Apple Occasion 2024: What to anticipate on the iPhone 16 launch occasion on Monday

For Apple devotees, the largest tech day of the yr is developing: 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 dwell 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 Prepare dinner takes the (digital) stage, nonetheless, every thing is pure hypothesis. With that stated, let’s get into the more than likely 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 middle stage throughout the Apple occasion. That’s excellent news for folks 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 count on a game-changing new {hardware} characteristic.

There’s prone 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 response to 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 Extremely” moniker appear to have been tremendously exaggerated.

Even when Apple would not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions could be getting barely bigger screens, which is at all times good (in the event you like huge telephones, that’s). The common Professional is prone to transfer to six.Three inches from 6.1 inches, whereas the Professional Max ought to hit 6.9 inches, a rise from 6.7 inches. Lastly, there’ll doubtless be a brand new colour or two, as at all times. 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. Primarily based on a supply who apparently nailed final yr’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 current push towards AI, also called 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 doubtless 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 characteristic 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 will be adjusted to regulate a bunch of various issues. The Motion Button can be utilized to to vary ringer settings, activate the flashlight, launch the digicam and extra.

There’s additionally speak of one other new button, this one on the proper aspect of the cellphone. This can management digicam options, working like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} gentle press will set off autofocus and a tougher press will take a photograph. Shoppers might also be capable to swipe alongside the button to zoom out and in whereas taking pictures images or taking movies. It’s been reported that this digicam button will solely include the Professional and Professional Max, which is sensible for the reason that high-end fashions sometimes provide a extra sturdy digicam expertise.

To that finish, new iPhones at all times get a digicam spec bump, however we don’t know precisely what that can appear like this time. It’s been reported, nonetheless, that the iPhone 16’s digicam module may very well be getting a design refresh. Apple could be ditching the sq. and going with a vertical orientation. This may 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 images and movies.

We already know what’s approaching the software program aspect of issues, due to the current WWDC occasion. Primarily based on earlier years, iOS 18 must be obtainable inside the week following the occasion. The software program replace encompasses a extra customizable Management Middle and Residence Display. 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, nevertheless 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 gained’t be capable to idiot round with AI straight away.

Apple Watch Sequence 10 and Apple Watch Extremely 3

Ever since 2016, iPhone occasions have additionally included a deep dive on the newest Apple Watch. This yr seems to be no completely different. As a matter of truth, it is a huge yr for the Apple Watch. We’re developing on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as as to if the following entry will probably be referred to as the Apple Watch Sequence 10 or the Sequence X.

It doesn’t matter what it finally ends up being referred to as, Apple’s subsequent normal smartwatch is reported to have an even bigger display screen that’s extra according to the Extremely. It’s anticipated that the corporate will ditch the 41mm type issue and introduce a 49mm design.

Rumors have additionally advised that Apple has fully redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This can doubtless make these straps simpler to regulate, however there’s a draw back. This transfer may make it so all of these previous bands 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 advised that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s current foray into AI, however that integration is prone to occur in a while. For now, Apple Intelligence will probably be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.

There are prone to be two watches revealed on the occasion, that are codenamed N217 and N218. It’s attainable certainly one of these would be the Apple Watch Extremely 3, although Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says the high-end smartwatch gained’t get a serious redesign this day out. It’ll doubtless 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 likely one of 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 doubtless 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 Sequence X.

Lastly, it’s extremely attainable that Apple pronounces 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 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 change AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.

The massive information right here is that each new AirPods variations are prone to transition to a USB-C case to maintain tempo with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It’s been advised 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 identical technique Apple adopted with earlier generations, so it is sensible. The case for the costlier AirPods might also embrace a speaker, which might make it simpler to seek out with Apple’s Discover My characteristic.

Each variations ought to characteristic related designs, although the mid-tier variant is prone to assist lively noise cancellation just like the Professional mannequin. If that is the case, it is probably not 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 doubtless 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’re going to get USB-C and new colours finally however the timing stays unclear.

Yet one more factor

The iPhone occasion doesn’t sometimes have a “yet another factor” second, however there’s one piece of {hardware} that might get a shock shout out. It’s been rumored that Apple is getting ready an enormous redesign of the Mac mini, which would come with ditching the USB-A port, in response to Gurman. Analysts have advised that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop pc and may very well be across the similar 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 begin delivery from suppliers this month, so it’s attainable Apple will spend a couple of minutes on the pc on the iPhone occasion. Nevertheless, don’t depend on it. That is an occasion for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop may really feel misplaced. And, identical to it did final fall, Apple may simply maintain a Mac-specific occasion later this yr.

There’s additionally loads of noise on-line about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple’s smallest iPad hasn’t had an replace since 2021, and is presently “thought of ‘constrained’ internally,” in response to Gurman. Whereas a brand new mannequin is prone to come quickly, it is not frequent 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 be popping out someday this fall. Apple already detailed all three working methods at WWDC, however the upcoming iPhone occasion can be time to announce official launch dates.

One… early factor?

This is one thing we all know for certain: 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 four with a brief Reel. Within the clip, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani swings a bat whereas carrying the upcoming earbuds, earlier than a “Powerbeats Professional 2” wordmark and “Coming 2025” flash up on display screen.

That is it — there is not any point out of specs, pricing, or a tighter launch window, however we do not less than see a tweaked design. You’ll be able to learn senior reporter Billy Steele’s evaluation of this glimpse right here. Likelihood is we cannot hear about this new set of buds on the iPhone occasion, however count on 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 in regards to the newest Apple rumors, together with the brand new digicam button for iPhone, tweaks to display screen sizes, the brand new AirPods lineup and what to anticipate from the newest Apple Watch fashions. There’s additionally slightly extra element on the way forward for Apple, from subsequent yr’s “tremendous slim” iPhone redesign by to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in residence robotics. You’ll be able to hearken to the episode above, and a full transcript is on the market right here.

Replace, September 6 2024, 9:30AM ET: This story has been up to date a number of instances since its authentic publishing. The updates had been as follows, in chronological order:

• Added the time and date of the Apple occasion.

• Added some particulars on the iPad mini being stock-restrained.

• Added a recap of the Engadget Podcast with Mark Gurman.

• Added a hyperlink to 9to5Mac‘s reporting on a brand new colour for the iPhone 16 Professional.

• Added a hyperlink to Mark Gurman’s reporting on the Mac mini.

• Added a bit on the shock announcement of the Powerbeats Professional 2.

• Added extra particulars in regards to the two new units of AirPods.