Apple to hold ‘It’s Glowtime’ iPhone 16 launch event on September 9

The keynote’s biggest component will be the discussion of Apple Intelligence, a set of AI features coming to all new iPhone models

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An Apple store at Grand Central Station in New York. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:26am, 27 Aug 2024

Apple has sent out invitations for a product launch event at its headquarters on September 9, when it is set to announce details of the iPhone 16 and other new devices.

The presentation will be held at the Steve Jobs Theatre at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, the company said on Monday. The theme of the event – “It’s Glowtime” – is a reference to the interface used by the new Siri digital assistant on the company’s latest devices.

Apple had previously been preparing to hold the launch on September 10, people familiar with the matter have said, though it will now be one day sooner. September 10 is the date scheduled for the first presidential debate between US Vice-President Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump.

The iPhone 16 will have larger screens on its Pro models and new camera features, such as a dedicated button for taking photos. But perhaps the biggest component of the keynote will be the discussion of Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features that will be available on all of the new iPhone models.

Besides the new iPhones, Apple is preparing major changes to its smartwatch line-up and revamped AirPods. The next version of the standard Apple Watch will get bigger displays and a thinner look. The company has also been planning a version of its low-end Watch SE that is made out of plastic for the first time.

Apple has been readying two new AirPods models: a new low-end version to replace the one from 2019, plus a replacement for the mid-tier AirPods that launched in 2021. Both models will include new designs that look more like the AirPods Pro, while the mid-level one will gain noise cancellation for the first time.