Rumors at a glance: What we expect at Apple’s iPhone keynote 2024

Summer is coming to an end – despite the still high temperatures in Germany – and with it Apple’s most important event of the year is approaching: the launch of the new iPhone. In 2024, September 9th is the next Monday, so far. At 7 p.m. Central European Time, Apple will, as usual, show a video and present the products – selected journalists, analysts and influencers will be on site in Cupertino, who will then be able to take a quick look at the hardware immediately afterwards. Here is an overview of the devices that the rumor mill believed in – including a few surprises.

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iPhone: Four pieces, slightly larger, no revolution

Four new models are expected for the iPhone 16, and in 2024 there will probably be a standard model, a larger Plus model, a Pro and a Pro Max. While the form factor of the standard models will probably change little – with the exception of the camera, which is probably arranged in parallel for spatial videos – the two Pro models are expected to have slightly larger screens including smaller screen bezels. All four devices – or just the Pro models – will have an action button plus a “capture” button for quick operation of the camera. This is supposedly capacitive and can also understand different pressure levels or even swipe gestures for zooming.

For the Pro’s cameras, Apple is likely to upgrade to a total of three 48-megapixel sensors on the back. The 5x zoom is also available for the normal Pro. The Pro Max could get a “Super Telephoto” zoom with more optical zoom performance. All four new iPhones will get Apple’s new A18 chip for Apple Intelligence. The Pro models with the “A18 Pro” will probably have more cores (CPU, GPU) and possibly more RAM. In terms of storage, the Pro models could finally offer 2 TB, but that will certainly be expensive. All iPhone 16 Pro models come with USB-C, like the iPhone 15. Apple is also said to have made improvements to the battery architecture that make it easier to replace and allow for more capacity. New colors are expected for all models, and Wi-Fi 7 could come to the Pro models.

Apple Watch and accessories

Series 10 and Ultra 3 are expected for the Apple Watch. The Series 10 could reach the screen size of the Ultra, but at the same time retain its form factor. It remains unclear whether this is a special anniversary model. The rumor mill is hoping for sensors such as blood pressure – but the latter would probably only detect deviations, not precise measurement data. Little has been revealed about the Ultra 3, but it could get a new titanium color. The new Apple Watch SE is said to be made of plastic and should therefore better distinguish itself from the competition.

The AirPods are expected to be the AirPods 4, which could replace the AirPods 2 and 3. Two models are conceivable, one of which may be called the SE. One variant is said to have active noise cancellation (ANC) for the first time outside the Pro series. There is also some hope for the AirPods Max 2, but that could take a while. Finally, there could also be an iPad surprise: a new Mini may finally be on the way.

No matter what Apple presents: As always, heise online and Mac & i will report from the keynote with a live ticker and classify the devices with current news, comments and videos. It starts on Monday at around 6 p.m.

(bsc)