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Apple event rumors live blog — last-minute iPhone 14, Apple Watch 8 and AirPods Pro 2 leaks

Apple event rumors live blog — last-minute iPhone 14, Apple Watch 8 and AirPods Pro 2 leaks

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Apple Watch 7

(Image credit: Future)

If those rumors have got you excited about the Apple Watch 8, and you already have an Apple Watch you are keen to upgrade from, then we’ve got you covered. 

Take a look at our guide on how to trade in your Apple Watch, and how you can get credit towards a new smartwatch

There are a lot of Apple Watch 8 rumors to dissect and rationalize. And that’s exactly what editor Kate Kozuch has done. 

Check out the Apple Watch 8 rumors explained video below for a lowdown of what to expect, as well as what not to get your hopes up about. 

iPhone 14 Pro concept art

(Image credit: @AR72014 / Twitter)

One of the more compelling rumors to have bubbled up to the surface lately is the claim that the iPhone 14 Pro will feature an always-on display

Why is that a big deal? Well it would give the iPhone 14 Pro the scope to further challenge some of the best Android phones around, as well as offer a much neater way of seeing information at a glance. Phones writer Richard Priday has chewed over all the iPhone 14 always-on display rumors so far

To help you break down some last-minute iPhone14 rumors, editor Kate Kozuch has pulled together a video that collates some of the best tidbits of information we’ve put our eyes on. 

Take a look at it below. Oh, and like and subscribe! 

iPhone 14

(Image credit: Front Page Tech | Renders by Ian)

Based on the rumored specs for the iPhone 14 Pro, it looks like the next-gen iPhone to get — with the only question being whether 6.1 inches is enough, or if you want a larger 6.7-inch display. 

However, we don’t reckon you should dismiss the standard iPhone 14 entirely. 

As managing editor and phones expert Philip Michaels discusses: “The importance of getting all the valuable things the iPhone 14 promises — great cameras, solid performance, a stellar design — without having to pay more for the privilege can’t be overstated, especially at a time when prices are ballooning all around us. 

“The iPhone 14 Pro may be getting some impressive enhancements, but in this environment, the attractive price of the iPhone 14 could wind up being the most compelling feature of all.”

Speaking of options and specs, we’ve pulled together a specs table for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max based on the rumors so far. 

With the exception of screen and battery size, the two phones look set to be very similar. That’s the same deal as with the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, but in contrast to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, which had differing camera capabilities. 

Check out the specs list below. 

iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max
Screen size 6.1-inches 6.7-inches
Refresh rate 1-120Hz 1-120Hz
CPU Apple A16 Bionic Apple A16 Bionic
RAM 6GB (LPDDR5) 6GB (LPDDR5)
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Cameras 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
Battery size 3,200mAh 4,352mAh
Colors Purple, green, silver and graphite Purple, green, silver and graphite

A shot of five iPhone 14 Pro dummy units, in silver, graphite, gold, blue and purple

(Image credit: Sleepy Afternoon)

But one way Apple could justify a price hike for the iPhone 14 Pro at least, could be a new entry-level storage tier. According to some rumors, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro max will start at 256GB of storage space rather than 128GB. 

However, this iPhone 14 Pro storage boost has been shot down in a report from Haitong International analyst Jeff Pu, who claims that Apple will be keeping storage the same as it was with the iPhone 13 Pro, which means sticking with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options. 

iPhone 14 Pro renders

(Image credit: Madmix)

Camera upgrades are all well and good but one of the worrying rumor doing the rounds is how the iPhone 14 range will be more expensive than the iPhone 13 range, with the Pro phones set to rise by $100. 

But Market intelligence firm TrendForce (opens in new tab) has predicted that the jump in price won’t be overly severe, with prices rising by $50 instead. Supposedly, this will be a means for Apple to be more cautious with pricing when global inflation in on the rise. We’re not sure how much we buy into that, but we’d much rather no price hike at all, especially if the standard iPhone 14 isn’t changing much.  

An iPhone 13 Pro in an iPhone 14 Pro case

(Image credit: yeux1122)

Just in! A new iPhone 14 Pro rumor. This time it’s an image of what’s claimed to be an iPhone 14 Pro case over an iPhone 14 Pro, with the big take away being the camera lenses of the next-gen iPhone could be notably larger than those of the current Pro phones. 

What does this mean in practical terms? Well larger lenses can let in more light and that can mean more detail is captured by a phone’s cameras. With the iPhone 14 Pro already tipped to get a 48MP main camera, letting in more light and boosting low-light photography too, could see it top our best camera phone list; though we’d need to put it through some through testing before drawing any conclusions. 

An alleged case/strap for the Apple Watch 8 Pro

(Image credit: Sonny Dickson)

As for the Apple Watch 8 itself, we’re not expecting to see a host of major changes, but a Pro model has been tipped. 

And going by some alleged leaked case photos, it looks like the Apple Watch 8 Pro will be a seriously rugged smartwatch able to withstand the elements and rigorous outdoor activities while still offering access to a suite of watchOS 9 features. That’ll likely be thanks to additional buttons and a titanium construction by default. 

apple watch 3 on wrist

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

Shifting away from iPhones, we’re expecting to see at least two new Apple Watch models on Wednesday. But there’s also the Apple Watch SE 2 that may make an appearance. 

This would be a replacement for the Apple Watch SE, Apple’s cheapest smartwatch, but is could also spell the end of the Apple Watch 3, which looks set to be killed off this week. 

A split image with an iPhone 14 Pro concept render and a portless iPhone concept

(Image credit: EverythingApplePro/ConceptCreator)

If you’re wondering whether you should be prepared to buy the iPhone 14 when it launches, or if you should wait for 12 months and get an iPhone 15, then phones writer Richard Priday has chewed over the iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15

It’s looking like the iPhone 14 Pro will be the phone to get. But if you’re on an iPhone 13 Pro, you may want to consider waiting as the 2023 iPhone model could bring in some major changes, such as USB-C connectivity and a periscope camera. 

iPhone 14 Pro design vs iPhone 14 design

(Image credit: EverythingApplePro/YouTube)

One of the key iPhone 14 rumors is that the standard models will stick with the current A15 processor, but that Pro models will get a new A16 Bionic chip.

However, we’ve now heard a new variation on this theme — namely that the A15 chip in the iPhone 14 will be an enhanced version.

This is according to the Wall Street Journal (opens in new tab), citing “people familiar with the plans.” There’s no indication as to how the A15 will be enhanced — but we’d guess that it would offer slightly higher performance than the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, which offered one extra GPU core compared to the A15 used in the base iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini.

The dual chip approach is one we’ve heard lots about already. For instance, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also tipped the regular iPhone 14s to stick with A15, while the Pro models get an upgrade. 

On the one hand, this would be disappointment — Apple almost always puts new chips inside new phones. But on the other, you could argue that the A15 Bionic is so powerful that having it in the iPhone 14 is going to be no bad thing anyway. And if the version of the A15 used is more powerful than that in the iPhone 13, there’s even less reason to worry about it.

iphone 14 pro render

(Image credit: Front Page Tech / Ian Zelbo)

One of the latest rumors to surface ahead of the Apple event concerns a battery boost for the iPhone 14 Pro range

That’s according to well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who writes in his Power On newsletter (opens in new tab) that “beyond the notch, I’m told to expect the iPhone 14 Pro models to appear slightly larger overall and include slimmer bezels. They will have bigger batteries too.”

Slimmer bezels are nice, but a battery boost could help the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro max win a spot on our best phone battery life list, replacing the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro respectively. 

Good morning and welcome to our Apple event rumors live blog. We’ll be updating this regularly over the next day-and-a-bit leading up to the event itself, which is due to start at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST tomorrow (September 7).

There’s certainly no shortage of last-minute leaks and speculation around the various devices tipped to launch tomorrow, so read on for our thoughts on each one.

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Wharf Winter Games, Museum Exhibits, Embassy Events: Last-Minute DC-Area Weekend Ideas 2/10-2/13

Wharf Winter Games, Museum Exhibits, Embassy Events: Last-Minute DC-Area Weekend Ideas 2/10-2/13

Hope Your Team Wins! (Yay Sports!)

Hello Neighbor,

On our radar this week we are highlighting celebrations and embassy-sponsored events. Here are some announcements and round-ups for you: 

 

 So, What Should You Do?

For your convenience, this newsletter includes emojis to help you during these unprecedented times: 

  • The 🛋 indicates an event is happening in-person inside.
  • The 🌲 indicates an event is happening in-person outside
  • The 💻 indicates an event is happening virtually. 
  • And lastly, the 🆓 indicates an event is free. 
  • The 💉 indicates an event requires proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test

 

Your Last-Minute Weekend Plans

1. Since the weather will be nice on Saturday. 😎🌞☀️🌤 Head early to the Wharf Winter Games (Sat, 🆓, 🌲, The Wharf) for a chance to play ice cornhole and pin-the-tail-on-the-husky. Support local by heading to the Valentine’s Day Sidewalk Market (Sat, 🆓, 🌲, Mount Pleasant), the Shop Local for Your Valentine Market (Sat, 🆓, 🌲, Tysons), or the openings of Petit Soeur (Sat, $, 🛋, Georgetown) and Black Box Botanical (Sat, $, 🛋, Takoma). Give back by volunteering at a Columbia Heights clean-up (Sat, 🆓, 🌲, Columbia Heights). Visit the baby porcupette at the Smithsonian Zoo (Thurs-Sun, 🆓 but need timed passes,🌲/🛋, Woodley Park).

 2. Since the weather will be terrible on Sunday. 🥶🧊❄️☁️ Stay indoors and visit these exhibits before they close at the end of the month: “Aquatint: From Its Origins to Goya” at the National Gallery of Art (daily, 🆓, 🛋/💉, National Mall) and “Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture, and Exchange across Medieval Saharan Africa” at the African Art Museum (Wed-Sun, 🆓, 🛋, National Mall). Test new heights at a bouldering gym in the area such as Brooklyn Boulders ($29 day pass) or Movement Climbing ($27 day pass). Break free from the streaming algorithm and watch a film at AFI Silver Theatre or Landmark E Street Theatre.

3. Celebrating the performing arts. 🎫 See Iké Udé’s “Nollywood Portraits(ongoing, 🆓, 🛋, National Mall), which highlights the rich talent behind Nigeria’s $3 billion film industry. Watch Columbia Heights’ Gala Hispanic Theatre recently debuted play “La Casa de La Laguna(till Feb 27, $, 🛋/💉, Columbia Heights). There aren’t many tickets left, but you might be able to catch the Washington Ballet’s “Swan Lake(Thurs-Sun, $25+, 🛋/💉, Kennedy Center) or “50 Years of Broadway at the Kennedy Center” (Sat, $59+, 🛋/💉, Kennedy Center). Head to H Street for a three-course dinner at Sospeso + Prologue Theater play performance combo (Sat, $75+, 🛋/💉, H St).

4. Comedic relief for love in a swamp. 😅😓 For those needing a chuckle, consider stopping by a comedy show about awkward sex experiences (Fri, $20, 🛋/💉, 14th St) or a community open-mic (may I call it community-healing?) about how Love Hurts (Thurs, $15, 🛋/💉, The Wharf). Not sure what this is, but a “texts to your ex” wall (Sat, 🆓, 🛋/💉, West End) sounds intriguing. And if you need something very different, swing by a gory Violent-ines Day Massacre drag show (Fri, 🆓, 🛋/💉, NoMA).

5. A hodgepodge of ideas. 💫  Join Blk Fwr Mrkt at Shopkeepers DC for a speed smudging workshop (Sat, $35, 🛋/💉, H St.). Head to Merriweather District for their Glow on Ice ice-skating event (every Thurs, 50% off tickets, 🌲, Columbia). Maybe you might know someone who would benefit from a Taxes for Artists workshop (Thurs, 🆓, 💻). Run in your underwear as part of the Cupid’s Undie Run (Feb 12, $35 to register, Penn Quarter) to raise money to find a cure for neurofibromatosis. For those wanting a squad-get-together-Insta-worthy experience, consider stopping by the Haus of Cupid at the Sun Room (Sat, $92+, 🛋/💉, Eckington).

 

What Is On Our Radar: Cultural Events

Here is an overview of some celebrations and embassy-sponsored events that have caught our attention: 

    • A French astrophysicist leaving Earth and her daughter. 🇫🇷🚀 The Embassy of France is hosting a film screening of “Proxima” as part of a film series celebrating the French Presidency of the European Union (Feb 10, $5, 🛋/💉, Glover Park). 
    • Poetics of the Hispanism diaspora. 🇪🇸🖋 The Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain will be hosting Spanish comic author Anapurna about comic art and her creative process (Feb 16, 🆓, 🛋/💉, Columbia Heights) .
    • Celebrating 70 years of Mexican traditional dance. 🇲🇽💃🏾 The Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez returns to DC at the Lincoln Theater in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Institute (Feb 25, $30+, 🛋/💉, U St).
    • Fat Tuesday Parade 🤝 Fireworks 🤝 Ice Sculptures. 👑🧊🎇 Head to Navy Yard and the Wharf for a day of celebration. Start at Ice Yards with ax throwing and a snowboarding stimulator before watching the Mardi Gras Parade and fireworks (Feb 26, $15 for Ice Yards, 🌲, Navy Yard) and (Feb 26, 🆓 for Mardi Gras, 🌲, The Wharf). 
    • Piano concert for Ukraine. 🇺🇦🎹 The Embassy of Ukraine in partnership with the US Ukrainian Activists will host a charity concert in commemoration of the Heavenly Hundred. There will be hors d’oeuvres and wine as well as a photo exhibit “Maidan in Washington, DC” on display (Feb 26, $25+, 🛋/💉, Georgetown). 
    • The future of Indigenous cultures. 🇸🇪🖼 The House of Sweden will host an exhibit entitled “Artic Highways,” which features artworks by Sami and Indigenous artists exploring what it means to be “unbounded” (debuts March 5).
    • Japanese street festival. 🇯🇵🌸 In its 60th year, the Japan-America Society of Washington DC invites the public to Sakura Matsuri, the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States (April 9-10, $10+, 🌲, Downtown). 

          Jade (@clockoutdc

Jade Womack is an energy economist by day, and an events blogger by night. She started her blog, Clockout DC, when she was moonlighting as a bartender in 2019. She grew up in Arlington, and currently lives in Adams Morgan with her dog.