Hey Siri, A Hint! What To Expect At Apple Event

Apple has said it is holding its next product event on 9 September, when it is expected to launch a new iPhone.

The company sent out invitations to reporters and analysts on Thursday with the headline: "Hey Siri, give us a hint" - but in typical fashion it has not revealed details about its plans.

Apple is expected to introduce a new iPhone and an iPhone Plus at the event, though it is not clear what upgrades they might include.

The company had previously said it plans to expand the capabilities of Siri, the voice-activated personal assistant, in an upcoming version of its operating software for iPhones and iPads.

Industry insiders have speculated that the new phones might have the Force Touch technology, which allows for force-sensitive touches. The technology is already featured on the Apple Watch.

The website 9to5mac, dedicated to Apple news, said that animated wallpaper could be another added feature.

Insiders also speculate Apple may introduce a larger iPad for business users and a new set-top box for televisions.

Siri has apparently already been programmed to play it coy about the event.

When asked what the hint is, it responds to expect "a big announcement". It also says it cannot confirm or deny anything.

Amid a lack of details, even the choice of venue for the event - the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in central San Francisco – has caught the industry watchers' attention.

The auditorium seats up to 7,000 people, which is a much larger capacity than San Francisco's 750-seat Yerba Buena Theater, where Apple often holds such events.