Predictions For Apple’s “Let Us Loop You In” Event

For once the expectations for an Apple event seem to be pretty reasonable. No one is predicting outrageous new features for the iPhone, or a completely new product, or even a minor Mac mini update. So predicting what we are going to hear should be easy. Everyone seems to agree we will get a new low-end iPhone and a new 9.7-inch iPad.

If anything, it is the naming of these products that is under debate. The new iPhone will look like the iPhone 5c and have similar, but updated, specs. But will it be called the iPhone 5se? Or the iPhone SE? Or something else. I like the name iPhone SE because it takes the number away. Apple will probably want to keep this model around for many years as the low-end choice to replace the iPhone 5c. So why put a number on it while the main iPhone line moves through numbers 7, 8 and even 9. If they call it the SE, then they can sell the same model with minor updates for years.

I do think they will load it up with all of the best features we have on the iPhone 6s, including Touch ID, A9 processor, a decent camera that supports 4K video and Live Photos, and Apple Pay support. It will actually be a pretty good deal for now, but will then lag behind the iPhone 7 later this year.

As for the iPad, the debate is whether it will be called the iPad Air 3 or the iPad Pro 9.7-inch. Either way, I expect it to have support for the Apple Pencil and a Smart Connector with a keyboard. It makes sense for Apple to call it an iPad Pro and then keep the current iPad Air 2 around for another year at a reduced price. Apple seems to like to do that.

What else can you expect? Well, besides new Apple Watch bands, I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear about more streaming features of Apple Music and Apple TV. Maybe some new apps or channels and such. There seem to be no lack of minor announcements for Apple TV and Apple Music every month, so why not hold back a few bigger ones for an event like this?

What do you think we will get on Monday?

Comments: 6 Responses to “Predictions For Apple’s “Let Us Loop You In” Event”

    lauren eisen
    8 years ago

    gary, i was just about to purchase an apple watch the other day when i read that the apple watch 2 might be coming out. do you know anything about this, do you think besides watch bands they may announce anything about the new watch and do you think if there is a new version, the first one would be updatable? do you own one and do you like it? thanks so much!

    8 years ago

    Lauren: I don't know anything more than you do. I don't think anyone is predicting a new Apple Watch next week. MacRumors is thinking in the fall. http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Apple_Watch

    As to whether I like mine, I wrote about that here:
    http://macmost.com/i-hate-my-apple-watch.html

    Tony Rosner
    8 years ago

    Do you think they might raise the base memory on the iPhone 6s to 32 or even 64? 16 really is crazy for a hight-end phone these days.

    8 years ago

    Tony: I don't see them changing the 6s in the middle of its production year. They don't do that, usually. But if you think that 16 is too low, then just don't buy the 16.

    Mark Scola
    8 years ago

    So far Apple has restricted Near Field Communications to ApplePay. Think they might open up NFC to other devices?

    8 years ago

    Mark: I though they were used for "beacons" too. Either way, your guess is as good as mine.

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