'Trade Show' Plans at San Francisco Theater Spark Speculation of Apple Event Location - MacRumors
Skip to Content

'Trade Show' Plans at San Francisco Theater Spark Speculation of Apple Event Location

by

With just over two weeks to go until September 9, the expected date for Apple's next iPhone event, there's been some speculation that Apple might be planning to hold the event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.

As outlined by San Francisco news site Hoodline, the auditorium is booked for a private event through September 13, with SFPD officers and private security guards patrolling the perimeter of the building.

Documents filed with the San Francisco Planning Department say the event is a "trade show" set to run from September 4 until September 10, which lines up with the timeline when Apple is expected to hold its event, but there are some potential red flags that make it unclear whether Apple is the company booking the event space at the auditorium.

starlogo1
In investigating the documents filed with the Planning Department, MacRumors learned the space is being used by a company known as "Adams and Associates," which has no known ties to Apple. Additionally, there are very detailed documents that describe the removal of four window panels to accommodate an "exterior wall mounted star graphic sign." The star is depicted in two different ways in separate documents -- both as a standard star shape and as an oddly-shaped star with points at unusual angles.

As Hoodline suggests, it's possible the star-shaped logo is a placeholder for an Apple logo, but a structural document supplied by an engineer on the project includes detailed, specific calculations and drawings for the star shape that cast doubt on the theory that it could be a placeholder logo.

starlogo2
In past years, Apple has held its iPhone-centric September event at several different locations around the Bay Area, so it would not be unusual for the company to choose a previously unused event spot. Its 2014 event was at the Flint Center in Cupertino, while its 2011 and 2013 events were held at its own campus. In 2010 and 2012, the events were held at the Yerba Buena Center For the Arts.

It's not yet known if Apple is preparing the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for its September 9 event, but with only 16 days to go until that date rolls around, we should be getting confirmation on Apple's plans in the form of media invites in the very near future.

Top Rated Comments

Black Belt Avatar
142 months ago
What other company would come up with the idea to remove panes of a window just so the logo would look cool.

None
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
142 months ago
If you think about the apple shape, it maps perfectly to what supports a star might need. Four corners for the apple, top point for the leaf. The top point of the star is even off-center, just like the apple leaf.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
142 months ago
Adams (and associates) Apple?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonblatho Avatar
142 months ago
It's not quite a perfect fit, but...


Attachment Image
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
142 months ago
The fact that this venue seats 6,000 to 7,000 makes me curious, though. That's bigger than WWDC...
It's definitely a bigger venue than usual, but keep in mind – that 6,000 capacity is for standing-room concerts. With seats it looks more like this:


...Still pretty damn big, but conceivable.

To me, there's no trade show that shuts down sidewalks, keeps private security on site who are forbidden from speaking to the media, and erects scaffolding at the back entrance – all for an event that supposedly takes place over the holiday weekend, and has no promotion (yet wants to affix a massive logo outside the center window of the entrance).

Attachment Image
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
142 months ago
Adam's Apple?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 6 U.S. States

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:29 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards,...