Everything we expect at Apple's iPhone 16 event: AI features, AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, more

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

Apple will soon release the iPhone 16 series -- with all the AI glamour in tow. Just recently, the company confirmed that its next hardware event will happen on September 9 at 10 a.m. PT. This year's title is "It's Glowtime," playing to the vibrant and colorful animations that appear when you use the latest AI features on iOS 18, like Siri. Alongside the new iPhones, Apple is expected to announce a new Apple Watch, two AirPods, and possibly more.

Also: This rumored iPhone 16 feature will either be pure genius or an ergonomic nightmare

Although the iPhone will capture most of the spotlight, and WWDC was only months ago, Apple may also share more about its latest software, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, WatchOS 11, VisionOS 2, and MacOS Sequoia.

How can I watch the Apple event?

The iPhone 16 event takes place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, with in-person attendance reserved for staff, partners, and members of the media. However, you can always catch the livestream on Apple's website or the company's YouTube channel if you want to tune in.

iPhone 16 series: The best feature may not be AI-related

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

The iPhone 16 family will be at the forefront of Apple's event on Monday. The new phones are expected to feature upgraded camera systems (including ultrawide and telephoto lenses). With the standard iPhone 16 models, last year's Pro-exclusive features, such as the Action button and capability to shoot spatial videos for VR, will likely be carried over.

Also: These 3 rumored iPhone 16 features should have you excited to upgrade

The iPhone 16 Pro models are also getting hardware changes in the form of a new Capture Button, with touch-capacitive sensors that users can tap and swipe to control the camera. The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to have new chips under the hood, and the presumed A18 processor will give the iPhone 16 enough power to run the latest features powered by generative AI.

New Apple Watches in all shapes, sizes, and prices

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

The Apple Watch is due for a refresh. To commemorate its 10th generation, Apple is expected to give its Series 10 model thinner bezels and, naturally, larger displays. It'll be the first time since the Apple Watch Series 7 that the mid-tier wearable will receive a noticeable redesign. Improved sensors and health-tracking capabilities are also slated for the new watch, with sleep apnea tracking being a frontrunner among rumors.

Also: Apple Watch Series 10 could gain sleep apnea detection - but don't get too excited yet

Alongside the Watch Series 10, Apple will also announce the Watch Ultra 3, which is tailored for avid athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The Watch Ultra 3 will likely not have many changes, but Apple is reportedly upgrading its internal components for better performance and endurance. There will also be a new Apple Watch SE, and it's expected to be built with plastic to keep prices even more affordable than its predecessor.

Two new AirPods models (and possibly a surprise)

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

We've been reporting on Apple's upcoming AirPods models since last year, and the company is planning to finally make things official with two new models: one to replace the second-generation AirPods and another to replace the third-generation model. Naturally, one will be the new entry-level option, while the other will sit between that and the more premium AirPods Pro 2.

Also: New AirPods are arriving next week. Here are the top 4 features I want to see

Notably, the mid-tier model will borrow some features from the Pro, like active noise cancellation and a small speaker on the charging case for Find My alarms. Both models will receive improvements to noise isolation and debut with spatial audio support.

It's been almost four years since Apple released its over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, and although they're due for a refresh, it's unlikely the company will announce the next generation during Monday's event -- but I'm hopeful. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has been working on updating the AirPods Max, but plenty are still in stock, signaling a delay in the next generation's release.

Apple Intelligence is finally coming

Apple debuted its in-house generative AI tools, Apple Intelligence, during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June. During the conference, we saw how Apple planned to implement Apple Intelligence across its personal devices, such as an upgraded Siri with more conversational capabilities.

Also: Why I'm more excited about an iPad Mini with Apple Intelligence than the new iPhone 16 models

During Monday's event, expect Apple to showcase further how Apple Intelligence will interact with its smartphones, wearables, and other devices. At the time of writing, the bulk of Apple's AI tools have already been made known to the public, with the iPhone 16 slated to support tools like an emoji generator, enhanced photo editing, suggested text and email responses, and more.

Everything to know about iOS 18

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

Apple unveiled iOS 18 during this year's WWDC. It will be readily installed on all iPhone 16 models and available to download on older iPhones later this month. Plenty of features are packed into the new software, so let's speed run through the best ones.

Also: 6 reasons why iOS 18 makes the iPhone 16 a must-upgrade for me

RCS support, scheduled messages, and text formatting in iMessageCustomizable app placements and icon designs on the home screenA redesigned Control Center with multiple panels for widgetsA redesigned Photos app for easier searchingTap to Cash in WalletChatGPT integration to Siri

And 'one more thing'

Historically, Apple announces "one more thing" at its events, hoping to catch members of the press, industry analysts, and Apple enthusiasts by surprise. In the past, these surprise announcements included iPods, the original Apple Watch, and more recently, the Vision Pro.

Also: Why I'm more excited about an iPad Mini with Apple Intelligence than the new iPhone 16 models

As I previously mentioned, I'm hoping the surprise is the second-generation AirPods Max. But a more realistic surprise could be a new iPad Mini. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, iPad Mini supplies are low, which is a good sign that new ones are on the way. It's been three years since the latest iPad Mini was released, so if a new one does arrive, we expect it to be equipped to run Apple's latest AI features.

Stay tuned for the latest news, hands-on reviews, and more on Apple's upcoming event.