What we can expect from the Apple event

Every year, Apple uses September to present the latest iPhone generation in time for the Christmas season. This year, it will be autumn again: The big party will take place on September 9th. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could cause a stir with larger screens, but more new products are expected at the September event that are supposed to bring major changes. The work of Apple, allegedly.

Apple event with the motto “It’s Glowtime”: What does that mean?

Before we get used to the expected new products, let’s look at what Apple is alluding to with “It’s Glowtime”. Usually, the motto reflects a product or a feature of the upcoming product(s) – but not always. Therefore, we shouldn’t speculate too much, but this time Apple could simply be alluding to the new animation of the extensively redesigned voice assistant Siri, which will be used in the new hardware.

Siri is also likely to represent the AI ​​functions under Apple Intelligence, which will be introduced with iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. Apple Intelligence will supposedly be the main focus of the event, as the manufacturer will ultimately usher in a new era for its products. For the time being, we have little of that in the EU. Therefore, we will concentrate on the hardware in the event preview:

iPhone 16: Larger screens for the Pro and new buttons

This year, the innovations for the iPhone 16 are said to be moderate. But if you look at what the rumor mill has to offer, the upcoming smartphones do sound quite exciting:

On the one hand, it is expected that Apple could equip the next iPhone Pro generation with larger screens: instead of the 6.1 and 6.7 inch displays, we can expect 6.3 and 6.9 inch displays. In addition, the screen frame could be reduced again.

Further rumors also say that the next iPhone generation will get, among other things, the action button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and an additional button that will be used as a camera shutter release.

Furthermore, all models will receive a powerful processor so that Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI platform, can also be used on the basic devices. For European users, however, Apple must first reach an agreement with the EU.

Apple Watch Series 10/X and Watch Ultra 3

In addition to new iPhones, we can probably expect a somewhat larger update to the Apple Watch this year: This year, the smartwatch is celebrating its tenth anniversary. To mark the anniversary, the company is reportedly planning a “Watch X,” which will give the watch a major design and functionality update.

The Apple Watch Series 10/X will have larger screens and casings. (Image: 91 Mobiles)

It is said that the Watch Series 10 could get a thinner case and larger screens. Apparently the large model will have a two-inch display and will therefore be larger than the Watch Ultra.

The new look will be accompanied by new functions. It is said that it can detect high blood pressure and sleep apnea, among other things. These new features are intended to warn wearers if the watch detects corresponding symptoms and suggest follow-up examinations.

No major design update is expected for the Watch Ultra 3, but the most expensive watch in the portfolio is likely to get the same sensors and features as the Watch 10.

The Watch SE could also receive a major update and be designed specifically for children. Instead of aluminum, the next SE generation could have colorful plastic cases.

Airpods 4 and a small update to the Airpods Max?

Apple could show the Airpods 4 in two variants on September 9, 2024. (Screenshot: t3n)

Three years after the introduction of the Airpods 3, it would be time for a successor to the Apple earbuds. The September event could see the launch. And with the Airpods 4, the manufacturer is said to be pursuing a new strategy, according to a report from a reliable source.

Instead of one model, Apple is said to have two Airpods 4 variants in the pipeline that differ in terms of features and price. As Bloomberg reports, the versions are said to have a similar design, but differ in at least one relevant aspect: the more expensive model is said to be equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), the cheaper one without. It is unclear whether Apple will keep the open headphone design without silicone earplugs or pursue a new shape.

It is also likely that the Airpods 4 will get a charging case with a USB-C port. The Airpods Pro 2 were already provided with a new charging case in 2023.

The Airpods Max over-ear headphones also received an update. However, the manufacturer is not planning to make any major changes to the ANC headphones. More than USB-C and new colors are probably not possible.

Apple Intelligence: iOS 18 and Co. get a release date

With iOS 18 you can lock apps on iPhones or make them completely invisible – and simply more. (Photo: t3n)

During the September event, Apple also reveals when the major updates to iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and watchOS 11 will be released to everyone. The OS versions usually appear about a week after the event.

Unfortunately, European users will be without Apple’s big AI push for the time being, as the manufacturer is at loggerheads with the EU. In addition, there will be little Apple Intelligence on board with iOS 18 in September. Apple only seems to have started the AI ​​push with iOS 18.1. The update might not be released until October.