Apple announces iPhone event on 9 September

Apple has announced when it will be talking about the iPhone 6S (or maybe, if we're unbelievably lucky, the iPhone 7).

It has sent out invites to an event on 9 September where it is likely we'll get revamped versions of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus - probably called the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. Looking to the history of the iPhone, it just isn't likely that we'll see a complete revamp this year.

• T3.com will feature full coverage of the Apple launch including a liveblog and feature rundowns in addition to hands on reviews of the new products on 9 September.

We'll also probably be hearing more about the launch of iOS 9, OS X El Capitanand watchOS 2 as well. Expect iOS 9 and watchOS 2 launch dates to precede the iPhone one (we'll hazard a guess as Friday 25 September for the actual launch of the iPhone).

Plus, you never know, we might get an updated Apple TV, too as Apple takes it beyond a 'hobby' (as Steve Jobs called it). In many ways, this is the launch we're looking forward to the most. Apple TV has needed a boost in the face of increased numbers of rivals like Amazon Fire TV and Google's Chromecast. The new Apple TV needs to be something special.

And then there's the potential of new Macs, too - possibly a new iMac. We're not expecting new iPads this time - Apple is so far ahead in that market, there's just no need as yet - however iPad sales are falling, so don't rule out a bigger iPad Pro at some point.

Apple buys Coherent Navigation in a bid to make Apple Maps less rubbish

Apple's long quest to improve Apple Maps is set to continue as the Californian company buy Coherent Navigation, a company with expertise in high-accuracy GPS and navigation services.

When Apple Maps first arrived on the scene it wasn't exactly the runaway success they hoped it would be, with buildings popping up in rivers and Luton located by the sea.

Thankfully the app has improved a lot since then, but still trails behind its ever-popular rival, Google Maps.

The company have refused to state their plans for the new acquisition, instead releasing a rather non-committal statement, "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."

There are no details about how much Apple spent on the mapping company, but Coherent Navigation's CEO, Paul G. Lego (awesome name, we know), has been listed as an Apple employee for the last five months on LinkedIn.

Could Coherent Mapping bring the significant improvements Apple needs to finally overthrow Google Map's reign? Well, at least it seems Apple is finally going in the right direction with its mapping technology.

Apple Pay heading to Canada this year, but the UK wait continues

Apple Pay might be making its international debut this year. Reports claim that Apple is talking to banks in Canada with a view to launching the mobile payments system in November.

It’s been a slow start for Apple Pay, but it looks like the TouchID tech is going beyond the US for the first time this year.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, Apple is going to launch its Apple Pay technology in Canada this autumn.

It’s been in the US since last October, following the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plusrelease, and now Apple has reportedly spoke with Canada’s six biggest banks about launching it in November.

Although it’s not yet a done deal. Those ‘familiar’ with the matter apparently say that the banks are yet to settle on Apple’s fee proposals and have some concerns about security vulnerabilities.

No doubt Apple will want the banks to sign the dotted line, considering the organisations involved account for 90 per cent of accounts in the country, the report said.

It comes as no surprise that Canada is the first country on Apple’s hit-list, as one in every three smartphones over there is an iPhone, which is a startling figure. Meanwhile the latest market share chart shows Apple has a 19.9 per cent stake globally.

So it’s good news for Canadians, but what about Europe? Well, it could be a while before Brits can buy stuff with their iPhones andApple Watches.

In December, a leaked job listing suggested that Apple could be on the verge of launching Apple Pay in the UK. Although, right now it’s more likely on track for a 2016 roll-out.