Apple Inc. today distributed invitations to a virtual event where the company is widely expected to introduce the next iteration of its flagship smartphone line, the iPhone 13 series.

The event, which has the tagline “California streaming,” is scheduled to take place on Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. PDT.

This year’s iPhone lineup is expected to be called the iPhone 13 series. Reports suggest that Apple will announce the same number of devices, with same screen sizes, as the company did when introducing the iPhone 12 last year. The iPhone 12 comes in four editions: the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 mini, the standard iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, which both feature a 6.1-inch display, and finally the top-end iPhone 12 Pro Max with its 6.7-inch screen.

But though display changes reportedly won’t change, it’s believed that Apple will enhance the underlying technology. Apple is expected to double the screen refresh rates of some of the devices in the iPhone 13 lineup to 120 Hertz. A higher refresh rate translates into smoother graphics.

A limited amount of information has also leaked about the next-generation mobile processor powering the forthcoming devices. Apple’s iPhones run on a system-on-chip that includes several different computing modules, including a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit and an artificial intelligence accelerator. A recent report suggests that the GPU in the iPhone 13’s system-on-chip will be more than 13% faster than the one shipping with iPhone 12, which was described at the time of its introduction as the industry’s fastest mobile GPU.

Another recent report indicates that the new iPhones could feature specialized hardware for connecting to internet satellites. Apple is reportedly planning to introduce satellite-powered messaging features that will enable users to contact emergency services even when they’re outside the range of a cell tower or wireless network. But although the hardware components necessary to support satellite links may be included in the iPhone 13, the emergency messaging features themselves are only expected to become available next year.

It’s likely that the iPhone 13 series will be the main highlight of Apple’s Sept. 14 event, but the device lineup may not be the only item on the agenda. The company could potentially also introduce several other new products that are reported to be in the works.

Leaks suggest that Apple is preparing a refreshed iPad with improved hardware specifications, as well as a new iPad mini featuring the first major update to the entry-level tablet’s design in years. The company is said to have replaced the Home button below the display with a Touch ID fingerprint reader embedded in the wake button on the side of the tablet. The change should allow Apple to shrink the iPad mini’s bezels, which could in turn enable the company to increase the screen size.

Another popular Apple product expected to receive a redesign is the Apple Watch. The hardware overhaul is said to be focused on more closely aligning the smartwatch’s design with that of Apple’s flagship iPhones. Among the changes expected to be announced: flat edges, a bigger screen and a battery life of exceeding 24 hours.

Image: Apple