Apple Expected to Launch New iPhones, Smartwatches in September

Analysts are expecting Apple to unveil a new line of iPhones and smartwatches at a September event.

The tech giant has announced that it will be hosting its fall event on Sept. 12 at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, and analysts believe that Apple will use this platform to entice shoppers with a range of new features for these devices, Reuters reported Tuesday (Aug. 29).

TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in the report that one anticipated feature of the new iPhones is a periscope camera that could significantly improve zoom capacity. This camera could offer zoom capabilities that are five times or more than previous models. 

In addition to the new iPhones, Apple is also expected to unveil an updated lineup of smartwatches. These watches may feature a new processor based on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, which has already been used in previous iPhone models, the report said, citing Bloomberg. The new processor is expected to boost performance for Apple Watch users.

MacRumors reported Monday (Aug. 28) that Apple is expected to release the Apple Watch Series 9, a new version focused on upgrades to the device’s S-series chips that will improve performance, as well as a new version of its Apple Watch Ultra, a lighter version of its biggest, top-of-the-line timepiece.

The fall event is a crucial moment for Apple as it aims to regain momentum in the smartphone market, according to a Tuesday report from The Wall Street Journal. The global smartphone market has seen a drop in demand, and Apple itself recorded a 2.4% dip in iPhone sales during its most recent quarter, according to the report.

iPhone supplier Foxconn said in March that there had been lower demand for consumer electronics and that it projected flat revenue for the full year. Research firm Gartner said earlier in the year that consumers were holding onto the smartphones they already own longer than expected.

Apple Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri said during the company’s Aug. 3 earnings call that Apple expects iPhone and services results to accelerate from June. CEO Tim Cook added during the call that customers that own more than one Apple device are also typically “more engaged” within the ecosystem and thus spend more on services.