Apple's Glowtime Event 2024: What to Expect from the iPhone 16 Reveal
As autumn approaches and the leaves begin to change, the familiar flavors of pumpkin spice return, signaling the annual unveiling of a new iPhone. Apple has officially announced its upcoming Glowtime event, set for September 9th at its Cupertino headquarters. The event, which will be streamed live from the Steve Jobs Theater, kicks off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET and can be viewed on Apple’s website, YouTube, or Apple TV.
We’ll be attending in person to bring you all the latest updates from Apple’s next iPhone lineup. It’s hard to believe, but the iPhone 16 is already upon us. Promotional materials for the event suggest a vibrant and exciting reveal at Apple’s annual mobile hardware showcase. Let’s dive into what Apple might have in store this time around.
The iPhone 16: A New Look with a Removable Battery
Speculation about the iPhone 16’s hardware has been circulating for some time, with many details seemingly already uncovered. Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 16 family at the Glowtime event, which will likely include four new models, alongside a new Apple Watch. There’s also talk of a refreshed version of the AirPods, which are due for an update following last year’s introduction of a USB-C port driven by EU regulations. This year, Apple might be aiming to reclaim its lead in the wireless earbuds market, especially after Samsung’s Galaxy Buds gained some traction.
In response to European regulations, we might see the introduction of replaceable batteries in the iPhone 16. Reports this summer suggested that Apple has been working on easier-to-swap batteries to comply with upcoming laws. Although Apple has until 2027 to fully comply, the iPhone 16 could mark the first step towards improving the repairability of its devices.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 16 might be its stacked rear camera design. The base model is rumored to adopt this layout to facilitate the recording of spatial video, which can be viewed using Apple’s Vision Pro headset. This speculation stems from dummy units of the iPhone 16 that surfaced on the Chinese social media platform Weibo earlier this month. The design has sparked discussions about its resemblance to the iPhone X, potentially signaling a return to a classic aesthetic.
This month also saw rumors of a new color option for the iPhone 16 Pro Max in brown—a bold choice that has yet to be officially confirmed by Apple. Given the “glow” theme of the event, the decision to feature a color reminiscent of the 1970s is intriguing. The shade is described as similar to bronze, but you’ll have to see it for yourself to decide. As we await the official announcements, speculation continues to build.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Apple Watch
This year’s Glowtime event also marks a decade since the launch of the first Apple Watch. Such a milestone often hints at something special, and according to Bloomberg, the “Watch X” is set to make its debut. Analysts predict that Apple might introduce a thinner design and expand its lineup, with standard sizes potentially shifting from 41mm and 45mm to 45mm and 49mm.
As for the AirPods Pro 3, there are high expectations for significant upgrades. The AirPods 4 are also anticipated to receive a design refresh, though their iconic white tips are likely to remain. Apple may also bring active noise cancellation (ANC) to its more affordable AirPods models, making premium features more accessible.
With so much on the horizon, the Glowtime event promises to be a pivotal moment for Apple’s product lineup. We’re eager to see what innovations will be unveiled as Apple continues to set the standard in technology.