For Apple devotees, the largest tech day of the 12 months is arising: The Apple iPhone 16 launch occasion. It’s going to happen on September 9 at 1PM ET in Cupertino, CA, and you may 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 most important 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 might hit later this 12 months, whereas others most likely will not see the sunshine of day till 2025 or past. However till Tim Cook dinner takes the (digital) stage, nevertheless, all the pieces is pure hypothesis. With that stated, let’s get into the most probably 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 throughout the Apple occasion. That’s excellent news for folks prepared for an improve. The dangerous (ish) information? The overwhelming majority of leaks and rumors point out that this will likely be one other 12 months of iterative enhancements, so don’t anticipate a game-changing new {hardware} characteristic.
There’s more likely to be 4 new fashions introduced on the occasion, which has similarities to what Apple did final 12 months. The brand new telephones will allegedly be known as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, in response to business analyst Mark Gurman. That is the very same naming conference as final 12 months’s iPhone 15 reveal, so the rumors of Apple adopting an “iPhone Ultra” moniker appear to have been significantly exaggerated.
Even when Apple does not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions may be getting barely bigger screens, which is all the time good (when you like huge 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 probably be a brand new colour 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 12 months’s grey titanium colour, they’re displaying off what seems to be extra of a dusky sand hue than gold.
On the {hardware} aspect of issues, search for a brand new chipset that takes benefit of the corporate’s latest push towards AI, often known as Apple Intelligence. Past that, the upgraded A18 chip will likely be an iterative enchancment, specs-wise. As is typical, the Professional and Professional Max will probably get a extra highly effective chip than the usual fashions. It seems to be like the bottom quantity of RAM right here will likely 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 characteristic launched final 12 months for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct substitute for the mute swap, by default, however will be adjusted to manage a bunch of various issues. The Motion Button can be utilized to to vary ringer settings, activate the flashlight, launch the digital camera and extra.
There’s additionally speak of one other new button, this one on the appropriate aspect of the cellphone. This may management digital camera options, working like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} delicate press will set off autofocus and a tougher press will take a photograph. Customers can also have the ability to swipe alongside the button to zoom out and in whereas capturing images or taking movies. It’s been reported that this digital camera button will solely include the Professional and Professional Max, which is smart because the high-end fashions sometimes supply a extra sturdy digital camera expertise.
To that finish, new iPhones all the time get a digital camera spec bump, however we don’t know precisely what that may appear like this time. It’s been reported, nevertheless, that the iPhone 16’s digital camera module may very well be getting a design refresh. Apple may be 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 larger emphasis on images and movies.
We already know what’s approaching the software program aspect of issues, because of the latest WWDC occasion. Based mostly on earlier years, iOS 18 must be accessible throughout the week following the occasion. The software program replace incorporates a extra customizable Management Heart and Dwelling Display screen. It’s going to additionally lastly carry RCS assist 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 anticipated in October, however does imply that early adopters of the iPhone 16 received’t have the ability to idiot round with AI immediately.
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 12 months seems to be to be no totally different. As a matter of truth, it is a huge 12 months for the Apple Watch. We’re arising on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as as to if the following entry will likely be known as the Apple Watch Collection 10 or the Collection X.
It doesn’t matter what it finally ends up being known as, Apple’s subsequent normal smartwatch is reported to have a much bigger display that’s extra in step 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. This may probably make these straps simpler to regulate, however there’s a draw back. This transfer might make it so all of these previous bands now not work.
In fact, 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 latest foray into AI, however that integration is more likely to occur afterward. For now, Apple Intelligence will likely 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 potential certainly 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 probably be an iterative refresh.
On the software program entrance, it seems to be 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. Nevertheless, the tech will probably not be prepared for this 12 months’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 potential that Apple broadcasts 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 likely 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 might need 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 normal earbuds. In line with a Bloomberg roundup that was revealed on September 6, Apple will introduce an entry-level mannequin and a mid-tier model, which might successfully exchange 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 assist this expertise. This is similar technique Apple adopted with earlier generations, so it is smart. The case for the costlier AirPods can also embody a speaker, which might make it simpler to seek out with Apple’s Discover My characteristic.
Each variations ought to characteristic comparable designs, although the mid-tier variant is more likely to assist energetic 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 probably be no refresh of Apple’s high-end Professional earbuds at this occasion. It’s been 4 complete years since these premium cans hit retailer cabinets (they usually’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 might 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 response to Gurman. Analysts have instructed that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop laptop and may very well be across the identical dimension 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 potential Apple will spend a couple of minutes on the pc on the iPhone occasion. Nevertheless, don’t rely on it. That is an occasion for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop might really feel misplaced. And, identical to it did final fall, Apple might simply maintain a Mac-specific occasion later this 12 months.
There’s additionally numerous noise on-line about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple’s smallest iPad hasn’t had an replace since 2021, and is at the moment “considered ‘constrained’ internally,” in response to 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, a complete 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 also be popping out someday this fall. Apple already detailed all three working techniques at WWDC, however the upcoming iPhone occasion can be a superb time to announce official launch dates.
One… early factor?
Here is one thing we all know for certain: Apple has a up to date Beats Powerbeats Professional replace coming subsequent 12 months. 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 carrying the upcoming earbuds, earlier than a “Powerbeats Pro 2” wordmark and “Coming 2025” flash up on display.
That is it — there is no point out of specs, pricing, or a tighter launch window, however we do not less than see a tweaked design. You may learn senior reporter Billy Steele’s evaluation of this glimpse right here. Chances are high we cannot hear about this new set of buds on the iPhone occasion, however anticipate to see them adorning many extra athlete and movie star 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 digital camera 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 a bit of extra element on the way forward for Apple, from subsequent 12 months’s “super slim” iPhone redesign by way of to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in dwelling robotics. You may take heed to the episode above, and a full transcript is accessible right here.
Replace, September 6 2024, 9:30AM ET: This story has been up to date a number of occasions 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 colour 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 piece on the shock announcement of the Powerbeats Professional 2.
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Added extra particulars concerning the two new units of AirPods.