Apple will introduce the new iPhone 16 models on September 9th. A lot is already known about the hardware of the devices, but this time something else seems to play a more important role. At least that's what the motto of the invitation suggests: “It's Glowtime”. And the new iPhones don't come alone either.
Now it's official: Apple has invited people to an event on September 9th under the motto “It's Glowtime”. An open secret is that the iPhone 16 models will then take center stage on the stage of the Steve Jobs Theater. Tim Cook & Co. could also present a whole range of other new devices. However, the hardware will probably not be the focus of the event this time.
The new iPhone glows a bit
In this supposedly real design drawing, the new record button can be seen under the power switch.
(Photo: 91Mobiles)
This is pretty obvious from the motto, which is probably a combination of Glow and Showtime. This fits with the rumored features of the new iPhones. It is said that if you open the new Siri interface with Apple Intelligence (AI), the display will light up around the frame – in the exact colors of the event invitation.
Apple will probably present all the new AI features that will come with iOS 18. But around four weeks ago it was said that the new iPhones were not as intelligent as planned. A number of AI features will only be added in October with the update to iOS 18.1.
Gradually smarter
Which of these will be available outside the USA and English-speaking countries at launch is another matter. Because of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that applies here, Apple had already announced in June that it would introduce the new AI functions there later. Among other things, the law requires particularly powerful companies to grant access to third-party providers (gatekeepers).
Presumably, the iPhone 16 quartet will initially (in English) be able to, among other things, analyze and summarize texts, help users organize emails and messages, and enable AI-generated, personalized emojis (Genmojis). However, it cannot be ruled out that Tim Cook's team will surprise you with further announcements on September 9th.
New buttons
When it comes to the hardware of the new iPhones, there are apparently notable changes. Not only the pros, but also the normal ones should come with an action button that can be assigned numerous different quick accesses, for example to the translate app.
According to rumors, all four newcomers have a record button for the cameras on the right side. It shouldn't just serve as a trigger – after all, you can also do that with a volume button. Equipped with touch sensors, you can supposedly also focus or zoom with the new button.
The standard 16 and 16 Plus models are apparently pretty pro overall this year. Because so that they are fit for Apple Intelligence, they should get an A18 chip like the top duo iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. And so that they can also capture 3D images for the Apple Vision Pro, they probably have cameras arranged vertically instead of diagonally.
Pros bigger and stronger
However, one can expect that the Pros will receive additional exclusive functions in addition to an additional telephoto camera in order to stand out from the regulars. It is quite certain that the processors of the standard devices are less powerful. It is very likely that the two stars of the new iPhone squad will also have slightly larger screens at 6.3 and 6.9 inches. The current devices have 6.1 and 6.7 inch displays.
The new Pros should also be larger overall. The difference is supposedly minimal, which could be due to new displays with even thinner bezels than before. The OLED screens are also said to work more efficiently and may have microlenses (Micro Lens Array/MLA), which would also increase their brightness.
Other devices
The Apple Watch could continue to grow in the tenth generation. The watch, which is also rumored to be called the Watch X, will come in 45 and 49 millimeter versions. However, they should not be thicker than the current 9s that Apple offers at 41 and 45 millimeters. The Ultra and Apple Watch SE may also receive minor upgrades.
The Airpods are also expected to be a topic on September 9th. According to rumors there could be two models. The simple Airpods will have a slightly different look and come with a USB-C case; another variant will probably offer active noise cancellation (ANC) like the Pro plugs. It is said that Apple will also present a second generation of its Airpods Max over-ear headphones, but this will happen at a later event.
It could be similar with other devices that are expected to receive upgrades. For the first time since 2021, these include a new iPad mini and new Mac computers with an M4 chip. A Mac mini with a more compact design could be particularly interesting. Macbook Pro and iMac, on the other hand, should only receive more performance.
