Everything to Expect From the 'It's Glowtime' Apple Event

[MacRumors]

Apple will hold its annual fall iPhone-centric event on Monday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. There are multiple new devices on the horizon, including new iPhone 16 models, refreshes for all of the Apple Watches, new AirPods 4, and perhaps some other surprises.

This guide highlights everything that we might see at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event based on current rumors.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will look almost identical to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, with few design changes planned, but there are new capabilities to look forward to.

Apple plans to bring the Action Button to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, so it won't be a Pro-exclusive feature anymore and will be available on all iPhone 16 models. The Action Button can be set to turn on a Focus mode, activate a Shortcut, open the Camera, activate the Flashlight, and more. With iOS 18, it can do even more because you can also assign Control Center controls to the Action Button, and third-party developers can now make Control Center options.

Dummy models featuring the rumored iPhone 16 colors​

Along with the Action Button, all iPhone 16 models could have a Capture Button, located on the right side of the iPhone below the Power Button. On U.S. iPhones, it will be located where the mmWave antenna is on the iPhone 15 models, with the antenna moving to the left with the iPhone 16 lineup. While most rumors have suggested it's coming to all models, there is a chance that it could be limited to the Pro models.

The Capture Button will be used to take images and video, and it will respond to pressure and touch for extra gesture support. A light press will autofocus, while a harder press will take the shot. Swiping left and right will zoom in or out, and there may also be an option for swapping between photo and video modes.

Rather than the diagonal camera that Apple has used for the last several iPhone models, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will have a vertical camera arrangement for the dual-lens camera system. The vertical arrangement could allow for the iPhones to capture spatial video for the Vision Pro.

The Main camera isn't expected to get an upgrade, but Apple might boost the aperture of the Ultra Wide camera to improve low-light performance and add support for macro mode for the first time.

There will be new colors for the iPhone 16 models, with some rumors suggesting we'll see black, green, light pink, blue, and white for five total color options, and other rumors pointing toward green, white, pink, and blue. In both of these scenarios, the white replaces the yellow Apple used for the iPhone 15 models. Apple is rumored to be using the color-infused back glass that it used for the iPhone 15, but with a frosted effect for the glass that contrasts with the frame color.

Apple could opt for a more power efficient OLED display that might improve battery life while also increasing overall brightness.

A18 chips will be in all the iPhone 16 models, which means the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will support the Apple Intelligence features that are coming in iOS 18. There could also be some iPhone-specific Apple Intelligence functionality that hasn't yet been announced.

The A18 chips will be built on TSMC's 3-nanometer process, with Apple expected to include Neural Engine improvements for Apple Intelligence. Both iPhone 16 models will get 8GB RAM, up from 6GB in the prior-generation models in order to support AI. Apple may also be planning for a new thermal design that will combat overheating and improve performance.

There could be some minor increases to battery life for the standard iPhone 16 model, as it is rumored to be getting a minor capacity boost. Depending on the chip efficiency, we could see some small improvements for both models, but that will depend on how much battery the new features eat up.

While a recent rumors suggested the iPhone 16 Pro could see a price hike pushing the entry-level configuration to $1,099 while boosting storage from 128 GB to 256 GB, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes it will continue to start at $999, suggesting a storage boost is unlikely.

We have more on the features coming to the iPhone 16 in our roundup.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

Like the iPhone 16 models, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will get the all-new Capture Button, and in these devices, it will be accompanied by some camera improvements.

Apple is planning for a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens that uses pixel binning down to 12-megapixels, and the end result is basically much better performance in low-light for your wide-angle shots and your macro photos. The 5x Telephoto lens that was limited to the 15 Pro Max will be coming to the 16 Pro, so both Pro models will have it this time around.

The iPhone 16 Pro models may be able to record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second, an increase over the current 60 frames per second limit when filming in 4K. Apple has also tested 8K recording, but it is not clear if that made it into the launch version of the device. Apple also plans to add a feature for pausing and resuming a video recording.

Display size is getting bigger, and it's the first time we've seen an increase in display size since the iPhone 12. The iPhone 16 display will measure in at 6.3 inches, up from 6.1, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a 6.9-inch display, up from 6.7 inches. The change is not drastic, but it will be noticeable if you have an iPhone 16 Pro next to an iPhone 15 Pro.

There could be some improvements to the Main camera, and there's a chance the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a new Sony sensor that offers higher-quality images with better dynamic range and noise control.

We're also expecting the bezels around the edge of the display to be slimmed down, and Apple is rumored to be adopting more efficient OLED display technology, so we could see some improvements to brightness and contrast. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the bezels could... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: Everything to Expect From the 'It's Glowtime' Apple Event

 

[abatabia]

I’m expecting spec bumps. That’s the name of the game. My desire to upgrade is not what it used to be, and I don’t even wear my AW anymore. Might grab a 16pro come holiday time though. Meh.

 

[chrono1081]

I hope those colors are wrong, they're so freaking ugly. They look like old early 80s colors for plastic (I dont know how to describe that but I think some may know what I mean).

 

[ImAlwaysRight]

My 3 year phone cycle is up. I'm upgrading to iPhone 16 Pro because my 3 year contract is up with AT&T and they will buy me another iPhone Pro for another 3 year contract. If anything, just to have better battery life, because after 3 years I can notice a decline.

 

[Realityck]

I like to see them announce a A18 based iPad mini 7 as a surprise at the end of the event. Yes something more than the predictable updates such as iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch 10 series, and AirPods.

 

[Eggtastic]

I hope those colors are wrong, they're so freaking ugly. They look like old early 80s colors for plastic (I dont know how to describe that but I think some may know what I mean).

$$$ move. Apple wants to upsell the more appealing colors through their criminally expensive cases. Aliexpress sells near identical knock off silicon cases, with the "original" packaging, and MagSafe animation (if you care about that) for way less.

 

[CausticSoda]

I've just come from the article about the new Pro colours, and now this hideous collection... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course, but for my own taste, the colours this year are not looking good. (And no, I don't use a case).

 

[JensenKA]

Still holding onto my iPhone 13 Mini for dear life and I bought a set of 2nd gen AirPods a few weeks ago (no amount of feature additions can beat $69) but I’m definitely interested in the Apple Watch SE. I broke my Series 4 way back in March and I’ve been waiting for a refresh before replacing it.

 

[klasma]

I’m expecting spec bumps. That’s the name of the game.

Plus camera bumps and button bumps.

 

[BeatsByTim]

Another year with no reason to upgrade anything unless the battery is dead or something.

 

[BeatsByTim]

Wish Tim cook had any good ideas. I need my stock to go up.

 

[IIGS User]

The carrier aggregation technology looks interesting and seems to be overlooked by a lot of users here. It could be a big upgrade, especially in areas where network congestion is an issue.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

iPhone 16 pro muddy brown is almost here

 

[iphonephoneboy]

So many sites are rumor-reporting a longer telephoto on the Max mode. That is the ONLY reason I will up grade this year, these "upgrades" don't seem to kick my iPhone 15 ProMax out of my pocket. This could be the first year this Apple-Fan-Boy doesn't upgrade.

 

[davidjbradshaw]

AirPods Max 2 without at least the the H2 chip makes no sense. Could it be that just swapping the processor is such a minor production change that they haven’t even told the manufacturer yet?

 

[GrayFlannel]

I heard the first 100 people entering the “It’s Glowtime” event receive a complimentary bottle of Luminous Silk Foundation.

 

[B.A.T]

More than likely I'll get a new battery installed in my iPhone 12 mini after Monday's announcements rather than upgrading.

 

[nonns]

I think we're going to have to wait till release day. Right now these rumours are amongst the least inspiring that I think I've ever heard in relation to an apple release. Whilst I recognise that my position may be different to other others in my renewal (tech lust cycle). Thus far this doesn't seem worth even bothering to watch the event for or looking at the new specs till the day after.

 

[Belisama]

The only thing I expect from the "event" is the official launch of the iPhone 18 rumor campaign.
It's not Groundhog Day. It's Groundhog Year.
🥱

 

[Rayansb]

More than likely I'll get a new battery installed in my iPhone 12 mini after Monday's announcements rather than upgrading.

I can't believe I sold mine. One of the best iPhones I had ever used! Really wish they bring back the mini at some point.

 

[dumastudetto]

I'm really excited to see all the innovations Apple is bringing to iPhone this year.

I love them taking us for a deep dive into their labs to showcase the advancements they have made in chip design. The camera system upgrades are always incredible.

I'm expecting a ton of refinements to the iPhone Pro line. This should really make the new products genuinely compelling upgrades for everyone.

Let's go!!!

 

[kalsta]

You do have to wonder if Apple does any market research before choosing these colours (aside from monitoring their own sales), or are they in the somewhat arrogant mindset of thinking they are the trendsetters?

My guess is a lot of people are getting tired of dull colours. There are still a LOT of dull bitumen-coloured cars on our roads, so maybe I'm wrong? Anyway, here's my attempt at 'shaking things up' just a little bit more…

My six-year-old son suggests there should be a Spider-Man phone as well. I could agree with that. 😄 (Before anyone asks, no he doesn't have or use a phone yet, and we'll do our best to give him a device-free childhood for some years to come!)

POST EVENT UPDATE: So, looks like Apple brightened up their colours after seeing my post! 😄 Tim called me this morning and said he'd forgotten about the Product Red version and thanked me for the reminder. Watch this space. 😉

 

[citysnaps]

You do have to wonder if Apple does any market research before choosing these colours (aside from monitoring their own sales), or are they in the somewhat arrogant mindset of thinking they are the trendsetters?

Of course Apple does market research; like all very successful companies.

Manufacturing and selling 600,000 iPhone per day, every day of the year (on the average), with 1 billion+ active (and repeat) customers, supports the fact that Apple does market research and creates products that people like. That's why it's one of the most successful tech companies on the planet.

 

[Realityck]

Some humor against the upcoming iPhone 16 show

 

[kalsta]

Of course Apple does market research; like all very successful companies.

Manufacturing and selling 600,000 iPhone per day, every day of the year … blah, blah, blah … That's why it's one of the most successful tech companies on the planet.

Yes, thank you. I've been an Apple user since the Apple II, and I'm very much aware of their success. That doesn't mean they choose colours based on market research. You're making an assumption. The truth is, none of us really know—unless there's some public statement from Apple or an employee of which I'm unaware.

Steve Jobs once famously said:

Some people say give the customers what they want, but that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do. I think Henry Ford once said, 'If I'd ask customers what they wanted, they would've told me a faster horse.' People don't know what they want until you show it to them. That's why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.

In context, he's talking about technology, not fashion here. And he has a point—when you're at the cutting edge of technical innovation, you can't rely on the everyday consumer to visualise what they'll want a year or five from now. Still, Apple (like all many very successful companies) can sometimes be arrogant too, and assume they know what's best for their customers instead of actually listening to them.