Glowtime Event Highlights
The Apple Glowtime Event took place on 9th September 2024 at Apple’s California HQ, and the build-up for this one had been huge. Rumours had been flying around for months, and with so many expected announcements, fans were ready for a packed keynote. Now that everything’s officially revealed, here’s a quick look at the biggest highlights from the night.
If you're catching up on software news too, the iOS 18 launch breakdown pairs nicely with this recap.
Is There an iPhone 16?
Of course there is — and it was the centrepiece of the whole event. Apple announced the full lineup: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. The upgrades sparked plenty of conversation, and if you’re tempted by Apple’s newer models but prefer refurbished options, you can explore the refurbished iPhone range.
We’ve already covered the new features and improvements separately, so if you want a deeper dive into the design, battery and camera upgrades, have a look at our full iPhone 16 feature blog.
Should You Upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 10?
The Series 10 was the second big moment of the night. Apple is calling it their thinnest watch yet, now with a noticeably bigger display. It also introduces a sleep apnoea notification — analysing breathing disturbances and alerting the wearer if something seems off. With sleep health becoming more talked about than ever, this feature got a lot of attention.
The fitness side of things has levelled up too, with improved water temperature tracking, faster charging for full-day use and more refined workout metrics. The watch comes in jet black, rose gold and silver, starting at £399.
- Battery life: Up to 36 hours in low power mode
- Display: Wide-angle OLED, 75% more screen than Series 3
- Charging: 80% in 3 minutes
- Storage: 64GB
- Material: Aluminium casing with titanium finish
Apple Watch Ultra 2: Built for the Outdoors
The Ultra 2 continues to aim directly at the adventure crowd. It’s designed for harsh environments, boasting an incredibly bright 3,000-nit screen, 100m water resistance and IP6X dust protection. With its rugged titanium build and the standout action button on the side, it's ideal for quickly marking laps, starting workouts or switching training stages on the move.
The battery is impressive too — up to 36 hours normally, 72 in low power, and 17 hours in outdoor workout mode. The Ultra 2 comes in natural and black.
- Battery life: Up to 36 hours
- Display: Always-on Retina OLED
- Charging: 80% in around an hour
- Storage: 64GB
- Material: Titanium
If you’re thinking of upgrading your iPhone to match your new watch, Apple’s refurbished iPhones — especially the Pro models — offer strong performance at better value. Browse the refurbished mobile phone selection if you're weighing up your options.
Are AirPods 4 Finally Here?
Yes — and they arrived with a noticeable redesign. After three years without an update, the AirPods 4 bring better comfort, voice isolation and a hands-free Siri experience. With the upgraded H2 chip, audio quality feels clearer and more controlled, and active noise cancellation now handles low-frequency background sounds more efficiently. They start at £129.
- Battery life: Up to 5 hours
- Charging: Wireless charging case
- Features: Voice isolation, improved Siri interactions
AirPods Max: New Colours Instead of a New Model
Fans hoping for a new AirPods Max model didn’t get one this year, but Apple did refresh the colours. You can pre-order new shades including blue, purple, midnight, starlight and orange — alongside classics like coral and white. It’s a welcome update, though some were hoping for fresh hardware too, considering it has been four years since the last Max release.
Apple’s AI Push
Artificial Intelligence had a big presence throughout the keynote. Apple shared a deeper look at Apple Intelligence — something we’ve already broken down in our WWDC 2024 highlights and our iOS 18 coverage. It’s clear Apple is pushing AI into every product category, from Siri upgrades to rewritten system apps.
With all these updates rolling out, the new iPhone and watch line-up looks stronger than ever. Whether you're planning to upgrade straight away or keep an eye out for refurbished versions later, the Glowtime Event definitely delivered enough new tech to get people talking.
