What time is the Apple event? UK start time for iPhone 15 announcement and how to watch live stream of launch
Apple’s major annual launch event is taking place on Tuesday. The event has been named “Wanderlust”, and as is tradition, Apple has not given us any information about what it will actually include.
However, the fact a new iPhone will drop in September – as it does every year – is a given, and thanks to the many dedicated Apple sleuths around, there are also plenty of rumours about the new features the phone may come with – from an improved camera to a revamped charging port.
We also know that the Apple Watch Series 9 will be unveiled – though insiders are not expecting a dramatic upgrade here.
When is the Apple event?
The Apple launch event will be on Tuesday 12 September starting at 10am PT (6pm BST) from Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. It usually lasts around an hour.
You can watch a live stream of the event on Apple’s YouTube channel, the Apple website or on the Apple TV app.
Since Apple almost always releases new iPhones for sale on Fridays, and based off previous patterns, that means we can be relatively sure the iPhone 15 will be available for pre-order from Friday 15 September, and you will be able to buy it online and in-store from Friday 22 September.
What can we expect from the iPhone 15?
Apple is once again set to release four phones: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
One of the biggest expected changes is to the charging port. This is something we’ve known was coming, due to new EU laws around standardisation coming into effect in December 2024 that are designed to cut down on electronic waste. Apple’s lightning port is set to be replaced with a regular USB-C, bringing the iPhone in line with other smartphones.
Regarding the display, the “dynamic island” bezel currently reserved for its larger models is expected to replace the notch on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
Design rarely changes too much from one iPhone to another, but MacRumors reports that Pro models will see an upgrade to titanium frames, slimmer bezels, and some minor design changes with more curved device edges, while the Ultra will get periscope lens technology for enhanced camera zoom.
It also suggests that Apple plans to use Qualcomm modem chips for the new devices as its own modem chips that are in development aren’t quite ready.
As for the colours, dark pink and light blue are rumoured this time around, along with the standard standard black, white, and PRODUCT(RED) options.
Despite rumours suggesting Apple may bring touch ID back to its iPhones, leaks appear to show iPhone 15 will continue to use face ID instead.
While the price is unknown, rumours are circulating that it will be similar to the iPhone 14 at launch.
What else could Apple announce?
Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra second generation.
These watches are not expected to feature any major differences from existing models. Bloomberg’s AppleInsider, Mark Gurman, said: “The device is poised for a more modest year after big changes in 2022, when the first Apple Watch Ultra debuted. There are plans for a major update to the watch hardware in 2024, complete with a larger, custom-built display.”
However, the watch OS 10, which these devices will come with, will come with several new apps and new options for faces.
There are also rumours surrounding the Vision Pro, the mixed-reality headset Apple announced in June, and the possibility of a brand new set of AirPods.
These AirPods would likely come with a USB-C charging port, to match the new iPhones.
