Introduction

Apple’s fall keynote is moments away, and anticipation is already building around what the company will unveil. Lifehacker’s readers recently participated in the third and final round of the Big Guessing Game, sharing their expectations ahead of the official announcements.

What Happened

The guessing game covered five key topics readers are tracking closely. Most respondents believed Apple would start the event with iPhone announcements, while a smaller group expected the Apple Watch to lead the show. Opinions were also divided on whether former CEO Tim Cook would make an appearance, with a slight majority predicting his presence. Readers also weighed in on when the highly anticipated iPhone Ultra would become available for preorder, and how long the keynote session might run. Finally, many speculated whether new CEO John Ternus would revive the classic “One More Thing” closing tradition.

  • First product announced: A plurality of readers expected iPhone reveals to kick off the event, followed by Apple Watch, with fewer predicting Macs or AirPods.
  • Tim Cook appearance: Opinions were split, but a majority anticipated Cook would be present, while a significant minority expected him to be absent.
  • iPhone Ultra preorder timing: The largest segment predicted availability this month, followed by expectations of an October launch, with smaller groups anticipating November or later.
  • Keynote duration: Most forecast a session between 90 and 120 minutes, though a notable portion expected shorter or notably longer presentations.
  • "One More Thing" return: A clear majority believed the classic closing slogan would make a comeback under Ternus, while a substantial minority disagreed.

Why This Matters

Even though the actual event outcomes remain to be seen, the reader predictions offer a fascinating snapshot of community expectations and the topics that matter most to Apple followers. Understanding these forecasts helps contextualize the buzz surrounding new product categories, leadership transitions, and the enduring traditions that shape each keynote.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone-related news is expected to lead the event, reflecting Apple’s typical product hierarchy.
  • Reader interest in the iPhone Ultra’s preorder timeline highlights strong anticipation for Apple’s first foldable phone.
  • Opinions on Cook’s participation underscore the significance of leadership transitions in Apple’s public-facing events.
  • Keynote length expectations vary, but most readers anticipate a standard-length presentation rather than an marathon session.
  • The "One More Thing" tradition’s potential return reflects ongoing nostalgia for Apple’s historic announcement style.

Conclusion

As Apple prepares to take the virtual stage, the predictions gathered from Lifehacker’s community provide a useful gauge of what fans are watching for. Whether the actual announcements align with these forecasts or surprise us entirely, the event will undoubtedly set the tone for the months ahead in Apple’s product lineup.