Illustration: James Bareham/Polygon

Expect a launch date, pricing for both new subscription services

Today’s Apple event will announce the company’s newest slate of iPhones. It’s also expected to add details — including launch dates — for two new subscription services, called Apple TV Plus and Apple Arcade. You can watch the livestream today on Apple’s events page beginning at 10 a.m. PDT, or watch it below.

Sales of Apple’s iPhone have stalled in recent quarters. Analysts blame market saturation to an extent, but also flagging innovation in the smartphone space as a whole. The United States’ ongoing trade war with China certainly doesn’t help matters.

The Wall Street Journal reports that there will be three models of the “iPhone 11,” including a budget-priced version and a larger version. seem to think there will be a model with three rear-facing cameras. includes the possibility of so-called “bilateral charging,” meaning folks could use their phone to charge other peripherals without wires. The same technology would allow you to charge other iPhones as well.

Stagnating iPhone sales have left Apple in the mood to diversify its portfolio. The next big play is services, and today’s event sets the stage for an important new launch window for the technology giant.

Apple TV Plus will be going up against Disney Plus, the media giant’s own streaming service with everything from Mickey Mouse to Marvel superheroes, Star Wars, and more. Disney’s service launches on Nov. 12 and will cost $6.99 per month, or $69.99 per year. There are also several bundles available with ESPN and Hulu.

On the gaming side of the house, Apple will be going up against Google Stadia. While the search giant still has problems making sense with its pitches, it nonetheless has lots of high-end AAA games in its stable. That includes Destiny 2, multiple Ubisoft franchises, and Cyberpunk 2077. It’s a tough act to follow, and we’ll know a lot more after today’s Apple presentation.

Source: Polygon