The biggest day of the tech world’s fall calendar is almost here: Apple’s iPhone 16 event will take place on September 9 at 1:00 PM ET. We’ll be live blogging the news and you can watch it live on the company’s website or on YouTube. The biggest news from Apple’s event will almost certainly involve the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup. As with all recent Septembers, we expect to get a new Apple Watch or two, or even three if Apple squeezes in a new SE.
In addition, there are rumors of an update to the standard AirPods, along with updates to Apple’s other product lines. Until Tim Cook takes the (virtual) stage, it’s all pure speculation. With that said, let’s move on to the most likely leaks and rumors ahead of the Apple event.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
Regardless of what happens, these new phones will take center stage during Apple’s event. This is good news for people who are ready to upgrade. Bad (business) news? The vast majority of leaks and rumors suggest that it will be something else recurring improvement yearso don’t expect a game-changing new hardware feature.
The event will probably announce four new models, similar to what Apple did last year. According to the industry analyst, the new phones will be called iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. Engadget podcast guest) Mark Gurman. This is the same naming convention as last year’s iPhone 15, hence the rumors of Apple adopting the “iPhone Ultra” moniker. seems to be greatly exaggerated.
Even if Apple doesn’t use the Ultra designation, the Pro models can get slightly larger screens, which is always nice (if you like big phones, that is). The regular Pro should be 6.9 inches, up from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, and the Pro Max should be 6.7 inches. Finally, as always, there will likely be a new color or two. Bloomberg’s Gurman suggests that Apple is ready to ditch the blue model in favor of the return of rose gold.
On the hardware side of things, look for a new chipset that takes advantage of the company’s recent push into AI. Also known as Apple Intelligence. In addition, the upgraded A18 chip will be an iterative upgrade in terms of specifications. Typically, the Pro and Pro Max will likely get a more powerful chip than the standard models. It seems that the main amount of RAM here will be 8 GB for performing the aforementioned AI tasks.
The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are also rumored to get an Action button as a feature. was introduced last year For iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct replacement for the mute button by default, but can be configured to control many different things. The action button can be used to change call settings, turn on the flashlight, launch the camera, and more. can be used for
There is also talk of another new button on the right side of the phone. This will control the camera features, It works like a button on a DSLR. The report shows that a soft press will activate the autofocus and a harder press will take the picture. Consumers can also swipe the button to zoom in and out while taking photos or videos. It has been reported that this camera button will only come with the Pro and Pro Max, as higher-end models usually offer a more robust camera experience.
To that end, new iPhones always feature a camera, but we don’t know exactly what it will look like this time around. However, it has been reported that the iPhone 16’s camera module may receive a design update. Apple can leave the field and goes with vertical orientation. This may only apply to the base iPhone 16 and possibly the Plus, as the Pro and Pro Max phones focus more on photos and videos.
Thanks, we now know what’s coming on the software side of things the recent WWDC event. As per previous years, iOS 18 should be available within the week following the event. The software update features a more customizable Control Center and Home Screen. He will be finally bring RCS support to iPhones.
As for Apple Intelligenceyou will have to wait a bit. It was announced as part of iOS 18, but it is Delayed until iOS 18.1. This isn’t that big of a deal since this OS update is expected in October, but it does mean that early adopters of the iPhone 16 won’t be able to fool around with AI right away.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3
iPhone events from 2016 also include an in-depth look at the latest Apple Watch. This year looks no different. In fact, it’s a big year for the Apple Watch. We’re coming up on the gadget’s tenth birthday, that’s right conflicting rumors as to whether or not the next entry will be called Apple Watch Series 10 or Series X.
Regardless of what it’s called, Apple’s next standard smartwatch will reportedly have a bigger screen. More compatible with Ultra. The company is expected to abandon the 41 mm form factor Submit a 49mm design.
Rumors also suggested that Apple completely redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This will likely make adjusting these straps easier, but there is a downside. This action may make all old groups no longer work.
Of course, there will be a new chip to power these clocks, but we don’t have any specifics. It has been suggested that these chips are intended for Apple’s AI integration, but that integration will happen later. For now, Apple Intelligence will be tied to iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Two watches, codenamed N217 and N218, are likely to be unveiled at the event. It’s possible that one of them is the Apple Watch Ultra 3, though Mark Gurman Bloomberg said the high-end smartwatch won’t be getting a major redesign this time around. It will likely be an iterative update.
On the software front, it looks like Apple has run into some trouble developing its long-awaited health tracking tools. Health monitoring is one of the main features of the Apple Watch, so the company has been working on new sensors to detect high blood pressure and sleep apnea. However, the technology won’t be ready for this year’s smartwatch. Apple has also been developing a glucose sensor for almost a decade, who knows, maybe it will finally show up with the X Series.
Finally, it is very possible that Apple will announce a new version the budget-friendly Watch SE. This was last updated in 2022, so an update is overdue. There are some reports that Apple will replace the aluminum exterior with a hard plastic shell. This should help keep costs down even further. By the way, the Apple Watch SE is $250, but it’s Samsung’s cheapest wearable It’s the $200 Galaxy Watch FE. Apple may want to compete closer to this price range.
AirPods 4
Apple is said to be preparing two new variants of standard headphones. AirPods 4 could have both an entry-level model and a mid-range version that will effectively replace AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The big news here is that both AirPods 4 versions are USB-C compatible Keep up with your iPhone and the second generation AirPods Pro. It is suggested that the cheaper of the two upcoming models will lack wireless charging, but the mid-range version will support this technology. It’s the same strategy Apple used with previous generations, so it makes sense.
Both versions should have similar designs, although the mid-range variant will support active noise cancellation Like the Pro model. Apple’s high-end Pro headphones likely won’t be updated at this event. There is also some mystery surrounding the company’s over-ear headphones, AirPods Max. It’s been four years since these premium cases hit store shelves (and they still use the Lightning port for charging), so an update is long overdue.
One last thing?
An iPhone event doesn’t usually have a “one last thing” moment, but there’s one piece of hardware that might scream surprise. Such rumors have spread Apple is making a massive redesign Mac mini’s. Analysts have suggested that it will be the company’s smallest desktop computer ever and could be the same size as an Apple TV streaming box.
According to reports, the upcoming Mac Mini will have two versions, one with the standard M4 chip and the other with the more powerful M4 Pro chip. The base model is rumored to start shipping from suppliers this month, so it’s possible Apple will spend a few minutes on the PC at an iPhone event. However, don’t rely on it. It’s a case for iPhones and smartwatches, and a miniaturized desktop can feel out of place. And, like last fallApple could easily hold a Mac-specific event later this year.
There is also a lot of buzz online about the upcoming iPad mini update. Apple’s smallest iPad hasn’t had an update since 2021 and is currently “is considered “restricted” within,” According to Gurman. Although a new model is likely to be released soon, it is not usual for Apple to announce iPads during an iPhone event.
In addition, a number of software updates are about to drop. We have iOS 18 has been written about extensivelyand iPadOS 18. As for smartwatches, watchOS 11 is also coming out sometime this fall. Apple has already detailed all three operating systems at WWDCbut the upcoming iPhone event would be a good time to announce the official release dates.
Update, August 29, 2024, 1:00 PM ET: This story has been updated to note since its original publication Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman is a guest on the Engadget podcast to discuss the latest expectations ahead of Apple’s event.
Update, August 28, 2024, 11:30 a.m. ET: This story has been updated since its original publication to include the time and date of Apple’s event, as well as details on the Gourmet iPad mini, which is considered “limited” by Apple.
