Apple’s big iPhone 16 lineup reveal will also be packed with an AI showcase and potential AirPods, Apple Watch news
The stage is set, the invitations are out, and the anticipation is palpable. Apple’s September 9 “It’s Glowtime” event promises to be more than just the unveiling of the iPhone 16 — it’s a showcase of Apple’s latest innovations, just in time for the holiday shopping season. This isn’t just another product launch; it’s Apple’s grand finale for the year, and all eyes are on Cupertino.
The livestream kicks off Monday at 10 a.m. PT. The event’s tagline, “Glowtime,” paired with a vibrant color scheme, hints at something exciting on the horizon. Apple is known for embedding subtle clues in its event invitations, and this one might be more straightforward than usual. As we gear up for what’s to come, here’s everything we expect Apple to reveal.
Apple Intelligence and Siri: A New Era of AI
At WWDC in June, Apple introduced its vision for generative AI, aptly named “Apple Intelligence.” True to form, Apple’s approach is distinct — focusing on a “small model” methodology designed to enhance user experience with a more personalized touch. This contrasts sharply with the vast, data-hungry models from OpenAI and Google’s Gemini, which often feel like enigmatic “black boxes.”
But how does this tie into the “Glowtime” theme? The answer lies with Siri. In June, Apple announced a long-overdue upgrade to its original smart assistant. Gone is the familiar colorful Siri circle, replaced by a glowing border that encircles the display when Siri is active. This visual cue is more than just an aesthetic change; it symbolizes Siri’s transformation, now powered by Apple Intelligence, offering improved app integration and more natural interactions.
For now, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can run Apple Intelligence, limited by the capabilities of older chips. However, with the iPhone 16, we expect this groundbreaking AI to be a standard feature across the entire lineup, ushering in a new era of smart, intuitive devices.
iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max: Pushing the Boundaries of Design
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is shaping up to be a design marvel, with the thinnest bezels ever seen on a smartphone. According to leaks, the Pro Max could boast an even larger display, thanks to a reduction in bezel size from 1.5mm to a mere 1.4mm. While that might seem like a minor tweak, in the world of smartphone design, every millimeter counts, especially when it results in a screen size bump from 6.69 inches to 6.86 inches, all without increasing the device’s overall footprint.
The iPhone 16 Pro isn’t far behind, expected to jump from 6.12 inches to 6.27 inches. Camera upgrades are also on the horizon, with the introduction of a new glass-molded lens that’s both thinner and lighter, significantly enhancing optical zoom capabilities. Unlike digital zoom, which can degrade image quality, optical zoom maintains clarity, making this a feature to watch.
Leaked dummy models have already given us a sneak peek at the new design, particularly the shift from a diagonal to a vertical camera setup on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. Another exciting addition is the “Capture” button, which aims to provide quick access to various camera functions. And let’s not forget the rumored battery improvements — a welcome change for anyone tired of charging their phone halfway through the day. There’s also talk of Apple making battery replacements more user-friendly, aligning with the company’s growing support for right-to-repair laws.
Pro models are expected to gain Wi-Fi 7, marking a significant leap forward for wireless connectivity, ensuring faster speeds and more stable connections.
Apple Watch Series 10/Ultra 3: A Decade of Innovation
Believe it or not, the Apple Watch is turning ten this year. Apple marked the iPhone’s tenth anniversary with the groundbreaking iPhone X, so it’s only fitting that the Apple Watch Series 10 (or perhaps Series X?) receives similar fanfare.
Rumors of a significant redesign have cooled, suggesting a more incremental upgrade with a focus on refining the existing design. Expect larger displays, with the Series 10 models bumping up to 45mm and 49mm sizes, while also becoming slimmer and more comfortable to wear.
Under the hood, the new S10 processor could bring enhanced AI capabilities to the Apple Watch, alongside exciting health features like glucose monitoring and sleep apnea detection. However, legal challenges with Masimo could delay some of these innovations. Additionally, we might see a refreshed Apple Watch SE with a more affordable plastic body.
AirPods 4: Raising the Bar
Apple is rumored to announce not one but two versions of the AirPods 4 at the Glowtime event. The first model is expected to replace the current AirPods 2, while the second, more premium model, will succeed the AirPods 3. The higher-end version is likely to blur the line between the standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro by incorporating features like Active Noise Cancellation and Find My support.
Both models are expected to finally transition from Lightning to USB-C, aligning with the EU’s mandate for a universal charging standard. However, with no new AirPods Pro on the horizon, Apple will need to carefully differentiate the mid-tier AirPods from their Pro counterparts. We might also see the long-awaited AirPods Max 2, four years after the original over-ear model debuted.
New Macs: A Waiting Game
While there’s a possibility of new Macs being announced, recent reports suggest that Apple may hold off until November to reveal its M4-powered devices. Supply chain disruptions have wreaked havoc on Apple’s Mac release schedule, and it seems the company is taking a cautious approach this year. That said, we could still see a new USB-A-less Mac Mini, alongside updates to the iMac and MacBook Pro before the end of 2024.
Glow with the Flow
One thing is certain: Apple’s Glowtime event is set for Monday, September 9, at 10 a.m. PT, and it’s going to be a showstopper. As always, we’ll be covering the event live, bringing you all the latest updates, announcements, and analysis.
Get ready to see what Apple has in store — it’s Glowtime.
