Apple has officially announced that it will host its “Glowtime” special launch event on Monday, September 9, starting at 10 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST). While the highlight of the event is expected to be the unveiling of the iPhone 16 series, other exciting announcements are anticipated, including new Apple Watch models, updated AirPods, and more. The event invitation showcases the tagline “It’s Glowtime” beneath a vibrant logo, which could suggest upcoming updates related to Apple Intelligence or a redesigned Siri. Here’s a look at what to expect from Apple’s Glowtime event.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
Each year, the iPhone takes center stage at Apple’s September launch event, and this time, it’s all about the iPhone 16 series. The lineup will once again feature four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Notably, the standard iPhone 16 models are expected to feature a vertically aligned rear camera, reminiscent of the design seen on the iPhone 12, replacing the usual diagonal camera bump. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will also come with several significant upgrades over their predecessors, including a new A18 chipset and an increase in RAM from 6GB to 8GB for enhanced performance. These non-Pro models will continue to be available in the familiar 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes.
With the iPhone 16 series, Apple is set to replace the traditional Mute switch with a programmable Action Button, similar to the one introduced on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models. Additionally, a new Capture Button will be located on the right side below the Power button, offering dedicated camera features. This button will allow users to quickly access the Camera app, zoom in and out, adjust focus, and perform other essential functions while shooting videos in landscape mode. The iPhone 16 is anticipated to come in five new colors: Black, White, Blue, Green, and Pink.
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
The most premium models in Apple’s lineup will be the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. A standout change in these Pro models is the increase in screen size. The iPhone 16 Pro will have a sizable 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature an enormous 6.9-inch screen, making it the largest iPhone ever. Although the primary 48MP camera will remain the same, the ultra-wide lens is set to receive a significant upgrade to 48MP. Moreover, the 5x telephoto lens, previously exclusive to the Pro Max model, will now be included in the iPhone 16 Pro as well. This marks a shift from the 3x telephoto lens found on the iPhone 15 Pro, promising impressive camera upgrades for both iPhone 16 Pro models.
The high-end iPhones will also feature the much-anticipated Capture Button, aimed at delighting photography enthusiasts. Alongside this, we can expect several notable enhancements, including the powerful A18 Pro chipset, larger batteries, improved thermal management, and support for Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, all models in the iPhone 16 series will support Apple Intelligence features.
Apple Watch Series 10
Aside from the new iPhones, one Apple product confirmed to make an appearance at the September event is the Apple Watch. This year, Apple is expected to unveil a thinner and larger version of the Apple Watch. The upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 is likely to be available in 45mm and 49mm sizes, with the larger size matching that of the Apple Watch Ultra. We can also anticipate a range of new health features, including blood pressure monitoring and Sleep Apnea detection. For more details, here’s a look at the rumors and expectations surrounding the Apple Watch Series 10.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3 will also be unveiled at Apple’s September event. Similar to the Apple Watch Series 10, the Ultra 3 is not expected to include significant hardware upgrades or design changes. This suggests that there will be no new design updates for Apple’s 2024 smartwatches. Last year’s Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduced several notable features, including a faster S9 chip, a display that’s 50% brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, and a new double-tap gesture. This year, however, we might not see similarly groundbreaking additions.
While the overall design of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will stay the same, it will introduce some long-awaited health features, such as blood pressure monitoring and Sleep Apnea detection. Additionally, we might see a new dark or black case color option for the first time. There have been rumors about Apple developing microLED display technology for its smartwatches, but it’s likely we won’t see a microLED Apple Watch until 2026, if at all.
Apple Watch SE 3
Apple is also set to update its most affordable smartwatch lineup during the iPhone event. Recent reports suggest that the Apple Watch SE 3 might see several significant changes, including larger 41mm and 45mm case sizes, similar to the Apple Watch Series 9. According to Mark Gurman, Apple may use plastic shells for the SE 3 to reduce production costs, potentially bringing the retail price down to around $200. This material change and lower cost could make the Apple Watch SE 3 an attractive option for parents purchasing a smartwatch for their kids. If this proves to be the case, it will be great to see Apple offering a modern smartwatch that balances features with affordability.
AirPods 4
Set to launch in September or October, the upcoming AirPods lineup is anticipated to be Apple’s most significant release yet. According to Mark Gurman, Apple plans to discontinue the AirPods 2 and AirPods this year, replacing them with two new versions of the AirPods 4. This will introduce a new two-tier AirPods lineup for the standard, non-Pro models. The AirPods 4 will feature an updated design that combines elements of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, including shorter stems, enhanced sound quality, a better fit, and a USB-C charging case. However, neither of the AirPods 4 models will come with replaceable silicon tips.
The new AirPods 4 lineup will include both a lower-end and a higher-end model. The “higher-end” option may incorporate some features from the AirPods Pro, such as noise cancellation and built-in speakers in the charging case to help locate lost AirPods or the case itself. While the current AirPods 2 and AirPods use the H1 chip, the upcoming AirPods 4 models are expected to adopt the H2 chip from the second-generation AirPods Pro. This upgraded chip will offer improvements such as faster and more reliable Bluetooth connections and enhanced power efficiency.
AirPods Max 2
Released in December 2020, the AirPods Max is the oldest AirPods model currently available from Apple. Although a new AirPods Max 2 is in the works, it may not be released until late 2024. Therefore, we could potentially see the second-generation AirPods Max debut in October alongside the AirPods 4 models. However, it’s unlikely that the new AirPods Max will be introduced at the iPhone 16 event. One major anticipated change for the AirPods Max 2 is the replacement of the Lightning port with a USB-C connector, in line with EU regulations. Mark Gurman has also reported that the next-generation AirPods Max will come in refreshed color options, though the specific shades have not been disclosed.
The AirPods Max 2 is expected to feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, already seen in the AirPods Pro 2, iPhone 15 series, and the latest Apple Watch models. While rumors are scarce, there is strong speculation that the new AirPods Max 2 will include the H2 chip. Given that the AirPods Max 2 will be released nearly four years after the original model, significant updates and enhancements are anticipated to excite fans.
iPad Mini 7
Apple introduced the iPad Mini 6 in September 2021, and with three years having passed since its last update, the smallest and most portable iPad is due for a refresh. Mark Gurman recently noted on X that many Apple Stores are experiencing low iPad Mini stock, suggesting that Apple may be clearing space for a new model. Although there is no concrete evidence yet, Gurman suggests that the new iPad Mini could be released soon. This update comes just ahead of Apple’s iPhone-centric event, raising the possibility that the new iPad Mini may be announced on the same day. The anticipated iPad Mini 7 is expected to feature display improvements to reduce jelly scrolling, an updated A-series chipset, a FaceTime landscape camera similar to the new M2 iPad Air, Wi-Fi 6e connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro.
New iPhone Cases and Apple Watch Bands
At its September iPhone event, Apple usually introduces new Apple Watch bands and iPhone cases in a variety of fresh colors. Often, these accessories become available on Apple’s online store shortly after the event concludes. This year, it’s speculated that Apple will unveil the Apple Watch Series 10 in two sizes: 45mm and 49mm. Since the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra is compatible with 45mm Apple Watch Series 9 bands, there is a possibility that the new Apple Watch bands could be compatible with both the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time.
iOS 18 and more
Finally, Apple’s iPhone 16 event will unveil the release dates for its latest operating systems. We’ll get to see details about iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18. Often, these software updates are rolled out within days of the event.
According to various rumors, Apple is expected to launch macOS Sequoia alongside iOS 18 for the first time in September. Previously, Apple typically released its new macOS versions in October or November.
What Will Not Be Featured at the iPhone 16 Event
The upcoming Apple iPhone 16 launch is set to be a high-profile event, but there are a few products we likely won’t see during the presentation. Although some Macs are due for an update, it’s unlikely that any MacBook Pro, Mac mini, or iMac will make an appearance. We can expect Apple to unveil these products at a separate event later this fall.
That covers everything we expect to see at Apple’s September event. If you’re excited about the launch of new devices, here’s how you can watch Apple’s Glowtime event. What are you most excited about for the iPhone 16 event? Are you considering buying any of the new Apple products? let us know in the comments!
