Apple is launching its 2024 flagship iPhones at the Glowtime event on Monday, September 9. The event is scheduled to begin at 10.30 PM IST and will be held at Apple Park, the company’s headquarters in San Francisco. The launch event will be live streamed on Apple’s official YouTube channel and the company’s India website. At the event, Apple will announce four new iPhones, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apart from the iPhones, Apple will also launch the Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4. However, the main highlight of the event will be the launch of Apple Intelligence on iPhones.

It’s Glowtime with Apple Intelligence

Apple announced Apple Intelligence – the company’s take on artificial intelligence (AI) – at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2024. At the time, the company announced that Apple Intelligence support would be “available for free” on the new iPhone 16 series and the existing iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and M1 and later iPads and Macs.

Apple is making significant changes to Siri with the introduction of Apple Intelligence. Apple says this will mark the beginning of a “new era for Siri.” Apple has said the AI ​​enhancements will make Siri more natural, relevant, and personal.

The name of the program, “It’s Glowtime,” is also inspired by one of the notable visual changes coming to the iPhone: activating Siri will cause a glowing light to flash around the corners of the screen, similar to Android’s notification effects.

With the arrival of new Apple intelligence in iPhones, we will also see OpenAI’s ChatGPT integration in Apple phones. ChatGPT-4o support will be added to iPhones and eventually chatbots from Google, Anthropic and other AI platforms will also be rolled out.

What to expect from the iPhone 16 series

Apple continues its tradition of offering four models in the iPhone 16 lineup: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. Each device is powered by the new A18 Pro chipset, which delivers high-performance capabilities across the board, but each model brings its own unique features.

The standard iPhone 16 returns design elements from the iPhone 11, with vertically stacked cameras housed in a capsule-shaped module replacing the diagonal arrangement seen in recent versions. Available in playful colours like white, black, blue, green and pink, the iPhone 16 offers a refreshed aesthetic while retaining familiar features. The camera system is the same as the iPhone 15, with a 48-megapixel primary sensor with 2x optical zoom, making it a solid choice for everyday users.

The iPhone 16 Plus is designed for those who prefer a bigger screen, which is perfect for streaming and gaming. Although it has many of the same features as the standard model, including the camera system, it stands out with its larger display. There is, however, a slight compromise: the battery capacity is expected to be around 9 per cent lower than last year’s model. Despite this, the improved battery efficiency could help compensate for the smaller size.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature the most advanced features, including a significant camera upgrade. The ultra-wide lens grows from 12-megapixels to 48-megapixels, providing improved photo quality. Additionally, battery life is expected to be significantly improved, allowing users to enjoy more usage time. A new “Desert Titanium” color, with its matte finish, adds a sophisticated touch to these premium models.

Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4

This time the Apple Watch Series 10 is likely to be something special as it is also the tenth anniversary of the smartwatch. This milestone release is rumoured to have a sleeker, thinner design with a larger display size. Reports suggest that the current 41mm model could grow to 45mm, while the 45mm version could grow to 49mm, giving users more screen space and a more immersive experience.

The Apple Watch’s health and fitness tracking features, which are a major part of its appeal, could also see major upgrades. There is speculation that blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection could also be included thanks to advanced sleep and breathing analysis.

Alongside the Apple Watch, Apple is expected to refresh its AirPods lineup with the release of the AirPods 4. These new earbuds are expected to adopt a modern design with a shorter stem, offering a more streamlined look. Additionally, the AirPods 4 may switch to USB-C charging, which aligns with Apple’s transition to this universal standard, as seen in recent iPad and MacBook models.

One of the most exciting rumors about the AirPods 4 is the possible inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which was previously available exclusively for the AirPods Pro. If true, this would significantly increase the value of the standard AirPods by offering users premium audio features at a more affordable price. Overall, both the Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 are expected to feature significant advancements in design and functionality.