Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone event is just around the corner, set for less than two weeks from now. The company is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 and possibly provide more details on the public release of iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence.
The event invitation, sent out on Monday, features the Apple logo with overlapping colors and the phrase “It’s Glowtime” beneath it. This design echoes the one from June’s Worldwide Developers Conference, where Apple introduced its suite of AI features, known as Apple Intelligence. It’s likely that this upcoming fall event will continue that conversation while also showcasing new hardware.
How to Watch Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ Event
Apple’s fall keynote is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. BST, 3 a.m. AEST). You can watch the event live on Apple’s website, YouTube, or through the Apple TV app.
What to Expect: iPhones with Advanced AI and Possibly Improved Cameras
During the June WWDC keynote, Apple focused heavily on Apple Intelligence, which includes a smarter Siri, AI-powered writing tools, and ChatGPT integration. These AI features are set to debut on the iPhone 15 Pro models, and the iPhone 16 lineup is expected to be the first to include these features out of the box.
Alongside the AI enhancements, the public launch of iOS 18 is also anticipated. This new operating system will bring customizable home and lock screens, an updated Control Center, and RCS messaging, making communication with Android users smoother.
The event’s invitation hints that AI, particularly Apple Intelligence, could play a major role in the keynote, even with the expected release of new gadgets. The vibrant colors on the Apple logo and the “Glowtime” branding might allude to the Siri upgrade in iOS 18, which activates a glowing border around your device when summoned.
In terms of hardware, the iPhone 16 lineup is rumored to feature significant camera upgrades. These could include larger image sensors and a new physical camera button, positioned next to the Action button introduced on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This button may support swipe gestures, allowing users to zoom in or out with a simple swipe.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the base iPhone 16 Pro might include a 5x optical zoom lens, eliminating the need to choose the pricier Pro Max for this feature. Another analyst, Jeff Pu, predicts that the ultrawide cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could see a significant upgrade from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels.
For the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models, a new vertically stacked camera layout is expected, which would facilitate spatial video capture. These videos appear as 2D on an iPhone but provide a 3D effect when viewed on Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
Some iPhone models might also feature thinner bezels and larger screens, though it’s unclear which models. Additionally, all four iPhone 16 models could be equipped with a next-generation Apple chipset, with the Pro versions sporting the A18 Bionic Pro and the base models using the standard A18.
Apple Watch Series 10 — or X?
It’s been seven years since Apple surprised everyone by naming its 10th iPhone the iPhone X. Now, the company might repeat this naming convention with its 10th-generation Apple Watch, potentially calling it the Apple Watch 10 or X.
The Apple Watch X could feature a slimmer design and larger screen sizes, with the 41mm model increasing to 45mm and the 45mm model growing to 49mm. New health features like blood-pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection through sleep and breathing pattern analysis might also be included. Additionally, the watch could feature a new magnetic band attachment system.
New AirPods: Two Models Are Better Than One
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple might unveil two new AirPods models during its fall event. These models could feature a redesigned look with shorter stems and USB-C charging support. The higher-end version might include Active Noise Cancellation, a feature currently reserved for the more expensive AirPods Pro.
There’s also speculation about an update to the AirPods Max, which launched nearly four years ago. While it’s uncertain if these updates will be announced at the fall event, they could include support for USB-C charging and new color options.
As we approach Sept. 9, we’ll see which of these rumors become reality.
