Apple 'Its Glowtime' Launch Event: What To Expect Other Than iPhone 16 (& What Not To Expect At All)

Apple will likely not launch the much-hyped iPhone Slim (or iPhone Air) this year. Best not to expect any new hardware apart from the iPhone 16 and the new Apple Watch.

Apple has officially announced its annual September launch event, set for Monday, September 9, at its Cupertino headquarters in California, US. Invitations sent out to media outlets bore the tagline "It's Glowtime," hinting that Apple’s latest AI innovations will be a major focus of the event. The tech giant is expected to showcase several new products, including the iPhone 16 series, new Apple Watches, and possibly updated AirPods. Major software updates, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, and tvOS 18, are also anticipated to be highlighted during the event.

Apple Launch Event: What To Expect

iPhone 16

No surprises here, Apple’s September event will likely feature the unveiling of the latest iPhone lineup.

The iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, is expected to offer minor upgrades over its predecessors, such as the introduction of a ‘Capture’ button across all models and the incorporation of the Action button in the standard variants.

Apple’s newest chipsets and fresh colour options are also on the horizon.

But, what else can we expect to see? Find out below:

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence, the company’s latest suite of AI-powered features, is expected to take centre stage at the event. Initially revealed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, the AI suite promises enhancements like improved Siri, advanced text summarisation, writing assistance, and generative image creation.

There’s speculation that the release of Apple Intelligence could be delayed until after iOS 18's rollout, but an official release date may be announced during the event.

iOS 18

iOS 18 is set to bring a host of improvements to Apple devices, with updates to core apps such as Messages, Photos, Maps, and Wallet. This latest version of iOS will be available on iPhones with the A12 Bionic chipset or newer, including models as old as the iPhone XS.

Updates to iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS Sequoia, and tvOS 18 are also expected to be part of Apple’s software showcase.

New Apple Watch

New models in the Apple Watch lineup are expected, with the Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 likely making their debut. Rumours suggest these new watches will feature upgraded processors, larger displays, and new sizes. There’s also speculation about a more affordable plastic version of the Apple Watch SE.

New AirPods

Though major upgrades to the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are not anticipated, new entry-level and mid-range AirPods models could be announced. These updated versions are rumoured to include enhanced noise cancellation, a more ergonomic design, and new listening modes.

Apple Launch Event: What Not To Expect

iPhone Slim/iPhone Air

Despite rumours, the slim, ultra-thin iPhone Air is unlikely to appear at this year’s event, with reports suggesting a 2025 launch instead.

This model is expected to offer a thinner design while maintaining most of the core features of the iPhone 17.

No New iPads

After launching new iPads earlier this year, including the iPad Air 6 and iPad Pro (2024), Apple is not expected to introduce additional iPad models at the September event. However, the potential release of the iPad mini 7 remains uncertain.

No New MacBooks

New MacBook models featuring M4 processors are not expected to be part of the September showcase. Instead, these updates are likely to arrive in a separate October event, continuing Apple’s pattern of staggering its product launches throughout the fall.

Apple’s September event promises to offer a glimpse into the company’s latest hardware and software innovations, continuing its tradition of major product reveals as it heads into the final quarter of the year.