Get ready to buy new iPhone cases

LOS ANGELES — Apple is expected to reveal its new iPhone on Sept. 9.

Analysts say the latest iPhone will have substantially larger LCD screens to better compete with larger phones from Samsung, LG and Nokia. Tim Bajarin, an analyst with Creative Strategies, says Apple will release two models, with a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen.

Apple declined comment.

The current top of the line iPhone, the 5s, has a 4-inch LCD screen.

In 2013, Apple announced the iPhone 5s and 5c on Sept. 10, and had them in stores on Sept. 20.

Apple historically does a major re-design of the iPhone every other year, as it did with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5, both of which were larger than previous editions.

For consumers, the new devices will mean they'll have to buy new cases to house them, along with other peripherals. With consumers using their smartphones for longer periods of time than ever, cases have become an almost essential item. New cases from companies like Mophie and Belkin protect the device and have built-in battery to give the iPhone a second dose of power to last the day. The cases start at $100 and up.

Beyond the new devices, Apple in the fall regularly updates its mobile operating system, iOS, which runs the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Apple previewed iOS8 in June, and touted many new features.

Highlights include:

— A new photos app that will replace iPhoto, promising to make it easier to transfer pictures to online backup.

— The ability to open an app within an app. For instance, a photo app within the WhatsApp? chat program.

— Expanded keyboard choices for different ways of typing, similar to what consumers can now do on Android phones.

— New Apple apps that will tie the various home automation and health apps into one place.

Beyond the new iPhone, Apple is expected to have reporters back in October to show off its new digital smartwatch.

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