Get ready, because it’s almost glowtime! Early September has become synonymous with Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone launch, and this year is no exception. Apple has consistently used this time of year to unveil its latest technological innovations, with the iPhone being the crown jewel of the event. For tech enthusiasts and Apple fans alike, this means it’s time to gear up for the new features, designs, and updates that will set the standard for smartphones over the next year. Mark your calendars for what promises to be a major event happening on Monday.
This year’s event, however, is expected to go beyond just the iPhone. While the spotlight will undoubtedly shine brightest on the iPhone 16 lineup, there’s plenty of speculation around other hardware updates, including new versions of the Apple Watch and AirPods. Apple has a history of using this event to announce significant upgrades across multiple product lines, but some eagerly awaited hardware updates, such as the next-generation Macs and iPads, may not make an appearance just yet. Instead, we’re likely to see those releases trickle out later this year or even into 2025. This approach allows Apple to stagger its product launches, ensuring a steady stream of buzz and keeping consumer interest high throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of what you can and can’t expect to see at Monday’s event, and what might be held back for later in the year.
What to Expect From the ‘It’s Glowtime’ Apple Event:
Apple’s annual iPhone event is set to take place in just a few days, beginning on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. In addition to unveiling the iPhone 16 lineup, we anticipate updates across the entire Apple Watch series, the introduction of AirPods 4, and potentially additional announcements.
In preparation for the event, we have compiled a comprehensive guide detailing the expected hardware updates. As with previous years, the event will also provide final information on release dates for Apple’s upcoming operating systems, with iOS 18 taking center stage.
iPhone 16 Pricing: What to Expect?
The iPhone 16 series is gearing up to deliver some groundbreaking hardware upgrades, with advanced Apple Intelligence features and cutting-edge camera enhancements leading the charge. But with all these exciting improvements, many are asking the big question: will prices go up?
Looking at the current lineup, the iPhone 15 starts at $799, with the iPhone 15 Plus at $899, the iPhone 15 Pro at $999, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,199. However, industry analysts are buzzing with predictions that the iPhone 16 Pro could see a price hike to $1,099, driven by a major upgrade in base storage from 128GB to 256GB—a move similar to what we saw with the Pro Max last year. If true, this could mark a significant shift in the iPhone pricing landscape!
M4 Macs Likely Coming in November:
New Macs aren’t expected at Monday’s event, but Apple is preparing to update its entire Mac lineup with M4 chips. The first M4-powered devices are expected to arrive in November, though a late October announcement is possible.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this release will include updated MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini models, with the rest of the lineup transitioning to M4 chips early next year.
Gurman: October Event Will Include New iPad Mini:
Speculation has emerged regarding the potential unveiling of an updated iPad mini during Apple’s upcoming event, particularly in light of current model shortages. However, according to Mark Gurman, the iPad mini refresh is more likely to be announced during an October event, which is also expected to feature the release of M4-powered Mac models. Additionally, there is a possibility that a new entry-level iPad could be introduced during this time, although limited information has surfaced regarding this development.
Similarly, the anticipated minor updates to the AirPods Max, such as the addition of a USB-C port and new color options, appear to be postponed. The same delay applies to any potential revisions to the Apple TV.
iPhone SE 4 Will Complete Apple’s Switch to OLED Displays:
The next-generation iPhone SE is widely expected to undergo significant upgrades, transforming Apple’s budget smartphone into a more modern and competitive device. Historically, the iPhone SE has been a popular option for those seeking Apple’s performance and ecosystem at a lower price point, typically using older hardware designs to keep costs down. The current iPhone SE, based on the iPhone 8’s design, features large bezels and a physical Touch ID button, a layout that feels outdated compared to Apple’s premium models.
However, reports suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will depart from this design, adopting a more contemporary all-screen look with Face ID, similar to Apple’s flagship iPhone models. This shift would align the SE with Apple’s recent design trends, eliminating the Home button and reducing bezels to maximize screen real estate. The inclusion of Face ID, which uses facial recognition technology for secure authentication, would further modernize the SE and bring it closer to Apple’s higher-end devices, signaling a major leap in both design and functionality for Apple’s entry-level iPhone. These changes suggest that Apple is aiming to offer a more premium experience even at the lower end of its smartphone lineup, potentially attracting a broader range of consumers.
Reports from the Japanese display industry indicate that the iPhone SE 4 will incorporate OLED technology, signifying the complete transition from LCD displays within Apple’s iPhone product line. This shift represents a significant technological advancement for the iPhone SE series, aligning it with the display technology found in Apple’s higher-end models. Current speculation suggests that the fourth-generation iPhone SE will be released in early 2025, further advancing Apple’s efforts to standardize OLED across its entire range of smartphones.