We’re fast approaching the big September event where multi-trillion-dollar tech giant Apple will show off all of its latest gadget gems.
Apple’s event, which starts on September 9th with the tagline “It’s Glowtime,” is expected to announce the next generation of several popular devices. Expected announcements include the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple AirPods 4. Artificial intelligence in particular is a hot topic in technology right now, so it wouldn’t be surprising if there was an update to the AI platform Apple Intelligence.
Here’s what to expect from Apple’s September event.
Apple iPhone 16: Everything we know so far
iPhone 16
Naturally, the main highlight of Apple’s event will be the launch of the new iPhone 16 series of smartphones.
Credits: Mashable composite image; Shutterstock / SkyArtist01, Champiofoto
There are already a lot of rumors floating around about the next iPhone models, with some reports saying that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will have the same size as their predecessors, but the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will reportedly have 0.2 inches larger displays at 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Other reports also say the next generation iPhones will have slimmer bezels.
Another reported change is the implementation of the Action Button across the iPhone 16 series. The Action Button, a customizable shortcut button on the side of the phone, was previously only found on Apple’s high-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. The iPhone 15 series’ camera-focused Capture button will reportedly make its way to the iPhone 16 series.
There’s also talk that the iPhone 16 Pro will have solid-state buttons that offer tactile feedback rather than moving physically. It’s unclear if the Action button will be one of those solid-state buttons, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if it is.
Rumors are also circulating about the iPhone 16’s camera. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 series will have a stacked rear camera design, which should improve performance. Apple may also apply an anti-reflective coating to the camera lenses to address issues with lens flare and ghosting. The 16 Pro series will reportedly have a 5x telephoto zoom. This feature was previously only available on the 15 Pro Max, but the ultra-wide camera’s resolution will reportedly be significantly increased to 48MP, up from 12MP on the 15 Pro.
Additionally, leaks suggest that the 16 Pro series will come with up to 2TB of storage, giving you enough space to store 48MP photos, and may also come in a bronze-gold color option called “Desert Titanium.”
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple is also expected to unveil a new Apple Watch series, with rumors from multiple sources suggesting that the Apple Watch Series 10 will have a larger screen size and will be available in 45mm and 49mm versions, matching the size of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. By comparison, the Series 9 will be sized at 41mm and 45mm.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
The Apple Watch 10 may also be thinner than its predecessor. BloombergMark Gurman of Apple Watch reported that Apple is working on making its devices significantly thinner, with May’s iPad Pro being just the first of many. While the impact on the iPhone won’t be seen until next year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the Apple Watch 10 will feature a thinner form factor.
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There may also be a new magnetic system for attaching Apple Watch bands, but it’s unclear whether that will be included with the Series 10 or a future generation, Gurman noted.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may be announced, but it’s not expected to have any major design changes and will likely maintain the same look from 2022.
Credit: Apple / Mashable Composite
Rumors suggest there will be more case color options in addition to the Series 10 and possibly a new chip, but other than that, the next Apple Watch Ultra doesn’t appear to have any major upgrades.
Apple is reportedly working on introducing new health tools to both the Watch and Watch Ultra, including a blood pressure monitor, sleep apnea sensor, and glucose monitor, but ongoing legal battles have significantly hindered their implementation, leaving big questions about when these features will arrive.
Apple AirPods 4
The fourth generation of Apple AirPods is also expected to arrive in September, and Apple may replace the AirPods 3 and 2 with new mid-range and entry-level AirPods 4 options this September.
Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable
Both new AirPods will feature an updated design, possibly new colors, and a switch to USB-C charging. Apple’s mid-range AirPods 4 will also reportedly include active noise cancellation, a feature previously only available on the AirPods Pro.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
According to a new rumor, a next-generation model of AirPods Pro is “coming.”
The tweet may have been deleted
X leaker @Kosutami_Ito claims that the AirPods Pro will feature improved active noise cancellation. It’s unclear when the AirPods Pro 3 will debut, but the September 9 Apple event could be the unveiling date.
However, I’m a bit skeptical about this rumor. Bloomberg According to the report, the AirPods Pro refresh is unlikely to arrive until 2024.
iPad mini 7
Gurman claims that in addition to iPhones, Apple Watch models and AirPods, Apple may be planning to release an iPad mini 7 later this year.
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
What does he think? In a new tweet, the Apple analyst said:
“We’ve heard that many Apple stores are running low on stock of some configurations of the iPad mini, and that the device is considered ‘restricted’ within Apple. Done It is a sign of something new to come.”
Gurman went on to say that this could be a sign that a new iPad Mini 7 is in the works for 2024 — after all, it hasn’t had an update since 2021. Gurman added that there could also be an AI-based update, but it’s unclear if that will be announced at Apple’s September 2024 event.
How to watch Apple’s September 2024 event
Apple’s event will begin at 10AM PDT / 1PM EDT on September 9th. Luckily for those who can’t make it to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, the keynote will be livestreamed. You can watch the event on Apple’s official website, the Apple TV app, and on YouTube (video embedded below).
