Beyond the iPhone 16. Everything We Expect (and Don’t Expect) From Apple’s September 9 Event

Like every September, Apple will hold its classic kick-off event on September 9, where it will presumably presenting its new iPhones, among other releases. This year’s event is called “It’s Glowtime,” but will the company really glow?

This is the classic roundup of everything we can expect, what sounds weird but is possible, and what we probably won’t see at the upcoming event.

🟢 The sure thing. The usual:

• iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, with their Plus and Max variants. According to rumors, all will presumably increase their screen sizes. The smaller models are said to go up to 6.3 inches, the larger ones to 6.9 inches. All would upgrade their chips and include a DSLR button.
• Apple Watch Series 10. Or ‘X,’ as happened with the iPhone on its tenth anniversary, since September 9 will be the 10th anniversary of the Watch. It will reportedly have a thinner design, slightly larger screens, and a new magnetic attachment system for the straps.
• Apple Watch Ultra 3. This device will presumably have few new features compared to the current model, with few additions since the original Watch Ultra. If true, it could have a new processor.

And, of course, the release dates of the new operating systems: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11, as well as less relevant updates such as tvOS.

🟡 The feasible, though not certain:

• Apple Watch SE 3. It’s been the subject of a lot of rumors but not many leaks, so there are mixed feelings. What has been said is that it will be plastic, not aluminum, and available in several colors.
• AirPods 4. They will presumably arrive in two options three years after the third generation. First, a more basic model, such as a simple evolution of the AirPods 3, with USB-C and a slight redesign. Second, a more advanced model with noise cancellation, but inferior in specific capabilities to the AirPods Pro 2.
• iPad mini 7. Apple last updated this tablet three years ago. However, although this one has more possibilities than any other due to the scarcity of stock of the current model, it seems more reasonable to think that the company could probably launch it at an event dedicated to the iPad mini and the “no last name.” Or through a discreet launch with a press release.

If Apple doesn’t announce these devices at the September 9 event, it would be at a hypothetical event in October. However, the AirPods are already closely linked to the iPhone and Apple Watch. So, it seems reasonable to see them next Monday.

🔴 The improbable. Or almost:

• New Macs with M4 chips. They’re coming, supposedly in October or November.
• iPhone SE 4. Leaks about this phone go back a long way, but an SE has never arrived in September. Rumors point to spring 2025.
• AirPods Pro 3. These would also reportedly arrive in 2025, giving the current model more breathing room.
• HomePod mini 2. Rumors about this product also go back a long way, with the first one being four years old. However, there are no specific dates around its release.
• New Apple TV. The current one is two years old. Nothing has pointed to a renewal.

✨ One more thing. Apple announced Apple Intelligence at WWDC in June. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Apple take advantage of the first launch of its flagship product to follow up the announcement with new features or some news regarding what we already know about this AI model.

Xataka On will be in Cupertino to bring you all the news firsthand.

Image | Apple

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