Traditionally, the Apple season is officially kicked off in September with a special Apple event. Apple is expected to present the new iPhone 16 (Pro), Apple Watch series 10 and AirPods 4th generation.
It is not yet clear whether Apple will announce more products and services. We can also expect a cheaper new AirPods model and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It is unclear whether the iPad mini and standard iPad will be renewed. New Macs with M4 chip are expected later this fall.
iPhone Event Date
Apple may hold a special online event on September 10 or 17, 2024. During this press event, Apple will unveil new products, and we will probably be able to order the first units on Friday, September 13 or 20. It is likely that the first units, including the iPhone 16 (Pro), will be in stores a week later.
Apple event expectations
Below is an overview of the products that Apple will most likely announce during the special event. Whether all products can be purchased immediately is not 100% certain. In the past, some models were released at a later date.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
What will the new iPhone bring us in 2024? The current-generation design has been around since the iPhone 12, and the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are expected to share many similarities with the current generation. All models are likely to feature a larger battery with powerful fast charging, Wi-Fi 7 and support for even faster 5G.
As usual, we can expect most of the innovations in the Pro models. The expectation is that the screen will be 0.2 inches larger with even thinner bezels. All Pro models will get the tetraprism telephoto lens and the ultra-wide-angle camera will probably be renewed. In addition to the action button, the devices will also get a Capture Button under the side button, specifically to activate camera functions.
The iPhone 16 will of course also be renewed and may get a modified camera island with new lenses. The multifunctional action button will also be added to this device, there is even talk that the Capture Button under the side button will be added to this device.
The price of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will most likely remain the same compared to the current generation. Whether all four models can be ordered immediately is unknown. Read the highlighted article below for all the details.
Apple Watch series 10
The Apple Watch is updated every year, but the innovations are not spectacular. At first there was talk of a major change for the tenth generation Apple Watch, but unfortunately that no longer seems to be the case.
Like the Apple Watch Series 7, the new model will get a slightly larger screen, but the design has hardly been renewed. The size will probably increase to 45 mm for the smaller version and 49 mm for the larger variant. This means that the screen of the largest Apple Watch Series 10 will be the same size as the Apple Watch Ultra. The size of the case remains more or less the same, by using even thinner screen edges and a less thick case.
It also remains to be seen whether the Apple Watch Series 10 will introduce new features in the area of health. Earlier it was claimed that these sensors and software would detect high blood pressure (hypertension) and recognize sleep apnea, but due to the patent dispute over blood oxygen measurement in America, this may not go ahead. Rumors say that Apple will prepare the watch for these functions and only add them later.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
According to various sources, the Ultra will be renewed with a small update. Think of a new S10 chip (processor) and possibly an LPTO TFT display that is more energy efficient. Just like with the Series 10, Apple can already prepare the ultra for a new health function, but they are not expected immediately.
Apple Watch SE
In the Apple Watch product line, the SE version is a cheaper entry-level model. In order to further reduce the price, Apple is said to have plans to provide the Apple Watch SE with a plastic casing. Not only to reduce the price, but also to bring a clearer difference between the models. The SE is expected to retain the same functions, but with a faster chip.
AirPods 4th generation
The regular AirPods are getting their first refresh since 2021. The fourth-generation AirPods may retain their current design, but will be significantly improved in terms of software.
The AirPods 4 may get an H2 headphone chip including the associated software benefits, active noise cancellation (new), Bluetooth 5.3 and a longer battery life. In addition, the charging case would also be adjusted with USB-C, a mounting eye and speaker.
AirPods Max
The AirPods Max also require an update, but it is not yet clear whether Apple will release a second generation. The premium headphones may get USB-C and hopefully also an H2 chip with associated benefits. In addition, the storage case requires an adjustment.
AirPods Lite
Earlier there were also rumors about cheaper AirPods, possibly this would be an updated version of the AirPods 2nd generation. You could then compare this with the SE series of the iPhone and Apple Watch. Breathing new life into an old model by updating the specifications.
The AirPods Lite, or AirPods SE, will likely share the same design as the 2nd-gen AirPods, but with a USB-C charging case, no Adaptive EQ, no spatial audio, and no sweat or water resistance. It is possible that the processor will get an H2 update for better battery life.
iPad mini 7
The iPad mini is a compact tablet with an 8.3-inch display, powerful performance and support for the Apple Pencil. The 6th generation was launched in the fall of 2021 and had a completely new design similar to the iPad Pro. According to sources, we can expect the iPad mini 7th generation this year, but it will not be a major update.
The innovations will be limited to a faster processor, improved camera and possibly support for a Magic Keyboard, Smart Connector (back), Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E. The design will be retained.
iPad 2024
In the spring of 2024, the iPad Pro was updated and equipped with an M4 chip. The iPad Air was also updated with support for the Apple Pencil Pro and M2 chip, among other things. The 10th generation iPad was released in 2022 and was reduced in price last spring. It is still unclear whether Apple will update this model this year. If so, the innovations will be limited to a faster processor, improved camera and possibly support for Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E. The standard storage capacity may also be adjusted.
Software updates
This fall, we can expect iOS 18, iPadOS 18, WatchOS 11, tvOS 18, and macOS Sequoia for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Mac. Developers and public users have been able to test the software over the past few months. During the upcoming event, Apple will undoubtedly announce when we can officially download the software updates. We may also get to see a demonstration of software features exclusive to the new Apple products.
Other announcements
It is almost certain that Apple will announce the iPhone 16 (Pro), new Apple Watch models and AirPods 4th generation during the September event. Other products are to be expected.
In addition, new Macs are also expected with M4 chip. It is likely that Apple will announce these products in a separate event or via a press release. Also for these Mac models applies that the innovations are limited.