The largest day of the tech world’s autumn calendar is sort of right here: Apple’s iPhone 16 event will take place on September 9 at 1PM ET. We’ll be live-blogging the information, and you may watch it dwell through the corporate’s web site or on YouTube. The largest information from the Apple occasion will virtually positively contain the forthcoming lineup of iPhone 16 handsets. As with all current Septembers, we additionally count on to get a brand new Apple Watch or two — perhaps even three, if Apple squeezes in a brand new SE.
Past that, rumors have been swirling a few refresh of the usual AirPod earbuds, together with updates to Apple’s different product strains. Till Tim Cook dinner takes the (digital) stage, nevertheless, every part is pure hypothesis. With that mentioned, let’s get into the most 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 can be one other year of iterative improvements, so don’t count on a game-changing new {hardware} characteristic.
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 seem to have been greatly exaggerated.
Even when Apple does not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions could be getting barely bigger screens, which is at all times good (when you like massive 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 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 yr’s grey titanium colour, they’re displaying 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 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 appears to be like 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 characteristic introduced last year for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct substitute for the mute swap, by default, however will be adjusted to regulate 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 speak of one other new button, this one on the suitable facet of the cellphone. This may management digital camera options, operating like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} delicate press will set off autofocus and a tougher press will take a photograph. Customers may be capable of 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 smart for the reason that high-end fashions usually provide a extra sturdy digital camera expertise.
To that finish, new iPhones at all times get a digital camera spec bump, however we don’t know precisely what that may appear to be this time. It’s been reported, nevertheless, that the iPhone 16’s digital camera 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 pictures and movies.
We already know what’s approaching the software program facet of issues, because of the recent WWDC event. Primarily based on earlier years, iOS 18 needs to be out there inside the week following the occasion. The software program replace includes a extra customizable Management Middle and Residence Display. It’s going to additionally finally bring RCS support 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 until 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 received’t be capable of idiot round with AI straight away.
Apple Watch Collection 10 and Apple Watch Extremely 3
Ever since 2016, iPhone occasions have additionally included a deep dive on the newest Apple Watch. This yr appears to be like to be no completely different. As a matter of reality, it is a massive yr for the Apple Watch. We’re arising on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as to whether the subsequent entry can be known as the Apple Watch Collection 10 or the Collection 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 more in line with the Ultra. It’s anticipated that the corporate will ditch the 41mm kind issue and introduce a 49mm design.
Rumors have additionally prompt that Apple has utterly 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 might 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 prompt 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 can 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 potential one among 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 out. It’ll possible be an iterative refresh.
On the software program entrance, it appears to be like 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 working on new sensors to detect hypertension and sleep apnea. Nonetheless, the tech will possible 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 Collection X.
Lastly, it’s extremely potential that Apple broadcasts 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 least expensive wearable is the $200 Galaxy Watch FE. Apple could need to compete nearer to that worth vary.
AirPods 4
It’s been reported that Apple’s prepping two new variants of its standard earbuds. The AirPods 4 might characteristic each 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 AirPods 4 variations are more likely to transition to a USB-C case to keep pace with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It’s been prompt 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 similar technique Apple adopted with earlier generations, so it is smart.
Each variations ought to characteristic comparable designs, although the mid-tier variant is more likely to assist lively noise cancellation like the Pro model. Talking of, there’ll possible be no refresh of Apple’s high-end Professional earbuds at this occasion. There’s additionally some thriller surrounding the corporate’s over-ear headphones, AirPods Max. 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.
One last item?
The iPhone occasion doesn’t usually have a “one last item” second, however there’s one piece of {hardware} that might get a shock shout out. It’s been rumored that Apple is preparing a massive redesign of the Mac mini. Analysts have prompt that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop laptop and may very well be across the similar 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 transport from suppliers this month, so it’s potential Apple will spend a couple of minutes on the pc on the iPhone occasion. Nonetheless, don’t depend on it. That is an occasion for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop might really feel misplaced. And, just like it did last fall, Apple might 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 at present “considered ‘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, 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 be popping out sometime this fall. Apple already detailed all three operating systems at WWDC, however the upcoming iPhone occasion can be a very good time to announce official launch dates.
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 concerning 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 a bit extra element on the way forward for Apple, from subsequent yr’s “tremendous slim” iPhone redesign by to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in dwelling robotics. You may take heed to the episode above, and a full transcript is available here.
Replace, August 30 2024, 1:20PM ET: This story has been up to date a number of occasions since its authentic 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 colour for the iPhone 16 Professional.
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