Apple's Fall Event Preview: Beyond the iPhone 16, These "Little Surprises" Are Worth Anticipating

Apple's Fall Event Preview: Beyond the iPhone 16, These "Little Surprises" Are Worth AnticipatingWith Apple's fall event just under a month away, the iPhone 16 series has dominated the news cycle. But beyond the highly anticipated new iPhones, what other "little surprises" might Apple have in store? Let's dive into the rumors and see if these products will make an appearance alongside the new iPhones, or if they'll be released later

Apple's Fall Event Preview: Beyond the iPhone 16, These "Little Surprises" Are Worth Anticipating

With Apple's fall event just under a month away, the iPhone 16 series has dominated the news cycle. But beyond the highly anticipated new iPhones, what other "little surprises" might Apple have in store? Let's dive into the rumors and see if these products will make an appearance alongside the new iPhones, or if they'll be released later.

1. iPhone SE4: Back to Single Camera, Budget King?

Rumors of an iPhone SE4 have been swirling since the iPhone SE3. It's been a recurring topic before every Apple event, yet it never materialized. This time, the iPhone SE4 is back in the spotlight. What changes could it bring?

• Full-Screen Design: The iPhone SE4 will ditch the "big chin" and adopt a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch similar to the iPhone 14, but does this mean Apple is using old designs to clear inventory? The retention of the mute button raises further questions.

• USB-C Port: Finally, the iPhone SE4 welcomes the USB-C port, meaning one cable can connect your entire Apple ecosystem.

• Powerful Performance: The iPhone SE4 is rumored to be equipped with the A18 Bionic chip, 6GB of RAM, and support for Apple Intelligence features. This signals Apple's attempt to compete with Chinese smartphone brands in the mid-range market by focusing on performance and AI capabilities.

• Single Camera Returns: The iPhone SE4 will feature a single camera, expected to be the 48MP main camera found on the iPhone 15, supporting nearly lossless 2X zoom. This single-lens design takes us back to the era of the iPhone XR, but also translates to a lighter body, aligning with the current trend towards portability.

• Release Date: Current reports suggest the iPhone SE4 might launch in early 2025, possibly even bypassing a public event and going straight to sale.

• Price: The rumored price is $499. If true, the iPhone SE4 would be the most budget-friendly iPhone, offering Apple Intelligence features not available on the iPhone 15.

For those considering a new iPhone, the iPhone SE4 appears like a compelling option. However, the ultimate answer will only be revealed when the product officially launches.

2. iPad mini 7: Three Years in the Making, Farewell to "Jelly Scrolling"?

The iPad mini 7 is expected to maintain a similar design to its predecessor, featuring an 8.3-inch LiquidRetina display with P3 wide color gamut and 500nit maximum brightness. Thankfully, the "jelly scrolling" issue that plagued users has reportedly been addressed, which is undoubtedly a major upgrade.

• Screen Refresh Rate: The iPad mini 7's screen refresh rate remains at 60Hz. It seems that high refresh rate technology is still reserved for Apple's Pro models.

• Powerful Chip: It's expected to be powered by the A17 Pro or A18 chip, providing solid support for Apple Intelligence features.

• Apple Pencil Pro Support: The iPad mini 7 will support the new Apple Pencil Pro.

• Upgraded Connectivity: Upgraded Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 technology.

• Horizontal Front Camera Design: The iPad mini 7 will adopt a horizontal front camera design for a better video call experience.

The iPad mini 7 is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 16 series. Based on leaks, it's predicted to be a popular product, especially among iPad mini 6 users who can finally say goodbye to "jelly scrolling" and experience new features.

3. iPad 11: Full-Screen Design, Can It Wow Us Again?

Similar to the iPad mini 7, the iPad 11 has been absent for a while. The previous iPad 10 underwent a significant update, ditching the thick bezels and home button in favor of a full-screen design. Therefore, the iPad 11's design is expected to remain largely similar, with perhaps just new color options.

• Core Configuration: The iPad 11 is expected to be equipped with the A18 chip and support Apple Intelligence features.

• Release Date: Expected to launch concurrently with the iPad mini 7.

If the iPad 11 graces the fall event, it would be great news for those looking to purchase an iPad.

4. MacBook Pro (M4 Series): Powerful Performance, Matching Price?

Since adopting the M series chip, the MacBook Pro has seen four generations of updates. The next generation MacBook Pro will be powered by the M4 series chip. The M4 chip debuted in the iPad Pro back in May, and the M4 Pro and M4 Max are also on their way.

• Powerful Performance: The M4 series chip utilizes TSMC's 3nm manufacturing process, resulting in impressive performance.

• Form Factor: The MacBook Pro's design remains consistent, offered in both 14-inch and 16-inch versions.

• Release Date: Expected to launch in Q4.

The new MacBook Pro is expected to come with a higher price tag, but for users seeking the ultimate performance, it remains a compelling choice.

5. AirPods 4: Classic Return, Shorter Stems for Comfort?

The AirPods 3's redesigned form factor wasn't widely embraced, with many users longing for the classic look of the AirPods 2. Fortunately, leaks suggest Apple might release both standard and enhanced versions of the AirPods 4.

• Standard Version: Replacing the AirPods 2, without wireless charging, featuring passive noise cancellation, and returning to the classic design.

• Enhanced Version: Replacing the AirPods 3, with wireless charging, semi-in-ear active noise cancellation.

• Spatial Audio Support: Both AirPods 4 versions will support spatial audio.

• USB-C Port: Both AirPods 4 versions will adopt a USB-C charging port.

For those who prioritize comfortable wearing, the hope is that the AirPods 4 will revert to the classic design with shorter stems.

6. AirPods Max: Slow Updates, Expecting USB-C

The AirPods Max, Apple's over-ear headphones, remain a niche product. Its last update was nearly four years ago. This year, an update is highly likely, aligning with Apple's product update rhythm.

• Design: The new AirPods Max's design is expected to remain largely unchanged, with perhaps a few new color options.

• Charging Port: The new AirPods Max will adopt a USB-C charging port, consistent with other Apple products.

• Performance Upgrades: The new AirPods Max will be equipped with the U2 chip found in the iPhone 15, optimizing the precise search function and supporting Bluetooth 5.3 technology.

The updates to the new AirPods Max focus on port and performance enhancements, while design changes are expected to be minimal.

Conclusion:

Apple's fall event is approaching, and there are "little surprises" worth anticipating beyond the iPhone 16 series. These products will offer users more choices and fuel our excitement for Apple's future. Let's wait and see if these products will appear as expected and what surprises they hold.