Apple Event September 2024: What Was Announced

3 min readSep 10, 2024

Apple’s highly anticipated “It’s Glowtime” event, held on September 9, 2024, showcased a series of new product releases and software updates that are set to shape the tech landscape for the upcoming year. The event focused on new hardware, significant updates to the iPhone lineup, and impressive advances in artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s an in-depth breakdown of everything that was revealed:

1. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Series

The iPhone 16 series was the centerpiece of the event, with Apple unveiling four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both the Pro models sport larger displays than previous versions (6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max), thinner bezels, and an all-new A18 Pro chip designed for enhanced speed and graphics performance.

One of the standout features is the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro models, allowing users to quickly access the camera app and advanced photography tools. The iPhone 16 Pro series also comes equipped with a 48MP main camera, capable of capturing 4K video at 120fps, and new studio-quality microphones, which enable Spatial Audio recording. For creative professionals, this brings DSLR-like camera capabilities into a smartphone, making it perfect for videographers and photographers.

Another significant upgrade is the support for Qi2 wireless charging across the lineup, alongside new MagSafe accessories designed to complement the enhanced camera setup.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 series begin on September 13, with devices available in stores from September 20 (MacRumors)(Engadget).

2. Apple Watch Series 10

Apple also introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, featuring a larger, brighter, and thinner display than ever before. This model offers more screen real estate, making it easier to interact with apps and notifications. With the new S10 SiP chip, the watch boosts processing power, enhances battery efficiency, and integrates deeper AI-driven features known as Apple Intelligence.

In terms of health tracking, the Series 10 now has an improved sleep apnea detection system, set to launch in over 150 countries, pending FDA approval. Fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the enhanced scuba tracking and the new Tides app in watchOS 11, specifically designed for water-based activities (Engadget).

3. AirPods 4 and AirPods Max

The AirPods 4 also made their debut, featuring a redesigned shape for improved comfort and better audio quality thanks to the H2 chip. The updated earbuds will come in two variants: a standard model and a higher-end version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode. Additionally, Conversation Awareness is a new feature that lowers media volume when the earbuds detect you are speaking to someone (Engadget).

Apple also refreshed its AirPods Max with USB-C charging and introduced new color options, including Midnight, Blue, and Starlight. These new features are aimed at making the AirPods lineup even more versatile(MacRumors).

4. iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence

The latest software update, iOS 18, incorporates Apple Intelligence, a series of AI-driven features that build on previous capabilities. With the iPhone 16, users will see deeper integration of AI into everyday tasks, including improved on-device machine learning and personalized recommendations for apps, photos, and media.

Apple Intelligence also extends to photo curation on the Apple Watch, with the new Photos watch face that automatically displays your most relevant and beautiful images. Meanwhile, privacy remains a key priority with on-device processing for sensitive data like health and personal information(Engadget)(MacRumors).

5. Other Announcements

macOS Sequoia: Apple confirmed the upcoming release of macOS Sequoia, expected to be one of the earliest macOS launches in years.
Expanded Satellite Services: Apple will be expanding its satellite-based emergency services to additional countries like the UK and Canada, building on previous services that allowed iPhones to communicate in remote areas(Engadget).

Conclusion

Apple’s September 2024 event was packed with innovative hardware and software updates, emphasizing enhanced AI capabilities and cutting-edge camera technology. From the powerful new iPhone 16 lineup to the redesigned Apple Watch Series 10 and updated AirPods, it’s clear that Apple is positioning itself at the forefront of consumer tech. These devices and features are not only more powerful but also more intuitive, thanks to AI and machine learning innovations that make everyday tasks more personalized and efficient.

Expect to see pre-orders roll out in mid-September, with a global launch set for September 20.