For Apple devotees, the most important tech day of the yr is arising: The Apple iPhone 16 launch occasion. It’s going to happen on September 9 at 1PM ET in Cupertino, CA, and you’ll stream it reside on YouTube or the corporate’s web site. We’ll even be live-blogging the information and hopefully will get an opportunity to take a look at the brand new iPhone after the occasion.
The largest information we’re anticipating from Apple’s It is Glowtime occasion is the iPhone 16 lineup. Following previous occasions, we’re additionally anticipating a brand new Apple Watch or two — perhaps even three, if Apple showcases a brand new SE.
Past that, rumors have been swirling a few refresh of the usual AirPod earbuds. And what about new M4 Macs, HomePods, iPad mini and even the baseline iPhone SE? A few of these could hit later this yr, whereas others in all probability will not see the sunshine of day till 2025 or past. However till Tim Cook dinner takes the (digital) stage, nevertheless, every little thing is pure hypothesis. With that stated, let’s get into the almost definitely leaks and rumors forward of the Apple occasion.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Professional
It doesn’t matter what else occurs, these new handsets will take heart stage through the Apple occasion. That’s excellent news for individuals prepared for an improve. The unhealthy (ish) information? The overwhelming majority of leaks and rumors point out that this will probably be one other yr of iterative enhancements, so don’t anticipate a game-changing new {hardware} function.
There’s more likely to be 4 new fashions introduced on the occasion, which is analogous to what Apple did final yr. The brand new telephones will allegedly be referred to as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, in keeping with trade analyst Mark Gurman. That is the very same naming conference as final yr’s iPhone 15 reveal, so the rumors of Apple adopting an “iPhone Ultra” moniker appear to have been vastly exaggerated.
Even when Apple would not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions is perhaps getting barely bigger screens, which is all the time good (in case you like massive telephones, that’s). The common Professional is more likely to transfer to six.3 inches from 6.1 inches, whereas the Professional Max ought to hit 6.9 inches, a rise from 6.7 inches. Lastly, there’ll possible be a brand new coloration or two, as all the time. Bloomberg’s Gurman means that Apple is able to ditch the blue mannequin in favor of the return of rose gold. Individually, 9to5Mac has reported on a brand new “gold-colored titanium” hue for the iPhone 16 Professional mannequin. Based mostly on a supply who apparently nailed final yr’s grey titanium coloration, they’re displaying off what seems to be extra of a dusky sand hue than gold.
On the {hardware} facet of issues, search for a brand new chipset that takes benefit of the corporate’s current push towards AI, often known as Apple Intelligence. Past that, the upgraded A18 chip will probably be an iterative enchancment, specs-wise. As is typical, the Professional and Professional Max will possible get a extra highly effective chip than the usual fashions. It seems like the bottom quantity of RAM right here will probably be 8GB, in order to deal with these aforementioned AI duties.
It’s additionally been rumored that the usual iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will get the Motion Button, a function launched final yr for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct substitute for the mute change, by default, however might be adjusted to regulate a bunch of various issues. The Motion Button can be utilized to to alter ringer settings, activate the flashlight, launch the digicam and extra.
There’s additionally discuss of one other new button, this one on the fitting facet of the cellphone. It will management digicam options, working like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} comfortable press will set off autofocus and a more durable press will take a photograph. Shoppers might also have the ability to swipe alongside the button to zoom out and in whereas taking pictures photographs or taking movies. It’s been reported that this digicam button will solely include the Professional and Professional Max, which is smart because the high-end fashions sometimes provide a extra strong digicam expertise.
To that finish, new iPhones all the time get a digicam spec bump, however we don’t know precisely what that may seem like this time. It’s been reported, nevertheless, that the iPhone 16’s digicam module might be getting a design refresh. Apple is perhaps ditching the sq. and going with a vertical orientation. This would possibly solely apply to the bottom iPhone 16 and perhaps the Plus, because the Professional and Professional Max telephones have a tendency to put a a lot greater emphasis on photographs and movies.
We already know what’s approaching the software program facet of issues, due to the current WWDC occasion. Based mostly on earlier years, iOS 18 needs to be out there inside the week following the occasion. The software program replace includes a extra customizable Management Heart and Residence Display. It’s going to additionally lastly deliver RCS help to iPhones.
As for Apple Intelligence, you’ll have to attend a bit. It was introduced as a part of iOS 18, however it’s been delayed till iOS 18.1. This isn’t an enormous deal, as that OS refresh is predicted in October, however does imply that early adopters of the iPhone 16 received’t have the ability to idiot round with AI immediately.
The brand new iPhone drop might also spell the tip of Apple’s broadly panned FineWoven case, which was simply launched final yr as an alternative choice to leather-based however has been criticized for sturdiness points. ’s Mark Gurman lately reported that FineWoven stock is getting low, suggesting the corporate is both phasing it out or planning a refresh. One on the Saturday forward of the occasion shared a have a look at an array of iPhone instances in impartial colours, claiming these could also be popping out in a brand new materials to switch FineWoven.
Apple Watch Collection 10 and Apple Watch Extremely 3
Ever since 2016, iPhone occasions have additionally included a deep dive on the most recent Apple Watch. This yr seems to be no totally different. As a matter of truth, it is a massive yr for the Apple Watch. We’re arising on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as as to whether the subsequent entry will probably be referred to as the Apple Watch Collection 10 or the Collection X.
It doesn’t matter what it finally ends up being referred to as, Apple’s subsequent customary smartwatch is reported to have an even bigger display that’s extra consistent with the Extremely. It’s anticipated that the corporate will ditch the 41mm type issue and introduce a 49mm design.
Rumors have additionally instructed that Apple has fully redesigned the band system and added new connectors. It will possible make these straps simpler to regulate, however there’s a draw back. This transfer might make it so all of these outdated bands now not work.
After all, there’s going to be a brand new chip to energy these watches, however we don’t have any specifics. It’s been instructed that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s current foray into AI, however that integration is more likely to occur afterward. For now, Apple Intelligence will probably be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.
There are more likely to be two watches revealed on the occasion, that are codenamed N217 and N218. It’s attainable considered one of these would be the Apple Watch Extremely 3, although Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says the high-end smartwatch received’t get a serious redesign this outing. It’ll possible be an iterative refresh.
On the software program entrance, it seems like Apple has run into some snags whereas creating long-anticipated well being monitoring instruments. Well being monitoring is among the key options of the Apple Watch, so the corporate has been engaged on new sensors to detect hypertension and sleep apnea. Nonetheless, the tech will possible not be prepared for this yr’s smartwatch. Apple’s additionally been creating a glucose sensor for nearly a decade so, who is aware of, perhaps it’ll lastly present up with the Collection X.
Lastly, it’s extremely attainable that Apple declares a brand new model of the budget-friendly Watch SE. This was final up to date in 2022, so a refresh is overdue. There was some reporting that Apple will probably be swapping out the aluminum exterior with a inflexible plastic shell. This could assist get prices down even additional. Because it stands, the Apple Watch SE is $250, however Samsung’s least expensive wearable is the $200 Galaxy Watch FE. Apple could wish to compete nearer to that value vary.
Two new units of AirPods
It’s been reported that Apple’s prepping two new variants of its customary earbuds. In line with a Bloomberg roundup that was printed on September 6, Apple will introduce an entry-level mannequin and a mid-tier model, which might successfully substitute AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The large information right here is that each new AirPods variations are more likely to transition to a USB-C case to maintain tempo with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It’s been instructed that the cheaper of the 2 forthcoming fashions would lack wi-fi charging, however that the mid-tier model would help this expertise. This is similar technique Apple adopted with earlier generations, so it is smart. The case for the costlier AirPods might also embody a speaker, which might make it simpler to search out with Apple’s Discover My function.
Each variations ought to function related designs, although the mid-tier variant is more likely to help lively noise cancellation just like the Professional mannequin. If that is the case, it is not likely clear what’s left to distinguish these earbuds from the AirPods Professional, however we’ll discover out quickly sufficient.
As for the AirPods Max, there’ll possible be no refresh of Apple’s high-end Professional earbuds at this occasion. It’s been 4 entire years since these premium cans hit retailer cabinets (and so they’re nonetheless caught utilizing a Lightning port for charging), so a refresh is lengthy overdue. Mark Gurman says they will get USB-C and new colours finally however the timing stays unclear.
Yet one more factor
The iPhone occasion doesn’t sometimes have a “one more thing” second, however there’s one piece of {hardware} that would get a shock shout out. It’s been rumored that Apple is making ready a large redesign of the Mac mini, which would come with ditching the USB-A port, in keeping with Gurman. Analysts have instructed that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop pc and might be across the identical measurement of an Apple TV streaming field.
There’ll reportedly be two variations of the upcoming Mac Mini, one with the usual M4 chip and one other with the extra highly effective M4 Professional chip. The bottom mannequin is rumored to start out transport from suppliers this month, so it’s attainable Apple will spend a couple of minutes on the pc on the iPhone occasion. Nonetheless, don’t rely on it. That is an occasion for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop might really feel misplaced. And, similar to it did final fall, Apple might simply maintain a Mac-specific occasion later this yr.
There’s additionally a number of noise on-line about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple’s smallest iPad hasn’t had an replace since 2021, and is at present “considered ‘constrained’ internally,” in keeping with Gurman. Whereas a brand new mannequin is more likely to come quickly, it is not widespread for Apple to announce iPads throughout its iPhone occasion.
Past that, an entire bunch of software program updates are about to drop. There’s iOS 18, which we’ve written about extensively, and iPadOS 18. As for smartwatches, watchOS 11 can be popping out someday this fall. Apple already detailed all three working techniques at WWDC, however the upcoming iPhone occasion can be an excellent time to announce official launch dates.
One… early factor?
This is one thing we all know for positive: Apple has a up to date Beats Powerbeats Professional replace coming subsequent yr. Beats teased an replace to the earbuds on its Instagram account on September 4 with a brief Reel. Within the clip, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani swings a bat whereas sporting the upcoming earbuds, earlier than a “Powerbeats Pro 2” wordmark and “Coming 2025” flash up on display.
That is it — there is not any point out of specs, pricing, or a tighter launch window, however we do no less than see a tweaked design. You may learn senior reporter Billy Steele’s evaluation of this glimpse right here. Chances are high we can’t hear about this new set of buds on the iPhone occasion, however anticipate to see them adorning many extra athlete and celeb ears earlier than lengthy.
The Engadget Podcast with particular visitor Mark Gurman
In preparation for Apple’s September 9 occasion, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman joined Engadget Podcast hosts Cherlynn Low and Devindra Hardawar to speak all issues Apple. The trio talked at size concerning the newest Apple rumors, together with the brand new digicam button for iPhone, tweaks to display sizes, the brand new AirPods lineup and what to anticipate from the most recent Apple Watch fashions. There’s additionally slightly extra element on the way forward for Apple, from subsequent yr’s “super slim” iPhone redesign by to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in residence robotics. You may hearken to the episode above, and a full transcript is out there right here.
Replace, September 6 2024, 9:30AM ET: This story has been up to date a number of instances since its unique publishing. The updates had been as follows, in chronological order:
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Added the time and date of the Apple occasion.
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Added some particulars on the iPad mini being stock-restrained.
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Added a recap of the Engadget Podcast with Mark Gurman.
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Added a hyperlink to 9to5Mac‘s reporting on a brand new coloration for the iPhone 16 Professional.
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Added a hyperlink to Mark Gurman’s reporting on the Mac mini.
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Added a bit on the shock announcement of the Powerbeats Professional 2.
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Added extra particulars concerning the two new units of AirPods.