyond hardware, Apple is likely to take this opportunity to announce release dates for the following operating systems: 

• macOS 14 Sonoma
• iOS 17
• iPadOS 17
• watchOS 10
• tvOS 17

With everything we know so far, the following are the products most likely to make an appearance during the Apple September 2023 event: 

Apple iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

The main focus of Apple’s September 2023 event will be on the all-new iPhone 15 Series of devices, including the core iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max — all of which are set to now feature USB-C ports as standard.

The all-new port might have a few tricks up its sleeve however, as a recent leak seems to showcase a mystery chip that could serve as a verification step for Apple's Made for iPhone (MFi) certification. Reportedly, USB-C cables lacking this certification could be limited in charge times and data speed.

However, it could also point to lightning-fast Thunderbolt/USB4 tech inclusion and have something to do with the rumors that iPhone 15 will feature vastly improved 35W charge speeds. Either way, Apple seems to want to claim sole ownership of the best iPhone 15 charging and data speeds.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to make use of Apple’s A16 Bionic chip, the same found in iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models. Both devices are also said to feature an upgraded 48MP main camera, Super Retina XDR OLED displays, and up to 512GB of storage.

The two core options differ mostly in screen size and battery capacity with the iPhone 15 featuring a 60Hz, 6.1-inch panel with a 3,877mAh battery and the iPhone 15 Plus housing a 60Hz, 6.7-inch screen and a 4,912mAh battery.

On the other hand, iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to make use of Apple’s A17 Bionic chip, the company’s first 3nm processor. Not only will this bring more performance to Apple’s flagship phones, but also better efficiency, squeezing the most out of the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max’s expanded 3,650mAh and 4,852mAh battery capacities.

While the iPhone 15 Pro Max model will reportedly feature an upgraded telephoto (now periscope) lens (ditching the digital zoom of old for a variable optical zoom), both Pro models will apparently enjoy a new titanium casing with curved edges, up to 1TB of storage, and 120Hz displays at 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches in size.

To learn more about the differences between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models or for a more detailed rundown on what Apple could have in store with its latest iPhone line-up check out our roundups below:

• iPhone 15 rumors and leaks
• iPhone 15 Pro rumors
• iPhone 15 Vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Biggest differences to expect
• iPhone 15 camera upgrades

Apple Watch Series 9

The fact we’ve heard very little about what to expect from the Apple Watch Series 9 might give you an indication of what to expect in terms of its latest refresh.

A recent roadmap laid out by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicates that Apple has been hard at work on two Apple Watch Series 9 models for release this year — likely the 41mm and 45mm aluminum and stainless steel designs of old. When it comes to color options, the aluminum model will reportedly be available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, (PRODUCT) RED, and Pink. The stainless steel model will be available in three colors: Gold, Graphite, and Silver.

Much of what was the Apple Watch Series 8 will carry over, though Apple has reportedly refreshed the watch’s internals with a more powerful S9 chip. The new chipset will be based on Apple’s A15 Bionic, bringing better performance and battery life to the table just in time to make the most of the upcoming watchOS 10 release. 

• Apple Watch Series 9 rumors

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2, a follow-up to the awesome Apple Watch Ultra, is also touted to make an appearance, appearing on the same roadmap as the Apple Watch Series 9 and similarly earmarked for a 2023 release.

Information about what to expect from the second generation of Apple’s smartwatch is scarce, but it’s likely to receive the same processor upgrade as the Apple Watch Series 9 — resulting in the same S9 chipset performance and efficiency boost.

The next big hardware change we’re likely to notice when it comes to the Apple Watch Ultra’s design will be when Apple begins outfitting the smartwatch with its own in-house micro-LED displays. But don’t expect to see that change until at least 2025.

However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will feature changes you won’t automatically notice by way of 3D-printed titanium components that cut the cost of manufacturing the device and reduce its weight. Will the reduced production costs translate into more affordable pricing for Apple’s premium wearable? That remains to be seen.

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 rumors

Apple September 2023 event: What else could we see? 

There’s always room for “One more thing…” at an Apple event, and while Apple Park is known to spring more leaks than a TENA commercial, the potential for a surprise reveal still exists. Here are some of our picks for outside chances heading to Apple’s September 2023 event: 

Apple iPad Mini (Gen 7)

A recent leak by tipster ShrimpApplePro indicates that at least one iPad could be set to steal some of the keynote spotlight — likely the iPad Mini 7.

However, while the tipster feels its appearance is a possibility, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman doesn't share the same enthusiasm. In a January issue of his Power On newsletter, Gurman stated that he believes Apple is unlikely to release any significant iPad upgrades this year.

This would also line up with a tweet from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who believes that the next iPad mini refresh will begin mass production in Q1 of 2024.

The last iPad Mini launched in September 2021, running on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM. While the leak doesn’t go into any further details about what to expect, we can assume Apple would at the very least have an upgrade to the chipset in mind.

Though, before anybody starts dreaming of an M2 iPad Mini, we’d expect an upgrade to the A16 Bionic processor at most.

• iPad mini 7 rumors

Outlook

Whether you’re a fan of the smartphones, smartwatches, or software that Apple produces, September’s showcase will have something for everyone — and see Apple sign off on a massively important and successful 2023. Make sure to check back often for the latest updates on Apple’s plans and everything we know about its upcoming additions.

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