Apple September Event: What to Expect and What Not to Expect
- Get ready—Apple's September event is set to dazzle, but not everything you hoped for will show up.
- iPhone 16 might steal the show, but there's a lot more (and less) on the horizon.
- Expect big things from Apple Intelligence, but don't hold your breath for a new Mac or those AirPods Pro 3.
It's Official: Apple has confirmed its annual September event for Monday, September 9. Invitations sent out earlier today bore the tagline "It's Glowtime," hinting that Apple Intelligence might be the star of the show.
But what else can we anticipate from this much-anticipated event? Let’s break it down.
What to Expect
1. iPhone 16 Series
Apple’s September event wouldn’t be complete without a new iPhone lineup. This year, we’re looking at four models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The upgrades are rumored to be incremental, focusing on enhancements like a dedicated 'Capture' button across all models and the introduction of the A18 chip. The Pro models are expected to feature slightly larger screens, adding to their allure.
Photo via NotebookCheck // A concept image of the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro series, expected to debut in a new gorgeous color.
2. Apple Intelligence
The major highlight of this event is anticipated to be Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features that Apple previewed at WWDC 2024. Expect to see it in action on the iPhone 16 series, with capabilities ranging from a smarter Siri to generative image creation.
Apple Intelligence represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what AI can do in our everyday lives.— Tim Cook, WWDC'24
While Apple Intelligence is expected to be part of iOS 18, there’s speculation it might not launch until after the initial iOS 18 rollout, with Apple possibly taking extra time to perfect these features.
3. iOS 18 and Software Updates
iOS 18 isn’t just about Apple Intelligence; it’s bringing a slew of updates to core apps like Messages, Photos, and Wallet. Any iPhone from the iPhone XS onward will be eligible for this update, meaning millions of users will get a taste of Apple’s latest software innovations.
In addition to iOS 18, we’re expecting announcements related to iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, and tvOS 18, setting the stage for a comprehensive software overhaul.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Some screenshots showing off Apple's customisation features in iOS 18, announced at WWDC '24.
4. New Apple Watches
The Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are likely candidates for a September reveal. Rumors suggest the Series 10 will come in two sizes, with a larger display and new processors across the board. The Ultra 3 might see minor improvements, while a plastic Apple Watch SE could offer a more affordable entry point.
5. New AirPods
New AirPods are on the horizon, though not the Pro 3 or Max 2 models some have hoped for. Instead, expect refreshed entry-level and mid-range models with improved design and potentially smarter listening modes.
Market Insight: With noise cancellation potentially coming to mid-range models, Apple is positioning its AirPods lineup to cater to a broader audience, making premium features more accessible.
What Not to Expect
1. New M4 Macs
Apple’s Mac lineup, including the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac, is expected to receive the M4 chip later this year, likely in an October event dedicated to Macs. While there’s been buzz around a more compact Mac mini design, those looking forward to these upgrades will need to wait a bit longer.
2. AirPods Pro 3
Despite ongoing development, the third generation of AirPods Pro isn’t expected to make an appearance this September. The new model, which might include health-related features like a hearing test tool, is rumored to be slated for release next year.
3. Cheaper Apple Vision
The Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s premium AR headset, debuted earlier this year, but rumors of a more affordable model won’t materialize until at least late 2025. Don’t expect any hardware announcements related to Apple Vision in September, though there could be news on its expansion to more countries.
4. New HomePods
Apple is reportedly working on new HomePod models, including one with an LCD touchscreen and another more ambitious device with an 8-inch display running tvOS. However, these are unlikely to be announced in September.
Industry Speculation: Apple may be reserving these announcements for a future event or even for a quieter launch via press release, much like the pattern we’ve seen with some iPad models.
Conclusion: Apple’s September event is shaping up to be a must-watch, with the iPhone 16 series and Apple Intelligence poised to take the spotlight. However, some of the most anticipated products, like the new M4 Macs and AirPods Pro 3, are expected to be no-shows, possibly saving their debuts for later in the year.
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. PT on Monday, September 9, and we’ll be covering all the announcements as they happen. Stay tuned for more details.
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