Highly anticipated Apple Wonderlust event 2023 is just around the corner, scheduled to take place tomorrow at the iconic Steve Jobs Theater. The event promises exciting announcements, including the much-speculated iPhone 15 and new additions to the Apple Watch lineup. This event follows Apple’s unveiling of the Vision Pro at WWDC earlier this summer, keeping tech enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the latest innovations.
Traditionally, Apple’s annual fall event has become a cultural milestone, signaling the transition from summer to autumn, akin to the arrival of pumpkin spice everything. With months of swirling rumors about the iPhone 15, expectations are running high. Some rumors suggest incremental upgrades, while others tantalize with the possibility of a new iPhone 15 Ultra model. As the excitement continues to build, here’s a preview of what to expect from Apple’s upcoming fall event. For those eager to catch the action, you can tune in to the Wonderlust event stream, which kicks off at 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT.
Wonderlust Or Wanderlust?
Apple’s event invite is as cryptic as ever, featuring the iconic Apple logo constructed from minuscule, almost dust-like particles. The logo is adorned with intricate grooves, reminiscent of the patterns you might find sculpted by the wind in a desert’s sand dunes.
The event’s tagline, “Wonderlust,” cleverly plays on the word “wanderlust,” which typically signifies a strong desire to wander and explore. However, in this context, we find ourselves pondering if “wonderlust” suggests a yearning for curiosity and wonder. As is customary, Apple leaves us all speculating, trying to decipher hidden meanings in the invite and how they might relate to the impending announcements.
Could the grooved cutouts within the logo hint at a departure from Apple’s conventional iPhone design, perhaps towards a sleeker form? Might the particle-like elements symbolize advancements in camera technology, capable of capturing even finer details? And what about the intriguing metallic shades of gray, blue, and gold—could they offer a sneak peek into the color options for the new iPhone or Apple Watch?
Or, perhaps, this is simply Apple’s way of acknowledging the transient nature of existence, leaving us intrigued yet mystified. Regardless of the speculations, one thing is almost certain: the iPhone 15 Pro is likely to steal the spotlight.
Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Similar to the iPhone 14 series, it’s anticipated that the forthcoming iPhone 15 lineup will consist of four models: the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. Well-known Apple insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, known for reliable Apple leaks, suggests that the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will essentially be revamped versions of the iPhone 14 Pro, with the exclusion of the telephoto camera and stainless steel body.
These new phones will inherit the impressive 48-megapixel primary camera and the powerful A16 chip found in the 14 Pro models. In terms of aesthetics, both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will embrace the Dynamic Island cutout, a feature that made its debut in the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.
Despite the inclusion of the Dynamic Island, it’s unlikely that there will be any other significant alterations to the screen. Display analyst Ross Young stated in a September 2022 post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that he doesn’t anticipate the base iPhone 15 models receiving a high refresh rate display like Apple’s Pro iPhones.
Additionally, according to a May report from ChargerLab, a reputable source for battery and charging-related rumors, all four iPhone 15 models are expected to support 15-watt wireless charging using the Qi2 open standard, announced earlier in the year. If this information proves accurate, it could signify that the iPhone 15 will be compatible with a broader range of wireless charging devices, potentially eliminating the need for licensed Apple MagSafe accessories.
The most significant change anticipated for all four iPhone models is the shift away from the Lightning connector. This change is likely driven by pressure from the European Union, which has passed legislation adopting USB-C as a common charging standard. Consequently, the iPhone 15 series will feature a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. The last time Apple made a similar transition was in 2012 when it introduced the Lightning port on the iPhone 5, replacing the wider 30-pin iPod connector that was previously used.
The exact implementation of this shift remains somewhat unclear, including whether USB-C will be adopted globally for all new iPhones or if it will be exclusive to the EU. Nevertheless, it is highly probable that all new iPhone models will feature a USB-C port in the near future.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
Among the expected announcements from Apple, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are likely to bring some significant changes. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, these Pro models will undergo a notable transformation. The traditional stainless steel frame will be replaced with one made of titanium, potentially reducing the phones’ overall weight, which is already substantial even without a protective case.
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are anticipated to feature a new chip called A17, boasting a super-compact 3-nanometer processor, marking Apple’s smallest silicon to date. Additionally, these phones are expected to have thinner display bezels.
The most substantial alteration for the Pro models is the introduction of a USB-C port, a departure from the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, which could support faster data speeds, particularly useful for tasks like file transfers and handling ProRes video files.
For the iPhone 15 Pro Max, there is speculation about the inclusion of a new 6x optical telephoto camera. Noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities predicts that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will incorporate a horizontally mounted periscope lens and camera unit within the phone’s body, akin to the design seen in devices like the Pixel 7 Pro, Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Sony Xperia 1 V.
Doubling the native optical zoom from 3x to 6x is expected to enable users to capture zoomed-in photos with superior detail, resolution, and dynamic range compared to the current iPhone 14 Pro’s 6x digital zoom.
Kuo’s report also suggests that both Pro models may feature solid-state volume and power buttons, a departure from the mechanical buttons found in the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. These buttons would rely on touch-sensitive technology and haptic feedback, reminiscent of the “home button” experience introduced in the iPhone 7. It’s worth noting that the HTC U12 experimented with solid-state buttons in 2018, but the user experience was not universally praised.
There are a couple of additional rumors that, while somewhat dated or uncertain, are still worth mentioning. One suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro Max might be rebranded as the iPhone 15 Ultra. However, this idea has not been prominently discussed recently. Another rumor, discovered by MacRumors in a beta version of iOS 17, hints at the potential addition of an action button, similar to the one on the Apple Watch Ultra. This hardware addition would be a first for Apple, and the iPhone’s action button could serve phone-oriented functions like shortcuts or camera shutter triggering. More details will likely emerge at the upcoming event on the 12th.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2
In a more modest update, it appears that the upcoming regular Apple Watch will be a relatively incremental improvement over the Apple Watch Series 8. The Series 9 is expected to introduce a new color option, with reports from MacRumors suggesting that it might come in a new shade of pink.
The Series 9 is likely to be powered by a fresh S9 chip, as mentioned by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman on his Power On Discord channel in May. This new chip is expected to enhance overall performance and efficiency, hinting at potential improvements in battery life.
For the Apple Watch Ultra, a second-generation version may be on the horizon. This rugged smartwatch made its debut last year, and the new iteration could bring a faster chip and potentially offer a sleek black titanium finish, according to information shared by X/Twitter user ShrimpApplePro. A black variant of the Ultra could indeed be a stylish addition.
Now, let’s delve into the rest of the details.
Potpourri and Wrap-up
There are several other potential updates to keep an eye out for at Apple’s upcoming event. These include the possibility of a new version of the AirPods case featuring a USB-C connector. Additionally, we can expect Apple to announce official release dates for iOS 17 and WatchOS 10. And of course, it’s highly likely that Apple will take the opportunity to provide updates on its Vision Pro headset, which was initially unveiled at WWDC in June.
Of course, the full details will only be revealed when Tim Cook and the Apple team take the stage at the Steve Jobs Theater. Until then, we’ll have to wait in anticipation for the official announcements.
