Introduction

Apple's fall keynote is set to unfold Wednesday, with expectations running high for new hardware including the Apple Watch Series 12, iPhone 18 Pro, and the company's first foldable iPhone. In the days leading up to the main event, Lifehacker invited its community to participate in the third and final round of its Big Guessing Game, asking readers to speculate on what the tech giant would reveal.

What Happened

Lifehacker posed five key questions to its audience, ranging from the order of product reveals to the possibility of a surprise appearance by former leadership. Readers submitted their forecasts, creating a snapshot of public anticipation ahead of Apple's official announcements.

Why This Matters

Even before Apple takes the stage, the volume of reader participation highlights how closely the tech community is tracking every detail of the event. These predictions not only shape expectations but also reflect which products and narrative shifts are top of mind for enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

  • First on the agenda: A plurality of readers believe Apple will open with iPhone announcements, outweighing expectations for a Watch or Mac lead-in.
  • CEO presence: Opinions are divided on whether former CEO Tim Cook will appear on stage, with a slight majority expecting his participation.
  • Foldable iPhone Ultra preorders: Most readers anticipate preorder availability within the next few weeks, though a significant portion expects the window to extend into October or November.
  • Keynote length: The majority of respondents predict the event will run between 90 and 120 minutes, with a smaller group expecting a shorter or notably longer session.
  • One More Thing return: A clear majority of readers hope new CEO John Ternus will revive the classic One More Thing closing tradition, though a notable minority disagrees.

Conclusion

As Wednesday's event approaches, these reader predictions offer a fascinating gauge of what the tech world is eagerly awaiting. Whether every forecast proves accurate or not, the engagement underscores Apple's continued ability to command attention and spark discussion across its audience.