Apple's fans never shy away from taking multiple bites of the company's offerings. And, the record viewership expected for CEO Tim Cook's televised address from the all-new Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park, Cupertino, on Tuesday belies claims that brand loyalty is an extinct virtue in the world of technology.
The event is of especial significance since it marks the tenth anniversary of Steve Jobs taking the stage to launch the first iPhone, a device that would revolutionise mobile telephony, and propel Jobs to stardom as the prophet of innovation.
While the rumour mills have been buzzing as to the products that will be unveiled at the event, Apple has been relatively successful in keeping under wraps its latest array of launches. Here is what we know about what's going to be on offer.
iPhone X
The iPhone 7s and 7s Plus variants are expected, but what could be bit of a surprise is the rollout of a high-end phone, slated to be priced upwards of $1000. The device has the Roman numeral for the ten in its name since it is exactly a decade after its earliest descendant was released. There are renders doing the rounds of how the iPhone X will look like. The new device is expected to have an edge-to-edge screen without a bezel, and radically does away with the physical home button, over which Apple has fought many a patent war. The bezel-less display will ensure greater display area without being bigger in size.
Doubts linger as to how the device will manage its Touch ID feature without a fingerprint sensor, which is on the home button in the current variants. While some reports tentatively claim that a fingerprint sensor will be placed elsewhere, the Guardian reports that Apple is planning to work around this handicap by adding face recognition technology. Apple's IR-based front camera system is expected to create a 3D scan of a user's face with all its contours, and the device will then recognise the unique shape.
Face ID is expected to be used for unlocking the device, and making online payments.
With the home button being banished from the iPhone's visage, the lock, or power button will be rehabilitated to perform additional functions, according to Business Insider. A long-press is expected to activate Siri, Apple's voice assistant. A high-resolution OLED display is also on the cards.
Hardware changes aside, it is safe to surmise that the iPhone X will come with a new emoji keyboard integrated with the eagerly anticipated iOS 11. Leaks suggest that 'animoji' will create three-dimensional emojis that can be amalgamated using cues such as face scans and voice recording, with the in-built emoji template.
iOS 11
The latest iteration of Apple's mobile operating system will be formally rolled out. The beta version has been available to users since June. The Next Web reports that notable features include person-to-person payments via Apple Pay, an optimised version of Siri, live photo loops on the lock screen, and an improved version of Apple Maps that will rival Google's stranglehold on virtual cartography. Apple is also betting big with augmented reality, as the new OS will feature an ARKit that will utilise the depth-sensing cameras on the device.
Apple Watch 3
Apart from minor cosmetic changes, the big difference is expected to be the inclusion of a SIM slot, meaning that the latest Apple Watch can function as a standalone device. If it does indeed come with a feature that permits users to make calls, it would signal the coming of age for a device on which Apple has pinned much hope since its launch a couple of years ago.
Apple TV
The latest version of Apple's streaming service is rumoured to come with 4K output and HDR for a much smoother viewing experience. The company's announcement that it has invested in producing original shows, signals intent in partaking of the thriving market for video content, which is currently harnessed by the likes of Amazon and Netflix.
iPad Mini and macOS High Sierra
A refurbished iPad with a better form factor is on the cards. The latest update to the macOS is reported to have tied up the loose ends with its Safari browser, developed new editing tools on its Photos app, and created a new interface for its Mail application.
While Chinese manufacturers have been closing the gap with cheaper offerings, Apple is all set to reclaim its advantage with the slew of launches expected on Tuesday. While many potential customers may be left out by the hefty tags on the latest devices, the company believes its legion of Apple enthusiasts will pay a premium for the significant technological and aesthetic advances. A decade after cementing its place in tech folklore, the newest iPhone will look to upset the applecart in a saturated market for smartphones. The event will begin at 10.30 pm IST.
