Sometimes a headline is enough. Apple will launch the iPhone 16 on its 9 September “It’s Glowtime” event; we can tell you that much for sure. But Apple isn’t inviting us to fly across the country for a single product – let alone book a hotel room on the 49ers’ opening day. Football aside, the timing of the annual event is important because it’s one last big opportunity to announce a ton of hardware before the holidays.
The livestream starts on Monday at 10am PT. The invites were sent out last week with the slogan “Glowtime” and a color scheme to match. Apple loves to sprinkle little hints into these graphics, and this one feels more intrusive than most.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
At WWDC in June, Apple finally revealed its approach to generative AI. The offering is a very Apple approach, right down to the name – Apple Intelligence – which likes to cling to the familiar acronym AI. The “small model” method is typical of the company, as it is trained with limited data relevant to improving the user experience.
That’s a stark difference from much larger “black box” models like OpenAI and Google’s Gemini. The effectiveness of the approach remains to be seen as we wait for the wider release of Apple Intelligence. It will almost certainly be a work in progress, as is – at least – ultimately the case with all generative AI.
The answer to how this all relates to “Glowtime” can be found in Siri. In June, Apple announced a much-needed glow-up for the OG smart assistant. Alongside generative AI models and better app integration, the company showcased an updated user interface. The familiar colorful Siri circle is gone, replaced by a glowing frame that surrounds the display when Siri is listening/processing.
Of all the iPhones ever released, two models will be able to support Apple Intelligence: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. According to the company, this is due to limitations in older chips. Given that the non-Pro models of the iPhone 15 actually use the iPhone 14 Pro’s chipset, Apple can credibly argue that only one of its chips to date was built with Apple Intelligence in mind. You can decide for yourself whether you believe the iPhone 15’s exclusion is solely a hardware matter.
With that in mind, next week’s event is the perfect opportunity to announce that Apple Intelligence will be available across the entire new iPhone lineup.
iPhone 16, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
We’re getting closer to the promise of true edge-to-edge displays millimeter by millimeter. According to a recent leak, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could get an even larger display thanks to smaller bezels, increasing from 1.5mm to 1.4mm. So what’s a few fractions of a millimeter, between friends? As it turns out, quite a lot when you’re talking about a total size of under 2mm.
This should increase the screen size of the Pro Max from 6.69 to 6.86 inches without excessively increasing the device’s footprint. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is already a large phone. The iPhone 16 Pro should make the jump from 6.12 to 6.27 inches.
Camera improvements are a no-brainer with annual updates, the most interesting of which is a new glass lens that is thinner and lighter while dramatically improving optical zoom capabilities. Optical zoom capabilities are worth considering as they don’t suffer from the same image degradation issues as their digital counterpart.
Leaked dummy models from earlier this year give us a rough idea of each model’s design. Most noticeable on the 16 and 16 Plus is the switch from a diagonal to a vertical camera arrangement. The models, designed for third-party developers to get a head start on accessories, feature a new “Record” button across the range. The new feature is intended to provide quick access to various camera functions.
The most welcome change, however, may be larger batteries. Screen and camera improvements are all well and good, but battery life remains an issue. This particular report could use more evidence, so take it with even more skepticism than usual. Other reports, meanwhile, have suggested that Apple is making battery replacement more accessible to users. Given that the company has begun offering at-home repair options while more and more governments and municipalities are passing right-to-repair laws, this report is certainly a bellwether.
The Pro models are also expected to get Wi-Fi 7, which would be a huge boon for the latest Wi-Fi standard.
Apple Watch Series 10/Ultra 3
As hard as it is to believe, the Apple Watch turns 10 years old this year. They grow up so fast. Apple made a big splash with the iPhone X, so it stands to reason that it’s planning something similar for the Apple Watch Series 10 (Series X?). Previous rumors that suggested a major redesign have cooled in recent months, giving way to a familiar design with a larger display, increasing to 45mm and 49mm models. The new watch should also be slimmer than its predecessor—something that’s especially important in a watch.
Like the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 3 are also set to get a new processor—presumably the S10. That could mean additional AI features aren’t far off. The most exciting new rumored to be available is a blood glucose monitor. The device is also rumored to have sleep apnea detection, but as Bloomberg notes, Apple’s legal battles with Masimo could potentially derail that feature.
A long-awaited update to the affordable plastic-cased Apple Watch SE could also be released next week.
AirPods 4
Stay tuned. Apple is reportedly announcing two versions of the AirPods 4 next week. The cheaper model will replace the still-available AirPods 2, and the higher-end version will replace the AirPods 3. Stay tuned? The higher-end model will blur the line between it and the AirPods Pro by adding Active Noise Cancellation and Find My features. All models should also finally ditch Lightning for USB-C as the company transitions its products to comply with EU regulations.
So how will Apple maintain a clear line between the mid-range and Pro pods? We will have to wait for the answer to that, as we are not expecting new AirPods Pro next week. However, we can Finally Get the over-ear AirPods Max 2, four years after the original.
New Macs
This is a big maybe. Recent reports suggest that Apple will wait until November to announce M4 Macs. Supply chain issues have dictated the Mac release calendar since the pandemic. A large, non-USB-A version of the Mac Mini is expected to arrive before the end of the year, along with a new iMac and MacBook Pro.
Glow with the flow
Here’s what we can say for sure: Apple’s Glowtime event is scheduled for Monday, September 9th at 10am PT. As always, we’ll be there bringing it to you live.
