Apple event: What to expect from iPhone 11 launch next week

It’s that time of year again, when the invitations have gone out for Apple’s iPhone-launching ‘special event’ - and the rumour mill goes into overdrive.

So what does the tech giant have in store this year?

Invitations to the ‘special event’ held at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, were sent out to media, saying: ‘By innovation only.’

Taking place in the Steve Jobs Theater, chief executive Tim Cook and other senior staff will take to the stage on September 10 from 10am local time – 6pm UK time.

Three handsets

Several reports have suggested that there will be three models. These will include a lower-end iPhone 11 and a top-end iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, reliable Apple website 9to5Mac has suggested.

The new range mirrors the nomenclature used in Apple’s iPads, although the rumours are less clear about what the cheaper handset (the iPhone 11) will be called.

Three cameras

The two top-end handsets are expected to feature new triple-camera systems, according to 9to5Mac, while the lower-end one will have double cameras.

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Leaked images have shown the handsets with square camera bumps on the back.

The handsets will also feature reverse wireless charging (allowing users to charge gizmos such as Airpods directly from their phones), Bloomberg has suggested.

Styluses

The handsets may also be compatible with styluses or the Apple Pencil, according to reports from The Inquirer, based on leaks of supposed iPhone 11 cases showing a stylus.

Apple Arcade

Earlier this year, the firm announced a string of new services as it looks to further establish itself outside of smartphones.

One of these was Apple Arcade, a subscription-based game service, offering access to dozens of titles.

Apple TV+

Earlier this year, Apple teased news of a new entertainment subscription-based streaming offering, with original content from the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and JJ Abrams.

Although the platform is set to launch in the autumn, pricing is still yet to be confirmed.

“There have been lots of leaks already, but expect a few surprises,” Paolo Pescatore, an analyst from PP Foresight, said.

“No doubt there will be huge emphasis on the camera and imaging, in line with previous years and recent rival announcements.

“The biggest challenge will be maintaining a premium for what some users will see as incremental upgrades.

“More so if it is holding back on releasing significant revolutionary new features and design until 2020.

“Furthermore, with a growing focus on services, we should hear more details on its forthcoming new video, games and potentially other content offerings.”