The big reveal is almost here. Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to take the stage at the Steve Jobs Theater on Sept. 12, where he's expected to reveal a bunch of new hardware including the next iPhone.
The usually secretive company, however, couldn't contain leaks about the forthcoming iPhone this time around. In July, an Apple employee inadvertently uploaded a firmware update for the forthcoming Homepod to a public server. Included in the leak were details about the new hardware, fueling rumors that the company would unveil an iPhone 7S, 7S Plus, and an iPhone 8.
SEE ALSO: Surprise, surprise: the NYPD is replacing 36,000 Windows Phones with iPhonesThe leak revealed a silhouette-like view of a new phone design, triggering speculation about significant changes to the iPhone's appearance and function. Specifically, there may no longer be a home button on the phone. What’s more, other firmware details suggest that Apple may be delving into futuristic biometrics, wherein the iPhone scans the user's face in infrared to allow them access — although experts warn that this innovation comes with some inherent privacy concerns.
Rumors aside, the actual phone will be revealed next week. Here's what you need to know:
Mashable will have three reporters on the scene and reporting from the event: Karissa Bell, Raymond Wong, and Lance Ulanoff. You can follow their updates and breaking news from the event in real-time via our liveblog right here.
If you'd rather watch the hours-long presentation, you can tune in directly to the livestream. The event will take place Tuesday, September 12 at 10 a.m. PDT and will be live streamed from this Apple page. It can be watched using an iPhone, iPad, Mac (Safari only), Apple TV or Windows 10 PC (Edge browser only).
