Apple has announced that it will hold its annual iPhone event next month, where it will unveil its new flagship iPhone 16 lineup on Monday, September 9. But it's worth noting that a few more products are also due to be unveiled.
Keep reading to find out everything we know about what else Apple is expected to announce at the event besides the iPhone 16.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple is planning to release a slim version of the Apple Watch in 2024, but it will reportedly not look much different from the current model. BloombergMark Gurman of Samsung Galaxy S8. The display size is expected to be larger, and Apple will continue to offer two models.
The 45mm model, the larger of the Apple Watch's two standard case sizes, is expected to be the smallest option, while an all-new 49mm case size that matches the current Apple Watch Ultra is expected to be introduced as a new larger option.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicts that the 2024 Apple Watch Series 10 will feature a slimmer design and a larger screen, with the size expected to increase from the current 41mm and 45mm to 45mm and 49mm.
The next-generation Apple Watch is expected to use resin-coated copper, which will allow for a thinner logic board that will improve durability and water resistance, and a thinner logic board will provide more internal space for other components.
Mark Gurman previously said that Apple was considering a magnetic band attachment system that would free up more space inside the Apple Watch, but his latest report makes no mention of this feature. If implemented, a magnetic band system could potentially make existing bands incompatible with the new model.
Apple is also working on high blood pressure and sleep apnea detection features for the Series 10, but Gurman suggests these may still be ready in time for launch. Apple is reportedly facing reliability issues with the high blood pressure feature, which could cause a delay. Sleep apnea detection also relies on blood oxygen monitoring, a feature Apple temporarily removed from the Apple Watch due to patent concerns.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
When the Apple Watch Ultra 2 debuted last year, its main new features included a 50% brighter display, a faster S9 chip, “double-tap” gestures for controlling the watch without touching the screen, on-device Siri, and more internal storage, but this year's upgrade may be more modest.
Apple was originally thought to be developing an Apple Watch Ultra with a micro-LED display that would offer improved brightness, contrast, and battery efficiency, but these plans appear to have been postponed indefinitely.
As a result, the design of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is likely to remain largely unchanged. Reporter Mark Gurman recently said that this year's third-generation Apple Watch Ultra will “look pretty much the same as the first one.” He previously suggested that there will be a completely redesigned “Apple Watch X” with a thinner case and magnetic band, but said that this will likely be a different model from the Ultra and will be released in “2024 or 2025.”
According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to have “very few” new hardware upgrades compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. His wording seems to suggest that the rumored blood pressure and sleep apnea detection features will be machine learning/software-based relying on existing sensors. However, Mark Gurman said that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will have a new processor, a successor to last year's S9 chip, which could “serve as the basis for future AI enhancements.”
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 was expected to have improved health tracking features like blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection, in line with the rumored features of the Apple Watch Series 10, but as mentioned above, those features may be further down the line.
Meanwhile, Apple is rumored to be adopting a new low-energy OLED panel technology in new Apple Watch models to further reduce always-on display power consumption. If so, it's unlikely that Apple would adopt the technology in the latest Series models without also introducing it in the latest Apple Watch Ultra models.
Apple Watch SE3
Recent reports suggest that Apple's third-generation Apple Watch SE could feature some big changes, with research analyst David Hsieh suggesting that the new model will have a larger display and come in the same 41mm and 45mm case sizes as the Apple Watch Series 8. This would be larger than the current 40mm and 44mm options, potentially increasing the screen real estate by around 12%.
BloombergMark Gurman of Apple Watch reports that Apple is likely to use hard plastic instead of aluminum for the body of the watch. This change in material could lower manufacturing costs and make it more attractive to parents buying for their children. These updates point to Apple's strategy to create a more accessible smartwatch option, balancing the latest features with affordability and durability.
Airpods 4
The fourth-generation AirPods are expected to launch in September or October, with Apple planning to offer two versions at different price points that could be seen at Apple's iPhone 16 event next month. Both models feature a redesigned look that features a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, shorter stems similar to the AirPods Pro, an improved fit, and enhanced audio quality.
The higher-end version will have active noise cancellation (ANC), bringing ANC to a more affordable price point for the first time, and may even have a speaker in the charging case for Find My location tracking. It will be cheaper than the AirPods Pro ($249), but won't have features like silicone ear tips.
The next-generation AirPods are expected to inherit the H2 chip from the second-generation AirPods Pro. Currently, the second and third-generation AirPods use the H1 chip. The H2 chip brings Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, which allows for faster and more reliable connections with Bluetooth accessories, as well as improved power efficiency for longer battery life.
Apple claims that the H2 chip, combined with the new low-distortion audio drivers and custom amplifiers in the AirPods Pro, delivers an “extraordinary acoustic experience.” The combination delivers richer bass and clearer sound across a wider frequency range, thanks to the computational audio enhancements made possible by the H2 chip. Similar improvements are likely to make it into the fourth-generation AirPods.
AirPods Max 2 (probably)
Apple may unveil the second-generation AirPods Max at its September event, but like the AirPods 4, they could arrive in late October, with rumors only suggesting a “late 2024” release. The AirPods Max are currently the oldest model in Apple's AirPods lineup, having been released in December 2020. Now, more than three years later, rumors are starting to emerge about a new-generation model expected to arrive later this year.
One of the big changes is replacing the Lightning port with a USB-C port, to comply with European regulations and for consistency across Apple's AirPods lineup. As a result, the AirPods Max 2 will ship with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable instead of the previous Lightning to USB-C cable. Additionally, Apple will have to provide a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable so that users can connect the AirPods Max 2 to devices with a 3.5mm audio port.
The Bluetooth 5.3 specification, which is already present in the AirPods Pro 2, iPhone 15 series, and the latest Apple Watch models, will almost certainly be featured in the second-generation AirPods Max as well.
Apple is expected to release the new AirPods Max in new colors, though the exact hues are unknown. Currently, they are available in space gray, silver, green, sky blue, and pink, with interchangeable ear cushions to customize your color combination.
There are no specific rumors about the H2 chip in the AirPods Max 2, but it seems likely that it will be included. Designed for Apple's earphones and headphones, the H2 chip improves audio quality, extends battery life, and supports features like personalized volume and speech recognition.
iPad mini 7 (probably)
Last updated in September 2021, the 6th generation iPad mini was reported to be in low stock at many Apple retailers, suggesting that the new model could arrive as soon as September.
BloombergMark Gurman of Apple Inc. recently said that internally at Apple the device is considered “limited,” which could be a sign that an update is on the way — the current model is approaching its third year on the market.
Rumors are that Apple is working on a 7th generation iPad mini that could be released sometime this year. The new version is expected to feature an A17 Pro chip or higher, which would enable support for Apple Intelligence. The device may also feature upgraded cameras on both the front and back.
In keeping with recent updates across Apple's product line, the new iPad mini is likely to include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. These improvements would bring speeds on par with other current Apple devices. It's unclear whether the iPad mini refresh will be included in Apple's “It's Glowtime” event. Apple may choose to announce it separately, at a different event or press release later in the fall.
New iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands
As is typical for Apple's September events, new iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands will likely be released in a variety of new colors. The new cases and bands may even be available to order on Apple's online store just minutes after the event ends.
Of note, the larger of the two standard Apple Watch case sizes for the Apple Watch Series models, the 45mm size, is expected to be the smallest option this year. An all-new 49mm case size that matches the current Apple Watch Ultra is expected to be introduced as the new larger option. The 49mm Apple Watch Ultra will be compatible with bands designed for the 45mm Apple Watch Series models, meaning that for the first time, Apple Watch bands may be compatible with both Series 10 models and the Apple Watch Ultra.
New software for Apple products
iOS 18 for iPhone, iPadOS 18 for iPad, watchOS 11 for Apple Watch, and tvOS 18 for Apple TV are all expected to be released in September after months of beta testing, and Apple is expected to announce release dates for these software updates. In some cases, the updates may be released just a few days after the event.
For more details on the new software features you can expect, check out our dedicated roundups for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18.