New iPhone release date: All you need to know about Apple Conference 2018

Amelia Heathman12 September 2018

The big day is almost here: the annual September event when Apple launches its new raft of products, including the much-awaited new iPhone.

Even if you’re not travelling to the Steve Jobs Theatre at Apple Park, you can still keep up with everything that’s going on with the world’s first trillion dollar company.

From how to watch the event to what is going to be announced, here’s everything you need to know about the 2018 Apple conference.

How to watch the 2018 Apple launch

The big Apple launch event takes place on Wednesday, September 12 at 10am Pacific time, 6pm BST.

If you want to watch the big unveiling, you can catch the live stream at Apple.com.

The best way to tune in is from Safari, Apple’s own internet browser, but if you have a PC you can watch on Microsoft Edge.

The live stream definitely will not be working on Google Chrome.

Apple's CEO Tim Cook
Justin Sullivan / Staff / Getty

What is being unveiled this year: new iPhone XS, Max and iPhone XR

At the annual September event, the focus is mainly on the shiny new iPhone Apple will be unveiling.

This year, we’re expected to get three new phones: the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR.

Leaked images, published by 9to5Mac, show the iPhone XS in a new gold colour
9to5Mac

The iPhone XS and Max are going to be updates on last year’s iPhone X, featuring OLED screens, an all-glass design, Apple’s latest processor and at least 4GB of RAM.

The XR, by comparison, will be a cheaper device, with an LCD screen that isn’t as bright and will be sized at around 6.1-inches.

It's likely Apple is going to remove the home button on the new iPhone devices too, signalling the end of TouchID forever. When you have facial recognition through FaceID, there isn't really the need for a home button anymore, and Apple probably isn't going to give its fans an in-screen fingerprint reader, though other companies like Samsung and OnePlus choose to keep this option on the back of the device.

So with the iPhone XS and XR smartphones: goodbye thumbprint, hello face unlock.

What is being unveiled this year: Apple Watch 4

Apple still makes one of the most popular smartwatches with the Apple Watch and fans are eagerly awaiting the updated version.

The new Apple Watch 4 is expected to have a bigger screen and thinner bezels to ensure you get a great display.

Not only that, but rumours abound that the 4 will also have a longer battery life, enhanced health monitoring and could even have Apple’s facial recognition tech, FaceID.

Will the new Apple Watch 4 have a selfie camera? (Apple )
Apple

What is being unveiled this year: updated MacBook Air

Earlier this year, Apple unveiled its new Apple MacBook Pros in somewhat of a surprise announcement. But this week’s event could see us treated to details about a new MacBook Air.

Rumours have been floating around for a while that Apple could release a new and cheaper MacBook Air – good news for Air fans.

However, the Air was always supposed to be the lighter, cheaper model compared to the more substantial MacBook Pro. Since Apple released the OG MacBook two years ago - the company’s thinnest, lightest laptop at a mere 13.1mm and weighs 0.9kg - there might not be room in Apple’s arsenal for a MacBook Air any more.

The MacBook Air hasn’t had an update in a few years and if Apple omits one again it this week, it could signal the end of the Air for good.

What is being unveiled this year: iPad Pro 2018

In the iPad corner, it looks like we could be seeing a new iPad Pro this year. According to 9to5Mac, the new iPad Pro will have dramatically smaller bezels (the frame around the screen) to give you a better screen experience.

It is hoped the new iPad Pro will come with Face ID though this is currently unconfirmed.

If the new Pro does come with Face ID, this could also mean the end of the home button on the iPad.

What is being unveiled this year: iOS 12

One of the most important announcements at this year’s Apple conference will be the release date for iOS 12.

Whilst a few of the features were previewed at WWDC earlier this year, it’ll be great to know when iOS 12 will actually be arriving on devices.

Updates to Apple’s mobile software including digital detox features, upgrades to Apple’s augmented reality experience, ARKit, and new Memojis.

Apple's Memoji update will be coming to the iPhone this Autumn
Apple

How to pre-order the new Apple products

Once Apple announces its new products on Wednesday, all details will be made available on how to pre-order and buy them.

It’s likely that pre-orders for the new iPhone release, Apple Watch and iPad Pro will open on Friday 10 September.

Tune back in on Wednesday to see everything Apple unveils as it happens.

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