①The hardware aspect of the iPhone 16 series no longer has too much suspense, so the software upgrade (especially the 'Apple Smart') will be a potential source of surprise or shock; ②There will be two new AirPods earphones and a full range update of the Apple Watch next week; ③The new Mac computer with the M4 chip, as well as the new iPad mini, will have to wait until October for the release event.
On September 7, Caixin reported (Editor: Shi Zhengcheng) that just as the US stock market has been falling for the past few days, next Monday night the consumer electronics market will usher in the first major event of the autumn - the Apple Autumn Conference.
Due to the time difference, Chinese investors will welcome the latest generation of iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch updates at 1 am Beijing time on Tuesday. In his latest article on Friday, well-known Apple whistleblower Mark Gurman comprehensively sorted out the details of the September event, as well as the release schedule for October and next year.
Special release time
Apple generally does not hold events on Mondays, but this year's situation is a bit special - there are quite a few things happening next Tuesday.
In addition to the 'Clash of the Titans' debate between Trump and Harris, the EU will also decide whether Apple should pay the $14 billion in taxes. Of course, Wednesday (September 11) is also not an option, as a serious American company would not hold an event on that day.
The iPhone 16 series that affects the fate of Apple
As a product that accounts for nearly 60% of Apple's revenue, the reputation of the new iPhone will largely determine the stock performance in the future.
As a result, iPhone is currently the most leaked new product, and the hardware updates have been thoroughly exposed. Like the past few years, the iPhone 16 series still has four models: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
(Four new phone backs leaked, source: Apple Hub)
Similar to last year, the changes in the digital version of the new iPhone are not significant, and it will continue to use an aluminum body and a 6.1-inch/6.7-inch screen. In order to run the "Apple Smart", the new generation of iPhone will be upgraded to 8GB of memory and a brand new chip.
(The mute switch will become an action button, source: Apple Hub)
The focus of the upgrade is still on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. The most significant change in appearance is that the screen size has increased, from 6.1 inches/6.7 inches to 6.3 inches/6.9 inches. However, due to the narrowing of the bezel by nearly half, the overall appearance looks smoother. These two models also have 8GB of memory, but the chip specifications will be higher than the digital series.
Imaging functions are still the core selling point of the Pro series. The ultra-wide-angle cameras of the two phones will be upgraded from 12 million pixels to 48 million pixels, and the wide-angle lens of the iPhone 16 Pro will also be upgraded to 5x optical zoom, consistent with the Pro Max.
In order to attract users to spend money, apple has added a new physical button this time. On the right side of the phone, there is a capacitive touch-sensitive button for taking pictures, which works similar to the shutter button of a SLR camera - lightly press to focus, and then press hard to take a photo. Users can also slide on the button to switch between video/photo functions and zoom. One controversial point here is that Gurman believes that only the two Pro series will have this photo button exclusively, while there are also leaks claiming that all four new phones will have it.
Finally, it's apple's traditional skill: changing colors. This time, the Pro models will use gold titanium metal instead of blue titanium metal, retaining black, white, and natural colors; the numeric models will use white to replace yellow, and get new green, pink, and blue colors.
Speaking of this, the information about the iPhone 16 ends here, leaving suspense for next week's launch event - how will the much-anticipated "apple smart" turn out? Although when these new phones are released, most users simply won't need the so-called "apple smart", and several core functions will not be available until at least early next year, but next week is still the time for apple's management to "publicly paint the pie".
Two new AirPods headphones
Apple will release two new AirPods headphones next week, which will also be the entry-level and mid-range products in this product line. The appearance of the two new models will be similar to the current AirPods Pro, and will update the charging case and USB-C interface, and the sound quality will also be improved.
(Concept image, Source: Apple Hub)
As the focus of the shipment, the new mid-range model is said to have a "more advanced shell" and speaker, as well as the most important noise reduction function.
For this product line, a potential major update is the hearing health feature. Apple has been working to make AirPods a substitute for hearing aids and a device for hearing tests. However, Gorman also stated that this feature has encountered some delays and may be released later.
The new version of AirPods Pro is currently under development and is expected to be released next year. It is expected to upgrade the design and noise-cancelling function. Apple is also developing new AirPods Max headphones, but it may take some time to release new products due to the current inventory of this generation of products.
Apple Watch welcomes a full lineup update.
For the first time in two years, Apple will update all models of the Apple Watch at once next week, including the new entry-level Apple Watch SE, the mid-range Series 10 model, and an Ultra 3 model.
The largest upgrade is the '10th Anniversary' version of the Series 10, where Apple will provide larger size options and the watch body will visibly become thinner.
Gorman warned not to expect much from the AI functionality of the Apple Watch, even if AI is introduced in the future, it will be more related to features like health coaching. At the same time, due to a dispute between Apple and Masimo, it is unlikely that the blood oxygen sensing function will be restored in the new models. In addition, the blood pressure detection function is also unlikely to be launched in the short term.
But this generation of watches will have a major upgrade: sleep apnea detection. The watch will detect whether the wearer has sleep breathing disorders and provide recommendations for medical treatment. Gorman also warned that the new feature may not be available when the product goes on sale.
October Launch Event Preview
Apple will drive the entire Mac series to upgrade to the M4 chip, starting with MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac, but the earliest release time will be in October.
There will also be new iPad products at the October release event, including an upgraded version of the iPad mini that consumers have been waiting for.
Looking ahead, a new full-screen iPhone SE with an OLED screen is currently being tested and is planned to be released next year. The new AirTag is also under development and is expected to be released next year.