 "The core updates in iOS 18 will include customisation options for the iPhone’s appearance, enhancements to the Messages app, improved privacy features, and more. However, some of the more advanced features, particularly those driven by Apple Intelligence, will be reserved for iOS 18.1. Image Credit: Apple")
Apple’s much-anticipated “Glowtime” event is set to take place on September 9, promising an array of exciting new products and updates. The event will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park campus, starting at 10:30 PM IST. Viewers around the world can follow the live broadcast on Apple’s website and official YouTube channel.
The media invitations, which were sent out on August 26, have stirred considerable anticipation. The invitation features a theme titled “It’s Glowtime” and showcases a distinctive Apple logo, hinting at a new multi-coloured glowing effect that may surround the iPhone display when Apple Intelligence is activated. This subtle hint suggests that Apple is preparing to unveil innovative features tied to its upcoming AI technology.
iPhone 16 series
The spotlight of the September 9 event will undoubtedly be the iPhone 16 series. This new lineup is expected to include four distinct models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. For the non-Pro models, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are likely to retain their current screen sizes of 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, respectively. However, the Pro models are anticipated to feature slightly larger displays, with the iPhone 16 Pro potentially measuring 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max reaching 6.9 inches.
Performance improvements are on the horizon as well. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are expected to be equipped with the new A18 Pro chip, which will enhance their processing power. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 16 models will use a variant of the A17 Pro chip, similar to that found in the current generation. This upgrade is expected to support new AI functionalities that will be introduced with Apple Intelligence.
Design-wise, the iPhone 16 models will likely feature a reconfigured camera setup. The non-Pro models are expected to adopt a vertical camera arrangement, which will help reduce the overall camera bump. Additional enhancements may include an upgrade to 48MP sensors and the introduction of the Tetraprism lens from the iPhone 15 Pro Max to all Pro models. Video recording capabilities are also set to see improvements, with the Pro models potentially offering 4K recording at 120 frames per second, ProRes 4K recording, and an upgrade to QuickTake video recording from 1080p to 4K.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOther anticipated changes include the expansion of the Action button to all models and the possible introduction of the Capture button. This new button is expected to function even without a cut-out in the case due to its capacitive design. Additionally, there are speculations of a price increase for the 2024 models, attributed to the costs associated with the new AI features.
iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
Alongside the iPhone 16, Apple is expected to introduce its latest operating system, iOS 18, which will bring a range of new features. However, some of the more advanced functionalities will not be available until the subsequent update, iOS 18.1. During the beta testing phase, Apple has been trialling iOS 18.1, which includes several features not present in the initial iOS 18 release.
The core updates in iOS 18 will include customisation options for the iPhone’s appearance, enhancements to the Messages app, improved privacy features, and more. However, some of the more advanced features, particularly those driven by Apple Intelligence, will be reserved for iOS 18.1.
Apple Intelligence will introduce several new tools and capabilities. Writing Tools will offer assistance with text composition, including proofreading, rewriting, and summarising longer passages. Siri is set to gain a deeper understanding of user queries and could be connected to ChatGPT for handling more complex requests. Additionally, Siri will be able to understand personal context by reviewing messages and contacts, potentially providing information on events such as family members’ flight details.
Image Playground, a new feature, will use generative AI to create images within Apple’s apps and through a dedicated Image Playground app. Another innovation, Genmoji, will generate Memoji or emoji based on user photos and text prompts.
Apple Watch Series 10 & updated Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Series 10, potentially rebranded as Series X, is expected to feature significant updates. The new model could be thinner and larger, with possible sizes of 45mm and 49mm. The display might surpass the size of the Apple Watch Ultra, reaching 50.8mm. However, these changes may render older Apple Watch bands obsolete due to a potential shift in connectors.
On the health front, the Series 10 is anticipated to introduce sleep apnea detection, building on existing sleep tracking features. However, blood oxygen detection and hypertension monitoring, which have been the subject of speculation, are unlikely to be included due to ongoing legal issues and delays.
AirPods and AirPods Max
Updates to AirPods and AirPods Max are also on the horizon. The AirPods 4 are expected to come in two variants: a lower-cost model with an updated design and USB-C charging case, and a mid-tier model featuring active noise cancellation and Find My capabilities. Reports suggest that the new case might include a speaker to help locate it when lost, and that overall audio quality for the AirPods 4 will be improved.
The AirPods Max, which have not been updated since their release in December 2020, are overdue for a refresh. Recent rumours and price drops suggest that an update may be imminent.
iPad and iPad Mini
The event will also likely include updates to the iPad and iPad mini lines. The standard iPad, last refreshed in autumn 2022, is due for an update, which is expected to involve a new A-series processor. The iPad mini, introduced in September 2021, might also see some enhancements. It is anticipated that the mini will retain its 12MP rear camera but could be upgraded to the 48MP sensor used in the latest iPhones. While an OLED screen is not expected for the mini this year, Apple is likely to address the previous issue of jelly scrolling.
Updates to the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines, which were refreshed earlier in 2024, are not anticipated at this event.
What to expect next
Some products are unlikely to see updates at this event due to recent refreshes or ongoing development cycles. The iPad Pro, updated earlier in 2024, and the MacBook Air, expected to be updated in spring 2025, are not anticipated to feature.
Similarly, the Mac Studio and Mac Pro are expected to wait until 2025 for their next updates. The AirPods Pro, last updated in September 2022, are also not expected to see a major update until 2025.
As Apple prepares to unveil these new innovations, the tech world eagerly awaits the detailed announcements and demonstrations that will define its latest product offerings.