Apple has officially announced its “Glowtime” special launch event, scheduled for Monday, September 9, starting at 10 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST). The highlight of the event is expected to be the unveiling of the iPhone 16 series. Additionally, new Apple devices such as updated Apple Watch models, new AirPods, and possibly more are anticipated. The event’s invitation features the tagline “It’s Glowtime” beneath a multi-colored logo, which might hint at Apple Intelligence or a redesigned Siri. Here’s a rundown of what to expect at Apple’s Glowtime event.

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus

Each year, the iPhone takes center stage at Apple’s September launch event, and this time, it’s all about the iPhone 16 series. The lineup will feature four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Notably, the standard iPhone 16 models are expected to abandon the diagonal camera bump in favor of a vertically aligned rear camera, reminiscent of the iPhone 12. This year’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will come with significant upgrades, including a new A18 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM (up from 6GB) for enhanced performance. The non-Pro models will retain their 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes.

With the iPhone 16 series, Apple is set to replace the classic Mute switch with a programmable Action Button, a feature introduced on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models. Additionally, a new Capture Button located below the Power button on the right side will offer dedicated camera functions, allowing users to quickly launch the Camera app, zoom in/out, adjust focus, and manage other key settings while recording videos in landscape mode. The iPhone 16 will also be available in five new colors: Black, White, Blue, Green, and Pink.

iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max

The crown jewels of Apple’s lineup will be the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which are set to introduce some impressive enhancements. One of the most significant upgrades will be the larger displays, with the iPhone 16 Pro featuring a 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 16 Pro Max becoming the largest iPhone ever with a massive 6.9-inch display. While the primary 48MP camera will remain unchanged, the ultra-wide lens will receive a substantial upgrade to 48MP. Additionally, in 2024, the 5x telephoto lens, previously exclusive to the Pro Max model, will also be available on the iPhone 16 Pro, replacing the 3x telephoto lens found on the iPhone 15 Pro. This means we can expect significant camera improvements across the iPhone 16 Pro models.

The high-end models will also feature the much-anticipated Capture Button, aimed at photography enthusiasts. Other expected enhancements include the powerful A18 Pro chipset, larger batteries, improved thermal design, Wi-Fi 7 support, and more. Additionally, all models in the iPhone 16 series will support Apple Intelligence features.

Apple Watch Series 1

In addition to the new iPhones, the Apple Watch is another product that is all but confirmed to make its debut at the September event. This year, Apple is expected to unveil a thinner and larger version of the Apple Watch. The upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 is likely to be available in 45mm and 49mm case sizes, with the larger option matching the size of the Apple Watch Ultra. Along with the new design, we can anticipate a range of new health features, including blood pressure monitoring and Sleep Apnea detection. Here are the latest rumors and expectations surrounding the Apple Watch Series 10.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also set to debut at Apple’s September event. Similar to the Apple Watch Series 10, no significant hardware upgrades or design changes are expected for the Ultra 3, meaning the 2024 Apple smartwatches will likely retain their current designs. Last year’s Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduced several new features, including a faster S9 chip, a display 50% brighter with up to 3,000 nits, and a new double-tap gesture feature. However, this year, we might not see such substantial additions.

While the overall design will stay the same, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will include long-awaited health features such as blood pressure monitoring and Sleep Apnea detection. Additionally, for the first time, the Ultra 3 might be available in a new dark or black case color. There are also rumors that Apple is developing microLED display technology for its smartwatches, but we may have to wait until 2026 to see a microLED Apple Watch, if it comes to fruition.

Apple Watch SE 3

Apple is also expected to refresh its most affordable smartwatch lineup during the iPhone event. According to recent reports, the Apple Watch SE 3 might see several significant upgrades, including larger 41mm and 45mm case sizes, aligning with the sizes of the Apple Watch Series 9. Mark Gurman has suggested that Apple may switch to plastic shells for the SE 3 to reduce production costs, potentially bringing the retail price down to around $200. This change in material and the lower price point could make the Apple Watch SE 3 particularly appealing to parents looking to buy a smartwatch for their kids. If these reports are accurate, it would be great to see Apple offering a modern smartwatch that strikes the right balance between features and affordability.

AirPods 4

Expected to arrive in September or October, the upcoming AirPods lineup is anticipated to be Apple’s most significant launch to date. According to Mark Gurman, Apple plans to discontinue the AirPods 2 and current AirPods models, replacing them with two different versions of the AirPods 4. This would introduce a new two-tier lineup for the standard, non-Pro AirPods models. The new AirPods 4 will feature an updated design that combines elements of the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, including shorter stems, improved sound quality, a better fit, and a USB-C charging case. However, neither of the AirPods 4 models will include replaceable silicone tips.

There will be both lower-end and higher-end models of the AirPods 4. The higher-end option might incorporate some features from the AirPods Pro, such as noise cancellation and built-in speakers in the charging case, allowing you to easily locate lost AirPods or the case itself. The current AirPods 2 and AirPods use the H1 chip, but the upcoming AirPods 4 models are likely to inherit the H2 chip from the second-generation AirPods Pro. This upgraded chip is expected to bring enhancements such as faster and more reliable Bluetooth connections and improved power efficiency.

AirPods Max 2

Released in December 2020, the AirPods Max is currently the oldest AirPods model in Apple’s lineup. While a new AirPods Max 2 is in development, its release is likely targeted for “late 2024,” possibly in October, alongside the AirPods 4 models. However, there’s a slim chance that we could see the AirPods Max 2 at the iPhone 16 event. One of the most anticipated design changes for the upcoming AirPods Max 2 is the switch from a Lightning port to a USB-C standard, a transition Apple must make to comply with EU regulations. Mark Gurman has also reported that the next-gen AirPods Max 2 will come in refreshed color options, although the specific shades have not been revealed.

The AirPods Max 2 is expected to include Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, which is already available in the AirPods Pro 2, iPhone 15 series, and the latest Apple Watch models. Although rumors are sparse, it’s reasonable for fans to anticipate the inclusion of the H2 chip in the AirPods Max 2. Given that the AirPods Max 2 will be released almost four years after the original, it should feature some significant upgrades to excite its fan base.