Apple to unveil AI-powered iPhone 16
Mark your calendars for September 9th at 10 a.m. pacific time, or “glowtime” as Apple calls it, when Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16.
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iPhone 16 this, iPhone 16 that. What about those of us that aren’t due for an upgrade this year? Well, you still have something to look forward to.
Apple will host its upcoming special event on Monday, Sept. 9, with many predicting the technology company will confirm the launch date for its newest operating system update — iOS 18.
First announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June of this year, CEO Tim Cook and other company leaders shared the new update and some of its features, adding it will improve messaging and communication for iPhone users.
“Messages is central to how we communicate with the most important people in our lives,” Ronak Shah, the director of Internet technologies and product marketing at Apple, said. “So in iOS 18, we’re giving you all new ways to express yourself and stay connected.”
Here’s what to know about iOS 18 and how you can tune into Apple’s September event on Monday.
What features are included in iOS 18?
Some of the features that iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence brings, according to Apple and USA TODAY, are:
- More customizable home screens
- Genmojis, artificial intelligence-generated emojis that users can create with a description
- Schedule a message
- Redesigned photos app, including allowing users to search through photos by the month or year taken
- Image Playground, which allows users to create images or get suggested concepts related to their conversations in messages
- Rewrite, proofread and summarize text in mail, notes, pages and third-party apps
- Transcription services in the notes and phone app
Details on iOS 18: Better (and scheduled) messages just the start of soon-to-be features
What phones will get iOS 18? Not every phone is compatible
iOS 18 will debut this fall as a free download for iPhone Xs and later, Apple noting the update will be compatible with these specific models:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
Is iOS 18 out yet? When to expect launch announcement
Not yet but soon. While Apple’s own website just says “fall 2024,” experts believe officials will confirm the launch date during the September event, adding it could even come out this month.
Consumer technology publication CNET anticipates the update will come within five days following the Sept. 9 event, at least within a week of its announcement. According to Apple’s history over the last decade, they have released the last eight iOS updates within a week of unveiling it and a few others within mere days of its September event.
What is the latest iOS version today?
As of Sept. 6, the latest version of iOS and iPadOS is 17.6. iOS 17 was launched back in September 2023.
Here’s how to update to iOS 18 when it launches
Before doing any sort of update to your iPhone, make sure to back up your phone. This allows you to keep your data safe by making a copy and saving the information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Once you have backed up your phone, Apple advises you to plug your phone into power and connect to the Wi-Fi. Then you can follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
- If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.
- Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now
What else is to be expected at Apple’s ‘Glowtime’ September event?
Apple’s next scheduled 2024 event will be held at the tech company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. USA Today shared that the company’s September events are typically centered around the new iPhone launches.
Many technology experts and writers are predicting the technology giant will unveil the latest mobile phone — the iPhone 16, along with its pro and pro max models. Not much have been confirmed by Apple but the new phone is expected to have a bigger screen, new camera features and new colors to choose from.
News on iPhone 16: Apple expected to launch iPhone 16 at event on Monday. Here’s what we know, how to livestream event
Apple also hasn’t released anything official yet about the potential cost of the iPhone 16 but many expect a price hike to account for the new artificial intelligence features and higher production costs.
In addition to the iPhone 16, others believe updates are coming to the Apple Watch models and Apple Airpods.
Add the launch to the calendar. What time is the Apple ‘Glowtime’ event?
See the new launch as it debuts. The Apple event will go live at 1 p.m. EST on Monday, Sept. 9. Anyone can watch it on apple.com, the Apple TV app or its YouTube channel.
Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY