All of the iPhone 16, AirPods and Apple Watch information anticipated on Monday

For Apple devotees, the largest tech day of the 12 months is arising: The Apple iPhone 16 launch event. It will happen on September 9 at 1PM ET in Cupertino, CA, and you may stream it live on YouTube or the corporate’s web site. We’ll even be live-blogging the information and hopefully will get an opportunity to take a look at the brand new iPhone after the occasion.

The most important information we’re anticipating from Apple’s It is Glowtime occasion is the iPhone 16 lineup. Following previous occasions, we’re additionally anticipating a brand new Apple Watch or two — possibly even three, if Apple showcases a brand new SE.

Past that, rumors have been swirling a few refresh of the usual AirPod earbuds. And what about new M4 Macs, HomePods, iPad mini and even the baseline iPhone SE? A few of these might hit later this 12 months, whereas others in all probability will not see the sunshine of day till 2025 or past. However till Tim Cook dinner takes the (digital) stage, nonetheless, all the pieces is pure hypothesis. With that mentioned, 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 unhealthy (ish) information? The overwhelming majority of leaks and rumors point out that this might be one other year of iterative improvements, so don’t anticipate a game-changing new {hardware} characteristic.

There’s prone to be 4 new fashions introduced on the occasion, which is analogous to what Apple did final 12 months. The brand new telephones will allegedly be referred to as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, in accordance with trade analyst Mark Gurman. That is the very same naming conference as final 12 months’s iPhone 15 reveal, so the rumors of Apple adopting an “iPhone Extremely” moniker seem to have been greatly exaggerated.

Even when Apple does not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions is perhaps getting barely bigger screens, which is at all times good (should you like huge telephones, that’s). The common Professional is prone 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 probably be a brand new shade 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. Primarily based on a supply who apparently nailed final 12 months’s grey titanium shade, 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 known as Apple Intelligence. Past that, the upgraded A18 chip might be an iterative enchancment, specs-wise. As is typical, the Professional and Professional Max will probably get a extra highly effective chip than the usual fashions. It seems to be like the bottom quantity of RAM right here might 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 introduced last year for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct substitute for the mute swap, by default, however might be adjusted to manage a bunch of various issues. The Motion Button can be utilized to to vary ringer settings, activate the flashlight, launch the digicam and extra.

There’s additionally discuss of one other new button, this one on the correct aspect of the cellphone. This may management digicam options, operating like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} mushy press will set off autofocus and a more durable press will take a photograph. Customers may additionally have the ability to swipe alongside the button to zoom out and in whereas capturing photographs or taking movies. It’s been reported that this digicam button will solely include the Professional and Professional Max, which is smart for the reason that high-end fashions sometimes provide a extra strong digicam expertise.

To that finish, new iPhones at all times get a digicam spec bump, however we don’t know precisely what that may appear like this time. It’s been reported, nonetheless, that the iPhone 16’s digicam module may very well 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, due to the recent WWDC event. Primarily based on earlier years, iOS 18 ought to be out there throughout the week following the occasion. The software program replace contains a extra customizable Management Middle and Residence Display. It will additionally finally bring RCS support to iPhones.

As for Apple Intelligence, you’ll have to attend a bit. It was introduced as a part of iOS 18, however it’s been delayed until iOS 18.1. This isn’t an enormous deal, as that OS refresh is anticipated in October, however does imply that early adopters of the iPhone 16 received’t have the ability to idiot round with AI straight away.

The brand new iPhone drop may additionally spell the tip of Apple’s broadly panned FineWoven case, which was simply launched final 12 months as an alternative choice to leather-based however has been criticized for sturdiness points. ’s Mark Gurman just lately reported that FineWoven stock is getting low, suggesting the corporate is both phasing it out or planning a refresh. One on the Saturday forward of the occasion shared a take a look at an array of iPhone circumstances in impartial colours, claiming these could also be popping out in a brand new materials to exchange FineWoven.

Apple Watch Collection 10 and Apple Watch Extremely 3

Ever since 2016, iPhone occasions have additionally included a deep dive on the newest Apple Watch. This 12 months seems to be to be no totally different. As a matter of truth, it is a huge 12 months for the Apple Watch. We’re arising on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as to whether the subsequent entry might be referred to as the Apple Watch Collection 10 or the Collection 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 that’s more in line with the Ultra. It’s anticipated that the corporate will ditch the 41mm kind issue and introduce a 49mm design.

Rumors have additionally steered that Apple has fully redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This may probably make these straps simpler to regulate, however there’s a draw back. This transfer might make it so all of these previous bands not work.

After all, there’s going to be a brand new chip to energy these watches, however we don’t have any specifics. It’s been steered that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s latest foray into AI, however that integration is prone to occur afterward. For now, Apple Intelligence might be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.

There are prone to be two watches revealed on the occasion, that are codenamed N217 and N218. It’s attainable one in every 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 trip. It’ll probably be an iterative refresh.

On the software program entrance, it seems to be like Apple has run into some snags whereas creating long-anticipated well being monitoring instruments. Well being monitoring is among the key options of the Apple Watch, so the corporate has been working on new sensors to detect hypertension and sleep apnea. Nonetheless, the tech will probably not be prepared for this 12 months’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 Collection X.

Lastly, it’s extremely attainable that Apple broadcasts 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 might 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.

Two new units of AirPods

It’s been reported that Apple’s prepping two new variants of its standard earbuds. In response to a Bloomberg roundup that was published on September 6, Apple will introduce an entry-level mannequin and a mid-tier model, which might successfully exchange AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.

The massive information right here is that each new AirPods variations are prone to transition to a USB-C case to keep pace with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It’s been steered that the cheaper of the 2 forthcoming fashions would lack wi-fi charging, however that the mid-tier model would assist this know-how. This is identical technique Apple adopted with earlier generations, so it is smart. The case for the costlier AirPods may additionally embrace a speaker, which might make it simpler to seek out with Apple’s Discover My characteristic.

Each variations ought to characteristic comparable designs, although the mid-tier variant is prone to assist lively noise cancellation like the Pro model. If that is the case, it is not likely clear what’s left to distinguish these earbuds from the AirPods Professional, however we’ll discover out quickly sufficient.

As for the AirPods Max, there’ll probably be no refresh of Apple’s high-end Professional earbuds at this occasion. It’s been 4 complete years since these premium cans hit retailer cabinets (they usually’re nonetheless caught utilizing a Lightning port for charging), so a refresh is lengthy overdue. Mark Gurman says they will get USB-C and new colours ultimately however the timing stays unclear.

Another factor

The iPhone occasion doesn’t sometimes have a “yet another factor” second, however there’s one piece of {hardware} that would get a shock shout out. It’s been rumored that Apple is preparing a massive redesign of the Mac mini, which would come with ditching the USB-A port, in accordance with Gurman. Analysts have steered that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop pc and may very well 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 delivery from suppliers this month, so it’s attainable Apple will spend a couple of minutes on the pc on the iPhone occasion. Nonetheless, don’t depend on it. That is an occasion for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop might really feel misplaced. And, just like it did last fall, Apple might simply maintain a Mac-specific occasion later this 12 months.

There’s additionally loads of noise on-line about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple’s smallest iPad hasn’t had an replace since 2021, and is at the moment “considered ‘constrained’ internally,” in accordance with Gurman. Whereas a brand new mannequin is prone to come quickly, it isn’t widespread for Apple to announce iPads throughout its iPhone occasion.

Past that, a complete 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 sometime this fall. Apple already detailed all three operating systems at WWDC, however the upcoming iPhone occasion can be a very good time to announce official launch dates.

One… early factor?

Here is one thing we all know for certain: Apple has a up to date Beats Powerbeats Professional replace coming subsequent 12 months. Beats teased an replace to the earbuds on its Instagram account on September 4 with a brief Reel. Within the clip, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani swings a bat whereas carrying the upcoming earbuds, earlier than a “Powerbeats Professional 2” wordmark and “Coming 2025” flash up on display.

That is it — there is no point out of specs, pricing, or a tighter launch window, however we do at the very least see a tweaked design. You’ll be able to learn senior reporter Billy Steele’s analysis of this glimpse here. Likelihood is we can’t hear about this new set of buds on the iPhone occasion, however anticipate to see them adorning many extra athlete and movie star ears earlier than lengthy.

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 in regards to the newest Apple rumors, together with the brand new digicam button for iPhone, tweaks to display 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 12 months’s “tremendous slim” iPhone redesign via to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in dwelling robotics. You’ll be able to take heed to the episode above, and a full transcript is available here.

Replace, September 6 2024, 9:30AM ET: This story has been up to date a number of occasions since its authentic 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 shade for the iPhone 16 Professional.

• Added a hyperlink to Mark Gurman’s reporting on the Mac mini.

• Added a bit on the shock announcement of the Powerbeats Professional 2.

• Added extra particulars in regards to the two new units of AirPods.