The 9 September marked Apple's Special Event date for late 2024, where the company revealed the iPhone 16 range, new AirPods models and features, the Apple Watch Series 10, a timeline for Apple Intelligence updates, and yet more.
The event took place a day earlier than typical – on a Monday, not the usual Tuesday slot – under the teaser invitation of 'It's Glowtime'. T3's team was covering the news in the run-up to the event, blogging live during the event itself, and below you can read a range of opinions and features:
Apple's Glowtime 9 September 2024 Event: Main Headlines
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: all four models compared
- iPhone 16 brings AI and improved camera
- iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max – bigger, more powerful and smarter
- Apple Intelligence rollout to begin soon – here's when your iPhone will get it
- Apple just unveiled a load of new AirPods features – everything you need to know
- Apple Watch Series 10: everything you need to know about Apple’s new wearable
Original live blog continues below
The time has arrived: it's Apple Special Event o'clock a whisker earlier in the calendar for 2024, as we kick off the week with Apple's anticipated iPhone 16 series launch one day earlier than is typical – so strap in for a Monday more exciting than your average!
As the official invitation so colourfully put it: It's Glowtime. While we've decoded the meaning of that poster, it's the summary of Apple iPhone 16 rumours where we've collated all the latest expectations. In this live blog, however, we'll be covering what crops up ahead of the on-site Cupertino launch event – which begins at 18:00 BST (that's 13:00 EDT, 10:00 PDT).
It's almost three months to the day since Apple's WWDC 2024 event – can you believe it? – where various software updates, such as the iPhone's iOS 18, were revealed in detail. Today it's expected to be the turn of hardware, with the four new iPhone 16 models expected to push Apple Intelligence to the fore. We'll be on the pulse every step of the way, so stay tuned for the latest...
It's Glowtime
So what does it all mean? "It's Glowtime!" is a clear paraphrasing of "it's showtime!", marking the commencement of an Apple show of Hollywood proportions.
And this Special Event's star? It's all about Siri, the virtual assistant, being further integrated more broadly into Apple's iPhone 16 line-up.
The expanse of Apple Intelligence will also be front and centre for this showcase, no doubt, with more iPhone models expected to be AI capable than the current stock.
Buff that bronze
Among the iPhone 16 rumours is that Apple will be launching an all-new bronze-like colour, thought to be called Desert Titanium.T3's Tech Editor, Mike Lowe, has already written about why Apple's bronze is the new gold – an altogether different aesthetic vision for Apple's flagship phone series.
The iPhone 16 could also come in Pink, Green, Blue, Black and White options, according to leaks so far. The titanium finish of the Pro models is also expected to come in Natural, Black or White. So there should be plenty of choices for all tastes.
How to watch the iPhone 16 launch event
Well, the day is finally upon us Apple fans! Later today, we'll see exactly what Apple has in store for us with it's newest line of iPhones.
It's T3's resident Staff Writer, Sam Cross, here. I've lost count of just how many Apple events I've covered at this point. I've seen an inimitable flurry of iPhones, MacBooks and iPads come by, making me a perfect pick to guide you through the early part of this event.
If you're wondering how to watch along with today's event – great news. We have an unmissable guide to how to watch the Apple event, along with timings for different areas around the world and a rundown of what we're expecting.
The intelligent play
There are likely to be a great many products unveiled at the event tonight. While the focus for many will be the new iPhone range, there's at least one thing which I think could be even more important.
That's a further update to Apple Intelligence. When the brand unveiled its AI-powered features earlier this year, there was a lot of promise.
With that being said, it looks set to be a slow rollout. The beta testing for various versions of the iOS 18 operating system has shown a limited amount of functionality, and many users will be keen to hear more detail on when they can expect their promised features.
X marks the spot
Aside from the world of Apple phones, there are many who are expecting to spot a new Apple Watch at this event. Ten years on from the debut of the device, we're expecting to see something called the Apple Watch X unveiled this evening.
Current leaks suggest that could almost act as a hybrid of the current Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. That would see it retain a curved display, but enjoy the speaker design from the more premium Ultra models.
It's also said to come in two sizes, though those are listed at 42mm and 46mm in a slight deviation from historic releases. Other rumours suggest that we'll get a redesigned Milanese bracelet, and possibly even a ceramic case.
Third time lucky? Not for the Apple Watch Ultra
Of course, who could talk about the best Apple Watches without a mention for the Apple Watch Ultra. Currently on its second generation, many had expected an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this time out.
That now looks unlikely, though. According to respected Apple insider, Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch 3 won't rear its head.
Instead, we're likely to be treated to a new colourway for the current Apple Watch Ultra 2 model. That's said to be Black Titanium, a model which has been widely rumoured for a long time.
A long time coming...
While we're hoping to see a range of updates concerning the Apple Intelligence suite, there does appear to be some rather unfortunate news on the subject. A new report from noted Apple insider, Mark Gurman, suggests that one of the most highly anticipated AI features is delayed.
The Apple Image Playground – an AI-powered feature which enables users to generate images for use in a range of apps – has reportedly been delayed until December 2024.
That will come as a shame for those users hoping to get in on the AI-powered action soon. As I've already mentioned, the promises of a wonderful world of intelligent features have come up slightly short thus far, and this will only add fuel to that fire.
Changing hands
Thanks to T3's Staff Writer, Sam Cross, who's nipped off for a well-earned bite to eat. T3's Tech Editor, Mike Lowe, takes hold of the baton in today's Apple relay and is now in the hotseat. So hello once again.
Fold the page...
With almost another six hours to go until the Cupertino event kicks off proper, I thought I'd muse over the prospect of an 'iPhone Fold' showing face later today.
I think the chances are approaching zero, to be honest, but it was at the end of last year that rumours were afoot regarding an iPhone Fold that could arrive sooner than everyone might expect. Things have gone a little quiet on that front since.
But things certainly haven't gone quiet on the best folding phones front, with loads of (Android, of course) devices being revealed. The latest of which, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, is about as 'iPhone-y' as you could get from a non-Apple device.
I have to suspect that Apple is at least researching in this space, pondering whether it can create a foldable iPhone that's worthwhile. So don't expect an 'and another thing' in regards to this later today, but maybe 2025 could be the year for it...
An ear to the ground...
No, you're not tripping out, that picture's background is truly psychedelic. What I believe Apple is likely to quietly announce later today is less trippy, though – a new and upgraded AirPods 4 (or 'Gen 4') model.
Why now? Well, the entry-level AirPods range still haven't moved over to USB-C. That's where the fourth-generation model will come into play, aligning Apple's connectivity across its range more seamlessly.
It has got me thinking about the wider range of AirPods available in general, though, as the AirPods Max are almost four years old now (can you believe it!?) and I'm fairly sure that a second-generation model will appear in 2024. It's just whether that'll be for early December or a surprise early launch...
10/X? A curious equation...
Cast your mind back to when the iPhone X was launched (back in 2017, yeesh, I'm feeling old again). That was the 'iPhone 10', just to be clear – and Apple really didn't like it when people said "iPhone ex" instead.
Now, with the 10th-generation Apple Watch expected to be launched at today's event, surely Apple won't revert back to that naming convention? Series 10 reads so much better than 'Series X' – which sounds like an Xbox clash of heads waiting to happen, if you ask me.
The altogether simpler 'Apple Watch X' does look better, but I think it'll fall into that conundrum of people saying "ex" once more – which sounds like a whole other model series. It'd add to the confusion I reckon, but place your bets now!
BRB!
No, not me, I'm here for another hour before passing over the reins! Apple's Store, however, is currently unavailable – which happens every time in the hours ahead of a slew of new products being added.
That'll no doubt be the latest iPhone 16 models this time around – read about the iPhone 16 rumours in full here – but it could also suggest that pre-orders may open even sooner than expected? I'm positing that as a question, however, as we've been operating under the assumption that pre-orders will be from the 13 September.
Still, even if you have to wait a whole three-and-a-half days to get your iPhone pre-order in – and there's good reason, as the Pro Max could sell out due to demand – I'm sure that the Store will be full of lovely animations and iPhone upsells when it returns following tonight's event's close.
Ou la la! More luxury options?
Apple's partnership with Hermès, which kicked off in 2015, might not be the only fashion tie-in that Apple is set to work with.
Jacquemus, the revered French fashion label, posted on Insta Stories on Sunday 8 September – suggesting that Simon Porte Jacquemus himself could well be part of Apple's event.
The Hermès partnership has seen Apple deliver Apple Watch Hermès Edition models and other straps. So could we be about to see a Jacquemus version for the Series 10?
It's set tongues wagging, that's for sure. I mostly just want to hear Apple CEO, Tim Cook, saying it though. Jacky Mousse anyone?
AirPods Max 2 could be a surprise reveal after all...
While I was under the impression that a second-gen AirPods Max wouldn't launch until later this year – and that could still be the case in terms of an on-sale date specifically – a last-minute report suggests that, actually, AirPods Max 2 will be surprise reveal at today's Apple event.
On the one hand that would make sense: it'll mean that all AirPods products across Apple's range will pack USB-C charging, which is thought to be the main difference between the original AirPods Max and would-be successor.
However, Bloomberg commentator Mark Gurman now suggests that the second-gen Max will feature "better noise cancellation [and] adaptive audio" too. That's contrary to earlier reports, too, but would be a welcome upgrade to Apple's priciest and most prestigious headphones.
I'm still on the fence about this one, but we'll find out soon enough...
Intelligent delays?
While I suspect you'll hear the words "Apple Intelligence" in abundance at today's event, it seems that not all the AI features will be available on day one.
We reported that one of Apple's most fun iPhone 16 features is likely delayed, with Image Playground and Genmoji not expected to hit Apple's devices until an iOS 18 update come December time – possibly pushed back even further to 2025.
That means if you're a day-one iPhone 16 user you probably won't be able to generate images based on text prompts or create animated emoji stickers of family and friends. Not major absences, arguably, but does make me question that if Apple Intelligence is so integral to future proceedings and products, then why reveal so much too early?
I get that AI features need to be ready – especially when so many of current artificial intelligence offerings are limited or not quite fully formed – but clearer timelines should be set so users know what to expect. Because if I can't be turned into a cat wearing a chef's hat then, hell, why would I even consider buying an iPhone 16 at all
Apple wishlist
Afternoon all! It's Mat Gallagher taking on the blog for the next few hours, while Mike prepares himself for this evening's entertainment. We're now less than four hours from the start of the event and I'm already over excited.
Apple has somehow made its big press events into a must-see event, and not just for tech journalists like me. Millions of people will tune into the live stream today on You Tube, Apple.com and on the various Apple Events apps to find out the new details of the upcoming iPhones and Apple Watches, and no doubt hoping for something more.
As I wrote this morning, I'm secretly hoping for another one more thing from Tim Cook at the end, and ideally one of the five things I listed in the piece.
Get ready for iOS 18
One of the great things about the software updates that come with today's new devices is that they benefit older devices as well. I've been using the public beta of iOS 18 for a few weeks now and even without the Apple Intelligence features, think it offers a big improvement for all users.
One of my favourite features is actually the changing icons. When the phone goes into dark mode, all of your icons get a darker treatment, making them look... well, darker – but also somehow cooler. You can also permanently adjust your icons, setting them to a single colour to match your backdrop. Though I found this a bit much to use all the time.
Waiting for Cupertino to wake
Very soon I expect to see the early risers in California on X, tweeting about their day. We should hear from Tim Cook at some stage, as well as the many influencers and journalists who are attending the event in person.
I'm not in Cupertino this year, but I am wearing my exclusive Apple Park T-shirt, which you can only buy at the Apple Store on site. It's one great reason to visit, as is the sight of Apple Park itself. Even from the outside it looks impressive. Like some giant space craft that has crash landed in the Californian suburbs.
Skirting around a new mini
Hi, news editor Rik Henderson taking over now for the last stint before the event itself, and I'll start with something I wish we'd see today, but am pretty sure we won't – a new iPad mini.
With the current 6th-gen iPad mini having been released almost three years ago, it is long overdue a replacement. It runs on an A15 Bionic chip for starters, so the series needs to enter the Apple silicon age.
But while we seemingly hear rumours about an iPad mini 7 each and every Apple event, it's been strangely quiet this time around. That's because I believe the firm has plans to introduce one soon, just not today.
I fully expect new iPads to be unveiled in a month's time instead, with Apple often hosting a second, slightly smaller event in October each year for new Macs. This will surely be when a new iPad mini could make an appearance too... unless there's "just one more thing" we don't know about yet.
Don't be Siri
As many have suggested, the "It's Glowtime" strapline for today's event could refer to an AI-powered change in Siri. After all, the voice assistant lights up and "glows" when you call its name.
I'm more inclined to think it's actually referencing the Apple Watch X, considering the Cupertino company is celebrating an important milestone for its wearable, but if the tag is to do with Siri changing, not everyone will be happy.
For example, T3's own home editor, Bethan Girder-Maslen, is seriously hoping that for all the new features coming to the assistant, it won't have a completely new voice.
Imminent changes are coming to both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which will result in more human-sounding tones for each. However, Beth prefers the robotic twang that Siri exhibits in all its different accents and voice types. She doesn't want a friendlier, more realistic AI chum... and I tend to agree.
That being said, if Tim Cook announces that the new version of Siri is based on Danny Dyer, I'm in: "You've been on your trotters now for 20 minutes – take a break, you muppet!"
Watch it with us live
With under an hour to go until the event starts, it's an opportune time to once again highlight the fact that we'll be hosting it right here on T3.
You can watch along with us, therefore, and see all the new products announced live. Alternatively, just keep this liveblog open to read about each of the announcements as they happen – including some of our comments on what we think.
We'll also be bringing you in-depth pieces on the different devices throughout the show, so keep with us, we won't let you down.
All sunshine and rainbows
As is traditional, Tim Cook has taken to X (formerly Twitter) prior to the event with a picture from Apple's HQ, and this year's is particularly colourful.
He's also referred to the Glowtime tagline by exclaiming that even "Apple Park is glowing".
Apple Park is glowing! #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/gVgtMbZhaMSeptember 9, 2024
It's (almost) Glowtime...
And so the event will start soon (just 15 more minutes at the time of writing). Those in Cupertino are taking their seats – such as tech analyst Avi Greengart who posted a pic from the inside the Steve Jobs Theater on X – while everyone else is tuning into the live feed.
We’re in at the Steve Jobs Theater #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/0BP1kFxAruSeptember 9, 2024
I'll be handing the reins of this blog back to our tech editor Mike in a minute. He'll take you through the event itself. Remember though, we'll also be posting in-depth pieces on each of the new products, so also check out the T3.com homepage often.
Ta-ta for now and enjoy the show glow.
Let's Glo!
See what I did there? Mike Lowe, T3's Tech Editor, back in the Apple hotseat to cover the event in real-time with all the juicy nuggets of Apple news from today's event.
Now we're into the real deal, with the first video rolling. So strap in for the next couple of hours while Apple delivers its latest.
The T3 team is on hand for breakout news stories, opinions and more – so keep your eyes on the site today, tomorrow and beyond for more coverage and context.
Confirmed: iPhone, AirPods, Watch
Well, there we go. Tim Cook isn't beating around the bush. It's going to be all about the Apple Watch, AirPods and iPhone range today. Something for everyone!
Apple Watch Series 10
Up first it's all about Apple Watch in a "new design". And Apple's Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, is up to explore it.
Series 10 brings the "largest, most advanced display" that Apple has ever put into a wearable product. It's even bigger than that of the Watch Ultra.
That display is a wide-angle OLED, which is 40% brighter when viewed from an angle. Ideal for a wearable product such as this.
There are new aluminium finishes, too, including the deep and glossy Jet Black. Don't fancy that? There's a new Titanium finish, which is 20% lighter than the stainless steel Series 9 watch that this finish replaces.
There's a new metal back with a larger charging coil for the fastest-charging ever offered by an Apple Watch.
It's available for pre-order ahead of its 20 September on-sale date.
Let's get wet
Series 10's redesign "makes it even better for workouts" in the water.
This year the Watch gains a new depth gauge, which can measure to depths of 6m/20ft – making it ideal for snorkelling and more. There's a water temperature sensor too.
A new Tides app can provide 7 days of information, including rising/falling, high/low tides, and sunfall/sunset information. Ideal for fishing, crabbing and other activities around the water.
Apple Watch Ultra's new finish
With Apple Watch Series 10 revealed to offer so many upgrades, Apple is reinforcing that the Watch Ultra 2 remains relevant. That confirms the rumours: there's no Watch 3 Ultra to see today.
What is new, however, is the Watch Ultra 2's all-new Satin Black finish. It's got a new titanium Milanese loop, too, unless you fancy one of the fancy new Hermès bands – a partnership that's now extended to Ultra too. Nice.
AirPods 4
"The most loved and popular headphones in the world", says Tim Cook, before rolling into a VT backed by Fred Again's balearic beats...
Say hello to AirPods 4. Designed to set a new bar "for fit and comfort". They're designed with a refined design based on research and data of thousands of different people's ear shapes – for a shape that should naturally fit everyone.
The AirPods 4 have been redesigned to deliver bolder sound, too, with deeper bass as part of their acoustic make-up.
The included case is also the smallest of any AirPods to date and, but of course, feature USB-C for charging.
There's more!
But that's not all for AirPods. There's a second AirPods 4 model with active noise-cancelling (ANC) too. It includes Transparency mode, to help you hear the environment around you. And Adaptive Audio will auto-adapt for quiet and loud areas.
It's interesting that Apple is looking to deliver ANC to the lower-price end of the market, especially as the AirPods Pro deliver it so well. But that's a way to further dominate in this market.
This case, which also has USB-C, also features a speaker for Find My, and there's wireless charging (including Qi) too.
The AirPods 4 will be priced at $129, while the AirPods 4 ANC will be priced at $179. Both will be available from 20 September.
AirPods Max 'too'...
It's AirPods mania today, with Apple's AirPods Max also revealed to be updated. Note that I didn't say 'AirPods Max 2' there, though, as it looks as though these USB-C-toting over-ears bring that new connection and some new colours only. The price remains the same, at $549, so I suspect this model will simply replace the outgoing Lightning version...
Hearing Health is central
Now here's an interesting take: a software update coming to AirPods Pro 2 and iOS 18 will bring some hearing assistance functions for those who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss.
There's a Hearing Test to measure and diagnose your hearing capacity, and for those who need it a new Hearing Aid feature which does as you'd expect – enhancing relevant frequencies to boost your ability to hear.
That'll help segregate the Pro model from other AirPods.
Ai, Ai, AI? It's iPhone 16 time!
Now for the big stuff: the iPhone 16 is official and "raises the bar for what an iPhone can do," quips Tim Cook. Taking over the presentation is Kaiann Drance, VP of iPhone Product Marketing.
iPhone 16 "celebrates colour", with colour-infused glass, available in ultramarine, teal, pink and the usual black and white options. It's tougher glass than before too.
The iPhone 16 comes in two sizes: 6.1-inch for the entry model, 6.7-inch for the Plus model. Both now feature the Action button, which was first revealed in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
The iPhone 16 introduces the all-new Camera control, allowing click-and-slide controls on the button to easily control your photography.
So what's inside? Apple is "jumping two generations" for this range, with Apple's A18 silicon inside. There's a focus on the neural engine being enhanced for faster access to generative models – that being Apple Intelligence-focused.
Apple Intelligence
Craig Federighi takes over and... well, I'm more interested in what crazy stunts he's going to do in his VT. If you don't know what I'm talking about then, well, he's become a bit of a silver-haired meme at these showcases. And I'm so here for it.
"Apple Intelligence can unlock even more intelligence," he says, by using Apple Cloud Compute. So there's Apple Intelligence Intelligence now? I jest...
To summarise what Apple Intelligence will bring to iOS 18 in the iPhone 16 series: it's a more cohesive experience for search, with context-relevant results being available, summaries, text-prompted emoji creation, more advanced Siri comprehension, and "more to come".
Apple Intelligence will be a free software update, starting in October in US English. Other languages, such as British English, won't arrive until December, with further support coming to wider regions from 2025.
Camera Control
Now let's talk Camera Control. This new physical button control works in either portrait or landscape orientation and can recognise touch gestures too. That allows distinction between a full click and a lighter press – much like a camera's physical shutter button. A light press brings up an overlay in the preview, so you can quickly select additional controls before taking the picture.
The actual cameras for iPhone 16 remain almost the same as before, though, with a 48-megapixel main joined by a 12MP wide-angle (the latter adding autofocus, which previously lacked, and a wider aperture). There's no physical zoom, but a 2x digital telephoto uses the centre portion of the main sensor to allow pixel-for-pixel zoom.
The new camera design of iPhone 16 – they're paired side-by-side – also allows for Spatial Photo capture. That gives a three-dimensional result viewable on-device.
Show me the money
So how much for all this iPhone goodness? The iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899.
While I'm quoting US pricing – as that's what's provided by Apple at its live event – the same year-on-year pricing has also stuck to wider regions, so in the UK it's £799/£899 as per last year, with Australia also maintaining pricing. Nice, no regional 'tax' hike!
It's Pro-time!
Now it's the turn of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: which are now larger than the previous generation, at 6.3-inches and 6.9-inches respectively. But that's been achieved while minimising product growth, thanks to the thinnest bezel on any Apple product.
As with the previous iPhone 15 Pro series, the 16 Pro models use Grade 5 Titanium, for great strength but lightweight finish. That's available in four finishes, including the rumoured Desert Titanium – the much-rumoured bronze-like colour.
Design-wise, the 16 Pro range deliver a new thermal capacity thanks to a graphite-clad substructure, "delivering up to 20% improvement in sustained performance", which is "crucial for on-device features", such as Apple Intelligence.
The Pro models go one step further when it comes to power, too, thanks to the Apple A18 Pro silicon at the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max's hearts. That all-important 'Pro' distinction makes it far more powerful than the entry iPhone 16 and Plus models.
The chip has vastly improved processing for video, plus further advancements to camera features. There's a new 48-megapixel 'Fusion Camera' at the heart of it all, which features a second-generation sensor. More importantly, however, is the wide-angle is also 48-megapixels – a big jump over the 12MP sensor of the previous generation.
Video gets further enhancements too: Cinematic Slow Motion offers 4K at 120 frames per second for Ultra-HD slow-motion. There's also the ability to capture in ProRes and LOG to external devices, which will appeal to those seeking pro-level capture.
Spatial Audio capture is also possible when capturing video thanks to new microphones. Audio Mix, which is claimed to be an industry first, captures voice and separates it from background sound. Voice Notes has also been upgraded so you can add an additional recorded layer in real-time – handy for musicians putting down ideas on the fly.
Ker-ching!
Right, then, how much will the new iPhone 16 Pro models cost? It's a similar story to the rest of the range: the iPhone 16 Pro is priced from $999, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced from $1199.
Again, that's a year-on-year price freeze – and not just for the USA! Since first publishing this page in the live blog, I've checked Apple's Store (which is now back online) and you can expect to pay the same £999/£1199 in GBP too. Australian pricing also follows suit as the same.
And it's go-home-time!
Annnnd... that's a wrap! Glowtime is over, so it's go-home-time...
In summary: Apple's September Event introduced us to the Apple Watch Series 10, a new Watch Ultra 2 colour, the AirPods 4, AirPods 4 ANC, and AirPods Max (USB-C update), and closed out with the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Sadly, Craig didn't do any stunts this year – and there was ample time for it! Maybe next time Federighi...
