Apple's September 2024 event: What to expect from the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch, and AirPods

Apple is gearing up for its much-anticipated September 2024 event, where it is expected to unveil a lineup of new products. The event is likely to take place on September 10, 2024, based on Apple's usual timeline. Pre-orders for these new devices could begin around September 13, with official sales following a week later. This year, the spotlight is on the iPhone 16 series, along with updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods. Here¡¯s a detailed preview of what might be announced.

Anticipated features of Apple iPhone 16 series

Rumours suggest that the iPhone 16 series will feature an updated design, with Apple reportedly using an enhanced process for finishing and colouring titanium. This could result in a glossier appearance compared to the brushed aluminium finish seen in the iPhone 15 Pro models. The glossy finish is expected to be similar to the stainless steel used in previous iPhone iterations but with better scratch resistance.

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While Apple has yet to confirm the official colour names, the company is likely to continue the Titanium branding introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models. According to a Forbes report, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will introduce new colours¡ªa significant departure from Apple's tradition of maintaining consistent colour schemes across generations. Noted leaker Sonny Dickson has released images of dummy units, revealing that there will be four colours, including a new bronze-like shade, as reported by MacRumors.

The other colours are expected to feature brushed titanium edges that match the phone¡¯s rear glass. The current muted colour range will likely continue, with options like natural titanium and a whiter shade than previous models. The black variant is reportedly darker than before, raising curiosity about Apple¡¯s naming choice for it.

While the regular iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to retain a similar look and screen size to the 2023 models, the Pro versions will bring some changes. The current 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays will be replaced by larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens¡ªthe largest ever on an iPhone. These increases in screen size will not significantly alter the phones' dimensions, with the iPhone 16 Pro expected to be just 3mm taller and 1mm wider than its predecessor, and 7 grams heavier. The Pro Max model will see similar minor changes in size and weight.

These slight increases in phone size will be complemented by narrower bezels, which will contribute to the additional screen real estate. Camera enhancements are also on the cards, with the tetraprism technology from the 15 Pro Max¡¯s telephoto lens expected to be included in both Pro models this time. Additionally, new lens technology may be introduced, and the ultra-wide camera could see its pixel count jump from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels.

The iPhone 16 series will run on the iOS 18 operating system. The lineup will likely include four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The standard models (iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus) are expected to be powered by the A18 Bionic chipset, while the Pro models will likely feature the A18 Pro processor.

iPhone 16 expected to come with advanced AI features

AI has been one of the hottest topics in tech this year, and Apple is expected to follow suit with its competitors Samsung and Google, who have already integrated AI features into their flagship phones. Apple Intelligence, which debuted at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, will likely be a highlight of the iPhone 16 series.

Apple Intelligence brings features like ChatGPT integration, tools for proofreading and rewriting text in various tones, new Siri capabilities for tech support and more personalized responses, and the ability to generate images and emojis. These AI-driven features are expected to be available on all iPhone 16 models running iOS 18 right out of the box.

In addition to these AI enhancements, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may feature an action button similar to the one on last year¡¯s iPhone 15 Pro. Leaked 3D-printed dummy models shared by AppleInsider in March show that the iPhone 16 may also sport a vertical camera stack instead of the diagonal arrangement seen in earlier models.

The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is also expected to see significant upgrades, including more RAM to support Apple Intelligence features. The new iPhone SE could adopt the iPhone 14 design, with an increase in RAM from 4 GB to 8 GB compared to the 2022 model, to meet the hardware demands of Apple Intelligence.

Is a foldable iPhone 16 on the horizon?

While other major phone manufacturers, including Google, Oppo, OnePlus, and Samsung, have launched multiple generations of foldable devices, Apple has remained tight-lipped about the possibility of a foldable iPhone. According to earlier rumours, Apple is working on a "clamshell" design that could debut as early as 2026, as reported by The Information.

This new design might coincide with the introduction of improved camera technologies, such as a variable aperture. However, it remains unclear why Apple has yet to release a foldable iPhone, despite reportedly working on such designs since at least 2019.

iPhone 16 Plus could be the last of its kind

The iPhone 16 Plus may be the final iteration of Apple¡¯s larger standard iPhone. Reports suggest that Apple plans to discontinue the Plus model in 2025 and instead introduce a new ultra-thin premium iPhone, tentatively named the iPhone 17 Slim. This information comes from analysts Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities and Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, as reported by 9to5Mac.

What to expect from Apple Watch and AirPods updates

Apple is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 10, Watch Ultra 3, and a more budget-friendly third-generation Apple Watch SE. These new models are anticipated to offer better battery life, new health features, and overall improvements in performance.

The Apple Watch SE 3 could see a significant redesign, moving away from aluminium to a plastic case, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. This would be the first time an Apple Watch has used plastic, suggesting Apple¡¯s intent to appeal to a broader audience with this more affordable option.

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Additionally, Apple may introduce the fourth generation of AirPods, possibly featuring a new H2 chip for improved audio quality and longer battery life. There are also rumours of a USB Type-C charging port, a departure from Apple¡¯s traditional Lightning connector. The new AirPods could also include firmware updates for the AirPods Pro, introducing head gesture controls and enhanced noise isolation. Both revamped AirPods models are expected to support Spatial Audio and offer Apple Watch charging via the case¡¯s built-in battery, similar to the AirPods 3.

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