Hopes Run High for New Devices in Run-up to Apple's Big Event

Expectations are running high for a new set of iPhones.

ByABC News
September 7, 2016, 10:13 AM

— -- Expectations are running high ahead of Apple's "special event" in San Francisco today.

The internet has been speculating for weeks about potential new products and features the tech giant might announce -- particularly whether the company would reveal new iPhones.

The iPhone has come a long way since its inception in 2007. But the latest version could present a headache for users: no headphone jack, if the rumors are indeed true.

We'll also be watching if the Apple Watch gets a revamp for the first time since its debut in 2014.

Join ABC News for full coverage of Apple's big day, with coverage and analysis from San Francisco and New York today at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT/5:00p.m. GMT).

Predictions ahead of Apple events are notoriously fickle, but an expert Apple watcher has broken down which ones appear to be on the most solid ground for ABC News.

The big products to watch are iPhone and Apple Watch, said Neil Cybart, who runs AboveAvalon.com, a site that provides analysis of Apple.

"We're going to get two new iPhones," Cybart said, predicting they would be the same size and look very similar to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus -- though, they may be available in more colors.

However, under the hood, Cybart predicted the new models, if they are announced, would pack a bigger punch with better cameras, faster processors, and increased storage. They may also be more water resistant or even waterproof, he predicted.

The other big development -- and perhaps the most controversial -- is the potential loss of the headphone jack on the iPhone, which has been widely rumored.

Cybart said he thinks "Apple is going to introduce new solutions," which he said could include "a new pair of wireless AirPods," the potential of wired headphones that use the charging point to connect, as well as potential upgrades to its Beats line of headphones.

He said the industry will be keen to see what Apple does in the wireless headphone space, which has traditionally been plagued by troublesome connectivity and battery issues.

Cybart also predicted big news about the Apple Watch, including the first update since its launch in 2014.

He said that there are four areas where he expects the Apple Watch will be updated: the addition of a GPS, a faster processor, better battery life and a slightly different form-factor. Though, he predicted that "it's going to look similar" to the current model.

This story has been updated.

Related Topics