SAN FRANCISCO: Apple on Wednesday is expected to introduce a new iPhone and perhaps a second-generation smartwatch as it polishes its lineup of devices to shine during the year-end shopping season.
The rumor mill has been grinding away with talk of iPhone 7 models that will boast faster chips, more sophisticated cameras, and improved software while doing away with jacks for plugging in wired headphones.
To assuage users accustomed to wired headphones, Apple could roll out accessories that include an adaptor that plugs into a remaining port.
The event would also be a chance to showcase wireless headphones, perhaps some from Beats, which Apple bought two years ago in a deal valued at $3 billion.
“Though not a completely redesigned smartphone, I do expect Apple to announce enough innovation to the new iPhone 7 devices to maintain its leadership,” said Forrester analyst Thomas Husson.
“In particular, the timing would be ideal for Apple to leverage its Beats acquisition and deliver new headphones — bundling voice-based services from Siri with an Apple Music subscription offering.”
In Apple’s usual enigmatic style, it provided little more that the date, time and place to the invitation-only gathering.
Apple has maintained a rhythm of introducing updated iPhone models on an annual basis, timing introductions to coincide with the year-end holiday shopping season.
