Apple's not talking, but tech lovers anticipate iWatch release

Rumours are mounting about Apple’s product event next Tuesday, and most are speculating about wearable technology and new, larger iPhones.

Ahead of that Sept. 9 release, Apple has rushed to get ahead of security concerns that have hung over it since nude photos of celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton emerged online in recent days. The apparent hacking was initially linked to the iCloud feature, but it's not certain how the images were accessed.

Apple CEO Tim Cook told the Wall Street Journal on Thursday that the company will broaden its use of the two-factor authentication and send out alerts to users where there is unusual activity on an account. Dual authentication demands that users enter a PIN plus a potential fingerprint or other authentication whenever they log on.

• Jennifer Lawrence photo hack: Apple to push 2-step authentication process
• Nude celebrity photo leak casts iCloud over Apple launch

Apple may need to restore its formerly good reputation for security with customers.  At next week's product event, features are expected that will advance mobile payments and its wearable technology could be set to capture health information.

Wearable technology

Apple's development of an iWatch has been rumoured for the past two years. If that is the Sept. 9 surprise, it will be the first new product from Apple under Cook’s management.

Among the speculation about the iWatch is it:

• Will have a slightly curved face.
• Will be made of sapphire crystal, purportedly more scratch resistant than regular glass.
• Will come in two sizes (men’s and women’s?).
• Will monitor health information such as blood sugar, heart rate, steps taken, calories ingested.
• Will connect wirelessly with an iPhone or similar device and offer wireless charging.
• May not be available for sale until next year.

Larger iPhones

A lot of Apple competitors are releasing wearable devices this fall – Samsung’s headset and Motorola’s Moto 60 circular smartwatch.

But of more concern to Apple is Samsung’s large-screen Galaxy phones, which have proven popular and are helping Android steal market share.  

Apple is expected to position itself in direct competition with the newest iPhone. Some of the rumoured features:

• It will come in two sizes, measuring 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches diagonally (compared to 4 inches now).
• It will offer a 128GB storage option.
• It will have softer, rounded edges similar to the latest iPads.
• It will offer a one-handed typing option.
• It will introduced enhanced mobile payments.

This last function is a key next-generation phone function and may be one reason Apple is so keen on dual authentication.

Wireless payment

Apple is believed to have been working on near-field communication, or NFC, which allows devices to exchange information wirelessly over very short distances. That could make paying for things with a phone more ubiquitous as users would have a secure digital wallet that would interact only with partner merchants.

None of this information about its potential new products has been confirmed with Apple, which is traditionally secretive about new products until they are released.

Apple’s event is Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PT at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, Calif., the same venue where Steve Jobs introduced the original Macintosh.