Apple Announces 'GlowTime' Event for September 9: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and AirPods Upgrades Expected
Apple has officially scheduled its next major product event for September 9, 2024, at the iconic Steve Jobs Theater on its Cupertino campus. The event, dubbed “GlowTime,” will showcase the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, the 10th-generation Apple Watch, and possibly new AirPods models. This announcement confirms the event date, dispelling earlier rumors and fake invitations suggesting it would take place on September 10.
The “GlowTime” moniker hints at a significant focus on Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant. Apple recently introduced “Apple Intelligence” at WWDC in June, a generative AI initiative aimed at revamping Siri. The new features of Siri, which are available in the iOS 18.1 Beta, are expected to be a highlight of the event. The branding and promotional materials suggest a renewed emphasis on Siri’s role, potentially introducing new functionalities or enhancements.
At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone 16 models, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The new lineup is likely to feature advanced silicon with the A18 and A18 Pro chips. The non-Pro models will come with a vertically aligned camera array, an upgraded ultra-wide camera, improved processors, 8GB of RAM for on-device generative AI processing, and a new capture button in addition to the action button seen on the iPhone 15 Pro models. New color options are also anticipated.
The iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to offer significant upgrades, including a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera and an enhanced main camera sensor with dual-stacked transistor technology. The smaller iPhone 16 Pro is expected to include 5x telephoto capability. The Pro models will also likely feature larger, more efficient displays, with the iPhone 16 Pro sporting a 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 16 Pro Max a 6.9-inch display. Both models are expected to include the new capture button with capacitive functionality and the action button, larger batteries, and the powerful A18 Pro chip, which will offer advanced AI processing and gaming optimization. A new “desert titanium” color option is also teased for these models.
The Apple Watch, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is anticipated to receive a major design overhaul. New Siri capabilities and the long-rumored blood glucose monitoring feature are expected to be introduced.
In addition to the iPhone and Apple Watch updates, Apple is also likely to announce new AirPods. The AirPods 4 are expected to include active noise cancellation, a feature previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro models. There may also be a new version of the AirPods Max, the AirPods Max 2, which could feature a new H2 chip for lossless audio compatibility with the Apple Vision Pro, improved sound quality, a redesigned case, and USB Type-C connectivity.
In a strategic shift, Apple will begin manufacturing all iPhone models in India. This move, influenced by recent budget adjustments and changes in customs duties, may result in lower prices for the new iPhone 16 models compared to the iPhone 15 series, as Apple leverages the benefits of local manufacturing in India.
The “GlowTime” event promises to be a significant showcase of Apple’s latest innovations, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing its hardware and software offerings.