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Apple's highly anticipated 'It's Glowtime' event promises to be a pivotal moment for the tech giant as it unveils its latest lineup of devices, particularly the iPhone 16 series, which will be the first to feature Apple Intelligence, the company's foray into generative AI. Despite economic headwinds and a sluggish consumer electronics market, Apple aims to convince consumers to splurge on its AI-infused hardware, hoping to break the trend of lackluster AI device adoption seen with other brands like Microsoft, Samsung, and Google.
While no major design overhauls are expected for the iPhone 16 series, users can anticipate minor upgrades, including slightly larger screens, a dedicated 'Capture' button for taking pictures, and the inclusion of the Action button on all models. The iPhone 16 Pro models will also see a bump to a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera and the 5x zoom telephoto lens previously reserved for the Pro Max model. Performance-wise, all models will receive the latest A-series chip, offering modest gains in speed and efficiency, along with increased memory and larger batteries.
Apple's flagship wearable, the Apple Watch, is also due for an update. The Apple Watch Series X (or Series 10) is expected to feature a larger 49mm screen option, a thinner design, and upgraded health features, including an improved ECG/heart rate sensor, enhanced water resistance, and potentially sleep apnea detection. Alongside the Series X, Apple is likely to release an updated high-end Ultra model with a faster processor and new health features, and an affordable SE model, potentially targeting children with a new plastic chassis and colorful options.
Another key focus of the event will be Apple's latest efforts in the wireless headphone market. A new budget AirPods model, inspired by the AirPods Pro but without active noise cancellation, aims to compete in the affordable TWS market. The mid-tier version may include a speaker on the case, Find My support, and noise cancellation. Apple is also expected to unveil an updated version of the AirPods Max, which have not seen a refresh since their initial launch four years ago.
Beyond the flagship devices, Apple is likely to unveil a new iPad mini model, which, despite its diminishing market share, still holds appeal for some users. However, the iPad mini's long-term future remains uncertain. While rumors of a new Mac mini the size of an Apple TV are swirling, Apple might hold off on its announcement and instead focus on launching a new M4 Mac series later in the year. With the recent expansion of the Mac lineup, Apple may give the Mac its own dedicated spotlight.
The success of the 'It's Glowtime' event hinges on Apple's ability to convince consumers that Apple Intelligence is a game-changer, not just a gimmick. Apple faces an uphill battle to overcome skepticism surrounding AI, with previous attempts by other tech giants failing to captivate consumers. Apple's execution of Apple Intelligence will be crucial, and the company is expected to roll it out in stages, initially targeting the US market before expanding to other regions. The full extent of Apple Intelligence's features is expected to be revealed gradually over the coming months.
Overall, Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event promises to be a defining moment for the company as it strives to reclaim its technological dominance. The success of its AI-powered products, particularly the iPhone 16 series, will be closely watched by investors and consumers alike. While the event may lack major design changes for some devices, the focus on Apple Intelligence and the potential for innovative health features in the Apple Watch offer exciting possibilities for the future of Apple's product lineup.
Source: What to expect (and not) from Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event