Apple's online storefront has gone down ahead of the "It's Glowtime" Apple event taking place later today, where several new products are expected to be announced.
MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of today's Apple event, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, including a live blog on our website and posts via @MacRumorsLive on X. For a full rundown of everything we expect to see, be sure to check out our guide.
Last week, we took a look at the EVERBOOM, a recent mid-range addition to the portable speaker lineup from Logitech's Ultimate Ears brand, and today Ultimate Ears is introducing a new smallest and cheapest member of the family, the MINIROLL. Notably, it's a revival of the previous ROLL and ROLL 2 form factor that was discontinued back in 2019, but slightly smaller and with upgraded specs.
Priced at $79.99, the MINIROLL is a compact round speaker optimized for portability. It has a hard plastic rear shell and a firm polyester mesh front, and it features the traditional oversized plus and minus volume buttons that are found on the front of most Ultimate Ears speakers. A rubber-like strap spans the entire rear of speaker, with a tab that allows the top of it to be unhooked so the speaker can be attached to backpack straps, belts, leashes, cooler handles, and even small rods like tent supports.
The MINIROLL measures a little over 4 inches (105 mm) in diameter with the strap tab adding a bit in the vertical dimension, and it's around 1.9 inches (48 mm) thick, while it weighs 9.8 ounces (279 g). With an IP67 rating, the MINIROLL is highly resistant to water and dust, and it's been drop tested to a height of 1.2 meters, so it's ready for an active lifestyle out and about in the wilderness, at the pool, and elsewhere.
In addition to the prominent volume buttons, the MINIROLL includes subtle power/pairing and play/pause buttons on the left side. A short press of the power button turns the speaker on or off, while a longer press activates the Bluetooth pairing mode. The audio control button offers the typical functionality of a single press for play/pause, a double press for skipping forward, and a triple press for skipping backward. Pressing the volume buttons simultaneously will trigger the MINIROLL to speak its approximate battery level.
For charging, there's a USB-C port on the bottom of the MINIROLL, and battery life is rated at 12 hours. The speaker can be recharged in under 3 hours, but you'll have to provide your own cable.
With its small size, there's not a ton of space inside the MINIROLL, but it still features a 45.6 mm active driver and a 37.75 x 65 mm passive radiator, and it delivers directional sound at up to 85.5 dB. This isn't going to be offering large room-filling sound, but it puts out plenty of volume for personal and small-group settings.
If you need more sound, you can sync an unlimited number of MINIROLL speakers in PartyUp mode with Auracast technology, taking advantage of Bluetooth range of up to 40 meters (131 feet). A long press on the play/pause button activates PartyUp on the primary MINIROLL, broadcasting its connection and allowing other MINIROLL speakers to join with the same long press.
The MINIROLL is available to order today from Ultimate Ears and comes in four color options: Gentle Black, Majestic Blue, Revive Grey, and Calming Pink.
Note: Ultimate Ears provided MacRumors with a MINIROLL for the purposes of this news coverage. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Ultimate Ears. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
In line with his previous reporting about the new AirPods Max, Gurman says the updated models will include improved audio performance in the form of better active noise cancellation and new adaptive audio features, while the headphones will switch from Lightning to USB-C.
Gurman previously suggested that the new AirPods Max might not arrive at tomorrow's event, citing a lack of product shortages for the current models at Apple, but it now appears we may see an introduction after all.
Previous reports have suggested the updated AirPods Max may also include some new color options, but no broader updates to the overall design are expected.
In addition to the AirPods Max, we're also expecting a more significant update for the standard AirPods tomorrow with two new AirPods 4 models rumored, including one with active noise cancellation.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said that he does not expect Apple to announce an Apple Watch Ultra 3 at its event tomorrow. Instead, he believes that Apple will introduce a black titanium color option for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Nearly a year ago, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was first to indicate there might not be an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year. At the time, Kuo said the potential lack of an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year could be partly due to Apple needing "more time to develop innovative health management features."
We're tracking a collection of big discounts on the M3 MacBook Pro this weekend at Best Buy and Amazon, including the match of an all-time low price on the entry-level M3 512GB 14-inch MacBook Pro at $1,299.00, down from $1,599.00.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy and Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Across the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro lineup you'll find $300-$350 off every model on Best Buy, with Amazon matching half of the deals. In regards to the Best Buy discounts, only one of these deals requires a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership, while all of the others are available to every customer.
If you're shopping for the 16-inch M3 MacBook Pro, you'll find $500 off every model across Best Buy and Amazon. Best Buy has the two 512GB models starting at $1,999.00 for the 18GB RAM/512GB/M3 Pro computer, and Amazon is matching these deals. For the higher capacity 1TB models, you'll only find deals available at Amazon, and they start at $2,999.00 for the 36GB RAM/1TB/M3 Max computer.
In his Power On newsletter, Gurman said that Apple now plans to make the Image Playground feature for generating images and the Genmoji feature for generating custom emoji available in iOS 18.2, which will likely be released in December.
Here is how Apple describes Image Playground:
Produce fun, original images in seconds with the Image Playground experience right in your apps. Create an entirely new image based on a description, suggested concepts, and even a person from your Photos library. You can easily adjust the style and make changes to match a Messages thread, your Freeform board, or a slide in Keynote.
Here is how Apple describes Genmoji:
Make a brand-new Genmoji right in the keyboard to match any conversation. Provide a description to see a preview, and adjust your description until it's perfect. You can even pick someone from your Photos library and create a Genmoji that looks like them.
The first Apple Intelligence features will be available starting with iOS 18.1, which is likely to be released to the public in October. These features include new writing tools for generating and summarizing text, notification summaries, suggested replies in the Messages app, the ability to record and transcribe phone calls, a new "Clean Up" tool in the Photos app that can quickly remove objects from a photo, and a few others.
Apple Intelligence will require an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 18.1 or later. The features will initially be available with device language set to English only. Apple said more languages will follow over the next year.
macOS Sequoia will be one of the earliest new macOS launches in over a decade, likely releasing within as little as just a week.
Internal Apple documentation obtained by MacRumors suggests that macOS 15.0 Sequoia will be officially released to the public by mid-September. The release dates of major macOS updates in recent years are listed below:
OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) – October 22, 2013
OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) – October 16, 2014
OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) – September 30, 2015
macOS 10.12 (Sierra) – September 20, 2016
macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) – September 25, 2017
macOS 10.14 (Mojave) – September 24, 2018
macOS 10.15 (Catalina) – October 7, 2019
macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) – November 12, 2020
macOS 12.0 (Monterey) – October 25, 2021
macOS 13.0 (Ventura) – October 24, 2022
macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) – September 26, 2023
The release of macOS Sequoia by mid-September this year would be the earliest since OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), which was released on July 25, 2012.
The new annual version of iOS has historically always been released at least a week before the new version of macOS. Sometimes, Apple leaves a considerable gap between the releases; in 2020, the company left nearly two months between the release of iOS 14 (September 16, 2020) and macOS Big Sur (November 12, 2020).
New major versions of iOS are always released before the launch of a new iPhone lineup in September. This year, the iPhone 16 lineup is expected to launch on Friday, September 20. As a result, macOS Sequoia could not only be the earliest macOS release in over a decade, but also the first simultaneous iOS/macOS release ever, or even the first time a new version of macOS has been released before the new version of iOS.
Apple is almost certain to share more information about the release of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia at its event on Monday, September 9, where it is also set to unveil the iPhone 16 lineup, new Apple Watch models, and the fourth-generation AirPods.
It's almost glowtime! Early September is always new iPhone time and this year is no exception, so buckle up for a busy event on Monday.
While we're expecting quite a few product announcements at Monday's event, anticipated updates for a number of other hardware products won't be coming until later this year or into 2025, so read on below for all the details on what you should and shouldn't be banking on for next week.
Everything to Expect From the 'It's Glowtime' Apple Event
Apple's annual fall iPhone event is right around the corner, kicking off on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. In addition to new iPhone 16 models, we're also expecting refreshes for all of the Apple Watches, new AirPods 4, and perhaps some other surprises.
Ahead of the event, we've put together a complete guide covering details on all of the hardware updates we're expecting to see. As usual, we'll also be getting final details and release dates for Apple's next set of major operating system updates, headlined by iOS 18.
How Much Will the iPhone 16 Cost?
With some significant hardware improvements coming to the iPhone 16 lineup to support Apple Intelligence features and new camera capabilities, many potential customers are wondering if Apple will be raising prices on the new models.
Current starting prices include the iPhone 15 at $799, the iPhone 15 Plus at $899, the iPhone 15 Pro at $999, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,199. At a minimum, one analyst firm expects the price of the iPhone 16 Pro to rise to $1,099 due in part to an increase in base storage from 128GB to 256GB, matching a change made with the Pro Max model last year.
Apple Likely to Launch M4 Macs in November
While we're not expecting new Macs at Monday's event, Apple is preparing to transition its entire lineup to the M4 family of chips, and we're hearing from our own sources that a first batch of releases is likely to come in November. That doesn't rule out a late October announcement, but availability is looking more like November.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has indicated we can expect updated MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini models in this round, with the rest of the Mac lineup transitioning to the M4 chips starting early next year.
Gurman: Apple Event in October Will Include New iPad Mini
Amid shortages of the current model and rumored upgrades, there has been speculation about whether Apple will be introducing an updated iPad mini at Monday's event, but it looks like that won't be happening just yet. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the iPad mini is likely to come as part of an October event that will also feature the M4 Mac updates. It would make sense for a new entry-level iPad to come at the same time, but we haven't heard much about that potential update.
One other product that had been speculated about for a potential September update was a minor update for the AirPods Max bringing a USB-C port and some fresh colors, but it appears that's not in the cards quite yet either. Same story for an updated Apple TV.
iPhone SE 4 to Complete Apple's Switch to OLED Across iPhone Lineup
We've been hearing for quite some time that the next-generation iPhone SE will be a significant upgrade for Apple's budget phone, transitioning away from the iPhone 8-style design with a Touch ID Home button and large top and bottom bezels to an all-screen design with Face ID.
Rumors out of the Japanese display industry indicate that the display changes will involve a shift to OLED technology, marking an end to the production of iPhone models with LCD displays. As for when we can expect the fourth-generation iPhone SE to launch, rumors point to early next year.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
Apple is hosting an online streaming event for the public and press on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The company is expected to announce its new iPhone 16 lineup alongside new Apple Watch models, and potentially other products during the event, dubbed "It's Glowtime." Here's how you can watch it and when, wherever you are in the world.
There are multiple ways to watch the September 9 event, with details listed below. We've also included a useful guide on when the event will take place in your particular time zone.
Apple Events Website
With the Apple Events website, you can watch the event live on a Mac, iPhone, iPad, PC, or any other device with a web browser. The Apple Events website works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and other main browsers.
Just navigate to www.apple.com/apple-events/ using a web browser at the appropriate time to watch. You can visit the site now to add an event reminder to your calendar.
YouTube
Apple also plans to stream the event live on YouTube, which is perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to watch because the YouTube live stream can be viewed on every platform where YouTube is available, which is pretty much all platforms, from smartphones and tablets to consoles and smart TVs.
Apple used to have a dedicated Apple Events app on the Apple TV, but ahead of WWDC 2020, it was folded into the Apple TV app. On event day, there will be a prominent Apple TV app section dedicated to the live stream, which can be watched on any device where the Apple TV app is available.
This includes the Apple TV, iPhones, iPads, and Macs, as well as select smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. If you have an Apple TV, the Apple TV app is one of the best ways to watch the event live. Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV app with the new event as of yet, but it should be added soon.
Apple's event will take place at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, like most Apple events. Event times in other time zones are listed below.
Honolulu, Hawaii — 7:00 a.m. HAST
Anchorage, Alaska — 9:00 a.m. AKDT
Cupertino, California — 10:00 a.m. PDT
Phoenix, Arizona — 10:00 a.m. MST
Vancouver, Canada — 10:00 a.m. PDT
Denver, Colorado — 11:00 a.m. MDT
Dallas, Texas — 12:00 noon CDT
New York, New York — 1:00 p.m. EDT
Toronto, Canada — 1:00 p.m. EDT
Halifax, Canada — 2:00 p.m. ADT
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — 2:00 p.m. BRT
London, United Kingdom — 6:00 p.m. BST
Berlin, Germany — 7:00 p.m. CEST
Paris, France — 7:00 p.m. CEST
Cape Town, South Africa — 7:00 p.m. SAST
Helsinki, Finland — 8:00 p.m. EEST
Istanbul, Turkey — 8:00 p.m. TRT
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — 9:00 p.m. GST
Delhi, India — 10:30 p.m. IST
Jakarta, Indonesia — 12:00 a.m. WIB next day
Shanghai, China — 1:00 a.m. CST next day
Singapore — 1:00 a.m. SGT next day
Perth, Australia — 1:00 a.m. AWST next day
Hong Kong — 1:00 a.m. HKT next day
Seoul, South Korea — 2:00 a.m. KST next day
Tokyo, Japan — 2:00 a.m. JST next day
Adelaide, Australia — 2:30 a.m. ACST next day
Sydney, Australia — 3:00 a.m. AEST next day
Auckland, New Zealand — 5:00 a.m. NZST next day
MacRumors Coverage
If you're not able to watch or just want to follow along with us as we watch the event unfold, visit MacRumors.com for our liveblog or follow us on Twitter at MacRumorsLive for our live tweet coverage.
Both the MacRumors site and our Twitter account are excellent ways to discuss the new announcements with other Apple enthusiasts as Apple unveils its new products. Later in the day and throughout the week, we'll also have much more in-depth coverage of all of Apple's announcements, so make sure to stay tuned.
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.
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 be about a third smaller.
All of the iPhone 16 models will get an A18 chip, but there could be variants. Apple could use a higher-end A18 chip with an extra GPU core in the Pro models, which would let all iPhone 16 devices run Apple Intelligence, but would still provide for some differentiation between the Pro and non-Pro models. A new thermal architecture with a graphene heatsink and metal battery casing is expected, and while the heatsink is also coming to the iPhone 16, the other thermal changes could be Pro only.
Apple is expected to adopt Qualcomm's X75 5G modem in the Pro models for faster 5G speeds through carrier aggregation. The X75 has a combined mmWave and sub-6GHz transceiver rather than using separate hardware, so it's smaller and uses up less power.
We could see improvements in battery life with the X75 chip and the A18 processor, plus Apple is using slightly bigger batteries with a 5 to 9 percent jump in capacity. There have been rumors that the iPhone 16 Pro models will support Wi-Fi 7, but that's also a feature Apple might hold until next year. As for storage, both Pro models could start with 256GB.
Early on, there were a few rumors about 20W MagSafe charging speeds and 40W wired charging speeds, but that's sounding like a long shot now. The microphone will have better water resistance and better sound thanks to AI. There may also be some iPhone 16 Pro-specific Apple Intelligence features that we don't know about yet.
As with every new iPhone launch, there are updated colors. We're expecting the standard black, white, and natural titanium options, but this year's special color is a shade of gold. Some rumors have described it as a bronze shade, and some dummy leaks have suggested that it's a darker brown color than Apple's prior gold selections, but color is so dependent on lighting that it's hard to say for sure. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the shade "looks impressive and not terrible like the early renders."
Early iPhone 16 Pro dummy models via Sonny Dickson
Apple is refreshing the Apple Watch this year, but there are some ambiguities and questions about just what we'll see. 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of when the Apple Watch was introduced in September 2014, and it will be the "Series 10," but the Apple Watch launched in 2015. While there have been rumors of a major anniversary refresh, it's been unclear if that will happen this year or next year.
The Apple Watch is expected to be slimmer than prior versions, and Apple is increasing the size. Rather than 41mm and 45mm models, it's looking like we'll get 45mm and 49mm options. Size could increase through a decrease in bezels and by making the casing itself larger. A 4mm jump will be a noticeable but not enormous size increase.
There were CAD renders of a next-generation Apple Watch with a 2-inch display, which is just slightly bigger than the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra display. That screen could be destined for the 49mm Series 10. Apple could boost water resistance with the design change, certifying the device for high-speed water sports up to 20 meters deep. The new Series 10 models may get the Depth app, which was first introduced for the Apple Watch Ultra.
Aside from the increase in size and the thinner design, the updated models are said to look like the current Apple Watch models with no radical changes. Early on, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple was working on a new magnetic band attachment system, but it's no longer sounding like that's a feature we're going to get this year.
Apple will update the OLED display to be more energy efficient, and with a bigger casing, battery size may increase too, leading to better battery life.
Apple is reportedly planning to include an updated heart rate and ECG sensor in the Apple Watch Series 10 that will enable new features like sleep apnea detection. Sleep apnea detection has been long rumored for the Series 10, but it was unclear if it would be implemented at launch because of an ongoing patent dispute that has seen Apple disable blood oxygen detection in the current-generation Apple watch models in the U.S.
Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing while asleep, which can lead to excessive tiredness. It is usually diagnosed through a sleep study, and fixing it requires a breathing apparatus like a CPAP machine. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 will reportedly be able to detect sleep apnea using Apple Watch sleep tracking, providing a reading after collecting sleep data for several days.
Apple also wanted to include blood pressure monitoring, but that feature was not ready for launch and will not be included in the Series 10.
For the last several years, the Apple Watch has used an S-series chip that's changed little, but this year's S10 is expected to bring a notable upgrade in performance. While the Apple Watch will not get "major" Apple Intelligence capabilities, there could perhaps be AI features tied to a future health coach service, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
We have additional details on what to expect for the Apple Watch in our roundup.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Color Update
While we had been expecting that any new hardware improvements for the Apple Watch Series 10 would likely make their way into a new Apple Watch Ultra 3, a last-minute rumor claims we will not be getting a new generation of Apple's premium smartwatch.
Instead, Gurman indicates the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may simply be made available in a new black color option, something that was rumored for last year at this model's introduction but did not occur.
Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch SE 3 could get a refresh this fall, and there are rumors that Apple will use a plastic casing rather than an aluminum casing for the device.
A rigid plastic material would keep costs down, while also being more durable than aluminum in terms of scratches and drops. Such an Apple Watch could also be made in an array of bright colors, which would appeal to children.
Apple has been promoting the Apple Watch as an option for parents who want to give their kids a device for communication and safety, and a lower-cost Apple Watch SE could help and also differentiate the device from the aluminum Apple Watch models.
Apple has not used plastic for the casing of a device since the iPhone 5c, a phone that came in vibrant blue, yellow, pink, and green colors. Aside from a new material, the Apple Watch SE is expected to have the same general design with no updates and no other feature changes except for an improved chip.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says in a last-minute rumor that he "wouldn't rule out a delay" for the new Apple Watch SE, but whether this means we may not see an announcement at all or perhaps simply a later time frame for availability than expected is unclear.
AirPods 4
There are two versions of the AirPods 4 in the works, both of which feature a new design. The updated AirPods will look like a cross between the current AirPods and the AirPods Pro, with Apple adopting a shorter stem. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says there will be an updated fit, but it's not yet clear what that means.
The higher-priced AirPods 4 will have Active Noise Cancellation, a feature that has previously been limited to the AirPods Pro and the AirPods Max. The lower-end model will be a direct upgrade to the current AirPods 3.
Pricing on these new models isn't known yet. The AirPods 3 cost $179 (with MagSafe case), the AirPods 2 are $129, and the AirPods Pro 2 are $249, so Apple needs to price the new model somewhere in the middle. The lower-cost AirPods 4 could get a price drop to put it closer in line with the AirPods 2, which will be discontinued, and the ANC model could be priced between $180 and $200, well below the AirPods Pro.
Apple is going to update the AirPods 4 case, and it could have a new look. It will get a speaker for Find My, allowing it to play a sound when lost, and it'll have a USB-C port for charging instead of a Lightning port. MagSafe charging will also still be a feature.
Depending on design, the ANC probably won't be on par with the ANC in the AirPods Pro as those have silicone ear tips, but there are rumors of improvements to sound quality.
Eventually, Apple plans to announce hearing aid replacement functionality for the AirPods, plus it will add an option for conducting hearing tests with the earbuds. These features may not be available when the AirPods launch, instead coming at a later date.
AirPods Max
Apple plans to refresh the AirPods Max in 2024, but don't get excited. We aren't expecting any new features except for a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, some minor audio improvements, and possibly new color options. While it was initially thought that this update might not arrive until later in the year, perhaps simply via a press release, Gurman has indicated at the last minute that they are indeed expected to be introduced at Monday's event.
Other Unlikely Possibilities
iPad mini 7
The iPad mini 7 could see an update in 2024, but it likely won't be coming at Apple's September event. Apple is said to be planning to hold a second event in October 2024, and it would make more sense for the new iPad mini to come out then alongside new M4 Macs.
Few changes are expected for the next-generation iPad mini, and it will continue to have an 8.3-inch display size with Touch ID power button. There could be a small change to the display to cut down on the "jelly scrolling" effect that some people complained about with the iPad mini 6. Jelly scrolling refers to the sometimes noticeable lag when scrolling vertically through text-based content like a webpage.
We are expecting the iPad mini to have a variant of the A17 or A18 chip that is compatible with Apple Intelligence, and we could get new colors, an upgraded front-facing camera, and support for Wi-Fi 6E.
iPad 11
The iPad hasn't been refreshed since 2022, and it is overdue for an update. There are rumors suggesting we could get a new model in 2024, but it too will likely come out later in the year.
There are no rumors about new features for the next-generation iPad, but it is expected to get a better A-series chip.
Software Updates
iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, tvOS 18, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2 are in beta testing, and at the fall event, Apple will give us a heads up on when the new operating system updates will be released.
Typically iOS 18 and its sister updates come out just a few days ahead of when new iPhones launch, so if the iPhone 16 models launch on Friday, September 20 after their September 9 debut date, we could see the software come out earlier in the week of September 20.
There may also be Apple Intelligence features that are exclusive to the iPhone 16 models that Apple has been keeping under wraps, so there may be some software-based surprises coming.
How to Watch
Apple's "It's Glowtime" event will start at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday, September 9. Apple will livestream the event on its website and on YouTube, plus the livestream will be available through the Apple TV app on supported devices.
For those unable to watch the livestream, MacRumors will be providing full event coverage on MacRumors.com and the MacRumorsLive Twitter account, plus we'll do a much deeper dive into all the announcements over the course of the next week.
Update September 8, 7:39 pm: This article has been updated with the latest information on the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE, and AirPods Max.
The upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 3 models that Apple will introduce next week could include an updated heart rate and ECG sensor that will enable new health features like sleep apnea detection, reports 9to5Mac. Sleep apnea detection has been long rumored for the Series 10, but it was believed to rely on blood oxygen monitoring, a feature that is disabled in current-generation U.S. Apple Watch models due to patent issues.
Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing while asleep, which can lead to excessive tiredness. It is usually diagnosed through a sleep study, and fixing it requires a breathing apparatus like a CPAP machine. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 3 will reportedly be able to detect sleep apnea using Apple Watch sleep tracking, providing a reading after collecting sleep data for several days.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that the new Apple Watch Series 10 models will have larger 45mm and 49mm display sizes, but 9to5Mac claims that the resolutions are lower than current 45mm and 49mm models, and the site believes that the Series 10 will come in 44mm and 48mm sizes. The new watch sizes will be highlighted by a new "Reflections" watch face, as well as a "Regatta" Hermès watch face.
The Hermès watch face will also be available on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, hinting at the first Hermès band for the Ultra. An Hermès band with what could be titanium lugs was recently spotted on eBay, further suggesting that Hermès will design bands for the larger, more rugged Apple Watch.
With the display size increase and a redesign that will see the new model offering reduced thickness, Apple could also boost water resistance, certifying the device for high-speed water sports up to 20 meters deep. The new Series 10 models may get the Depth app, which was first introduced for the Apple Watch Ultra.
Other new features coming to the Series 10 include an upgraded S10 chip and new OLED display technology that is more power efficient. More information on rumors we've heard about the Series 10 can be found in our guide.
There are no other features planned for the Apple Watch Ultra, and though not mentioned in the report, Apple also plans to refresh the Apple Watch SE.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE 2 stock is running low on Apple's online store in the U.S. and some other countries, with various configurations listed as currently unavailable. Some standalone Apple Watch bands are also out of stock.
Apple Watch inventory routinely dwindles ahead of new models launching. At its special event on Monday, Apple is expected to announce Apple Watch Series 10 models with larger displays and a thinner design, an Apple Watch SE 3 that might have a plastic casing, and an Apple Watch Ultra 3 with internal upgrades, including a faster chip.
Apple Watch SE 2 configurations selling out supports the expectation of an Apple Watch SE 3. The current Apple Watch SE was released in 2022.
We'll have full coverage of Apple's event next week, ranging from the iPhone 16 series to all of the rumored new Apple Watch and AirPods models, so be sure to follow along to learn more about all of the devices that are announced.
This week's best Apple deals focused on iPad models, including the 9th generation and 10th generation tablets, which both hit record low prices in the last few days. You'll also find steep discounts on Anker's latest MagSafe-compatible accessories, Sonos headphones and speakers, and Bluetooth trackers in the deals below.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Anker
What's the deal? Buy two Anker MagGo accessories, get 15% off
Anker this week launched a sale discounting a few of its latest MagSafe-compatible accessories, including the new MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Station. With this sale, when you buy two MagGo accessories, you'll get 15 percent off your order.
iPads
What's the deal? Take up to $130 off 9th and 10th gen iPads
This week we saw notable discounts on both the 9th generation and 10th generation iPad, available for $199.00 ($130 off) and $299.00 ($50 off), respectively. These are both record low prices for each model of the iPad, and they're both available on Amazon.
Sonos
What's the deal? Save on Sonos headphones and other audio accessories
Sonos introduced a new set of discounts on headphones, speakers, and more this week during its end of summer sale. The most notable discount this time around is on the Sonos Ace headphones at $50 off, priced at $399.
Bluetooth Trackers
What's the deal? Save on AirTag and Eufy SmartTrack Card
Solid deals on Bluetooth trackers reemerged this week, including the AirTag 4-Pack for $79.98 and the Eufy SmartTrack Card for $16.95. The price on the AirTag is just $6 higher compared to its all-time low price, and you can also get the AirTag 1-Pack for $24.99 right now on Amazon.
Grid Studio
What's the deal? Get 20% off select Grid Studio products
Grid Studio is celebrating its fourth anniversary this week, and you can get 20 percent off select products with the code GRID4 at checkout. Grid Studio is known for its disassembled iPhone art, but you can also find products like Game Boys and N64 controllers.
Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
Ahead of Apple's "It's Glowtime" iPhone event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through all of the major announcements we're expecting to see.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are rumored to feature vertical camera layouts, enabling spatial video recording. The devices are expected to be powered by the A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence. The Action Button, which is currently exclusive to Pro models, is expected to appear on the standard models for the first time, offering customizable functionality for actions such as launching the camera or enabling silent mode. A new Capture Button is also rumored to be included, allowing for dedicated photo and video controls, with gestures such as swiping to zoom or using a soft press for focus.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will reportedly introduce larger displays, increasing from 6.1- to 6.3-inches and 6.7- to 6.9-inches, while incorporating slimmer bezels for a sleeker design. These models are also rumored to include an upgraded 48-megapixel ultra wide camera to enhance low-light photography. Like the standard models, the Pro variants will feature the A18 chip and the all-new Capture Button.
Apple is also expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, which will reportedly have sleep apnea detection and the S10 chip, potentially bringing some AI enhancements. The Series 10 is also expected to have larger, thinner casings. Meanwhile, the more affordable Apple Watch SE 3 is rumored to feature larger displays, plastic casings to lower manufacturing costs, and a faster chip.
Apple is also expected to introduce the AirPods 4 in two variants. Both versions will reportedly include an improved design, a USB-C port, the H2 chip, and Bluetooth 5.3. The high-end model is expected to feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a charging case with a built-in speaker for Find My.
Apple's "It's Glowtime" event starts at 10:00 a.m. PDT on Monday, September 9. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips:
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion about what we're expecting from this year's M4 Mac models.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
Apple is rumored to have been working on its own 5G modem for iPhones since 2018, and it appears the chip will finally debut next year.
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today estimated that shipments of Apple's in-house 5G chip will reach 35-40 million units in 2025, and "grow rapidly" to 90-110 million units in 2026 and 160-180 million units in 2027.
Kuo previously said two iPhone models with an Apple-designed 5G modem will be released in 2025, including a fourth-generation iPhone SE in the first quarter of the year and an all-new, ultra-thin iPhone 17 model in the third quarter.
All existing iPhones that are currently sold by Apple are equipped with Qualcomm modems for cellular connectivity, but Kuo expects Apple to transition away from Qualcomm over time. Earlier this year, Apple extended its 5G modem supply agreement with Qualcomm for iPhone launches through 2026, so Apple still has plenty of time.
Apple acquired the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business in 2019, as part of its efforts to design its own 5G chip. It is unclear if Apple's chip would have any consumer benefits over Qualcomm's modems, but it would reduce Apple's reliance on Qualcomm. In 2017, Apple sued Qualcomm over alleged anticompetitive practices and $1 billion in unpaid royalty rebates. The two companies settled the lawsuit in 2019.
Gurman expects the new iPad mini to be announced at the October event alongside the first Macs with the M4 series of chips, including the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac. The M4 chip debuted in the iPad Pro earlier this year.
Apple has yet to confirm an October event this year. In 2023, it held a virtual event on October 30 to unveil MacBook Pro and iMac models with the M3 series of chips.
Gurman did not reveal any new features planned for the seventh-generation iPad mini, but previous rumors have indicated that upgrades will include a faster chip, upgraded front and rear cameras, a fix for "jelly scrolling" screen tearing in portrait orientation, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, and new color options.
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the next iPad mini would enter mass production in the second half of 2024, so there is agreement from multiple credible sources about the device being updated later this year.
Apple released the current iPad mini in September 2021, with new features at the time including a larger 8.3-inch display, a USB-C port, a Touch ID power button, the A15 Bionic chip, 5G support on cellular models, a 12-megapixel rear camera with Center Stage support, compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, and more.
Gurman said "new iPads" plural would be unveiled at the October event, so the entry-level iPad may be updated then too.
The iPhone 16 Pro succeeds 2023's iPhone 15 Pro, introducing over 45 new features and improvements to Apple's high-end smartphones. With many users adopting three-year upgrade cycles, plenty of iPhone 13 Pro owners will be looking to upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro, so this guide outlines some of the major differences you should be aware of between the two generations.
The iPhone 13 Pro debuted in 2021, introducing a brighter display with ProMotion technology for refresh rates up to 120Hz, the A15 Bionic chip, a telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, macro photography and photographic styles, Cinematic mode for recording videos with shallow depth of field, ProRes video recording, a 1TB storage option, and up to five hours of additional battery life. Three years later, the iPhone 16 Pro offers a noticeable upgrade, with the accumulative improvements of three generations stacking up. To get a sense of the entirety of the changes, see our other three buyer's guides that set out every difference offered when making the jump from the iPhone 13 Pro to the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 14 Pro to the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro to the iPhone 16 Pro:
Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 13 Pro, introducing meaningful quality-of-life features like the always-on display, Dynamic Island, USB-C port, Action button, and Camera Control that change the methods of interaction with the device. The new lightweight titanium design with contoured edges, Dynamic Island, and larger screens with slimmer borders result in a noticeably different aesthetic and feel in the hand.
The iPhone 16 Pro also brings advancements to photography and videography, adding support for 24-megapixel high-resolution photos, Smart HDR 5, revamped Photographic Styles, Action Mode, and next-generation portraits – practical features that most users can take advantage of. There are substantial hardware improvements to all three rear cameras with the addition of a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera, 48-megapixel ultra wide camera, and a tetraprism telephoto camera, offering up to 5x optical zoom. Even the flash is upgraded with Apple's Adaptive True Tone technology. Features like 48-megapixel HEIF capture, external and log recording, Academy Color Encoding System, and fast data transfer via USB 3 are also major upgrades for professionals.
The iPhone 13 Pro does not support Apple Intelligence, Apple's upcoming suite of AI tools. With the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro has full support for Apple Intelligence, including Apple's new Visual Lookup feature, which is exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup. It is also worth noting that the iPhone 16 Pro offers considerably longer battery life, a brighter display, Roadside Assistance via satellite, faster charging, new color options, Wi-Fi 7 support, the second-generation ultra wideband chip, and more.
Due to the scale and breadth of these improvements, many iPhone 13 Pro users can justify upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro, especially if they value the new design, USB-C port, Action button, and camera improvements. Some users may still be able to stick with their current device for one more year to hold off for an even more substantial upgrade in the future, but it is probably time to start thinking about an upgrade.
Update: Apple told MacRumors that Open Web Advocacy's allegation that Apple is misleading the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is inaccurate. Apple says it told the CMA that the design of the identified browser setting was changed in a recent software update. The design was apparently never intended to discourage users from setting third-party browsers as the default.
Apple faces allegations of misleading the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over a user interface issue in iOS related to changing the default browser, Open Web Advocacy reports.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced accusing Apple of implementing a deceptive design practice in iOS that made it more difficult for users to switch their default browser if Safari was already set as the default. The issue was initially highlighted in March 2024 and was independently verified by multiple sources, including Ars Technica and the CMA. Specifically, the design hid the option to change the default browser when Safari was set as the default, while other browsers like Chrome and Firefox continued to display the option regardless of whether they were the default or not. This behavior was eventually addressed in an iOS update.
Now, in a formal response to the CMA, Apple has denied that this issue ever existed. The company responded to the regulator's inquiry on August 1, 2024, stating that the allegations regarding the hidden option to change the default browser were incorrect. The response read, "This is not correct. The default browser app setting in the Safari tab is clearly visible when the user has set Safari as the default." The statement effectively denies that the behavior reported by the CMA and others had ever been present in iOS, despite the availability of screenshots, videos, and other forms of evidence supporting the claims from media outlets and industry experts.
Apple has not provided an explanation for how its claim in the August response aligns with these findings, leaving open the question of whether the company's internal processes failed to verify the accuracy of its statements or whether it is actively attempting to minimize the situation. The matter could have legal implications. Under UK law, providing false or misleading information to a regulatory body such as the CMA can be considered a criminal offense. The CMA has the authority to request documentation, internal communications, and other records to verify claims made by companies under investigation. If it is determined that Apple provided false or incomplete information, the company could face penalties, including fines.
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Dummy models featuring the rumored iPhone 16 colors
Early iPhone 16 Pro dummy models via 
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
