In typically cryptic fashion, Apple sent press invitations last week inviting journalists for coffee and breakfast at its Cupertino, Calif. Campus today, 10 a.m. PDT. Apple gave no further information about what the event might reveal aside from the invitation’s vague tagline: “This should brighten everyone’s day.”
While Apple hasn’t released any official information, sources inside it reportedly have hinted at the release of two new iPhones: the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. Photos of the devices were leaked by Apple insider Sonny Dickson. The official release date of iOS 7, which has been in beta for months, is also expected to be announced.
Apple also sent out invitations to Chinese journalists for a separate event on Wednesday. The company plans to hold satellite events in Beijing, Tokyo and Berlin to stream the U.S. press conference and announce some additional content.
On top of the iPhone and iOS, rumors of what else Apple might announce range from iPad, iPod and OS releases, to smartwatches, Apple TV software and a fingerprint sensor.
While Apple could unveil an expansive new suite of products and completely revolutionize the technology industry in one day, it’s rather unlikely. Take a look at all the products Apple might debut today, and how likely each rumored announcement actually is.
iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C
The release of two new iPhones is a sure thing. The iPhone 5S will resemble the iPhone 5, adding an upgraded camera with slow-motion video capture and a dual-LED flash, and a new gold color scheme with white accents.
The more exciting rumors surrounding the 5S tease a fingerprint sensor embedded in the Home button, surrounded by a silver ring and covered with sapphire crystal for durability.
The iPhone 5C, a rumored title, is expected to be essentially identical to the iPhone 5, simply repackaged in a thicker plastic case instead of metal, and available in bright colors similar to the iPod. The 5C is aimed at emerging markets like China, and may well be related to Apple’s rumored partnership with carrier China Mobile.
Apple’s separate Beijing press event on Wednesday should reveal whether the iPhone 5C is in fact part of the deal between Apple and China Mobile.
iOS 7
The new mobile OS has been in beta for months and needs only an official release date, so this announcement is a definite. iOS 7 is the most extensive redesign of Apple’s Mobile OS, featuring brighter colors and gradients, new APIs, and support for the iPhone 4, 4S, and 5; the fifth-generation iPod touch; and the iPad 2, iPad mini, and both Retina iPads.
OS X 10.9 “Mavericks”
Apple’s move away from cat-themed operating systems has already gone through four developer previews and is rumored for shipping in early October, so today’s press conference is almost certain to bring an official release date.
You can read more about the new OS X 10.9 “Mavericks” features, as well as early opinions from users and developers in our feature on it.
Apple TV
New Apple TV and AirPort Express hardware are probably not in the cards today, but there may be some software improvements in store, such as a way for iPhone and iPad users to stream content to their friends’ Apple TVs without logging in.
iTunes Radio
Apple announced a Pandora and Spotify-like service at WWDC 2013 for a fall launch, so an official release today wouldn’t be surprising.
iPad 5 and Retina iPad mini
These rumors are a maybe at best, but recent leaks might point to a slimmer iPad 5, as well as a new mini with a retina display. These products will drop soon, but a separate, high-profile release may be more likely than stuffing them in among the rest of today’s announcements.
New MacBook Pro
Apple also announced a new Mac back at WWDC, set to ship this fall. But another announcement concerning further specifications or a release date isn’t expected quite yet.
iPods
No new iPods are in the works or anywhere close to release at the moment, but one possible announcement might be the long-predicted retirement of the iPod Classic. The old girl has had a great run, but her days are numbered. If not today, the announcement won’t be far off.
Gadgets
Rumors of the iWatch and iTV have gestated for years, but despite the current smartwatch craze spearheaded by Samsung and Android, Apple’s smartwatch isn’t slated for debut until late 2014. As for an iTV, don’t hold your breath. No news is not necessarily good news.
Apple may also reveal something completely new, blowing all our minds with an ace in the hole that no one saw coming. They’ve made a habit of pulling stunts like that. Either way, until 10 a.m. PT today, this is all just guesswork.
