KT's take on the four main talking points of next iPhones

San Jose - The notch won't go away anytime soon, but we may see a smaller one on the new iPhones.

All signs point to three new iPhones at Tuesday's big unveil, but with no 5G version. A consolation would be a new Apple Watch, though the upgrades on the wearable would be limited to software and casings (more ceramic versions!).
And we can all agree that all the leaks in the lead-up to major reveals - other brands included - are quite accurate. So whatever we've been seeing on the Web will more than likely be confirmed on Tuesday. Here's what we can expect at the keynote, plus our own thoughts on them.
Cameras
Expected: A triple-lens main system with significant improvements to photo and video, enabling it to, among others, auto-correct, putting people back into the frame where they've been cut off and live editing of video. Face ID on the front camera, meanwhile, is said to be able to recognise a user even if it's lying on a flat surface. And bigger lenses on the main camera, by the way.
What we think: The triple-lens camera is long overdue, but hey, Apple won't mind. If the chatter is true, those will be some unique features. Also, there are some smartphones whose equivalent of Face ID can recognises users in any orientation; putting this in the next iPhones would be a handy addition.
The follow-up to the iPhone XR, meanwhile, is said to come with two cameras - another value proposition to the already successful device. Let's just hope the price won't be bumped up that much.
Design
Expected: The notch won't go away anytime soon, but we may see a smaller one on the new iPhones. Tougher casings are also in order. 3D Touch will also be done, and bigger-sized camera lenses are ready to rumble.
What we think: A punch-hole, something similar to what Samsung did with the Galaxy S10 Plus, would've been most ideal. Apple's Face ID uses some advanced technology, the reason for the wide notch's existence, but it's not impossible to pull it off in a more cramped space. The iPhone X did a great job eliminating the chin, so imagine a true full-screen display on an iPhone.
That said, a comeback for Touch ID is also in the offing - but that would have to wait until the 2020 iterations.
And starting with the iPhone 8 - the first to offer wireless charging - the devices have been arguably less-slippery thanks to their glass backs. Adding tougher shells can also prevent a trip to the Apple Store; it is quite costly to get repairs for your iPhone. And how about increased saltwater resistance for the sake of picture-hungry beach boys and girls?
And about those bigger lenses. while Apple won't be the first to come up with such a layout, it has become polarising, somewhat going contradictory to the company's reputation for minimalist design. Maybe Apple needed more space to make sure those camera soup-ups will be good as speculated - just like the Face ID situation.
Battery
Expected: A bigger battery - 25 per cent more for the top-end iPhone - and reverse wireless charging.
What we think: The iPhone XR won the hearts of many not just because of its price, but also for its long-lasting battery. Such power on the flagships would be a big come-on for users and may shift attention to them instead of the successor to the iPhone XR (or at least put them on equal footing).
And a nice complement would've been the since-cancelled AirPower charging mat. Well, until Apple can achieve the "high standards" it cited the AirPower couldn't get, we'll have to settle for other compatible wireless chargers.
Price
Expected: And speaking of price, this one's shrouded in mystery, but it is widely seen that prices will stay put; the flagship iPhone will start at $999, while the iPhone XR's successor will begin at $749; those are Dh4,229 and Dh3,179, respectively, here in the UAE.
What we think: The world will love a price cut from Apple. Higher sales with lower prices would make a huge, positive impact on Apple's bottom line.
And by the way, rumours are also swirling that a new version of the iPhone SE, which was launched in March 2016, will be revived. A $399 iPhone that would expectedly have neat bump-ups? Why not? That, however, may have to wait until early next year, if ever it'll come to fruition.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com