The iPhone 16 finally has a release date. Apple has confirmed that it will hold a launch event on September 9, where it is almost certain that we will see the company’s rumored new smartphones. The new iPhones are expected to come with important changes in and out, including better cameras and a new design.
For this event, Apple has chosen the slogan “It’s Glowtime”, which seems to refer to the AI functions that these devices will incorporate through Apple Intelligence. In fact, the design of the invitation is the company’s logo surrounded by the colors of Siri, which will also be powered by artificial intelligence.
The iPhone 16, however, is not the only product that we could see presented on September 9. The Cupertino company could also announce a new generation of other products. This is all we expect from Apple’s event.
1. iPhone 16 Series
Without a doubt, the star of Apple’s event will be the iPhone. Or rather, the iPhones. Apple is expected to launch four new iPhone 16 models. Starting with the base, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.
They will come with a slightly renewed design compared to their predecessors, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. They will still maintain the shape of the current models, with matte-finished rear glass and flat frames, but the camera module design will be similar to that of the iPhone X, in a vertical layout.
On the other hand, Apple could opt for an A18 chip for these models, a processor that would be capable of running all the AI functions that will arrive with iOS 18.1.
Moving on, we will see the launch of the new iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. The Pro model will not have major changes in terms of design compared to the current models, beyond thinner front bezels. This would allow Apple to fit in a bigger 6.3 and 6.9-inch screen, respectively. In the case of the processor, Apple would choose a more powerful A18 Pro chip for these models.
All iPhone 16s will have Action Button support this year. It’s a customizable shortcut button on the side of the phone which Apple introduced last year with iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Moreover, a camera-focused Capture Button is also expected to be included in the iPhone 16 series.
2. New Apple Watch Series 10
Apple is also expected to launch its new smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10., at this event. It’s usual for a new Series smartwatch to tag along with new iPhones.
Rumors suggest the new wearable could arrive with a slimmer body and thin front bezels. Apple could also introduce a new 49mm size similar to the Apple Watch Ultra.
Given that the Apple Watch is turning 10, there have also been rumors of a special edition — something like an Apple Watch X — with a new design. However, it’s unclear whether we’ll see something like that, or if we’ll have to wait until 2025.
And speaking of the Ultra model, Apple doesn’t seem to be updating its most robust smartwatch with a new generation. Instead, the company could present an Apple Watch SE that is much cheaper than the current model thanks to a big change in its build. It will reportedly be housed in a plastic case, instead of aluminum, to make it cheaper.
3. AirPods 4
As expected, AirPods will also be one of the stars of Apple’s event on September 9. Apple is expected to announce new mid-range and entry-level AirPods 4 options (not pro) to continue competing in the true wireless headphone market.
One of them would come with similar features to the current third-generation AirPods, while the other variant would have active noise cancellation, but with slightly lower features than the AirPods Pro to put them on sale at a lower price.
Finally, it wouldn’t be strange to see a refresh of the AirPods Max, which could come with updated features compared to the current models. This includes a USB-C port instead of the Lightning connector, Bluetooth 5.3, an H2 chip for more features, and new colors.
4. Apple Intelligence
Apple’s focus on AI could extend from WWDC through its September event with dedicated Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models.
It was previously reported that Apple Intelligence will play a key role in the announcement of the new devices, and we’re waiting to see what different features the company has planned for the new devices, which didn’t see the light of day in June at the company’s WWDC event.
5. iOS 18 and other software updates
Shortly after the event, Apple will release iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, and visionOS 2 build candidates to developers as part of its final wave of beta testing. Updates will be released shortly afterward, when devices hit shelves ahead of September 20.
The new software updates will feature all the features the company announced earlier this year, including several AI features that Apple announced at its WWDC event.
6. How to Watch
As usual, Apple will stream its latest event on the Apple Events website, on YouTube, and in the Apple TV app. There’s already an event scheduled on Apple’s YouTube channel. You can click or tap on the “Notify me” button to receive an alert before the stream begins.
