Apple product presentation: What hardware to expect

In just a few days it will be that time again, as it does every year in September: Apple is presenting an improved iPhone product range. But the magic of Apple presentations has long since evaporated: there have been no live events for years, instead, pre-filmed advertising films are posted online on the communicated dates. This is very practical for the manufacturer: almost perfect marketing shows can be produced, and mishaps during live events, an absurdity in Apple's sterile, glossy world, are avoided from the outset.

For interested users, this also means that it is no longer worth being online when a presentation video goes live for the first time – the recording is then permanently available. In addition, there are no revolutions planned for this year's September event anyway, only expected evolutions. The bottom line is that September 9 is a routine date in this year's Apple calendar that can be quickly crossed off.

Especially since Apple's marketing is already weak. Hardly anyone is talking about the Vision Pro, which was introduced with much fanfare; it has completely disappeared from the perception of most users. A classic false start was the view that the Vision Pro is more of a product for science, research, industry and education and not consumer hardware, as Apple would like it to be.

Apple Intelligence? A boring rehash of the hysterical topic of “generative AI”, with a clear path to another subscription. Added to this are suboptimal developments for Apple, such as the debacle surrounding the iPad Air M2, where Apple incorrectly stated the number of GPU cores (and didn't notice it for a month), the Sonoma series of versions plagued by many problems, or the iPad Pro M4, where Apple secretly removed the ultra-wide-angle camera, a microphone and mmWave support despite higher prices.

Apple product presentation on September 9th: Annual announcement of improved iPhones.
Image: Apple.

But now we should look at the upcoming product announcements from Cupertino. The following new products are set to be announced:

iPhone 16 range: There will most likely be (almost all leaks from the Asian supplier industry indicate this) a new hardware feature in the form of an additional button for taking photos and videos, which has gestures such as swiping to zoom in and out or gently pressing for autofocus. The recording button is said to be located on the right side of the device below the power button. And: The action button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) will probably also be included on the iPhone 16 (Plus).

In addition, the usual improvements in the processor (A18 and eight GB RAM in all models), interfaces (faster 5G, perhaps WiFi 7 for the first time) and cameras (5x telephoto zoom also in the Pro model) are to be expected. The display sizes of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to grow slightly, from 6.1 to 6.3 inches and from 6.7 to 6.9 inches respectively. And what else? Perhaps a 2 TB storage option. An improved thermal system and faster charging via MagSafe (20 watts) are also being discussed.

Apple Watch: There are the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 models. For the tenth anniversary of the computer watch (the first model was introduced on November 9, 2014), there is speculation about design improvements (possibly a little thinner), while there is still a question mark over additional health sensors (detection of high blood pressure and sleep apnea) – it is not certain whether these will be ready for series production in time for the 2024 models. The Apple Watch SE 3 could use a plastic case for cost reasons, and a faster chip and slightly larger displays are also expected. ECG function finally in the Apple Watch SE? It remains to be seen.

Also under discussion are Updated models of iPad and iPad mini with faster chips and minor improvements in cameras, wireless interfaces and storage space, as well as the 4th generation AirPods with higher sound quality in two models: without and with active noise cancellation (ANC). However, not all of these products could be shown at Apple's September presentation. They could also be announced at a later date simply via press release or placement in the Apple online store.

What is traditionally absent from Apple's September presentations are new Macs. New Mac models are usually on the agenda in October or November (the exception was 2022), with today marking the start of the M4 cycle, probably starting with the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini, followed by the MacBook Air, Mac Studio and Mac Pro in the first half of 2025. Will Apple say goodbye to 8 GB of RAM with the M4 series and install at least 16 GB as standard? Will the Mac mini have a more compact design without USB-A (but more USB-C ports, including on the front)? Will the MacBook Pro finally have 5G and OLED? Nothing is known for sure (yet), despite constant reports from well-known rumor gurus, whose historical hits are in the coin toss range.

Apple is also working on an Apple TV generation, the second generation of AirPods Max, the second generation of AirTag and a new HomePod mini. It also remains to be seen which of these will come onto the market this year or next year.