For Apple devotees, the most important tech day of the yr is lastly virtually right here: The Apple iPhone 16 launch occasion. It’s going to happen tomorrow, September 9, at 1PM ET in Cupertino, CA, and you may stream it stay 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 most important 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 might hit later this yr, 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, nonetheless, every part is pure hypothesis. With that mentioned, let’s get into the almost definitely 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 through the Apple occasion. That’s excellent news for folks prepared for an improve. The dangerous (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 anticipate a game-changing new {hardware} function.
There’s more likely to be 4 new fashions introduced on the occasion, which has similarities to what Apple did final yr. The brand new telephones will allegedly be known as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, in keeping with business 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 is perhaps getting barely bigger screens, which is all the time good (for those who like large telephones, that’s). The common Professional is more likely 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 doubtless be a brand new coloration or two, as all the time. 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. Based mostly on a supply who apparently nailed final yr’s grey titanium coloration, they’re exhibiting off what seems to be extra of a dusky sand hue than gold.
On the {hardware} facet 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 function introduced last year for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct substitute for the mute change, by default, however may be adjusted to manage a bunch of various issues. The Motion Button can be utilized to to alter ringer settings, activate the flashlight, launch the digital camera and extra.
There’s additionally discuss of one other new button, this one on the correct facet of the telephone. This may management digital camera options, working like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} comfortable press will set off autofocus and a tougher press will take a photograph. Shoppers may additionally be capable to swipe alongside the button to zoom out and in whereas capturing pictures or taking movies. It’s been reported that this digital camera button will solely include the Professional and Professional Max, which is sensible because the high-end fashions sometimes provide a extra strong digital camera expertise.
To that finish, new iPhones all the time get a digital camera spec bump, however we don’t know precisely what that can appear to be this time. It’s been reported, nonetheless, that the iPhone 16’s digital camera module could possibly be getting a design refresh. Apple is perhaps ditching the sq. and going with a vertical orientation. This would possibly solely apply to the bottom iPhone 16 and perhaps the Plus, because the Professional and Professional Max telephones have a tendency to position a a lot increased emphasis on pictures and movies.
We already know what’s approaching the software program facet of issues, because of the current WWDC occasion. Based mostly on earlier years, iOS 18 needs to be obtainable throughout the week following the occasion. The software program replace contains a extra customizable Management Heart and Residence Display screen. It’s going to additionally lastly carry RCS help 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 instantly.
The brand new iPhone drop may additionally spell the tip of Apple’s broadly panned FineWoven case, which was simply launched final yr as an alternative choice to leather-based however has been criticized for sturdiness points. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman lately reported that FineWoven stock is getting low, suggesting the corporate is both phasing it out or planning a refresh. One leaker on the Saturday forward of the occasion shared a have a look at an array of iPhone instances in impartial colours, claiming these could also be popping out in a brand new materials to switch FineWoven.
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 reality, it is a large yr 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 will probably be known as the Apple Watch Sequence 10 or the Sequence X.
It doesn’t matter what it finally ends up being known as, Apple’s subsequent customary smartwatch is reported to have an even bigger display screen that’s extra consistent with the Extremely. It’s anticipated that the corporate will ditch the 41mm kind issue and introduce a 49mm design.
Rumors have additionally recommended that Apple has fully redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This may 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.
In fact, there’s going to be a brand new chip to energy these watches, however we don’t have any specifics. It’s been recommended that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s current foray into AI, however that integration is more likely to occur in a while. For now, Apple Intelligence will probably be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.
There are more likely to be two watches revealed on the occasion, that are codenamed N217 and N218. It’s attainable considered 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 growing 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. Nonetheless, the tech will doubtless not be prepared for this yr’s smartwatch. Apple’s additionally been growing 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 proclaims 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 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. 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 exchange AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The massive information right here is that each new AirPods variations are more likely to transition to a USB-C case to maintain tempo with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It’s been recommended that the cheaper of the 2 forthcoming fashions would lack wi-fi charging, however that the mid-tier model would help this know-how. This is identical technique Apple adopted with earlier generations, so it is sensible. The case for the dearer AirPods may additionally embrace a speaker, which might make it simpler to search out with Apple’s Discover My function.
Each variations ought to function comparable designs, although the mid-tier variant is more likely to help energetic 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 (and so they’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 ultimately however the timing stays unclear.
Yet another factor
The iPhone occasion doesn’t sometimes have a “yet one more 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 a large redesign of the Mac mini, which would come with ditching the USB-A port, in keeping with Gurman. Analysts have recommended that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop pc and could possibly be across the identical dimension 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. Nonetheless, don’t rely 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 numerous noise on-line about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple’s smallest iPad hasn’t had an replace since 2021, and is at present “thought-about ‘constrained’ internally,” in keeping with Gurman. Whereas a brand new mannequin is more likely 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 also be popping out someday this fall. Apple already detailed all three working techniques at WWDC, however the upcoming iPhone occasion could be a superb 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 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 Professional 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 possibly can 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 movie star 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 digital camera 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 means of to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in dwelling robotics. You possibly can hearken to the episode above, and a full transcript is obtainable right here.
Replace, September 6 2024, 9:30AM ET: This story has been up to date a number of instances since its unique publishing. The updates have 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 coloration 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 piece on the shock announcement of the Powerbeats Professional 2.
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Added extra particulars in regards to the two new units of AirPods.
