Apple has officially announced a new product event scheduled for September 9th. During this event, we anticipate the unveiling of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, Apple is expected to formally introduce other devices, including the Apple Watch Series 10, the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3, and the premium Apple Watch Ultra 3.
In addition to the iPhone 16 series and the new Apple Watch models, what other devices could we expect to see?
We may also see Apple unveil the fourth-generation AirPods in two different versions. One will feature the standard basic AirPods capabilities, while the pricier model will offer Active Noise Cancellation to eliminate distracting ambient sounds.
This is a substantial lineup of new devices that Apple is expected to showcase a week from this coming Monday. Moreover, the list could become even more extensive if the rumor about Apple launching the seventh-generation iPad mini at the “Glowtime” event turns out to be true.
Thanks to Apple Intelligence, the company may accelerate the introduction and release of certain tablets in its iPad lineup. Additionally, Apple’s AI initiative is prompting the company to determine which application processors (AP) to utilize for specific tablets. For instance, Apple will need to equip the iPad mini with either an A17 Pro an M1 chip, or a later version to enable the mini to offer users AI features.
Currently, Apple Intelligence is accessible to users of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, both of which are equipped with the A17 Pro chip and feature 8GB of RAM. In contrast, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are powered by the A16 Bionic chip and have only 6GB of RAM, meaning they do not support Apple Intelligence.
For those curious, all four upcoming iPhone 16 models will be equipped with the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, ensuring that they will all support Apple Intelligence. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro series is expected to feature the more advanced A18 Pro chip.
The current iPad models that support Apple Intelligence include the 5th-generation M1-powered iPad Air (2022), the 6th-generation M2-powered iPad Air (2024), two 5th-generation M1-powered iPad Pro (2021) models, two 6th-generation M2-powered iPad Pro (2022) models, and both 7th-generation M4-powered iPad Pro (2024) models.
It’s important to note that even if you purchase one of the new 2024 iPhone 16 models along with the seventh-generation iPad mini (assuming it is released on September 9th with support for Apple Intelligence), you won’t have access to the new AI features right away. This is because Apple Intelligence will not be included in any software updates until iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 are released in October. One alternative is to install the Developer Beta versions of iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1. Since Apple no longer charges a $99 fee for developer designation, you won’t incur any additional costs to download these Beta releases.
Here are some of the Apple Intelligence features that are currently available in the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta.
Apple Intelligence currently features tools such as Writing Tools that enable AI to modify the tone of your emails and texts before they are sent. You can request the AI to make your messages more concise, professional, or friendly. Additionally, AI can proofread, summarize, and implement various changes.
Apple Intelligence will also provide summaries of incoming emails and websites visited on Safari. In the Photos app, you have the option to eliminate distracting elements from your pictures using the “Clean Up” feature and search for specific images using detailed terms. Upcoming updates will introduce the ChatGPT chatbot, which will enhance Siri’s capabilities, as well as the Image Playground, allowing users to quickly generate images with AI.
Furthermore, with Gemnoji, users will have the ability to create custom emojis simply by describing their desired appearance.
Regarding the seventh-generation iPad mini, we don’t anticipate any changes in its appearance since the sixth-generation model was already revamped to include Face ID and eliminate the Home Button.
Additionally, we do not expect the front-facing camera to be repositioned for landscape use as seen with the iPad Pro and iPad Air cameras earlier this year, since the iPad mini is intended to be used in portrait mode. Besides the new processor, we might see an enhanced rear camera and a larger battery.
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