Live blog for the Apple event in September 2024: iPhone 16 and new Apple Watch expected

In just a few hours, Apple will hold its Glowtime event, where it will likely unveil the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch X. Expect a lot of posturing from Apple executives about generative AI and Apple Intelligence. While today's keynote won't be all hot banter and little pastries, try to look past the hype and slick presentation and see the little things.

If you're someone who regularly watches or follows Apple events, try to remember what Apple introduced as a big new feature in 2022 with the iPhone 14 lineup. If you said Dynamic Island, you're right. Last year, it was Apple that switched the Lightning port to a USB-C port on the iPhone 15 series. Both Dynamic Island and the USB-C port are big things, but ask yourself if they have significantly changed the way you use your iPhone.

I find that things like Standby mode, updated autocorrect on the keyboard, the Check In tool in Messages, and the ability to copy image edits from one image to another in the Photos app have really changed the way I use my iPhone. In contrast, I rarely if ever plug my iPhone 15 Pro Max into a USB-C charger, instead relying on wireless charging via MagSafe most of the time. Think of Emergency SOS via satellite and how it helped people who were injured or stranded without a cellular signal get in touch with emergency responders.

So when the video for today's iPhone event keynote starts, pay attention to the little things, because they are often the most important.