From iPhone 16 to Watch Series 10, here’s what you can expect from Apple's Sep 9 ‘It’s Glowtime' event

Apple has officially announced its upcoming “Glowtime” event, scheduled for September 9. This event is expected to showcase the latest iPhone 16 models and several other new products. The event will be held at Apple Park’s Steve Jobs Theater, and it will be streamed live on Apple’s website and YouTube channel.

The ‘It’s Glowtime’ event
On August 26, Apple sent out invitations to the media for an in-person gathering at its Cupertino campus, specifically at the Steve Jobs Theater. The event is set to begin at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on September 9. The event’s title, “It’s Glowtime,” is believed to reference the glowing effect that appears on the edge of the iPhone display when Apple’s AI feature, Apple Intelligence, is activated. This subtle hint suggests that the event might focus heavily on the advancements and features of the upcoming iPhone 16.

The timing of the event has raised some eyebrows, as it deviates from Apple’s usual schedule. Speculation had been building that the event would take place on September 10, a Tuesday, which aligns with Apple’s tradition of holding product launches on Tuesdays. However, the decision to hold the event a day earlier on a Monday is seen as a strategic move by Apple, possibly to avoid conflicting with other tech events or simply to generate more buzz by being unpredictable.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone has always been Apple’s flagship product, and this year is no different. The iPhone 16 series is expected to be the highlight of the “Glowtime” event, with four models likely to be introduced: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The non-Pro models are anticipated to feature screen sizes similar to those of the iPhone 15, with the standard model having a 6.1-inch display and the Plus version boasting a 6.7-inch display. However, the Pro models might see a slight increase in screen size, with the iPhone 16 Pro expected to have a 6.3-inch display and the Pro Max a 6.9-inch display.

Performance upgrades are also on the horizon, with the Pro models likely to be powered by the new A18 Pro chip, offering enhanced processing capabilities. The standard iPhone 16 models are expected to feature a chip similar to the current A17 Pro, with minor tweaks to improve performance. This upgrade will ensure that the entire iPhone 16 lineup can support the advanced AI functions that will be rolled out with Apple Intelligence.

Changes in the camera setup are also anticipated, particularly for the non-Pro models. The camera arrangement might shift to a vertical alignment, reducing the overall camera bump. Additionally, there is speculation that more sensors will be upgraded to 48 megapixels, and the Tetraprism lens, currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, might be expanded to all Pro models.

Externally, other design changes might include the introduction of the Action button across all models and possibly the long-rumoured Capture button, enhancing the user experience by offering more intuitive control options.

Apple Watch Series 10
Another significant product that might be unveiled at the event is the Apple Watch Series 10. There has been a lot of speculation about this device, with rumours suggesting that it might be marketed as the Series X, signifying a major update. The Series 10 could feature a thinner and larger design, with case sizes possibly increasing to 45mm and 49mm. The display might also be slightly bigger than that of the Apple Watch Ultra, potentially reaching 50.8mm.

However, these changes might not be backwards-compatible with older Apple Watch models. There have been whispers that the connectors used to attach bands to the watch could be redesigned, making older bands obsolete. This would be a significant change, as Apple has prided itself on maintaining compatibility across different generations of Apple Watches.

AirPods and AirPods Max
The event might also see the introduction of new AirPods models, in line with the updates to how AirPods will function in iOS 18. It is expected that two new versions of AirPods 4 could be unveiled, including a lower-cost model with an updated design and a USB-C charging case. A mid-tier model with active noise cancellation and built-in Find My functionality could also be introduced.

The AirPods Max, which has not seen an update since its launch in December 2020, might finally receive a refresh. Given the recent price drops and increasing rumours, a new version of the AirPods Max seems likely.

Apple Intelligence and Software Updates
The September 9 event will likely provide more details about Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features that will be available with iOS 18. This software update is expected to bring significant advancements in AI functionality to the iPhone 15 series and the upcoming iPhone 16 models. However, it is believed that the most advanced AI features will only be available on the iPhone 16 due to its more powerful hardware.

Apple is reportedly focusing on privacy by ensuring that as much AI processing as possible is performed on the device itself, with any additional processing being done on encrypted, secure Apple servers. This approach contrasts with that of other tech companies, which often rely heavily on cloud-based AI processing.

Apple Intelligence is expected to offer features like suggested email responses, image creation, and the ability to text Siri with questions. Additionally, a partnership with OpenAI will allow some queries to be processed through ChatGPT, while still adhering to Apple’s strict privacy controls.

The event will also likely include announcements regarding the release dates for the public versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15 Sequoia, and updates to watchOS, tvOS, and the HomePod operating system. However, some features of Apple Intelligence might not be available until updates like iOS 18.1 and macOS 15.1 are released later in the year.