With the iPhone 16 and Apple Intelligence, the tech giant must prove that it hasn’t fallen behind in the AI arms race. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Stakes are high for Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ event, which will showcase AI-powered iPhones in full glory. For years, Apple’s September event has been synonymous with new flagship iPhones and swanky Apple Watches. However, this time around, investors on Wall Street are closely watching to see if the tech giant can convince consumers to splurge on artificial intelligence-infused hardware amid an economic slowdown and sluggish consumer electronics sales. Brands like Microsoft, Samsung, and Google have attempted to sell AI hardware, but none have achieved the success they anticipated despite making tall claims. Critics hope Apple might change the narrative around AI devices with Apple Intelligence.
Here’s a lowdown on what’s coming and what not to expect at Apple’s event.
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iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: No redesign, but faster and larger screens
The iPhone 16 will be Apple’s first generative AI smartphone. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
The last time Apple made a major design change to the iPhone was in 2017 with the launch of the iPhone X. Since then, Apple has only made small iterations each year—not enough to move the needle, but it hasn’t had a negative effect on sales. Call it the stickiness of the Apple ecosystem or the lack of innovation in the smartphone space, but consumers are left with no choice but to buy iPhones.
With the new iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, things aren’t going to change. Instead, expect minor improvements to existing features—good enough for many people to shop for new iPhones. While there’s no major design change in tow, this year’s new iPhone models may introduce a feature called the ‘Capture’ button on all models, allowing users to take pictures without using the touchscreen. Nothing fancy here, but it will be interesting to see what Apple does differently with a dedicated shutter button and whether the changes also include updates to the camera app. Another prominent change expected on all iPhone 16 models is the Action button, which was introduced last year on the high-end Pro models. However, don’t be surprised to see vertically aligned lenses on the back of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. That’s the only notable design change coming to the iPhone 16 series.
What’s different this time will be slightly larger screens. The Pro model is going from a 6.1-inch screen to 6.3 inches, while the larger Max version will increase from 6.7 to 6.9 inches. The phones will be slightly larger, but the fit and feel will most likely remain unchanged from last year’s models, as much of the screen-size gain will come from minimal bezels. All models will feature improved ultra-wide cameras that handle low light better, and the iPhone 16 Pro will upgrade to a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera to better match the wide-angle lens’ overall performance. Additionally, the 5x zoom telephoto lens, which was previously reserved for the Pro Max last year, will be included on the smaller Pro model this time.
As expected, all four iPhone 16 models will also feature a new A-series chip, which will likely offer modest gains in performance and efficiency, along with slightly more memory to support Apple Intelligence and larger batteries.
Apple Watch Series X, Ultra and SE: Improved health features
Apple has to convince users to shell money for AI-powered iPhone 16 series. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
When the Apple Watch debuted a few years ago, it was a fresh attempt to redefine smartwatches, and Cupertino succeeded to some extent. However, given the progress other players have made in this category and the expansion of wearables beyond smartwatches, Apple is in dire need of an update for the Apple Watch.
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There have been no significant design changes or health features added to the Apple Watch, barring the introduction of the outdoor-focused Ultra model a couple of years ago. However, Apple seems ready to give the Apple Watch a fresh makeover to boost flagging sales amid the market saturation of smartwatches. The Apple Watch Series 10 or Series X (whatever Apple decides to use for the marketing name) might feature a new, larger screen option at 49 mm and a thinner design. As for internal upgrades, the new model may include an updated ECG/heart rate sensor, improved water resistance, and new watch faces. Perhaps the major health feature Apple is preparing for the Apple Watch is sleep apnea detection—a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep.
Two more Apple Watch models will join the Apple Watch Series 10: a high-end Ultra model, which may feature a faster processor and updated health features but no major redesign, and the SE model, which could attract new users to the Apple Watch. The SE model may come with a new plastic chassis, colourful options, and a more affordable entry-level price, aimed at kids.
AirPods and AirPods Max: Entry-level model may spice up affordable TWS market
Another product category where Apple has faced significant competition in recent years is the wireless headphone segment. In fact, Apple is no longer the biggest player in the TWS segment, as smaller companies from India and other emerging markets continue to grow exponentially. However, Apple has a plan to make a comeback: a new budget AirPods model may target the affordable truly wireless earbuds market. Its design will be inspired by the AirPods Pro but will lack active noise cancellation and advanced features. The mid-tier version may include a speaker on the case, Find My support, and noise cancellation. There are also high hopes for an updated version of the AirPods Max, which have not seen any updates since their initial introduction four years ago.
iPad mini may get a sequel
The iPad mini is set for a minor upgrade this year. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
There’s a high chance Apple may launch a new iPad mini model alongside the new iPhones and Apple Watches. Although the iPad mini isn’t a mass-market product anymore, some users still prefer a compact iPad. The question is: how long will Apple keep the iPad mini in the lineup, or will it face the same fate as the iPhone mini? Only time will tell.
*There will be four new iPhone 16 models: the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus at the entry-level, and the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max at the top end.
*All four models will feature the new “Capture” button and the Action button.
*The Pro is going from a 6.1-inch screen to 6.3 inches, while the larger Max version will go from 6.7 to 6.9 inches.
*All new iPhones will be powered by an A18 Bionic chip and run iOS 18.
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Sorry, no new Macs
Although rumours of a new Mac mini the size of an Apple TV are circulating, Apple may hold off on the announcement and instead launch a new M4 Mac series later this year. With the Mac lineup having expanded recently and the AI PC buzz everywhere, Apple might give the Mac its own spotlight rather than launching it alongside the iPhone 16 series.
Apple Intelligence: The AI-gadget era is upon us, but how Apple rolls out AI will be key
Apple Intelligence made its debut at WWDC 2024. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Even though Apple has underwhelmed with its products in recent years due to stale designs and lacklustre features, there is one thing that could save Apple from a disappointing market outlook: the launch of Apple Intelligence. Giants like Microsoft and Google, along with startups like Humane, have tried to sell products with artificial intelligence. However, neither the devices nor the experiences have excited consumers. But expectations for Apple are high, and Wall Street is pinning its hopes on the Tim Cook-led company to figure out whether AI is the future, as the industry wants us to believe, or just a passing trend like the metaverse.
The launch of the iPhone 16 will be Apple’s first test to determine if Apple Intelligence, a system consisting of a suite of artificial intelligence features, is a must-have that creates entirely new experiences. Moreover, Apple needs to convince millions of customers that it’s time for an upgrade not because the camera is better or the processor is faster, but because the iPhone now includes useful AI features. Consumer acceptance of AI is still a question mark, though. The new iPhone 16 will be loaded with AI features such as improved Siri and writing tools, but how Apple rolls out Apple Intelligence will make or break the moment. With looming regulation and the EU being tough on big tech, Apple may not quickly launch Apple Intelligence to every iPhone user. Experts believe that Apple may roll out Apple Intelligence in stages, starting with the US and followed by other markets. Additionally, many of the features Apple announced in June won’t be ready on Day 1, meaning they will be introduced in phases over the coming months.
Anuj Bhatia is a personal technology writer at indianexpress.com who has been covering smartphones, personal computers, gaming, apps, and lifestyle tech actively since 2011. He specialises in writing longer-form feature articles and explainers on trending tech topics. His unique interests encompass delving into vintage tech, retro gaming and composing in-depth narratives on the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. He covers major international tech conferences and product launches from the world's biggest and most valuable tech brands including Apple, Google and others. At the same time, he also extensively covers indie, home-grown tech startups. Prior to joining The Indian Express in late 2016, he served as a senior tech writer at My Mobile magazine and previously held roles as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. Anuj holds a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. You can find Anuj on Linkedin.
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