What to expect from Apple’s September event: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more

Apple’s big September event is fast approaching, bringing us all the latest gadget goodies from the multi-trillion dollar tech giant. 

Set to kick off on Sept. 9 with the tagline “It’s Glowtime,” Apple’s event is expected to introduce the next generation of several popular devices. Anticipated announcements include the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple AirPods 4. It wouldn’t be surprising if we got an update on AI platform Apple Intelligence either, particularly with artificial intelligence currently the hot trending topic in tech.

Here’s what to expect from Apple’s September event.

iPhone 16

Unsurprisingly, the main attraction of Apple’s event will be the launch of its new iPhone 16 series of smartphones. 

Credit: Mashable composite; Shutterstock / SkyArtist01, Champiofoto

We’ve already heard a slew of rumours about the iPhone’s next iteration, with reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be the same size as their predecessors. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max’s displays will apparently grow by 0.2 inches, measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively. The next generation of iPhones will also reportedly have slimmed down bezels.

Another reported change is the implementation of the Action Button across the entire iPhone 16 line. A customisable shortcut button on the side of the phone, the Action Button was previously only seen on Apple’s higher-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 15 line’s camera-focused Capture Button will reportedly make its way into the iPhone 16 series as well.

There’s also some talk about the iPhone 16 Pro getting solid-state buttons, which offer haptic feedback instead of physically moving. It’s unclear whether the Action Button will be one such solid-state button, but it wouldn’t be surprising.

Rumours are circulating about the iPhone 16’s camera as well. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 16 series will move to a stacked design for its rear camera, which should improve its performance. Apple may also tackle lens flare and ghosting with an anti-reflective coating on its camera lenses. The 16 Pro series will apparently have 5X telephoto zoom, a feature previously only on the 15 Pro Max, while its ultrawide camera will reportedly get a significant resolution bump from the 15 Pro’s 12MP to 48MP.

Leaks further suggest that the 16 Pro series will be available with up to 2TB of storage, offering plenty of room for you to keep your 48MP photos. It may also come in a bronzed gold colour option called “Desert Titanium.”

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple is also expected to announce its new Apple Watch series. Rumours from multiple sources claim that the Apple Watch Series 10 will get a screen size bump with 45mm and 49mm versions, making its larger size comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. For comparison, the Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

There’s also a chance that the Apple Watch 10 might be thinner than its predecessor. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is working to make its devices notably thinner, with May’s iPad Pro just the first of many slimmed down products. While we aren’t expecting to see the iPhone impacted until next year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the Watch 10 will feature a thinner form factor. 

We may also see a new magnetic system for attaching Apple Watch bands, though Gurman notes it’s unclear whether it will be ready for the Series 10 or arrive in a future generation.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 may be announced but isn’t expected to get a major design change, still rocking the same look from 2022.

Credit: Apple / Mashable Composite

Rumors suggest it may get more case colour options, as well as a new chip alongside the Series 10, but otherwise the next Apple Watch Ultra doesn’t seem to be getting much of an upgrade.

Apple has reportedly been working on introducing new health tools to both the Watch and Watch Ultra, including a blood pressure monitor, sleep apnea sensor, and glucose monitor. However, ongoing legal disputes have significantly hampered their implementation, leaving big questions regarding when we might see these features introduced.

Apple AirPods 4 

The fourth generation of Apple AirPods is expected to arrive in September as well. Apple may replace the AirPods 3 and 2 with new mid-range and entry-level AirPods 4 options this September.

Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

Both these new AirPods will have updated designs, potentially new colours, and make the switch to USB-C charging. Apple’s mid-range AirPods 4 will reportedly have active noise cancellation as well, a feature which the tech giant previously only offered on the AirPods Pro.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

According to a new rumor, the next-generation of the AirPods Pro “is coming.”

Tweet may have been deleted

Leaker @Kosutami_Ito on X claims that the AirPods Pro is poised to come with improved active noise cancellation. We don’t know for sure how soon the AirPods Pro 3 will get a debut, but the Sept. 9 Apple event may be its reveal date.

We’re a little bit iffy about this rumor, however, because a Bloomberg report claims that an AirPods Pro refresh is unlikely to happen until 2024.

iPad mini 7

In addition to the iPhones, Apple Watch models, and AirPods, Gurman claims that Apple may be planning on releasing the iPad mini 7 later this year.

Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

How does he figure? Well, in a new tweet, the Apple analyst said the following:

“Many Apple stores are low on stock of the iPad mini in several configs, while the device is considered ‘constrained’ internally within Apple, I’m told. That could be a sign a new one is coming.”

Gurman goes on to say that this could be a sign that a new iPad mini 7 is in the works for 2024. After all, it hasn’t been updated since 2021. Gurman also added that it may get an AI-based update, too. However, it’s unclear whether it could get revealed at the Apple September 2024 event.

How to watch Apple’s September 2024 event

Apple’s event will kick off Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. PDT / 1 p.m. EDT. Fortunately for those of us unable to make it to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, the keynote will be livestreamed. You’ll be able to watch the event on Apple’s official website, via the Apple TV app, and on YouTube (video embedded below):