What to expect from Apple’s ‘California Streaming’ event on Tuesday

Apple fans can tune into the event, called “California Streaming,” online starting at 1 pm et, from Apple’s website or through the Apple TV app.

Here’s what you can expect to hear about at the event.

iPhone 13

Considering that iPhone 12’s design departed from previous versions, analysts doubt Apple will tweak the next version in a major way. That means iPhone 13 will likely have a more rectangular design with flat edges as opposed to round corners like older iPhone models. 

Similar to the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 will come in three screeen sizes: 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch, or 6.7-inch, according to Apple analyst Gene Munster and David Stokman of Loup Ventures. The newest iPhone will come with an upgraded camera that has better resolution and a Portrait mode for video, they said. That mode was previously available only for photos.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously noted that the iPhone 13 may have a satellite communication feature, which Bloomberg News reported would let people make emergency calls when cellular connectivity is poor.

A major change for iPhone 13, according to report by Bloomberg News, could be a smaller notch on top of the iPhone’s screen. When Apple debuted iPhone X in 2017, the new models came with a camera sensor, embedded into the notch, that powers the ability for users to unlock their iPhones with their faces. Some critics slammed the notch, saying the design was an eyesore that unnecessarily covered some of the screen. A smaller notch would make the feature more attractive while still enabling facial recognition.

Apple Watch

Loup Ventures speculates that Apple will introduce a new Apple Watch, likely named Apple Watch Series 7, that will be slimmer and come with a bigger display that its predecessor. This would be first design change for the Apple Watch in three years, the firm noted.

Additionally, the new Apple Watch will likely mimic the iPhone 13’s boxier design, Bloomberg News notes, with a flat screen and flat edges. The newest Apple Watch is unlikely to include new health sensors, but Apple will continue to work on software for health features relating to body temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar reading, the report said.

AirPods

Apple’s AirPods wireless earbuds may be getting their first upgrade since March 2019, according to analyst Kuo. The new models may be called AirPods 3, tech publication 9 to 5 Mac noted, citing Kuo. It’s unclear if AirPods 3 would cost $159 like their predecessor. In terms of features, Kuo doesn’t expect AirPods 3 to feature noise-cancellation, which Apple’s premiere earbuds, the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, already have.