Apple Inc. is gearing up for its most significant product launch of the year, scheduled for September 10, where it will introduce the much-anticipated iPhone 16 models, next-generation Apple Watch Series 10, and new AirPods, according to sources familiar with the company's plans. Although Apple has yet to officially announce the event, the launch date aligns with the company's traditional timeline, with the devices expected to hit the market on September 20.
The September launch comes at a critical time for Apple, which has experienced sluggish sales in its smartphone and wearable segments in recent quarters. The introduction of the iPhone 16 and other new products is expected to boost Apple's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, with analysts predicting a 5% increase in sales compared to the previous year. The holiday season, following the September 20 release, is projected to contribute even more significantly to Apple's revenue, with an estimated 7% increase, reaching $128.4 billion.
The iPhone 16 series will feature several enhancements, including the more powerful A18 chips integrated with Apple Intelligence, an AI suite designed to enhance user experience. The Pro models will boast larger displays and a new Capture Button for photography, a feature that is likely to appeal to photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the standard iPhone 16 models will now include the Action Button, previously exclusive to the Pro models, and an improved Ultra Wide 48-megapixel camera for the Pro lineup.
Alongside the new iPhones, Apple is set to introduce the Apple Watch Series 10, which will sport a thinner design and larger screens. The updated Apple Watch SE and a refreshed Apple Watch Ultra are also expected to be part of the lineup. These wearable devices are poised for significant changes, with the Series 10 models focusing on aesthetics and enhanced display features.
Apple's AirPods lineup will also see a refresh, with the introduction of two new models. The lower-end version will resemble the current AirPods, while the higher-end version will offer Active Noise Cancellation for the first time in this segment. This move is expected to attract a broader range of consumers looking for premium audio experiences at varying price points.
The upcoming product launch is not just about smartphones and wearables; Apple is also preparing to transition its Mac lineup to the M4 processors later this year. Testing of four new Mac models, identified in developer logs as "16,1," "16,2," "16,3," and "16,10," is already underway to ensure compatibility with third-party applications. These new Macs, including a smaller Mac mini, new MacBook Pros, and updated iMacs, are expected to debut about a month after the iPhone 16 launch.
The new Mac models will feature base-level versions of the M4 chip, with configurations varying from eight to ten cores in their central processing units (CPUs) and corresponding graphics processing units (GPUs). This upgrade is expected to offer significant performance improvements, particularly in graphics-intensive applications, positioning Apple's Mac lineup as a powerful option for professionals and creative users.
