What to expect from Apple event: Phone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more
Wondering what you should expect from Apple's big event? It's fast approaching, bringing us all the latest gadget goodies from the multi-trillion dollar tech giant.
Set to kick off on Sept. 9 with the tagline "It's Glowtime," the Apple event is expected to introduce the next generation of several popular devices. Anticipated announcements include the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple AirPods 4.
It also wouldn't be surprising if we got an update on Apple Intelligence, the company's new suite of AI features, particularly with artificial intelligence being the hot trending topic in tech.
We're also hearing scuttlebutt about the unveiling of the iPad mini 7 and the AirPods Pro 3, but these rumors are less convincing.
What is being announced at the Apple event?
If you're curious about what Apple will unveil soon, here's what the rumor mill is saying.
iPhone 16
Unsurprisingly, the main attraction of Apple's event will be the launch of the new iPhone 16 series.
We've already heard a slew of rumours about the iPhone's next iteration, with reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be the same size as their predecessors. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max's displays will apparently grow by 0.2 inches, measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively. The next generation of iPhones will also reportedly have slimmed down bezels.
Another reported change is the implementation of the Action Button across the entire iPhone 16 line. A customisable shortcut button on the side of the phone, the Action Button was previously only seen on Apple's higher-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 15 line's camera-focused Capture Button will reportedly make its way into the iPhone 16 series as well.
There's also some talk about the iPhone 16 Pro getting solid-state buttons, which offer haptic feedback instead of physically moving. It's unclear whether the Action Button will be one such solid-state button, but it wouldn't be surprising.
Rumours are circulating about the iPhone 16's camera as well. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 series will move to a stacked design for its rear camera, which should improve its performance. Apple may also tackle lens flare and ghosting with an anti-reflective coating on its camera lenses.
The iPhone 16 Pro series will apparently have 5X telephoto zoom, a feature previously only on the 15 Pro Max, while its ultrawide camera will reportedly get a significant resolution bump from the 15 Pro's 12MP to 48MP.
Leaks further suggest that the 16 Pro series will be available with up to 2TB of storage, offering plenty of room for you to keep your 48MP photos. It may also come in a bronzed gold colour option called "Desert Titanium."
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple is also expected to announce its new Apple Watch series. Rumours from multiple sources claim that the Apple Watch Series 10 will get a screen size bump with 45mm and 49mm versions, making its larger size comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. For comparison, the Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes.
There's also a chance that the Apple Watch 10 might be thinner than its predecessor. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is working to make its devices notably thinner, with May's iPad Pro just the first of many slimmed down products.
While we aren't expecting to see the iPhone impacted until next year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the Watch 10 will feature a thinner form factor.
We may also see a new magnetic system for attaching Apple Watch bands, though Gurman notes it's unclear whether it will be ready for the Series 10 or arrive in a future generation.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may be announced, but isn't expected to get a major design change, still rocking the same look from 2022.
Rumors suggest it may get more case colour options, as well as a new chip alongside the Series 10, but otherwise the next Apple Watch Ultra doesn't seem to be getting much of an upgrade.
Apple has reportedly been working on introducing new health tools to both the Watch and Watch Ultra, including a blood pressure monitor, sleep apnea sensor, and glucose monitor. However, the rumor mill claims that Apple is facing some issues with these sensors delivering accurate readings. As such, there's a lot of uncertainty regarding whether a new heath tool will be featured on the next-gen Apple Watches.
Apple Watch SE 3
According to a new report from Mark Gurman, a new-generation SE is reportedly on the menu for the Sept. 9 Glowtime Apple event.
If you take a look at our Apple Watch SE 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 9 face-off, the difference between the two models aren't as stark as you might think.
That said, if you're in the market for a new Apple Watch, and you're not bothered by some missing health features, the Apple Watch SE 3 may be your best bet if you're looking to save some money.
Apple AirPods 4
The fourth generation of Apple AirPods is expected to arrive in September as well. Apple may replace the AirPods 3 and 2 with new mid-range and entry-level AirPods 4 options this September.
Both these new AirPods will have updated designs, potentially new colours, and make the switch to USB-C charging. Apple's mid-range AirPods 4 will reportedly have active noise cancellation as well, a feature which the tech giant previously only offered on the AirPods Pro.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
According to a new rumor, the next-generation of the AirPods Pro "is coming."
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Leaker @Kosutami_Ito on X claims that the AirPods Pro is poised to come with improved active noise cancellation. We don't know for sure how soon the AirPods Pro 3 will get a debut, but the Sept. 9 Apple event may be its reveal date.
We're a little bit iffy about this rumor, however, because a Bloomberg report claims that an AirPods Pro refresh is unlikely to happen until 2024.
iPad mini 7
In addition to the iPhones, Apple Watch models, and AirPods, Gurman claims that Apple may be planning on releasing the iPad mini 7 later this year.
How does he figure? Well, in a new tweet, the Apple analyst said the following:
"Many Apple stores are low on stock of the iPad mini in several configs, while the device is considered 'constrained' internally within Apple, I’m told. That could be a sign a new one is coming."
Gurman goes on to say that this could be a sign that a new iPad mini 7 is in the works for 2024. After all, it hasn't been updated since 2021. Gurman also added that it may get an AI-based update, too. However, it's unclear whether it could get revealed at the Apple September 2024 event.
How to watch Apple's September 2024 event
Apple's event will kick off Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT. Fortunately for those of us unable to make it to Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, the keynote will be livestreamed. You'll be able to watch the event on Apple's official website, via the Apple TV app, and on YouTube (video embedded below):
Topics AirPods Apple Apple Watch iPhone
Amanda Yeo is an Assistant Editor at Mashable, covering entertainment, culture, tech, science, and social good. Based in Australia, she writes about everything from video games and K-pop to movies and gadgets.
Kimberly Gedeon, at Mashable since 2023, is a tech explorer who enjoys doing deep dives into the most popular gadgets, from the latest iPhones to the most immersive VR headsets. She's drawn to strange, avant-garde, bizarre tech, whether it's a 3D laptop, a gaming rig that can transform into a briefcase, or smart glasses that can capture video. Her journalism career kicked off about a decade ago at MadameNoire where she covered tech and business before landing as a tech editor at Laptop Mag in 2020.
