Will Apple fans get their first look at the iPhone 13 Tuesday?
Apple will broadcast an event announced last week from its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., where the tech giant is widely expected to unveil its next iPhone, and potentially other refreshed devices.
Although Apple did not confirm through a media invitation whether it would talk iPhone at the event, September has typically been the month when the company releases details about the latest model of its smartphone.
Last year, due to the COVID pandemic, Apple pushed back an announcement and launch of the iPhone 12 to October.
The event starts at 1 p.m. ET. Follow USA TODAY for live updates of the Apple event. Apple is also streaming the event from its website.
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Apple unveils new iPad at $329
Apple plans to roll out a new version of its low-cost iPad model. Apple says the new model will provide 20% faster computer and graphics processing, as well as a stronger neural engine to make services such as Live Tex operate more quickly.
The front-facing camera is now a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, and features Center Stage, which makes video calls more engaging by automatically detecting people. It's currently available on Pro models of iPad.
It maintains a similar design, which allow it to support most third-party peripherals such as the first-generation Apple Pencil and keyboards.
The iPad will also stick with the same price at $329, but will add 64GB of storage to start, a major upgrade. It will launch next week.
New shows on Apple TV
Cook introduces the audience to new series coming this fall to the tech giant's streaming TV service. Several big names popping up, including Jon Stewart, a new season of The Morning Show starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston coming this month, and the science-fiction show called Invasion, a show called The Shrink Next Door starring Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell.
The Apple event has started
We've officially begun with a musical interlude that appears to take place across different parts of California, performing the song "California Soul."
Tim Cook now jumps on stage to sing the praises of California. "We're proud to call California our home," he said.
Where can I watch the Apple event?
Along with streaming the event on Apple's website, you can also watch through YouTube.
Remember, you can also stay on this page and follow the latest news once the event begins at 1 p.m. ET.
Apple Store: 'Be right back'
As expected prior to any Apple event, the company's online store is down since we're going to see new products later Tuesday.
"Be right back," reads the message on Apple's store. "We're making updates to the Apple store. Check back soon."
A new Apple Watch and AirPods, too?
Apple typically doesn't only talk iPhone when it hosts (physically or virtually) its September events. We're likely going to see a new version of the Apple Watch as well. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the upgraded Apple Watch Series 7 will sport a new design, larger screens and a faster processor.
Meanwhile, 9to5Mac reports Apple could also introduce a fresh version of its AirPods. The last time Apple rolled out new AirPods was in 2019, said the report.
Beware the iPhone 13 scams
As buzz rises over the likely unveiling of the iPhone 13, so too are the number of scams linked to Apple's event. Research firm Kaspersky said they have seen intensified scamming activity ahead of the event.
The schemes often involve fake offers such as snagging the next iPhone before release or getting other deals on products like AirPods. People who sign up never get the device, and hackers get a hold of their personal information.
“Apple presentations have always been a popular lure for scammers to roll out malicious activity,” said Tatyana Shcherbakova, security expert at Kaspersky, in a statement. “For several years now, we’ve seen how fraudsters use the buzz around new iPhone release and start spreading malicious features."
Among tips Kaspersky offers to protect yourself: Verify messages are from reliable sources, don't click on links in suspicious emails, and be skeptical about offers that appear too good to be true.
Epic ruling: Changes for the App Store?
It's likely Apple will address the recent decision in Epic Game's lawsuit filed against the iPhone maker. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to let developers use payment options beyond the App Store, which would circumvent Apple's 30% commission on most app transactions.
Epic Games has said it is appealing the judge's decision rejecting Epic's allegations that Apple ran a monopoly.
By mid-December, Apple must build a framework that would allow developers to steer payments outside of the App Store and Apple's iOS, said Gene Munster, a managing partner with Loup Ventures.
But "it won't be until next year that developers can do steering A/B testing," Munster said on Twitter. " Apple will probably make further changes in the next 5 years, which will collectively yield an App Store that is a favorable asset from an investor's standpoint."
– Mike Snider
'Pent up demand' for a new iPhone
In advance of today's event, Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives laid out a synopsis of Apple's position, noting that the company "remains in the midst of its strongest overall product cycle in roughly a decade."
The new line of iPhones, expected to be called the iPhone 13, will be the second model to include 5G wireless connectivity. Apple appears to be boosting production of the new phones beyond that of the iPhone 12, Ives said. His analysis suggests Apple's initial production of about 90 million units surpasses that of the initial iPhone 12 production of 80 million.
The reasoning? "This 5G driven product cycle will extend into 2022 and should also benefit from a post vaccine consumer 'reopening environment,' Ives said.
Beyond that, there is "pent up demand" for new iPhones among current customers because about 250 million of the 975 million iPhones already sold have not been upgraded in more than 3.5 years, he said.
The new wave of iPhones are expected to include "an eye-popping 1 terabyte storage option," twice the highest storage capacity in the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, Ives expects.
– Mike Snider
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This story is developing.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.
