Apple (AAPL) is set to host its highly anticipated iPhone event on Monday, Sept. 9, at its Cupertino headquarters. The tech giant is expected to unveil four new iPhone models, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, and introduce updated AirPods. However, this year’s event, dubbed “Glowtime,” will also focus heavily on Apple’s evolving AI capabilities, marking a pivotal moment for the company.
Apple Intelligence: The Future of AI
A major highlight of the event will be the unveiling of “Apple Intelligence,” Apple’s AI-powered platform designed for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Apple Intelligence aims to transform the user experience by offering features such as summarizing lengthy text threads, prioritizing emails, and significantly enhancing Siri’s capabilities.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the platform will officially roll out in October, with some features delayed until early 2025 to give developers more time to create apps for the system. While Apple is expected to provide further insights into Apple Intelligence at the event, it will only be compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. Analysts believe this launch could boost a new iPhone sales cycle as consumers seek devices that support the latest AI features.
iPhone 16 Lineup: Modest Upgrades, Bigger Focus on AI
The iPhone 16 lineup will likely feature four models, with incremental hardware improvements. The base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to inherit last year’s A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro models. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumored to come with the new, more advanced A18 and A18 Pro chips, built on ARM’s latest V9 chip design, which enhances AI performance.
Additionally, reports suggest that the iPhone 16 series will introduce capacitive “Capture” buttons for enhanced camera functionality, and the iPhone 16 Pro models will have larger screens due to slimmer bezels, without increasing the phones’ overall size. Camera improvements, particularly in optical zoom, are also anticipated for the iPhone 16 Pro.
While hardware changes are expected to be relatively modest, Apple appears to be prioritizing the success of its AI platform, with more significant hardware changes expected for future iPhone models, including a potential “iPhone Air” design in 2025.
Apple Watch: A 10th Anniversary Redesign
To mark the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, Apple will reportedly unveil a redesigned version with larger display sizes—45 mm for the smaller model and 49 mm for the larger version. New health features like blood pressure and sleep apnea detection were considered but have been delayed due to technical challenges.
An updated version of the Apple Watch Ultra will also debut, though it will only feature minor changes aside from a new chip.
AirPods: Updated Designs and Features
Apple is also expected to reveal refreshed versions of its entry-level and mid-range AirPods. The new models will retain the current price points ($129 and $169, respectively) but will include features such as active noise cancellation for the mid-range version. However, the pricier AirPods Pro will continue to be the only models with interchangeable silicone tips.
With AI advancements at the forefront of Apple’s strategy, the Glowtime event could set the stage for the next generation of smart devices, positioning Apple as a leader in the AI-powered tech space.
