As the tech world eagerly anticipates Apple’s 2024 iPhone 16 event, all eyes are on September 9, when the company will unveil its latest innovations. Scheduled for 1 PM ET, the event is expected to showcase a range of new devices, including the iPhone 16 lineup, updated Apple Watches, and possibly refreshed AirPods. Here’s what to expect from this highly anticipated keynote.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: The stars of the show
Unsurprisingly, the centerpiece of the Apple event will be the new iPhone 16 series. As in previous years, Apple is set to reveal four models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Despite swirling rumors, it appears Apple will stick with the same naming convention as last year, dispelling the speculation that a new “iPhone Ultra” moniker would be introduced.
This year’s iPhone updates are expected to be more evolutionary than revolutionary. The iPhone 16 Pro models may feature slightly larger screens, with the standard Pro increasing from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches and the Pro Max expanding from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches. These incremental size boosts will likely appeal to fans of larger displays.
In terms of aesthetics, Apple might be introducing new color options, including a potential shift from the blue model to a reimagined rose gold and a rumored “gold-colored titanium” variant for the Pro models. This new hue is said to resemble a dusky sand color rather than a traditional gold.
On the hardware front, the iPhone 16 series is expected to include the next-generation A18 chip, which will enhance performance, particularly in AI-driven tasks, a domain Apple has been increasingly focusing on. The Pro and Pro Max models are likely to receive the more advanced version of this chipset, coupled with an expected base of 8GB of RAM to handle the demands of Apple Intelligence.
One of the notable additions could be the Action Button, previously introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models. This multi-purpose button, which replaces the traditional mute switch, can be customized to perform various functions like launching the camera or toggling the flashlight. There are also rumors of a new camera-focused button on the right side of the phone, which would function similarly to a DSLR’s shutter button, offering features like autofocus and zoom control via pressure-sensitive inputs.
As for the camera, while the exact details remain under wraps, there are hints that Apple might redesign the camera module, particularly for the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models. The Pro variants, known for their superior photographic capabilities, are expected to continue pushing the boundaries of mobile photography.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch, a staple of the September event since 2016, is also expected to receive significant updates. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch, and rumors are swirling about what to expect from the Series 10 (or Series X, as it may be named).
The next standard Apple Watch is rumored to feature a larger display, aligning more closely with the Ultra model’s screen size. The 41mm form factor may be phased out in favor of a 49mm design. Additionally, Apple might introduce a completely redesigned band system, potentially making older bands incompatible with the new watch—a move that could disappoint long-time users.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also likely to be unveiled, although reports suggest it will be more of a refinement than a radical redesign. On the software side, while Apple continues to work on advanced health monitoring features like blood pressure and sleep apnea detection, these tools may not be ready for this year’s release.
There’s also speculation about a new budget-friendly Apple Watch SE. The SE model could see a design shift from aluminum to a more cost-effective plastic shell, potentially bringing the price closer to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE.
AirPods 4: A sound evolution
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch the fourth generation of its standard AirPods, which could come in two variants: an entry-level model and a mid-tier version. Both are expected to transition to a USB-C charging case, keeping pace with the broader shift across Apple’s product lines.
The entry-level AirPods 4 may lack wireless charging, but the mid-tier version is likely to include this feature, along with active noise cancellation, a feature previously reserved for the Pro models. No updates are expected for the high-end AirPods Pro at this event, and the future of the AirPods Max remains uncertain as the over-ear headphones have not seen a refresh since their 2020 debut.
Bonus reveal? A potential Mac Mini redesign
While the focus of the event will be on iPhones and Apple Watches, there’s a possibility that Apple might sneak in a mention of a redesigned Mac Mini. Rumors suggest that the new Mac Mini could be the smallest desktop Apple has ever created, potentially comparable in size to an Apple TV box. If true, this compact desktop could be a game-changer for those seeking a powerful yet unobtrusive computing solution.
However, given the nature of the event, it’s more likely that Apple will reserve such an announcement for a separate occasion, possibly a Mac-focused event later in the year.
The software side: iOS 18, Apple Intelligence and more
Alongside the new hardware, Apple will likely confirm the release dates for its upcoming software updates. iOS 18, which was previewed at WWDC, is expected to roll out shortly after the event, bringing with it a more customizable Control Center, Home Screen, and long-awaited RCS support. However, the Apple Intelligence features teased at WWDC will be delayed until iOS 18.1, expected in October.
In addition to iOS, updates for iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 are also anticipated, with official release dates likely to be announced during the keynote.
As September 9 approaches, excitement builds for what Apple has in store besides iPhone 16. While much of what will be revealed remains under wraps, the combination of new devices and software improvements promises another landmark moment in the tech giant’s history.
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