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The largest day of the tech world’s autumn calendar is sort of right here: Apple’s iPhone 16 occasion will happen on September 9 at 1PM ET. We’ll be live-blogging the information, and you’ll watch it dwell through the corporate’s web site or on YouTube. The largest information from the Apple occasion will virtually undoubtedly contain the upcoming lineup of iPhone 16 handsets. As with all current Septembers, we additionally count on to get a brand new Apple Watch or two — possibly even three, if Apple squeezes in a brand new SE.
Past that, rumors have been swirling a few refresh of the usual AirPod earbuds, together with updates to Apple’s different product traces. Till Tim Prepare dinner takes the (digital) stage, nevertheless, all the things is pure hypothesis. With that stated, let’s get into the most certainly 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 throughout the Apple occasion. That is excellent news for folks prepared for an improve. The unhealthy (former) information? The overwhelming majority of leaks and rumors point out that this might be one other yr of iterative enhancements, so do not count on a game-changing new {hardware} function.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget
There’s more likely to be 4 new fashions introduced on the occasion, which is analogous to what Apple did final yr. The brand new telephones will allegedly be referred to as the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, in line with trade analyst Mark Gurman. That is the very same naming conference as final yr’s iPhone 15 reveal, so the rumors of Apple adopting an “iPhone Extremely” moniker appear to have been drastically exaggerated.
Even when Apple does not use the Extremely naming, the Professional fashions is perhaps getting barely bigger screens, which is at all times good (for those who 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 possible be a brand new coloration or two, as at all times. 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. Primarily based on a supply who apparently nailed final yr’s grey titanium coloration, 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 current push in direction of AI, also referred to as Apple Intelligence. Past that, the upgraded A18 chip might be an iterative enchancment, specs-wise. As is typical, the Professional and Professional Max will possible get a extra highly effective chip than the usual fashions. It appears to be like like the bottom quantity of RAM right here might be 8GB, in order to deal with these aforementioned AI duties.
It is also been rumored that the usual iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will get the Motion Button, a function launched final yr for the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct substitute for the mute change, by default, however might be adjusted to manage a bunch of various issues. The Motion Button can be utilized to alter ringer settings, activate the flashlight, launch the digital camera and extra.
Cherlynn Low/Engadget
There’s additionally discuss of one other new button, this one on the precise aspect of the telephone. This may management digital camera options, working like a button on a DSLR. Reporting signifies {that a} smooth press will set off autofocus and a tougher press will take a photograph. Customers might also be capable of swipe alongside the button to zoom out and in whereas capturing pictures or taking movies. It has 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 sometimes provide a extra strong digital camera expertise.
To that finish, new iPhones at all times get a digital camera spec bump, however we do not know precisely what that can seem like this time. It has been reported, nevertheless, that the iPhone 16’s digital camera module could possibly be getting a design refresh. Apple is perhaps ditching the sq. and going with a vertical orientation. This would possibly solely apply to the bottom iPhone 16 and possibly the Plus, because the Professional and Professional Max telephones have a tendency to position a a lot greater emphasis on pictures and movies.
Apple
We already know what’s approaching the software program aspect of issues, due to the current WWDC occasion. Primarily based on earlier years, iOS 18 ought to be obtainable throughout the week following the occasion. The software program replace contains a extra customizable Management Middle and Dwelling Display screen. It will additionally lastly convey RCS assist to iPhones.
Nor for Apple Intelligence, you may have to attend a bit. It was introduced as a part of iOS 18, nevertheless it has been delayed till iOS 18.1. This is not an enormous deal, nor that OS refresh is anticipated in October, nevertheless it does imply that early adopters of the iPhone 16 will not be capable of idiot round with AI instantly.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 and Apple Watch Extremely 3
Ever since 2016, iPhone occasions have additionally included a deep dive on the most recent Apple Watch. This yr appears to be like to be no totally different. As a matter of reality, this can be a massive yr for the Apple Watch. We’re developing on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as as to if the following entry might be referred to as the Apple Watch Sequence 10 or the Sequence X.
It doesn’t matter what it finally ends up being referred to as, Apple’s subsequent customary smartwatch is reported to have a much bigger display that is extra consistent with the Extremely. It is anticipated that the corporate will ditch the 41mm kind issue and introduce a 49mm design.
Rumors have additionally prompt that Apple has utterly redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This may possible make these straps simpler to regulate, however there is a draw back. This transfer might make it so all of these outdated bands now not work.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget
After all, there’s going to be a brand new chip to energy these watches, however we have no specifics. It has been prompt that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s current foray into AI, however that integration is more likely to occur afterward. For now, Apple Intelligence might 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 is potential one among these would be the Apple Watch Extremely 3, though Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says the high-end smartwatch will not get a significant redesign this day trip. It will possible be an iterative refresh.
On the software program entrance, it appears to be like like Apple has run into some snags whereas growing long-anticipated well being monitoring instruments. Well being monitoring is among the key options of the Apple Watch, so the corporate has been engaged on new sensors to detect hypertension and sleep apnea. Nonetheless, the tech will possible not be prepared for this yr’s smartwatch. Apple’s additionally been growing a glucose sensor for nearly a decade so, who is aware of, possibly it’s going to lastly present up with the Sequence X.
Lastly, it is extremely potential 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 have been some experiences that Apple might 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 might need to compete nearer to that value vary.
AirPods 4
Billy Steele/Engadget
It has been reported that Apple is getting ready two new variants of its customary earbuds. The AirPods 4 might function each an entry-level mannequin and a mid-tier model, which might successfully change AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The massive information right here is that each AirPods 4 variations are more likely to transition to a USB-C case to maintain tempo with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Professional. It has been prompt that the cheaper of the 2 forthcoming fashions would lack wi-fi charging, however that the mid-tier model would assist this expertise. This is identical technique Apple adopted with earlier generations, so it is sensible.
Each variations ought to function related designs, though the mid-tier variant is more likely to assist lively noise cancellation just like the Professional mannequin. Talking of, there’ll possible be no refresh of Apple’s high-end Professional earbuds at this occasion. There’s additionally some thriller surrounding the corporate’s over-ear headphones, AirPods Max. It has been 4 entire years since these premium cans hit retailer cabinets (they usually’re nonetheless caught utilizing a Lightning port for charging), so a refresh is lengthy overdue.
One last item?
The iPhone occasion does not sometimes have a “one last item” second, however there’s one piece of {hardware} that would get a shock shout out. It has been rumored that Apple is getting ready an enormous redesign of the Mac mini, which would come with ditching the USB-A port, in line with Gurman. Analysts have prompt that this would be the firm’s smallest ever desktop pc and could possibly be across the similar measurement 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 start out delivery from suppliers this month, so it is potential Apple will spend a couple of minutes on the pc on the iPhone occasion. Nonetheless, do not rely on it. That is an occasion for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop might really feel misplaced. And, similar to it did final fall, Apple might simply maintain a Mac-specific occasion later this yr.
There’s additionally numerous noise on-line about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple’s smallest iPad hasn’t had an replace since 2021, and is presently “thought-about ‘constrained’ internally,” in line with Gurman. Whereas a brand new mannequin is more likely to come quickly, it is not frequent 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 have written about extensively, and iPadOS 18. As for smartwatches, watchOS 11 can also be popping out someday this fall. Apple already detailed all three working programs at WWDC, however the upcoming iPhone occasion can be time to announce official launch dates.
The Engadget Podcast with particular visitor Mark Gurman
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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 most recent Apple Watch fashions. There’s additionally a little bit extra element on the way forward for Apple, from subsequent yr’s “tremendous slim” iPhone redesign by way of to the corporate’s burgeoning ambitions in residence robotics. You may take heed to the episode above, and a full transcript is on the market right here.
Replace, September 2 2024, 11:20AM ET: This story has been up to date a number of occasions since its unique publication. The updates had been as follows, in chronological order:
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 coloration for the iPhone 16 Professional.
Added a hyperlink to Mark Gurman’s reporting on the Mac mini
What to anticipate on the iPhone 16 keynote in September
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