Apple’s iPhone 16 Launch Event: What to Expect and What to Forget.

Anticipate the Arrival of New iPhones, AirPods, Watches, and More

Mark your calendars! Apple’s much-anticipated September launch event is officially slated for Monday, September 9. The tech giant has sent out email invitations featuring the intriguing tagline “It’s Glowtime,” hinting that Apple Intelligence might steal the spotlight at this Cupertino-based event.

So, what can we expect from Apple’s big showcase this year? The iPhone 16 series is practically a given, and we’re also likely to see updates to the AirPods and Apple Watch lineups. Plus, there’s a good chance we’ll hear about new software updates for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, and tvOS 18.

Let’s dive into the five things we’re likely to see announced, as well as three things that probably won’t make the cut.

What We’re Expecting

The iPhone 16 Series

Apple’s September events are synonymous with new iPhone launches, and this year is no different. The iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, is expected to make its debut. While these models aren’t rumored to bring groundbreaking changes, they’re expected to feature some noteworthy upgrades.

The standard iPhone 16 models are likely to inherit the Action button from the iPhone 15 Pro series, along with a new ‘Capture’ button across the entire lineup. As usual, we can expect improvements to Apple’s chipsets and the introduction of fresh color options for the iPhone 16 series.

Apple Intelligence

Apple’s new suite of AI-powered features, dubbed Apple Intelligence, is expected to be the headline announcement. Initially unveiled at WWDC 2024, Apple Intelligence is anticipated to be showcased on the iPhone 16 series and other compatible devices.

This toolset will bring enhancements like a smarter Siri, text summarization, writing assistance, and generative image creation. The “It’s Glowtime” tagline likely refers to a new ‘glow’ animation that’ll appear when using Siri on Apple Intelligence-enabled devices.

However, there’s a possibility that Apple Intelligence may not be available immediately with the iOS 18 rollout, as Apple might still be fine-tuning these features. Regardless, we expect a concrete release date for Apple Intelligence to be announced at the event.

iOS 18 and Other Software Updates

While Apple Intelligence is set to be part of iOS 18, there are plenty of non-AI-related upgrades to look forward to in this upcoming software update. These enhancements should please existing iPhone owners, with significant improvements coming to core apps like Messages, Mail, Photos, Maps, and Wallet. Any iPhone newer than the iPhone XS will be compatible with iOS 18, which means devices with the A12 Bionic chipset or newer.

In addition to iOS 18, Apple’s event is likely to feature announcements related to iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, and tvOS 18.

New Apple Watches

Next month’s event could also see the introduction of new Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are the most likely candidates, with the Watch 10 expected to come in two sizes: 1.89 inches and 2.04 inches.

Rumors suggest these models will feature new processors and a larger display for the Watch 10. Additionally, a plastic Apple Watch SE might be introduced, offering a more affordable entry point into the watchOS ecosystem.

New AirPods

There’s a strong possibility that new AirPods could be unveiled next month. While we’re not expecting the AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max 2 just yet, rumors point to the release of new entry-level and mid-range AirPods models.

These new AirPods are expected to offer a more comfortable design and smarter listening modes. Notably, noise cancellation might be added to the mid-range model, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

What We’re Not Expecting

iPhone Air

Despite the buzz around a possible iPhone Slim or iPhone Air, this ultra-thin model is now rumored to arrive in 2025.

Apple insider Mark Gurman suggests that this iPhone will feature a much thinner chassis than any existing model while retaining most of the iPhone 17’s core specs. Positioned between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, the iPhone Air is something to look forward to, even if it won’t be unveiled this September.

New iPads

It’s unlikely we’ll see any new iPads at this year’s September event. Apple already launched the iPad Air 6 and iPad Pro (2024) at its May 7 event, and there hasn’t been much chatter about a successor to the iPad 10.9 (2022).

While the iPad mini 7 might be a possibility—given that Apple has allowed iPad mini stock to dwindle, which often signals an impending update—Apple could also opt for a quieter press release. So, we’re not holding our breath for a big iPad announcement.

New MacBooks

Although M4-equipped MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac models are expected to debut in 2024, they’re likely to be released in October rather than September.

Apple’s reliable tipsters, Ross Young and Mark Gurman, have hinted at a “later” release this year, which aligns with the timeline we saw for recent MacBook models. While Apple might surprise us with a September reveal, it seems more probable that the focus will be on iPhones, Watches, and AirPods this time around.

There you have it—our predictions for Apple’s upcoming September event. Whether you’re eagerly anticipating the iPhone 16 or hoping for a new set of AirPods, there’s plenty to look forward to. While some products may be absent from the showcase, the next Apple event is always on the horizon.