The most important day of Apple’s year comes Monday, September 9. But there’s no reason for you to spend the weekend wondering what’s on the agenda for the “It’s Glowtime” event — we can spill the beans now: iPhone 16, AirPods 4, Apple Watch Series 10 and more.
We also already know what’s not coming at the September event, like MacBooks. Read on for all the details.
Apple September event: Glowtime is showtime
Apple undoubtedly will launch iPhone 16 at the traditional September event. This year, the theme is “It’s Glowtime,” likely a reference to the redesigned Siri interface in Apple Intelligence. Apple showcased these AI features coming to iPhone, Mac and iPad in June at WWDC24. AI likely will be one of the stars of the show on September 9, with Apple demoing the advanced new Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone 16 models.
Unlike during the pandemic and immediate post-pandemic years, this will be an in-person event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Plus, it will stream live for anyone to see. Everything kicks off at 10 a.m. Pacific on September 9. (Need time zone help? Check our guide for when to watch in your area.)
iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max rumors
When Apple CEO Tim Cook and his cohorts take the stage for the September 9 event, expect them to start off with four new iPhone models.
The most significant iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max design change reportedly will be larger screens. They’ll also get a new camera Capture button. Design changes to the more affordable iPhone 16 and 16 Plus include adding the Action button that arrived with the iPhone 15 Pro models. You can expect all of Apple’s 2024 handsets to receive faster processors, and they might benefit from better battery tech.
For more, read Cult of Mac’s guide on what else to expect from the iPhone 16 lineup for additional leaks on all four of Apple’s flagship handsets almost certain to launch in a few weeks.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE 3
Image: concept_central/Cult of Mac
Apple’s It’s Glowtime event won’t wrap up when the iPhone 16 presentation does. We should see new wearables as well. Rumors indicate Apple Watch Series 10 will include a larger display — perhaps 49mm. And the bezels around the screen will shrink. However, leaks also indicate the size change is the only significant shift in the Apple Watch Series 10 design. The device might gain the ability to check for sleep apnea.
A new Apple Watch SE 3 is also reportedly on the event agenda. This might come in a range of colorful plastic casings, possibly lowering the already-low price.
A Cult of Mac guide lays out everything to expect from Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
AirPods 4 at the Apple September event
The festivities at Apple’s September 9 event are expected to continue with AirPods 4. And not only one version of the wireless earbuds but two: a new, somewhat higher-end model reportedly will include active noise cancellation, while a more-affordable variant will not. A redesign is apparently on the cards, too.
Look forward to AirPods Max 2 in a few days as well. But AirPods Pro 3 don’t seem likely before 2025.
Don’t miss Cult of Mac’s guide on what to expect from AirPods 4 and AirPods Max next Monday.
iOS 18, macOS Sequoia and more
During the It’s Glowtime event, you can expect Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, to tell us more about iOS 18, macOS Sequoia 15, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, tvOS 18 and visionOS 2. That will include when the new operating systems will be ready for everyone to install. Just remember, these won’t bring Apple Intelligence — that launches later (likely in October) in the next OS versions.
But note that Apple is rumored to break its habit and introduce macOS Sequoia 15 in September rather than making Mac users wait until October.
Stay tuned…
Image: Apple
New iPhone 16 models, Apple Watch models and AirPods — that should keep Tim Cook and company talking for more than an hour during the September 9 event.
Of course, Cult of Mac will cover everything revealed September 9, and then review the new products ASAP.
Looking ahead to Apple’s October event
Apple doesn’t believe in packing too much into its iPhone launch event. AirPods are definitely an iPhone accessory, and Apple Watch is too … kind of. So unveiling them all together makes sense.
But overcrowding the event agenda with unrelated products raises the possibility that some would get overlooked by the press and consumers. So we expect the 2024 MacBook Pro and Mac mini with an Apple M4 processor later … possibly at an October event. iPad mini 7 and iPad 11 could emerge then, too.
However, Apple might not stage an October event for these Macs and iPads. Apple could introduce them with low-key press releases instead.
