Apple Confirms Special Event On September 9, Likely For iPhones

Apple has sent out invites to a special event it’s holding on September 9, where we will almost certainly get our first official look at the next iPhone. The invites follow a previous report from Re/code pegging Tuesday, September 9 as the date, and the event’s timing is consistent with the launch of the iPhone dating back to to the iPhone 4S, when Apple began releasing new versions of its smartphone in the fall instead of in the early summer.

The event will almost definitely see the introduction of one, if not two new iPhone models. Scuttlebutt is that we’ll see at least a 4.7-inch iOS-powered smartphone and maybe one larger 5.5 inch model introduced by Apple at the event. Though only one might launch a few weeks after, with the larger version shipping later. Apple has been reportedly gearing up to provide sapphire-based displays in at least some of these devices, which could offer benefits in terms of durability and resistance to scratches and shattering.

This event is a bit atypical for Apple in that it’s being held neither on Apple’s Cupertino campus nor the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Instead, it’s being held at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino. Our guess is that this has something to do with capacity — Apple’s auditorium is very small and if Apple sees this as a high profile release — there are rumors of a wearable, too — then it could want more bodies in the seats.

Apple will also likely announce the general availability of iOS 8 at this event. If it follows the pattern of previous releases, it’ll arrive for existing device owners a few days before the iPhone 6 (or whatever Apple chooses to call it) ships.

We’ll be at the event, bringing you all the news and announcements direct from Apple live as they happen, so tune in right back here on September 9 for our coverage.