Apple’s fall event historically brings exciting announcements. In years past, this installment in the tech giant’s series of annual events has brought key information about upcoming product releases, specifically for new iPhones and Apple Watches. The timing of the 2020 Apple fall event is as-yet unannounced, but it’s likely it’ll still occur close to its typical timing. The iPhone 12 release, on the other hand, will probably see a delay of a few weeks or so, according to the Apple Q3 Earnings Call, for which Motley Fool has shared the transcript.
Related: Fall Apple Event: How to Watch the iPhone 12 Announcement on September 15
When & How to Watch Apple's Fall 2020 Event
According to Apple, the fall event is scheduled for September 15th at 10:00 a.m. PDT.
On the day of the event, our team will be posting to our Facebook group, and we’ll also plan to provide a 2020 Apple Fall Event Recap podcast to make sure the highlights are available for everyone. Be sure to request to join our Facebook group at least a day in advance so that we can add you!
New 2020 iPhones: Delayed but Not Forgotten
Most people are wondering about the new 2020 iPhone 12 models, when the new iPhones will be released, and how much they’ll cost.
2020 iPhone Names
We were relieved last year to see that Apple returned to its classic numbered naming strategy with the iPhone 11 models, and evidence indicates the company will likely keep this strategy moving forward with 2020’s newest models. The new iPhones will likely be called iPhone 12, and iPhone 12 Pro.
2020 iPhone Features
With the 2020 iPhone release, we may see four new phones. Apple recently registered nine new model identifiers with the Eurasian Economic Commission—a required step in the release of any new tech from Apple. Among these models, we believe, will be four iPhone 12s; two more affordable options, and two higher-end options, each with two sizes.
It seems the top features for these new iPhones will be 5G capability, all OLED displays, a three-size range, triple-lens camera availability, and Apple’s anticipated new A14 processor chip.
5G support, according to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, will come standard in the 2020 iPhones, which makes this the most progressive new iPhone feature to date, considering recent 5G turmoil and the settling of disputes with their chip supplier Qualcomm, as reported by Reuters.
For size, we’re looking forward to a few likely options: a 5.4”, a 6.1”, and a 6.7”, with both the more affordable and the higher-end phones having a 6.1” handset.
When it comes to processing speed, Macworld notes that the production for A14 chips takes long enough that they had "probably begun test production" earlier this year. Good news for those looking forward to this advancement! It also means that the timing is slightly less likely to have been impacted by current world events, but no promises.
As seen on the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, the triple-lens camera has amassed stellar reviews, many claiming it to produce high enough quality photos to replace their independent cameras. With a reputation like this, it’s very likely that at least the iPhone 12 Pro models will feature this technology, if not all of the new iPhone models. Updated LiDAR technology, too, should be included, which will enhance the devices’ 3D mapping and similar capabilities.
For more iPhone 12 specs and predictions, including cool new designs, RAM, pricing, and more, check out Amy Spitzfaden-Both’s iPhone 12 Rumor Roundup.
A Smartwatch Development: The Apple Watch 6
Apple’s newest smartwatch is rumored to be chock full of updates and new features. The most likely feature, according to 9to5Mac, is the blood oxygen level monitor. While we’ve seen more recent uses for blood oxygen monitoring with the pandemic, this feature was originally rumored to be slated for the 2020 Apple Watch 6 release to help wearers plan for and even avert panic attacks.
Other sought-after and improvements include behind-screen wireless antenna to boost wireless connectivity, according to Apple Insider. We should also see some fixes and developments with electrocardiogram functions, likely spurred by use errors when earlier models attempted to detect an elevated heart rate.
To learn more about anticipated Apple Watch 6 features, including yoga updates, pricing, and Kid mode, check out Cullen Thomas’ Apple Watch 6 Rumors article.
What Else Could Apple Release This Fall?
A More Affordable HomePod
Bloomberg suggests that a more affordable version of Apple’s HomePod speaker will be making a debut soon—potentially this year. While it’s doubtful that world events are helping production in this area, it’s still possible that we’ll see a new competitively priced HomePod in 2020.
Apple Tags?
If you’re excellent at losing your keys, phone, and other small accessories like I am, you’ll probably enjoy Apple’s newest (and smallest) rumored product: Apple Tags. Much like the popular Tile Bluetooth tags, these will help even the most forgetful of users keep track of their devices, and via Apple’s famously secure features. In speculating on Apple Tags' release as early as 2020, Bloomberg notes that development for the tiny trackers has been ongoing for over a year, so this rumor may not be far off.
Are We Going to See a New Mac?
While nothing is guaranteed, Apple’s registration of new models on the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) database included a new Mac as well, according to the listings found by MySmartPrice and confirmed by MacRumors. If new Macs are bound for the market, they’re generally announced at Apple’s October event after the new iPhone and new Apple Watch releases in the fall. We may be in for a fall 2020 Mac announcement as well – fingers crossed!
