Analysts predict a host of cool announcements at Apple’s upcoming event

KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, in a report this morning, states that both 4.7- and 5.5-inch models of theiPhone 6 will be launched next week and will both offer 128GB storage option. If Apple retains its usual three-tier structure this would suggest 32GB, 64GB and 128GB models – though it could be that 128GB would be a fourth tier, as with its iPad Air models. Or, as a previous report suggested, Apple could keep the 16GB option as a very low price tier and skip 32GB. The same report predicts that the iPad Air 2 will be announced on the same day as the iPhone 6 rather than in a separate event in October. In this scenario, Apple would forgo any physical updates to the iPad mini line (perhaps price drops?). If true, this suggests that it could be a relatively minor refresh, perhaps simply with Touch ID added and a marginally thinner casing along with the RAMbumped up to 2GB for things like split window multitasking. Kuo also predicts that the power button – moved to the side – could be a programmable multi-function key, perhaps launching a specific app in response to a long or short press. He also expects the phone to have a barometer, which could take breath measurements as part of the health focus or be involved in weather. This echoes an earlier 9to5mac report.