Technologies

Apple Event 2023: iPhone 15 Launch and Everything Else We Expect to See on Sept. 12

We could see the iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and, maybe, an iPhone 15 Ultra.

In another sign that fall is just around the corner, Apple sent out invites for an event that’s set to take place at the Steve Jobs Theater on Tuesday, Sept. 12, where we expect to see the next iPhone and Apple Watches announced. The annual fall iPhone event has become a cultural touch point heralding the end of summer, right up there with pumpkin spice.

For months, a seemingly endless flow of iPhone 15 rumors have circulated online. Some hint at a rather straightforward round of year-over-year upgrades, while others point to the possibility of a rebranded larger Pro model called the iPhone 15 Ultra. Let’s break down everything you can expect from Apple’s fall event.

Wanderlust or wonderlust?

The event’s invite is characteristically enigmatic, showing an Apple logo made up of tiny dustlike particles. The logo has grooves carved out of it, a bit like the forms you see on windswept sand dunes.

The tagline, «Wonderlust,» is of course a play on the word wanderlust, which means a strong longing for or impulse toward wandering. Does wonderlust mean a strong longing for or impulse toward wondering? Like everyone else, we’re trying to read something into the invite and wondering what it has to do with Apple’s upcoming announcements. Could the grooved cutouts in the logo refer to a less boxy iPhone design? Could the particles refer to improved cameras capable of capturing more detail? Could the colors — metallic shades of gray, blue and even gold — be a reference to the colors of the new iPhone or Apple Watch?

Or is this all just Apple acknowledging the fleeting nature of existence? No idea. But I expect the iPhone 15 Pro will be the headliner.

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus

As in the iPhone 14 series, there will likely be four models in the new iPhone lineup: the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a solid record when covering Apple leaks, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will basically be a repackaged iPhone 14 Pro without the telephoto camera or stainless steel body.

The new phones would inherit a 48-megapixel main camera and the A16 chip from the 14 Pros. On the outside, the two phones will trade their display notches for the Dynamic Island cutout that also debuted on the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.

Despite the addition of the Dynamic Island, don’t expect any other changes to the screen. Display analyst Ross Young said in a September 2022 post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he isn’t expecting base iPhone 15 models to get a high refresh rate like Apple’s Pro iPhones.

And according to a May report by ChargerLab, a battery and charging specialist website with a steady track record for rumors, all four iPhone 15 models will support 15-watt wireless charging using the Qi2 open standard announced earlier this year. If this turns out to be true, it could mean the iPhone 15 would open up a whole new world of wireless charging devices that don’t necessarily need to be licensed Apple MagSafe accessories.

The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max

Of everything Apple’s expected to announce, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max could have the biggest changes. According to Bloomberg’s Gurman, stainless steel is gone, and instead the Pro model’s frame will be made from titanium. The shift in materials could help reduce the overall weight of each phone, which is hefty even without a case.

The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will likely get a new chip called A17 that features a supertiny, 3-nanometer processor, Apple’s smallest silicon to date. Around the front, the two phones will likely have thinner display bezels.

The Pro models’ biggest change will be the USB-C port, which in a break from the regular 15 and 15 Plus could support faster data speeds for things like transferring files and ProRes video files.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max may get a new 6x optical telephoto camera. Ming-Chi Kuo, a noted Apple analyst with TF International Securities, predicts the iPhone 15 Pro Max will have a horizontal mounted periscope lens and camera unit inside the phone’s body, similar to ones in the Pixel 7 Pro, Galaxy S23 Ultra and Sony Xperia 1 V.

Doubling the native optical zoom from 3x to 6x should enable you to capture zoomed-in photos with better detail, resolution and dynamic range compared with the 6x digital zoom on a current iPhone 14 Pro.

Kuo’s report also hints at both Pro models having solid-state volume and power buttons, which would further differentiate them from the regular 15 and 15 Plus. The buttons wouldn’t be mechanical and would be more akin to the touch sensitive area that debuted on the iPhone 7 and acts like a «home button» thanks to some clever haptic feedback. Back in 2018, the HTC U12 had solid-state buttons instead of mechanical ones; however, the experience using them wasn’t great.

There are a couple of rumors that have been circulating despite being a bit dated or unlikely. The first is that the iPhone 15 Pro Max may be rebranded as the iPhone 15 Ultra. Bloomberg’s Gurman mentioned the possibility nearly a year ago, but that should be taken with a grain of salt since more recently Gurman hasn’t brought it up.

Another up-in-the-air rumor comes by the way of MacRumors, which found code in a beta version of iOS 17 that describes functionality for an action button like the one on the Apple Watch Ultra. Such a hardware addition would be a first for Apple, and the iPhone’s action button would be for more-phone-oriented tasks like shortcuts or triggering the camera shutter. We’ll have to wait until the 12th to find out.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

In a less ambitious update, it seems the next regular Apple Watch will likely be a relatively modest year-over-year iteration of the Apple Watch Series 8. The Series 9 could come in a new color. As reported by MacRumors, based on a post by X/Twitter user ShrimpApplePro, the Apple Watch Series 9 might come in a new pink color.

The Series 9 will likely be powered by a new S9 chip, which Bloomberg’s Gurman, posting to his Power On Discord channel back in May, described as bringing improvements to performance and efficiency. That’s another way of saying the battery life might be better.

The Apple Watch Ultra could see a second-generation version. The rugged watch debuted last year, and a new version could bring a faster chip and come in a black titanium finish, according to an X/Twitter post by ShrimpApplePro. A black version of the Ultra could look amazing!

All right, let’s talk about everything else.

Potpourri and wrap-up

Apple Vision Pro on display during WWDC at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California

The AirPods case could see a new version with a USB-C connector. iOS 17 and WatchOS 10 will likely get an official release date. And I can’t imagine that Apple would pass up a chance to update everyone on its Vision Pro headset that was announced in June at WWDC.

Obviously, until Tim Cook and crew walk onto that stage in the Steve Jobs Theater and make their announcements, we won’t know anything for certain.

iPhone 14 Pro, Pro Max Get the Biggest Changes to Apple’s Phone Lineup

Apple iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max

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Technologies

Jack Black Shows Up to Cool Down Chicken Jockey Mayhem at ‘A Minecraft Movie’

The superstar surprised moviegoers on Sunday with a warning not to throw «popped corn» or lapis lazuli.

A Minecraft Movie has been a huge hit in theaters, but one goofy meme from the film is overshadowing all of its box office success.

While fans have embraced the absurd performances from Jack Black and Jason Momoa, it’s a split-second cameo featuring a baby zombie riding a chicken that’s sending teen audiences into absolute chaos. The Chicken Jockey, a rare and obscure Minecraft mob, has become the unlikely center of a viral eruption.

Across social media, and increasingly inside theaters, teens are reacting with wild enthusiasm-chanting, throwing popcorn, filming reenactments and, in some cases, prompting theaters to issue warnings or cancel showings altogether. What started as a deep-cut reference has exploded into a cultural flashpoint.

Jack Black, who stars as lead character Steve in the movie, took the opportunity to address the controversial meme and crazy behavior on Sunday, surprising moviegoers at the AMC Century City in Los Angeles with a personal appearance. Black jokingly warned the crowd not to throw «popped corn» before pumping his trusty pickaxe and high-fiving fans across the theater.

Jack Black appears at a ‘MINECRAFT’ movie screening asking fans not to throw popcorn all over the theater. pic.twitter.com/g4eFCEXgD3

— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 14, 2025

The Chicken Jockey has gone from niche in-game trivia to a full-blown pop culture icon and the source of real-world havoc. But what exactly is this strange little character, where did it come from, and how did it become the chaotic heartbeat of the movie?

What is a Minecraft Chicken Jockey?

A Minecraft Chicken Jockey is a rare hostile mob (Minecraft lingo for monster) in the game, formed when a baby zombie appears riding a chicken. It’s one of the stranger and less common creatures in Minecraft, and because of its rarity, it’s a fan-favorite Easter egg for veteran players.

In the 2025 Minecraft movie, the Chicken Jockey makes a brief but memorable appearance. The film references its rarity, and that relatively small scene has exploded online, especially among fans who recognize the deep-cut reference.

What is the Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie?

The Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie isn’t very long or important. In reality, it’s probably worth little more than a chuckle. But people absolutely love it. And it’s easily understood without having seen the movie. For context, at one point, Garrett «The Garbage Man» Garrison (played by Momoa) is forced into a boxing ring with a chicken.

«They want me to fight the chicken,» he states, while a baby zombie drops down from a crate lowered from the ceiling. The grinning zombie lands on the chicken while giggling.

«Chicken Jockey!» a wary Steve (played by Jack Black) warns, as the baby zombie coos and charges at Garrison, knocking him into the ropes. And scene.

Why did the Chicken Jockey scene go viral?

For Minecraft fans, this is a rare and oddly satisfying Easter egg. This mob isn’t seen often in-game, so it was a fun, tongue-in-cheek nod to those in the know.

Moviegoers have reported rather rowdy experiences at screenings, with fans singing and chanting along with the characters, especially with this scene. We’ve seen stories of spontaneous applause, kids chanting «Chicken Jockey!» and makeshift cosplay. But it’s only escalated from there.

The viral moment hit a new level when @DiscussingFilm posted to X (formerly Twitter), reporting that police had to remove several kids from a theater during a Minecraft screening due to their response to the Chicken Jockey’s appearance. The crowd erupted into such loud cheering, shouting and laughter that the screening was disrupted, and staff called the police to restore order.

Police had to kick several kids out of the theater during a ‘MINECRAFT’ showing after their reaction to the ‘Chicken Jockey’ scene
Read our review: https://t.co/uuggEo3o94 pic.twitter.com/pZD9eywVjt

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 6, 2025

It appears the trend is picking up steam across the country and at various screenings, with social media evidence to show popcorn being thrown at screens, loud screaming and other disruptive behavior. Put simply, Chicken Jockey has people freaking out.

Minecraft Chicken Jockey merchandise: Popcorn buckets, Lego sets and more

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Minecraft Chicken Jockey is driving a remarkable wave of merchandise demand. Fans are scrambling for collectibles ranging from exclusive theater popcorn buckets to McDonald’s toys.

One of the most sought-after items is the Cinemark-exclusive popcorn bucket and drink cup, which features the Chicken Jockey and is only available in limited quantities. It’s already being resold for as much as $150 on eBay. The trend extends to Lego as well. The Lego Minecraft Woodland Mansion Fighting Ring includes a Chicken Jockey minifigure, and fans have been quick to buy it following the movie’s release.

McDonald’s has also released Minecraft toys through its adult meal promotions, though the Chicken Jockey doesn’t appear in the standard Happy Meal lineup. Some adult meals come with boxed collectibles tied to the film, and photos have circulated online, but no direct retail link exists for the Chicken Jockey toy at this time. It’s clear that, at least for now, Chicken Jockey merchandise has become one of the year’s most unexpected movie collectible trends.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Tuesday, April 15

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for April 15.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword stumped me with 5-Across, where the clue is «Fitting game for Chip, Jack and Betty to play?» Think about the second meanings each of those names have, and cut «Betty» to just «Bet,» and you’ll get the answer. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Say whether you’ll go
Answer: RSVP

5A clue: Fitting game for Chip, Jack and Betty to play?
Answer: POKER

6A clue: ___ acid
Answer: AMINO

7A clue: Beginning of a joke
Answer: SETUP

8A clue: Mix, as a salad
Answer: TOSS

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Doomed Shakespearean lover
Answer: ROMEO

2D clue: Short comedic performances
Answer: SKITS

3D clue: Planet shrouded in toxic clouds that smell like rotten eggs
Answer: VENUS

4D clue: Support, with «up»
Answer: PROP

5D clue: «I’m never going back, the ___ is in the ___» (lyric from «Let It Go»)
Answer: PAST

How to play more Mini Crosswords

The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.

Technologies

Samsung Pauses One UI 7 Rollout After Bug Locks Users Out of Phones

One UI 7 was designed to showcase Samsung’s AI ambitions, but a bug now appears to be getting in the way of momentum.

Samsung has paused the global rollout of its AI-driven One UI interface after a bug prevented some customers from unlocking their phones. The pause, flagged earlier by frequent Samsung leaker Ice Universe, appears to have affected Samsung Galaxy S24 models receiving the update in South Korea. People who upgraded to One UI 7 (aka Android 15) reported repeated issues unlocking their phones.

The company has since pulled the update across all Galaxy models and regions, likely as a precautionary measure. Samsung told CNET that the software’s «new timing and availability will be shared shortly.»

«The One UI 7 rollout schedule is being updated to ensure the best possible experience,» Samsung added.

Samsung began rolling out the One UI 7 update to Galaxy phones and tablets on April 7, starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Other devices were expected to follow soon.

One UI 7 introduces a redesigned interface built around AI, offering people more personalization and control. The software uses artificial intelligence to help edit videos, write messages and suggest places to go for dinner.

The move comes as tech companies race to embed more AI features into mobile devices, turning them into smarter personal assistants that can help complete everyday tasks.

Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at market research firm Creative Insights, noted that most consumers are still only experimenting with AI and not buying devices based on its promise.

«While I am sure Samsung could have done without the bug, I doubt this will have a long-term impact on Galaxy AI uptake or consumers’ interest in Samsung,» she told CNET. «Better pull the update than disjoint customers with an experience that is not great.»