Sometimes a headline is all it takes: Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 16. September 9th It's a “Glowtime” event. I can tell you that much. But Apple doesn't recommend flying across the country for a single product. Let alone booking a hotel room on 49ers opening day. Football aside, the timing of the annual event is important. It's the last major opportunity to announce multiple hardware products before the holidays.
Live streaming begins Monday 10am PT. The invitation dropped last week with a color scheme that matches the “Glowtime” tagline. Apple likes to sprinkle little hints into these graphics, and this invitation looks more striking than most.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
At WWDC in June, Apple finally revealed its approach to generative AI. The proposal is very similar to Apple’s approach, right down to the name Apple Intelligence, which is a delightful hijacking of the familiar AI acronym. The “small model” approach is emblematic of the company, meaning that it is trained on limited data relevant to improving the user experience.
That’s a significant difference from much larger “black box” models like OpenAI and Google’s Gemini. While we await the widespread release of Apple Intelligence, the efficacy of this approach remains to be seen. At the very least, like all generative AI, it’s likely to be a work in progress.
The answer to how all this connects to “Glowtime” can be found in Siri. In June, Apple announced a much-needed glow-up for its OG smart assistant. Along with generative AI models and better app integration, the company unveiled an updated interface. Gone is the familiar colorful Siri circle, replaced by a glowing border surrounding the display as Siri listens and processes.
Of all the iPhones released so far, only two models are capable of running Apple Intelligence: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This is due to limitations of the older chips, according to the company. Given that the non-Pro iPhone 15 models are actually running the iPhone 14 Pro chipset, Apple can make a credible claim that there is only one chip built with Apple Intelligence in mind so far. Whether you think the exclusion of the iPhone 15 is entirely a hardware issue is for you to decide for yourself.
With all this in mind, next week's event is the perfect opportunity to announce that Apple Intelligence will be applied across the entire new iPhone lineup.
iPhone 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
We’re moving towards the promise of a true edge-to-edge display, millimeter by millimeter. According to recent leaks, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could have a larger display, from 1.5mm to 1.4mm, thanks to smaller bezels. So what’s the difference between a few millimeters between friends? When you’re talking about an overall size of less than 2mm, it makes a big difference.
The screen size of the Pro Max will reportedly increase from 6.69 inches to 6.86 inches, but the overall size of the device won’t increase by much. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is already a large phone. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro will reportedly jump from 6.12 inches to 6.27 inches.
Camera improvements are a given for an annual update. The most interesting is the new molded glass lens, which is thinner and lighter, while dramatically increasing optical zoom capability. The optical zoom capability is noteworthy because it doesn’t suffer from the same image degradation issues as its digital counterpart.
Dummy models leaked earlier this year give us a rough idea of what each model will look like. The most noticeable change on the 16 and 16 Plus is the switch from a diagonal to a vertical camera setup. Designed to allow third-party accessories to be used more quickly, the models also feature a new “Capture” button across the line. This new feature is designed to provide quick access to various camera functions.
But the most welcome change may be the larger battery. Screen and camera improvements are all well and good, but battery life is still a challenge. This particular report may need more confirmation, so take it with a larger grain of salt than usual. Meanwhile, additional reports have pointed to Apple making it easier for users to get battery replacements. Given that more governments and municipalities are passing repair laws and the company is starting to offer home repair options, this report is certainly one to follow.
The Pro model is also expected to support Wi-Fi 7, which should be a big help with the latest wireless standard.
Apple Watch Series 10/Ultra 3
It may be hard to believe, but the Apple Watch turns 10 this year. They grow up so fast. Apple had such great success with the iPhone X that it would make sense for the Apple Watch Series 10 (Series X?) to do something similar. Previous rumors in recent months suggesting a significant redesign have since died down, with the familiar design backed up by a larger display and larger 45mm and 49mm models. The new Watch will also be thinner than its predecessor, which is especially important when discussing watches.
Like the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 3 are expected to feature a new processor, the S10. This could mean additional AI features are not far off. A glucose monitor is the most interesting rumor. Sleep apnea detection is also rumored for the device, but as Bloomberg points out, Apple’s legal issues with Masimo are likely to stop that feature.
The long-awaited update to the cheaper Apple Watch SE could arrive next week with a plastic body.
AirPods 4
Stay tuned for more on this. Apple is said to be announcing two versions of the AirPods 4 next week. The cheaper model will replace the still-selling AirPods 2, while the more premium version will replace the AirPods 3. Do you get it yet? The more premium model will blur the line with the AirPods Pro by adding active noise cancellation and Find My functionality. All models will finally replace Lightning with USB-C as the company transitions its products to comply with EU mandates.
So how will Apple maintain a clear line between the mid-tier and Pro pods? We won’t be expecting new AirPods Pro next week, so we’ll have to wait and see. But we will, finally Four years after the original model was released, the over-ear AirPods Max 2 have been released.
New Mac
This is a big 'maybe'. Recent reports suggest Apple won't announce an M4 Mac until November. Supply chain issues have been dictating Mac release schedules since the pandemic. A larger version of the Mac Mini without USB-A is said to be coming before the end of the year, along with the new iMac and MacBook Pro.
Shine with the flow
What we can say for sure is that Apple's Glowtime event is scheduled for Monday, September 9th at 10 a.m. PST. As always, we'll be there and bringing you live coverage.
