All of the iPhone 16, Apple Watch and AirPods information anticipated right now

For Apple followers, the largest tech day of the 12 months is lastly right here: The Apple iPhone 16 launch event. It’s going to happen later right now, 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 news 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. However a late-breaking replace from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman means that we cannot be seeing a full refresh on the Apple Watch Extremely line — only a new Extremely 2 colour. (See under for particulars).

Past that, rumors have been swirling about varied adjustments to the AirPods line, together with new noise-canceling fashions and perhaps even a small refresh to the AirPods Max. And what about new M4 Macs, HomePods, iPad mini and even the baseline iPhone SE? A few of these could hit later this 12 months, whereas others most likely will not see the sunshine of day till 2025 or past. However till Tim Prepare dinner takes the (digital) stage, nonetheless, every part is pure hypothesis. With that stated, let’s get into the almost 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 dangerous (ish) information? The overwhelming majority of leaks and rumors point out that this will probably be one other year of iterative improvements, so don’t anticipate a game-changing new {hardware} function.

There are more likely 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 known as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, based on business 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 would not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions is likely to be getting barely bigger screens, which is all the time good (if you happen to like massive telephones, that’s). The common Professional is more likely 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 colour or two, as all the time. 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. Based mostly on a supply who apparently nailed final 12 months’s grey titanium colour, they’re exhibiting 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 will probably 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 like the bottom quantity of RAM right here will probably 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 function introduced last year for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct alternative for the mute change, by default, however may be adjusted to regulate a bunch of various issues. The Motion Button can be utilized to to vary ringer settings, activate the flashlight, launch the digital camera and extra.

There’s additionally discuss of one other new button, this one on the correct aspect of the cellphone. It will management digital camera options, operating like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} comfortable press will set off autofocus and a tougher press will take a photograph. Shoppers may additionally be capable of swipe alongside the button to zoom out and in whereas capturing photographs or taking movies. It’s been reported that this digital camera button will solely include the Professional and Professional Max, which is sensible for the reason that high-end fashions usually supply a extra strong digital camera expertise.

To that finish, new iPhones all the time get a digital camera spec bump, however we don’t know precisely what that may seem like this time. It’s been reported, nonetheless, that the iPhone 16’s digital camera module could possibly be getting a design refresh. Apple is likely to be ditching the sq. and going with a vertical orientation. This may solely apply to the bottom iPhone 16 and perhaps the Plus, because the Professional and Professional Max telephones have a tendency to position a a lot greater emphasis on photographs and movies.

We already know what’s approaching the software program aspect of issues, due to the recent WWDC event. Based mostly on earlier years, iOS 18 must be out there throughout the week following the occasion. The software program replace contains a extra customizable Management Heart and House Display. It’s going to 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 predicted in October, however does imply that early adopters of the iPhone 16 received’t be capable of idiot round with AI instantly.

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

Apple Watch Sequence 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 no totally different. As a matter of truth, this can be a massive 12 months for the Apple Watch. We’re developing on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as to whether the subsequent entry will probably be known as the Apple Watch Sequence 10 or the Sequence X.

It doesn’t matter what it finally ends up being known as, Apple’s subsequent customary smartwatch is reported to have a much 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 urged that Apple has fully redesigned the band system and added new connectors. It will probably make these straps simpler to regulate, however there’s a draw back. This transfer might make it so all of these previous bands now not work.

In fact, there’s going to be a brand new chip to energy these watches, however we don’t have any specifics. It’s been urged that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s latest foray into AI, however that integration is more likely to occur in a while. For now, Apple Intelligence will probably be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.

There are more likely 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 serious redesign this day out. It’ll probably be an iterative refresh.

On the software program entrance, it seems like Apple has run into some snags whereas growing long-anticipated well being monitoring instruments. Well being monitoring is likely one of 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 growing a glucose sensor for nearly a decade so, who is aware of, perhaps it’ll lastly present up with the Sequence X.

Lastly, it’s extremely attainable that Apple pronounces 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 will probably 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 could need 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 line with a Bloomberg roundup that was published on September 6, Apple will introduce an entry-level mannequin and a mid-tier model, which might successfully change AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.

The large information right here is that each new AirPods variations are more likely to transition to a USB-C case to keep pace with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It’s been urged 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 sensible. The case for the costlier AirPods may additionally embody a speaker, which might make it simpler to search out with Apple’s Discover My function.

Each variations ought to function comparable designs, although the mid-tier variant is more likely to assist energetic 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, 4 years on, we would lastly an up to date mannequin, too. In a tweet only a day earlier than the massive occasion, Mark Gurman says we might see a brand new pair of premium headphones. They will get USB-C and “higher noise cancellation.”

Yet another factor

The iPhone occasion doesn’t usually have a “yet one more factor” second, however there’s one piece of {hardware} that might 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, based on Gurman. Analysts have urged that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop pc and could possibly be across the similar 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 begin transport 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 a variety of noise on-line about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple’s smallest iPad hasn’t had an replace since 2021, and is presently “considered ‘constrained’ internally,” based on Gurman. Whereas a brand new mannequin is more likely to come quickly, it is not widespread for Apple to announce iPads throughout its iPhone occasion.

Past that, an entire 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 could be a superb time to announce official launch dates.

One… early factor?

Here is one thing we all know for positive: 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 isn’t any point out of specs, pricing, or a tighter launch window, however we do a minimum of see a tweaked design. You’ll be able to learn senior reporter Billy Steele’s analysis of this glimpse here. Likelihood is we cannot hear about this new set of buds on the iPhone occasion, however anticipate to see them adorning many extra athlete and superstar 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 digital camera 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 by to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in house robotics. You’ll be able to take heed to the episode above, and a full transcript is available here.

Replace, September 9 2024, 8:00AM ET: This story has been up to date a number of occasions since its authentic publishing. The updates have been as follows, in chronological order:

• Added a hyperlink to our liveblog and last-minute rumors from Bloomberg about new AirPods Max.

• 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 colour 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.