For Apple devotees, the largest tech day of the 12 months is developing: The Apple iPhone 16 occasion. It’s going to happen on September 9 at 1PM ET and you may stream it dwell on YouTube or the corporate’s web site. We’ll even be live-blogging the information.
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 — possibly even three, if Apple showcases a brand new SE.
Past that, rumors have been swirling a couple of 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 in all probability will not see the sunshine of day till 2025 or past. However till Tim Cook dinner takes the (digital) stage, nevertheless, every part 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 through 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 can be one other 12 months of iterative enhancements, so don’t anticipate a game-changing new {hardware} function.
There’s prone to be 4 new fashions introduced on the occasion, which is analogous to what Apple did final 12 months. The brand new telephones will allegedly be referred to as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, based on 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 enormously exaggerated.
Even when Apple does not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions is perhaps getting barely bigger screens, which is at all times good (for those who like huge telephones, that’s). The common Professional is prone 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 possible 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 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 current push towards AI, often known as Apple Intelligence. Past that, the upgraded A18 chip can be an iterative enchancment, specs-wise. As is typical, the Professional and Professional Max will possible get a extra highly effective chip than the usual fashions. It seems to be like the bottom quantity of RAM right here can 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 function launched final 12 months for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct alternative for the mute swap, by default, however may 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 digicam and extra.
There’s additionally speak of one other new button, this one on the precise aspect of the cellphone. This may management digicam options, working like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} tender press will set off autofocus and a tougher press will take a photograph. Shoppers might also have the ability 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 smart for the reason that high-end fashions usually supply 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, nevertheless, that the iPhone 16’s digicam module might be getting a design refresh. Apple is perhaps ditching the sq. and going with a vertical orientation. This may solely apply to the bottom iPhone 16 and possibly the Plus, because the Professional and Professional Max telephones have a tendency to position a a lot greater emphasis on images and movies.
We already know what’s approaching the software program aspect of issues, because of the current WWDC occasion. Primarily based on earlier years, iOS 18 must be out there inside the week following the occasion. The software program replace encompasses a extra customizable Management Middle and House 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, but it surely’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, this can be a huge 12 months for the Apple Watch. We’re developing on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as as to whether the subsequent entry can be referred to as the Apple Watch Collection 10 or the Collection X.
It doesn’t matter what it finally ends up being referred to as, Apple’s subsequent customary smartwatch is reported to have a much 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 urged that Apple has fully redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This may possible make these straps simpler to regulate, however there’s a draw back. This transfer may make it so all of these outdated 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 urged that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s current foray into AI, however that integration is prone to occur afterward. For now, Apple Intelligence can 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 one in all 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 day trip. It’ll possible be an iterative refresh.
On the software program entrance, it seems to be like Apple has run into some snags whereas growing long-anticipated well being monitoring instruments. Well being monitoring is without doubt 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 possible not be prepared for this 12 months’s smartwatch. Apple’s additionally been growing a glucose sensor for nearly a decade so, who is aware of, possibly it’ll lastly present up with the Collection X.
Lastly, it’s extremely attainable that Apple publicizes 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 can 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 most cost-effective wearable is the $200 Galaxy Watch FE. Apple might wish to compete nearer to that worth vary.
Two new units of AirPods
It’s been reported that Apple’s prepping two new variants of its customary earbuds. Based on a Bloomberg roundup that was printed on September 6, Apple will introduce an entry-level mannequin and a mid-tier model, which might successfully substitute AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The large information right here is that each new AirPods variations are prone to transition to a USB-C case to hold tempo with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It’s been urged 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 smart. The case for the dearer AirPods might also embrace a speaker, which might make it simpler to seek out with Apple’s Discover My function.
Each variations ought to function comparable 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 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 possible 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 (and so they’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 another factor
The iPhone occasion doesn’t usually 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 an enormous redesign of the Mac mini, which would come with ditching the USB-A port, based on Gurman. Analysts have urged that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop pc and might 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 rely on it. That is an occasion for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop may really feel misplaced. And, similar to it did final fall, Apple may simply maintain a Mac-specific occasion later this 12 months.
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 at the moment “thought-about ‘constrained’ internally,” based on Gurman. Whereas a brand new mannequin is prone to come quickly, it is not widespread for Apple to announce iPads throughout its iPhone occasion.
Past that, an entire 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 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 positive: 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 screen.
That is it — there is no point out of specs, pricing, or a tighter launch window, however we do no 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 anticipate to see them adorning many extra athlete and superstar ears earlier than lengthy.
The Engadget Podcast with particular visitor Mark Gurman
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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 digicam button for iPhone, tweaks to display screen sizes, the brand new AirPods lineup and what to anticipate from the most recent Apple Watch fashions. There’s additionally a little bit 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 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 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 bit on the shock announcement of the Powerbeats Professional 2.
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Added extra particulars concerning the two new units of AirPods.
