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Whenever Apple has a launch event, the world pays attention, and even more so this year, because the pandemic derailed things a little.

Speculation was rife as to when the 2020 event would take place, with the rumour mill working overtime.

Whilst the iPhone launch event date remains unclear, we do know that Apple is holding a major release event today, September 15, at 7PM, with a number of exciting products being launched.

Rejoice!

If you’re wanting to catch whatever it is they are doing first-hand, things are a little more inclusive this year. Instead of a physical live show where the select few with tickets get to sit in an auditorium and take it all in, everyone will be watching the virtual launch online.

You’ll find the video for the live-stream below, or on Apple’s website.

In the meantime, to prepare you for the reveals here’s what you can expect this evening, per 9to5Mac. the following is a roundup of some key info that has done the rounds in the past few months.

New iPad Air

The iPad is expected to undergo a complete redesign this year if reports from the past month are anything to go by.

The aesthetics are predicted to be modelled on the iPad Pro, with an edge to edge display and no home button. This suggests a touch ID function into the side button on the iPad.

Apple Watch Series 6

Those in the know believe that Apple Watch will add blood oxygen level detection this year.

Blood oxygen levels between 95% and 100% are considered healthy; blood oxygen levels below 80% may lead to compromised heart and brain functionality. Risk of respiratory or cardiac arrest is common after continued low blood oxygen saturation.

This feature would work similarly to existing watchOS heart rate notification features.

If Apple Watch detects a blood oxygen level below a certain threshold, it will trigger a notification for the user.

The watch is likely to look similar to the Series 5, but new colours and brands are always possible.

Force Touch is another new feature making waves, which will allow Apple Watch users to firmly press on the device’s display to access additional content and controls, such as changing watch faces or clearing all notifications.

Apple Watch Series 3

The Series 6 isn’t the only Apple Watch on the agenda.

Apple is allegedly planning a lower-end Apple Watch for this year. Think of it as the iPhone SE of the Watch range.

While the exact specs of the Series 3 are unclear, the event later today will clear things up.

Software Release Dates

Apple is expected to provide some details and clarity on iOS 14, watchOS 7, iPadOS 14, and tvOS 14.

IOS 14 is of particular interest because it will introduce new and improved privacy settings, allowing you to choose between “Allow Tracking” or “Ask App Not To Track”, thereby reducing the ways that apps store your data.

Ahead of the launch of iOS 14, Apple has made it clear that it means business when it comes to keeping your information safe.

Unfortunately, as mentioned previously, it looks like we won’t be hearing anything about the hotly anticipated iPhone 12.

The iPhone 12 has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Apple has indicated that it will hold another event later in the year to launch the smartphone.

Tune in below to take in today’s event, starting at 7PM:

[source:9to5mac]