Apple event on October 13: here's what to expect

With just hours to go before the Apple brand’s upcoming hardware news, the excitement of fans -and one or two Android users- is at its peak. But what can you expect from Apple’s event on October 13? The possible highlights are the 5G-compatible iPhone and the AirPods Studio.

Don’t rule out that Apple (maybe) decides to show only its new cell phones and leave other news for later. Remember what happened with the previous hardware event this year? Anyway, here are some bets.

iPhone 12 and several other models

At this point, it is no longer clear whether there will be four or five iPhone models, what is certain is that Apple would aim to cover a larger number of users. The various rumors have put on the table the names iPhone 12, 12 Max, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max and 12 Mini (the latter would be a more “entry-level” model … with what that means for Cupertino).

In addition to the in-house A14 Bionic chip, the smartphones would have a redesign, combining elements of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 with the iPhone 11. The edge-to-edge display would remain, but the rounded edges would now take on a square shape, like on the iPad Pro.

Apple’s new phones would have a staggered release. Production delays would force the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro - with the same screen size - to be released first, followed by the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Mini a couple of weeks later.

AirPods Studio

Will Apple’s much rumored earbuds with a design that would cover the entire ear see the light of day this October 2020? There are still no certainties: the first rumors did state that the AirPods Studio would be unveiled this month, however, the most recent transcendents refer that it would be until November when they would be presented.

Since the “regular” AirPods are a product more than loved by their users -and by Apple itself-, expectations are high with the new headphones: they would include automatic pairing and Spacial Audio (surround sound), as well as noise cancellation to compete directly with the Sony WH-1000XM4.

AirTag

Apple is said to be leaning heavily towards the U1 chip, which will apparently allow users to find their devices with extreme precision in tight spaces. That would be the basis for AirTag tags, which would compete directly with manufacturer Tile and would have a circular design.

And to stand up to rivals, the AirTag tags would have to be attractively priced, although we know that’s relative for Apple. A four-piece Tile pack, for example, could cost $60.

New rumors indicate that Apple would also wait to launch its AirTag line. According to a new note from Jon Prosser, it could be delayed until March 2021.

HomePod Mini

Yes, the sound quality of the original HomePod cannot be denied, however, when compared, in terms of price, to the Google Nest and Amazon Echo, it may fare poorly. In response, the HomePod Mini would arrive.

With a similar finish, Apple’s new smart speaker would have a more accessible price and a smaller size. Otherwise, it would offer the same capabilities as its “big sister”.

Other surprises?

The Californian company stated that the first Macs with Apple Silicon processors will be launched by the end of the year. Two models are expected to be unveiled, however, the latest information suggests that Apple will save them for a third hardware event in November.

There is also speculation that the Cupertino-based company is preparing a new Apple TV player, or several versions of it, although the most recent rumors emphasize that it will be launched until 2021.

While Apple had a failed attempt with the AirPower, it seems that it has not removed its efforts on wireless charging and would be working on a small mat compatible with the iPhone (it is not clear if it would also be ready for the Apple Watch).

The coin is in the air, so we will have to be patient to what Apple presents this October 13, 2020.