What to anticipate on the iPhone 16 keynote in September

The most important day of the tech world’s autumn calendar is sort of right here: Apple’s iPhone 16 occasion will happen on September 9 at 1PM ET. We’ll be live-blogging the information, and you’ll watch it reside through the corporate’s web site or on YouTube. The most important information from the Apple occasion will nearly undoubtedly contain the forthcoming lineup of iPhone 16 handsets. As with all latest Septembers, we additionally count on to get a brand new Apple Watch or two — possibly 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, nonetheless, all the things is pure hypothesis. With that stated, 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 in the course of the Apple occasion. That’s excellent news for individuals prepared for an improve. The dangerous (ish) information? The overwhelming majority of leaks and rumors point out that this will probably be one other yr of iterative enhancements, 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 is analogous to what Apple did final yr. The brand new telephones will allegedly be referred to as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, in accordance 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 Ultra” moniker appear to have been drastically exaggerated.

Even when Apple would not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions is perhaps getting barely bigger screens, which is at all times good (in the event you like large 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. Based mostly 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} aspect of issues, search for a brand new chipset that takes benefit of the corporate’s latest push towards AI, also referred to as Apple Intelligence. Past that, the upgraded A18 chip will probably 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 seems like the bottom quantity of RAM right here will probably 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 launched final yr for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct substitute for the mute change, by default, however could 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 discuss of one other new button, this one on the precise aspect of the cellphone. It will management digital camera options, working like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} gentle press will set off autofocus and a more durable press will take a photograph. Shoppers can also be capable of swipe alongside the button to zoom out and in whereas capturing photographs or taking movies. It’s been reported that this digital camera button will solely include the Professional and Professional Max, which is sensible because the 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 seem like this time. It’s been reported, nonetheless, that the iPhone 16’s digital camera module could possibly be getting a design refresh. Apple is perhaps ditching the sq. and going with a vertical orientation. This may solely apply to the bottom iPhone 16 and possibly the Plus, because the Professional and Professional Max telephones have a tendency to position a a lot increased emphasis on photographs and movies.

We already know what’s approaching the software program aspect of issues, because of the latest WWDC occasion. Based mostly on earlier years, iOS 18 must be obtainable inside the week following the occasion. The software program replace contains a extra customizable Management Middle and Residence Display screen. It’s going to additionally lastly carry RCS help to iPhones.

As for Apple Intelligence, you’ll have to attend a bit. It was introduced as a part of iOS 18, nevertheless it’s been delayed till 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 immediately.

Apple Watch Sequence 10 and Apple Watch Extremely 3

Ever since 2016, iPhone occasions have additionally included a deep dive on the newest Apple Watch. This yr seems to be no totally different. As a matter of reality, it is a large yr for the Apple Watch. We’re arising on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as as to if the subsequent entry will probably be referred to as the Apple Watch Sequence 10 or the Sequence X.

It doesn’t matter what it finally ends up being referred to as, Apple’s subsequent customary smartwatch is reported to have an even bigger display screen that’s extra consistent with the Extremely. It’s anticipated that the corporate will ditch the 41mm kind issue and introduce a 49mm design.

Rumors have additionally advised that Apple has utterly redesigned the band system and added new connectors. It will possible make these straps simpler to regulate, however there’s a draw back. This transfer may 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 advised that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s latest foray into AI, however that integration is more likely to occur afterward. For now, Apple Intelligence will probably 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 certainly one of these would be the Apple Watch Extremely 3, although Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says the high-end smartwatch received’t get a significant redesign this day trip. It’ll possible be an iterative refresh.

On the software program entrance, it seems like Apple has run into some snags whereas creating long-anticipated well being monitoring instruments. Well being monitoring is likely one of the key options of the Apple Watch, so the corporate has been engaged 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 creating a glucose sensor for nearly a decade so, who is aware of, possibly it’ll lastly present up with the Sequence X.

Lastly, it’s extremely potential that Apple declares 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 will probably 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 might wish to compete nearer to that worth vary.

AirPods 4

It’s been reported that Apple’s prepping two new variants of its customary earbuds. The AirPods 4 may characteristic each an entry-level mannequin and a mid-tier model, which might successfully substitute AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.

The massive information right here is that each AirPods 4 variations are more likely to transition to a USB-C case to preserve tempo with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It’s been advised that the cheaper of the 2 forthcoming fashions would lack wi-fi charging, however that the mid-tier model would help this know-how. This is similar technique Apple adopted with earlier generations, so it is sensible.

Each variations ought to characteristic related designs, although the mid-tier variant is more likely to help energetic noise cancellation just like the Professional mannequin. 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 entire 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 very last thing?

The iPhone occasion doesn’t usually have a “one last thing” second, however there’s one piece of {hardware} that would get a shock shout out. It’s been rumored that Apple is making ready an enormous redesign of the Mac mini. Analysts have advised that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop pc and could possibly be across the identical 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 start out 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 rely on it. That is an occasion for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop may really feel misplaced. And, similar to it did final fall, Apple may simply maintain a Mac-specific occasion later this yr.

There’s additionally quite a lot 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 “thought-about ‘constrained’ internally,” in accordance with Gurman. Whereas a brand new mannequin is more likely to come quickly, it isn’t 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 also be popping out someday this fall. Apple already detailed all three working techniques at WWDC, however the upcoming iPhone occasion could be a great 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 little bit extra element on the way forward for Apple, from subsequent yr’s “super slim” iPhone redesign via to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in house robotics. You may hearken to the episode above, and a full transcript is offered right here.

Replace, August 30 2024, 1:20PM ET: This story has been up to date a number of instances since its unique publishing. The updates had been as follows, in chronological order:

• Added the time and date of the Apple occasion.

• Added some particulars on the iPad mini being stock-restrained.

• Added a recap of the Engadget Podcast with Mark Gurman.

• Added a hyperlink to 9to5Mac‘s reporting on a brand new colour for the iPhone 16 Professional.