We are just mere hours away from the first Apple event of the fall. I say first, because that is what the rumor mill is saying. Just like every year, we are getting an Apple event in September, however unlike years past, the rumor is that there won’t be a new iPhone in sight.

Instead, this event is rumored to be focusing on iPad and Apple Watch.

iPad Air

First up, the rumors are claiming that we will be getting an iPad Air refresh and design change. The iPad Air, the not as expensive brother of the iPad Pro will be getting the Pro like design this year. Unlike the iPad Pro though, this iPad will not include FaceID. Instead, the TouchID sensor will be moved to the power/ lock/unlock button.

Rumors are also stating that this iPad will use a USB type C connector like the iPad Pros. While it is annoying that we can’t have one connector for all our devices, making this move makes sense. I love using my iPad with a dock and making it more of a desktop like experience.

I would expect all the internals to be upgraded as well. Maybe even leap frogging the next iPhone to have latest and greatest Apple silicone chips inside. The camera is another question though.

Base iPad

I would also expect the cheapest iPad to get a little refresh as well. I wouldn’t expect a redesign like the Air, but just a spec bump to a faster chip inside.

Apple Watch SE

The rumor mill is also claiming that a new entry level Apple Watch is on the way. This Apple Watch will replace the current Apple Watch Series 3 model at the low end of the price scale. The theory is that Apple will bring out a new Series 4 style watch that will skimp on some features like the ECG feature. It will get the bigger screen (which is good for developers I think) and a faster chip.

That’s not a bad decision to get watches on the arms of customers.

Apple Watch Series 6

I would imagine this is the headline feature of the event today. The new Apple Watch Series 6 should be unveiled today. Based on rumors and watchOS 7, I would imagine that this watch will include everything from the Series 5 (always on screen and compas) and beef up the battery. One of the headlining features of watchOS 7 is sleep tracking, so I can’t imagine Apple not increasing the battery. I wouldn’t be surprised if Quick Charge was a thing as well. If your watch were runnning low on battery since you’ve been active all day and tracking sleep all night, it would be nice to recharge that battery quickly.

There is also signs of a blood oxygen tracker inside as well, to help you manage stress and activity levels.

What else?

That doesn’t seem like much for a two hour event, but Apple has done more with less before. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if more got announced today.

Things like AirTags have been rumored for a long time, and some leakers are saying they are finally close. Air Tags are little tracking devices you can put on your stuff to help you find it. Tile trackers have been the market leader here for a long time, but Apple might finally step in. If they use the U1 chip in the iPhone 11, it could be very precise.

An Apple One subscription seems to be coming around the corner as well. Apple One would bundle some or all of your apple subscriptions to help you manage those features. I wouldn’t mind that considering how many services I subscribe to these days.

I’m dying for an update to the HomePod and Apple TV myself. If Apple announce low cost alternatives to the ones currently out there, I think I would be happy and fill my home with these devices.

Of course, I wouldn’t be surprised it Apple fools everyone and announces iPhones at this event. I wouldn’t put money on it, but you never know.

Stay tuned, I’ll be back with my reaction to the event some time this week and recap all the news that comes out of it.

Until then, let me know what you’re most looking forward to at the event!