Apple’s expected to reveal three new iPhone models tomorrow, Sept. 12. One of those, the so-called iPhone Xr, has long been expected to launch in multiple colors. Today, there’s possible proof of what some of those colors could be.
When Apple introduces new iOS devices, it also typically retires older models. Expect more the same after the company unveils three new iPhones tomorrow, Sept. 12.
Current lineupAt both Apple retail stores and online, you can select from eight iPhone models currently, including the:
iPhone X (announced in 2017) iPhone 8 (2017) iPhone 8 Plus (2017) iPhone 7 (2016) iPhone 7 Plus (2016) iPhone SE (2016) iPhone 6s (2015) iPhone 6s Plus (2015)As far back as January, reputed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple planned on retiring the iPhone X when new models are launched. Given that this year's iPhone lineup is expected to include a second-generation iPhone X, the so-called the iPhone Xs, this rumor makes sense.
We're also almost certainly going to see the retirement of the 2015 iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. It doesn't make sense for Apple to keep either model around after tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I don't believe the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will survive another year, given their similarities with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. However, it's possible Apple could keep them around to become low-cost models, so stay tuned.
What's less certain is the fate of the iPhone SE. Earlier this year, it looked like Apple was planning on releasing a new 4-inch handset to replace the iPhone SE sometime in 2018. However, those rumors have died down in recent months. With no 4-inch iPhone on the horizon, Apple could feasibly elect to keep the iPhone SE around for another year or no longer produce a handset at that size.
Proposed new iPhone lineupHere's what is likely to be the new iPhone lineup after tomorrow's event:
iPhone Xs (2018) iPhone Xs Max (2018) iPhone Xr (2018) iPhone 8 (2017) iPhone 8 Plus (2017) iPhone SE (2016) (possibly) What does this mean?If you own one of the devices that Apple retires tomorrow, don't be overly concerned. Years ago, when Apple retired an iPhone, it meant that iOS support was ending soon too. However, that isn't the case anymore.
Apple has already said iOS 12 will support the iPhone 5s and newer devices. Therefore, even if you own an iPhone 6s, for example, iOS support for your device should continue at least for another year or two.
We should know soon enough. Tomorrow's event begins at 10 a.m. PDT from the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park Campus. This year, Apple is providing live streaming of the event through various outlets including, for the first time, Twitter.
With one day to go before Apple's big "Gather round" event, new details have emerged about the devices most likely to make an appearance tomorrow. The details come from 9to5Mac, which was the first outlet to publish real images purportedly of the upcoming iPhone Xs/Xs Max and fourth-generation Apple Watch.
eBay has announced a new open source technology that could make it easier for people with motor impairments to shop or move around apps. HeadGaze uses Apple's TrueDepth camera alongside Apple ARKit to allow you to navigate an app using your head motion.
On Wednesday, Apple will hold its "Gather round" press event from the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park Campus in Cupertino, California. As has become tradition, Apple is once again offering a live stream of the event so anyone can watch. Here's how to find it.
Two days before it's holding its "Gather round" event, Apple is inviting the public to the big show via a promoted tweet. The post asks users to tap on the Twitter heart below the tweet to receive updates on event day. Apple's event begins at 10 a.m. PDT on Wednesday, Sept. 12.
Apple has picked up the rights to two new films, "The Elephant Queen" and "Wolfwalkers." The former was recently acquired at the Toronto International Film Festival while the latter came from Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Productions, according to Deadline.
On Monday, Apple alerted some developers of a signing issue that's preventing some Apple Watch apps from working correctly. The problem was first reported by MacRumors.
Apple's making it easier to find great content on Apple Music. It's now separating an artist's main studio albums from their various singles and EPs. Previously, the material was combined, which made it difficult to find. The change arrives just as Apple's now highlighting the most-streamed songs on the service through newly released "Daily 100" charts.
Siri Shortcuts Suggestions are set to arrive on iOS 12 in just a few days. However, if you're using an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, you're out of luck. The new capabilities won't be available for iPhones produced in 2014 or earlier, according to Apple's Craig Federighi (via Reddit).
I’ve been reporting on Apple through various outlets for over eight years. During that time, I have covered plenty of “special” events like the one we’re about to see this week. Based on my experience, there are things I’ve come to expect from Apple during these events, and things I do not.
Over the weekend, serial leaker Ben Geskin posted images purportedly showing dummy units for Apple's upcoming 6.1-inch LCD iPhone. On Monday, Bloomberg reported that the new handset, which might be called the iPhone Xc or iPhone Xr, is likely to face early supply challenges.