Apple iPhone 16 launch tonight: How to watch event, what to expect

Apple is all set to make the company's most-awaited announcement of the year with the launch of its iPhone 16 series, which has a special highlight: the iPhone 16 models are made in India.

The event themed ‘It’s Glowtime’, scheduled for 10:30 PM on Monday, will be streamed live on Apple’s official YouTube channel and India’s dedicated Apple website. Alongside the iPhone 16 series, Apple will also introduce a range of new wearables, including the redesigned Apple Watch SE, Watch Series 10, Watch Ultra 3, and the latest entry-level AirPods models. This marks a significant moment as the Indian-made iPhone 16 series will be available globally within the first few days of its launch.

What to expect from the iPhone 16 series?

The iPhone 16 series will continue Apple's tradition of offering four distinct models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. All models will be powered by the new A18 Pro chipset, promising enhanced performance across the board.

•    iPhone 16: The base model is anticipated to feature a design reminiscent of the iPhone X, with a vertical camera setup in a capsule-shaped module. It will likely include a 48-megapixel primary sensor and 2x optical zoom, suitable for everyday photography.

•    iPhone 16 Plus: Catering to users seeking a larger display, the iPhone 16 Plus will offer an expanded screen ideal for streaming and gaming. While it shares many features with the standard model, its larger size will enhance the viewing experience.

•    iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: These models will be the flagship of the series, featuring significant upgrades. Notably, the ultra-wide lens will see an increase from 12-megapixels to 48-megapixels, improving photo quality. Additionally, users can expect substantial enhancements in battery life. The Pro models will also come with larger screens—6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max—making them more immersive for users.

New wearables and AirPods

•    Apple Watch Series 10: The forthcoming Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to sport a slimmer design with reduced bezels. The 41mm model might expand to 45mm, while the 45mm version could increase to 49mm, providing users with more screen space. The new model is also rumoured to include advanced health features, such as blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnoea detection.

•    AirPods 4: Apple’s new AirPods 4 are set to merge the 2nd and 3rd generation models into two variants.

The budget-friendly version will replace the AirPods 2, while the mid-range model will succeed the AirPods 3. The higher-end variant is expected to include active noise cancellation, whereas both versions will transition to USB-C. The entry-level model will likely support wired charging only, while the mid-tier model will offer wireless charging capabilities.

Apple Intelligence soon

During WWDC 2024, Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, promising to enhance user experience with advanced AI capabilities. Initially announced as a free feature for the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and devices with M1 and later chips, it is expected that Apple will eventually switch to a subscription model. However, Apple Intelligence may not be included in the initial iPhone 16 release, with reports suggesting it will be introduced in a subsequent update, iOS 18.1.

Apple Intelligence is set to develop Siri with AI-powered improvements, making the voice assistant more natural, relevant, and personalised. Although some features like Image Playground and Genmoji may be delayed, the update is anticipated to mark the beginning of a "new era for Siri."

For those eager to catch every detail, click the livestream link here, ensuring that no update is missed.

Apple’s October event

The iPhone 16 launch will not be the final Apple event of the year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning another major event in October. This upcoming showcase is expected to debut several new products, including the long-awaited M4 Macs and potentially new iPads.

Among the anticipated announcements is a new iPad Mini, which would be the first update since 2021. Additionally, a redesigned Mac Mini featuring the new M4 chip could be unveiled, marking its first significant redesign in over a decade. Gurman also notes that the event will likely include updated versions of the iMac and MacBook Pro, both powered by the M4 chip.