Introduction

Lifehacker's final Big Guessing Game round before Apple's Wednesday event gives readers a chance to predict the announcements. As the tech world waits for the keynote, these community forecasts reveal what fans are most eager to see.

What Happened

The quiz covered five topics. A plurality of participants thought Apple would kick things off with iPhone reveals, while a smaller group expected the Apple Watch to lead the show. Opinions were evenly split on whether former CEO Tim Cook would attend the first event under new leadership. Predictions for the foldable iPhone Ultra's preorder date varied widely, with the majority expecting availability within the current month. Readers also weighed in on how long the pre-recorded keynote would run, with most settling on a 90-to-120-minute window.

Why This Matters

These community forecasts offer a real-time snapshot of public expectations as Apple prepares to unveil its newest products. The strong inclination toward iPhone openings reflects the company's established event rhythm, while the split on Cook's participation underscores the significance of the leadership transition. Forecasts for the foldable iPhone Ultra's release timeline highlight sustained interest in Apple's experimental hardware. Keynote duration expectations also influence how audiences schedule their evening.

Key Takeaways

  • Close to half of respondents expected Apple to start with iPhone news, matching the company's established presentation order.
  • A majority of readers anticipated Tim Cook's appearance, though a substantial minority expected the focus to stay on the new CEO.
  • Most predictions placed the iPhone Ultra preorder window in the coming weeks, with a notable portion expecting a later October or November debut.
  • Over half of readers forecast a keynote lasting between 90 and 120 minutes, aligning with Apple's usual pacing.
  • A clear majority hoped John Ternus would revive the One More Thing closing tradition, though doubt persisted.

Conclusion

With the keynote imminent, these predictions provide a fascinating window into what the Apple audience is tracking and hoping for. Whether the actual announcements match the forecasts or catch everyone off guard, the event will shape the months ahead. Keep following for live updates as the real story unfolds.