Release date, prices and new rumored features

Apple will unveil its iPhone 16 at an annual launch event in California on Monday. The US technology giant wants to entice consumers with a range of new artificial intelligence (AI) features.

At the company's so-called Glowtime event, Apple plans to introduce four new iPhone models as well as new AirPods and a redesigned Apple Watch.

Its latest devices will be designed to take advantage of the tech giant's AI software, known as Apple Intelligence.

It is driven by the new A18 microchip processors, which analysts hope will give a significant boost to sales.

“The release of iPhone 16 is all about Apple’s intelligence and unleashing the AI ​​revolution for consumers,” said Dan Ives, analyst at Wedbush Securities.

The tech giant will unveil its new devices at an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, starting at 6pm UK time.

Here you will find everything you need to know before the event.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: rumored features

Although Apple is always silent before its launch events, the technology giant is expected to unveil four new iPhone 16 models.

These include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The iPhone 16 is expected to have a 6.1-inch screen size, while the Plus will have a 6.7-inch display. The Pro versions will be slightly larger at 6.3-inches and 6.9-inches, respectively.

The devices will be broadly similar to other iPhones from recent years. The iPhone 16 models will feature a dual rear camera and the Pro variant will feature a triple rear camera.

However, all phones will come with a new “Record” or “Camera” button that works similarly to the shutter button on a regular camera – with additional touch and swipe functions.

The phones also feature a programmable action key that can be linked to the quick launch of various functions.

What is Apple Intelligence and when will it be released?

In addition to the new iPhones, Apple will also update the software of its smartphones with iOS 18 later this month.

The new software comes with Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered tools and apps, including a revamped Siri digital assistant and a suite of writing tools.

These include AI-powered features for answering emails, writing blog posts and presentations, creating synthetic graphics, and designing custom emojis.

Apple Intelligence also gives users access to ChatGPT, the digital assistant from Silicon Valley startup OpenAI.

Apple previously stated: “Siri can draw on ChatGPT's expertise when needed. Users are asked before sending questions to ChatGPT along with documents or photos, and Siri then presents the answer directly.”

How much will the iPhone 16 cost?

It is widely expected that the price of the iPhone 16 at launch will be the same as the previous iPhone 15 model.

Analysts at TrendForce expect the iPhone 16 to start at $799 (£611), while the iPhone 16 Plus will cost $899. The more expensive iPhone 16 Pro starts at $1,099 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $1,199.

If the pricing structure in the UK remains the same as the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 will start at £799 in the UK. Due to taxes and exchange rates, the iPhone is usually more expensive in the UK.

Release date of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro

After the launch event on Monday, the new iPhone 16 is expected to be available for pre-order starting Friday, September 13. It will then go on full sale a week later, on September 20.

However, some of the important new software features may not be available immediately.

Apple Intelligence is expected to be released in October, while customers in the EU will not receive the new software until 2025 due to regulatory delays.

What about the Apple Watch and AirPods?

Apple also plans to launch a new low-end version of its AirPod headphones, the AirPods 4.

A revised version of the larger over-ear headphones, which will be known as AirPods Max, will also be introduced.

In addition, the new Apple Watch X is set to hit the market, featuring new health features and a sleek design.

How can I watch Apple's Glowtime event?

Apple's live “Glowtime” event is scheduled to begin at 6pm UK time and can be viewed on Apple's website and its YouTube channel.