The leaves change colors, you grab a scarf, pumpkin spice is back and Apple has a big announcement — all classic signs of fall. Sept. 12 is Wonderlust — yeah, Apple’s naming them now. I know.
Fear not if your eyes glaze over at yet another camera and processor chip upgrade. Apple’s big promos can start to feel a little same-old, same-old, but some big things are coming this year. Here’s what my grapevine is vining about.
iPhone 15’s big debut
It’s right on schedule following iOS 17, and all rumors point to yes: If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your iPhone for a while, it may be a great time to do it. Highlights include:
- A new titanium shell. This rumor is almost confirmed, thanks to a leak from iPhone suppliers. Titanium will make the new iPhone stronger and more shock-proof than ever, a boon to those of us who fumble our phones on the reg.
- Maybe, probably, the huge switch to USB-C for all new iPhones. I’ve been expecting this since the EU told Apple it would require it, and the iPhone 15 is a great place to make the change. There’s a good chance AirPods will get USB-C, too!
- A shapeshifting Dynamic Island bar that acts like a responsive notification center and general “look at me” spot for everything your iPhone is doing.
New Apple Watch gets wander and lust
Apple loves to dump new tech into its smartwatch updates, and since wanderlust = “a big desire to get out and travel,” I’m foreseeing a lot of travel-happy upgrades.
That may include a dual-frequency GPS that recently came to the iPhone 14 line, more durable strap options and a long-awaited update to 5G.
Extra support for the Vision Pro (and AR goodies)
The Vision Pro mixed reality headset is expensive, but that’s what you pay to be at the forefront of augmented reality (AR) tech. With so many years and millions of dollars Apple has spent on this project, it’s understandably going to do everything it can to promote Vision Pro ahead of its consumer release.
My crystal ball says that once again, Apple will go hard on mentions of AR, how the iPhone 15 will work with Vision Pro, and maybe even how new AR tech has made its way inside the latest iPhones — like an AR shopping feature to help with in-store price comparisons.
Better MagSafe tricks
MagSafe’s lock-on wireless charging is a neat trick, making tripping over your cords way less dangerous. This year, I want to see MagSafe mini speakers, projectors, AirPod cases and maybe even a HomePod Mini with MagSafe on the bottom.
Stop by again on Sept. 12
So, let’s bring it all together. Apple’s Wonderlust event is going big on getting out into the world and experimenting with new features. Extra durability, immense optical zooming for photo fans, new AR support for big spenders, better GPS and more will encourage buyers to get a little crazy.
Plus, I’m crossing my fingers for a full embrace of USB-C and innovative MagSafe tech to hit Apple’s big screen.
To see what ends up being big and what’s decidedly meh, catch up with the Komando newsletters after the event. Also, take a minute to check out my latest guides on iPhone security you’ll need to enable and a few iPhone tricks.