Apple's next iPhones are said to feature a new 'capture button' that could be used to trigger camera functions. Reuters
Apple's next iPhones are said to feature a new 'capture button' that could be used to trigger camera functions. Reuters
Apple's next iPhones are said to feature a new 'capture button' that could be used to trigger camera functions. Reuters
Apple's next iPhones are said to feature a new 'capture button' that could be used to trigger camera functions. Reuters

iPhone 16 launch date: Apple to unveil flagship devices on September 9


Alvin R Cabral
  • English
  • Arabic

Apple has announced that it will reveal what is expected to be the iPhone 16 line-up on September 9, earlier than usual at a busy time on the US technology and political calendars.

Routine holds with the second week of September for the California-based tech giant's iPhone launch party – this year called It's Glowtime – but on a Monday instead of the usual Tuesday or Wednesday.

Apple's decision means the iPhone unveiling will overlap with the IFA expo in Berlin, one of the most recognised technology events in the world, and Oracle CloudWorld in Las Vegas.

It will, however, avoid the first debate between US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris scheduled for September 10, which was a date suggested in media circles for the iPhone launch.

Apple's 'It's Glowtime' special event for September 9, when it is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 series, seems to depict a variation of Siri. Photo: Apple
Apple's 'It's Glowtime' special event for September 9, when it is expected to unveil the iPhone 16 series, seems to depict a variation of Siri. Photo: Apple

As for the release date, because Apple usually begins selling its new iPhones on the Friday of the week after unveiling, the latest devices are expected to be available on September 20.

Apple's new iPhones are a sales magnet for the important holiday shopping season and the company's fourth-quarter performance.

The announcement of the new devices is a “strategic move aligned with the ongoing trend towards premiumisation in the smartphone market”, said Jeff Fieldhack, a research director at Counterpoint Research.

“Apple’s global sales remained flat but recorded strong year-on-year growth in Europe and Latin America, which compensated for the low upgrade rates in the US and share loss in China following Huawei’s rise,” he told The National.

“However, Apple reported improvement in sales in China during the summer 618 Shopping Festival, where it offered attractive discounts. In the second half, the new iPhones with Apple Intelligence are expected to drive upgrade demand.”

What could It's Glowtime mean?

Apple has always used the logo on its launch invitations to create a hype for its next iPhones. The It's Glowtime tagline for 2024 seems to allude to its hotly-anticipated Apple Intelligence, the company's generative artificial intelligence offering.

This year's logo seems to depict a variation of Siri, Apple's resident digital voice assistant. Siri glows when users interact with it, and the logo might be a clue on how it would behave on the next iPhones.

Clicking on the invitation redirects to Apple's events website, where the Apple logo glows in a manner distinct from Siri.

It is unclear, however, if Apple will retain Siri or create a new function to use Apple Intelligence.

The logo could also be a teaser for colours. Leaks have purportedly claimed that the iPhone 16 devices would come in black, blue, green, pink, purple, silver, white, yellow and black, and even desert titanium for the Pro variants.

What iPhones will Apple launch?

Apple does not confirm details of its coming devices ahead of their launch, nor does it comment on rumours and speculation. The company, however, is widely expected to launch the iPhone 16 series that comprises, once again, four devices.

These would include the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, which are expected to retain their 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively, and the top-end iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, said to have bigger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively.

A chip upgrade is also certain, with the A18 (possibly with a Pro tag) on all four devices, if reported code leaks are to be believed. This would be a break from the past two iPhone cycles, in which the two base models used the previous year's processors.

Design-wise, the camera block's lenses on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, according to renders and purported images, would switch back to a vertical stack last seen in the iPhone 12. The Pro models are to retain their recognisable triangular formation.

If tradition holds, Apple is also expected to launch new AirPods, maybe including a second AirPods Max, the third versions of the Apple Watch Ultra and Watch SE, and a milestone-making Apple Watch Series 10, which we bet will be stylised as “X”.

And, of course, the new iPhones are expected to use iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence.

Another new button?

One reported addition to the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max is a “capture button”, which implies it will be for the camera. Whether the button, said to be positioned on the right of the new devices, would open the camera app or instantly be able to snap a shot is uncertain.

That could be the second year in a row Apple adds a new hardware part on its flagship device, after last year's Action Button, which triggers certain functions.

And while the Action Button was solely for the iPhone 15 Pro variants, word is that the capture button will be used across all four iPhone 16 models.

One thing we'd like to see on the new iPhones' button(s) is more flexibility. Currently, the Action Button only has 10 choices, so it would be nice to maybe expand that or give users a free hand on what to assign it to. The same goes for the capture button, should that come to fruition.

How much will iPhone 16 cost?

Apple is expected to maintain its pricing tiers – well, for the most part, apparently.

While the iPhone 16, 16 Plus and 16 Pro Max's starting prices would remain at $799, $899 and $1,199, respectively, the 16 Pro is said to begin at $1,099, according to Apple-focused news site Apple Hub, which also posted the new devices' purported specifications.

That $100 price increase would mirror similar moves made this year by Samsung Electronics on its Galaxy S24 Ultra and both Galaxy Z foldables, and Google's latest Pixel 9 devices.

Are smartphones becoming too expensive? That may be a discussion for another day – maybe after we see what Apple has in store for us.

Porsche Taycan Turbo specs

Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors

Transmission: two-speed

Power: 671hp

Torque: 1050Nm

Range: 450km

Price: Dh601,800

On sale: now

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

Who has been sanctioned?

Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.

Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.

Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.

Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company%20Profile
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Company%20Profile
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Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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Common OCD symptoms and how they manifest

Checking: the obsession or thoughts focus on some harm coming from things not being as they should, which usually centre around the theme of safety. For example, the obsession is “the building will burn down”, therefore the compulsion is checking that the oven is switched off.

Contamination: the obsession is focused on the presence of germs, dirt or harmful bacteria and how this will impact the person and/or their loved ones. For example, the obsession is “the floor is dirty; me and my family will get sick and die”, the compulsion is repetitive cleaning.

Orderliness: the obsession is a fear of sitting with uncomfortable feelings, or to prevent harm coming to oneself or others. Objectively there appears to be no logical link between the obsession and compulsion. For example,” I won’t feel right if the jars aren’t lined up” or “harm will come to my family if I don’t line up all the jars”, so the compulsion is therefore lining up the jars.

Intrusive thoughts: the intrusive thought is usually highly distressing and repetitive. Common examples may include thoughts of perpetrating violence towards others, harming others, or questions over one’s character or deeds, usually in conflict with the person’s true values. An example would be: “I think I might hurt my family”, which in turn leads to the compulsion of avoiding social gatherings.

Hoarding: the intrusive thought is the overvaluing of objects or possessions, while the compulsion is stashing or hoarding these items and refusing to let them go. For example, “this newspaper may come in useful one day”, therefore, the compulsion is hoarding newspapers instead of discarding them the next day.

Source: Dr Robert Chandler, clinical psychologist at Lighthouse Arabia

The biog

Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito

Favourite city: Cape Town, South Africa

Hobby: Running. "I like to think I’m artsy but I’m not".

Favourite move: Romantic comedies, specifically Return to me. "I cry every time".

Favourite spot in Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat beach

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
POWERWASH%20SIMULATOR
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FuturLab%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESquare%20Enix%20Collective%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENintendo%20Switch%2C%3Cstrong%3E%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPlayStation%204%20%26amp%3B%205%2C%20Xbox%20Series%20X%2FS%20and%20PC%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

On sale: Now

The team

Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory 
Videographer: Jear Valasquez 
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory 
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat 
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova 
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi 

 
While you're here
Result

UAE (S. Tagliabue 90 1') 1-2 Uzbekistan (Shokhruz Norkhonov 48', 86')

8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint

Greenheart Organic Farms 

This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.

www.greenheartuae.com

Modibodi  

Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.

www.modibodi.ae

The Good Karma Co

From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes. 

www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco

Re:told

One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.

www.shopretold.com

Lush

Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store. 

www.mena.lush.com

Bubble Bro 

Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.

www.bubble-bro.com

Coethical 

This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.

www.instagram.com/coethical

Eggs & Soldiers

This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.

www.eggsnsoldiers.com

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Duterte Harry: Fire and Fury in the Philippines
Jonathan Miller, Scribe Publications

UFC%20FIGHT%20NIGHT%3A%20SAUDI%20ARABIA%20RESULTS
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The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

The most expensive investment mistake you will ever make

When is the best time to start saving in a pension? The answer is simple – at the earliest possible moment. The first pound, euro, dollar or dirham you invest is the most valuable, as it has so much longer to grow in value. If you start in your twenties, it could be invested for 40 years or more, which means you have decades for compound interest to work its magic.

“You get growth upon growth upon growth, followed by more growth. The earlier you start the process, the more it will all roll up,” says Chris Davies, chartered financial planner at The Fry Group in Dubai.

This table shows how much you would have in your pension at age 65, depending on when you start and how much you pay in (it assumes your investments grow 7 per cent a year after charges and you have no other savings).

Age

$250 a month

$500 a month

$1,000 a month

25

$640,829

$1,281,657

$2,563,315

35

$303,219

$606,439

$1,212,877

45

$131,596

$263,191

$526,382

55

$44,351

$88,702

$177,403

 

Dubai World Cup factbox

Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor(9)

Most wins by a jockey: Jerry Bailey(4)

Most wins by an owner: Godolphin(9)

Most wins by a horse: Godolphin’s Thunder Snow(2)

Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

MATCH INFO

Red Star Belgrade v Tottenham Hotspur, midnight (Thursday), UAE

RESULTS

6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

Winner RB Money To Burn, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).

7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m

Winner Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.

7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Commanding, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m

Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.

8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

Winner Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Kimbear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m

Winner Platinum Star, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.

10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

Winner Key Victory, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

Updated: September 06, 2024, 11:45 AM`