Apple’s most important launch event will take place on Monday, September 9 at its headquarters in Cupertino, California.
This is one of the company’s biggest annual showcases, where it will unveil the iPhone 16 lineup alongside significant updates to its popular AirPods and Apple Watch ranges. Apple is also expected to introduce “Apple Intelligence,” a new suite of AI-powered tools that will enhance user experience across its devices.
According to Bloomberg, here’s a rundown of the announcements anticipated at Monday’s event: The non-Pro models will see minor changes, including faster processors and 8GB of memory, which will help support Apple Intelligence and other features.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will retain the same design as last year’s versions, with 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes and aluminium cases. They will also gain the Action button currently featured on the Pro models, as well as vertically stacked rear cameras that support spatial video recording, allowing for 3D clips that can be viewed with Apple’s Vision Pro headsets.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will retain the iPhone 15 Pro line design, with a noticeable change: the displays will increase to 6.3 inches on the smaller model (up from 6.1 inches) and 6.9 inches on the Max version (up from 6.7 inches). The Pro models will also feature bezels that are now about a third slimmer, making for a sleeker overall look.
Both Pro models will support Apple Intelligence with the inclusion of 8GB of memory and speedier chips with an enhanced neural engine optimized for AI. Camera upgrades will include a move to a 48-megapixel lens from a 12-megapixel one for the ultrawide-angle camera, matching the megapixels of the standard, wide-angle camera on last year’s model.
The smaller iPhone 16 Pro will also gain 5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens, up from 3x, to match the Max version. A dedicated, touch-sensitive button on the right side of the phone will allow users to take photos and videos, working similarly to a shutter button on a DSLR camera.
AirPods
Apple is preparing two new AirPods models to replace the entry-level, second-generation earbuds and mid-tier, third-generation model.
Both new versions will look similar to the AirPods Pro and include a new case, USB-C charging, and improved audio quality. The mid-tier version will have a higher-end case with a speaker, making it easier to locate with Apple’s Find My feature, as well as noise cancellation to match the AirPods Pro.
Apple is also working on hearing health features, including hearing tests and the potential for AirPods to replace hearing aids, though some features may be delayed.
Apple Watch. For the first time in two years, Apple is preparing to update all of its Apple Watch models at once, including a new low-end Apple Watch SE, a mid-level Series 10 model, and an Ultra 3.
The Apple Watch Ultra will only get minor tweaks, focusing on internal upgrades rather than outside changes. The Series 10 model will feature an updated look, with slightly larger screen-size options and a thinner watch case.
A major new health feature, sleep apnea detection, will attempt to determine if a wearer has sleep apnea and suggest further testing with a medical professional, though it may not be available on day one.
Apple Intelligence
Apple’s new AI platform will be showcased, with a focus on summarising messages and notifications, though many key features won’t arrive until next year.
