It’s Glowtime: Your Ultimate Guide to Apple’s 2024 Event and How to Find the Best Deals from UK Retailers & Mobile Networks
With the “It’s Glowtime” Apple event set for September 9, 2024, tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of the iPhone 16 series, alongside exciting new versions of the Apple Watch and AirPods. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your device or grab the latest in Apple’s lineup, we’ve got the inside scoop on what to expect and where to find the best deals. 🔥📱
📅 Apple Event Highlights and What to Expect
iPhone 16 Series:
The star of the show is undoubtedly the iPhone 16 series. This year’s lineup will include:
- iPhone 16: Base model for Apple enthusiasts.
- iPhone 16 Plus: Larger display for those who love more screen real estate.
- iPhone 16 Pro: Advanced features with higher processing power.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Top-of-the-line with the largest display and best camera. 📸
We are expecting the following:
iPhone 16 Series: Apple will introduce four new models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Pro models will stand out with larger screens and advanced camera systems, including a tetraprism telephoto lens for the iPhone 16 Pro, aligning with the capabilities of the Pro Max. All models will feature Dynamic Island and will be set to integrate with Apple’s upcoming AI suite, Apple Intelligence, although the full rollout of these AI features will come later through an iOS 18.1 update.
Apple Intelligence: While not available at launch, Apple Intelligence will promise to bring generative AI features to the iPhone, enhancing user interaction with Siri and other applications through more natural language processing and contextual awareness.
Apple Watch Series 10: As Apple celebrates a decade since the first Apple Watch, the Series 10 will come with larger displays, thinner bezels, and new health features like sleep apnea detection. However, the highly anticipated blood pressure monitoring feature will be confirmed for a future software update rather than at launch.
AirPods 4: Two new models will be introduced, continuing the evolution of Apple’s wireless audio technology with design refinements and likely improvements in sound quality and battery life.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: While not detailed extensively, its mention alongside the Series 10 will suggest that Apple is continuing to cater to the rugged and extreme sports market with enhanced durability and possibly new features tailored for outdoor activities.
Event Theme and Siri: The “Glowtime” theme might refer to new animations or interface changes for Siri, suggesting a more vibrant or interactive user experience with Apple’s voice assistant, aligning with the event’s visual cues.
Key Features to Watch:
- Design & Display: Bigger displays, with 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. Expect new color options and improved durability. 🌈
- Chipset: All models are powered by the A18 chip, while the Pro models will feature the A18 Pro chip for superior performance. 🧠
- Camera: The Pro Max will come with a 5x optical zoom lens, perfect for mobile photography. 📷
Apple Watch Series 10 (or Series X):
Celebrating a decade of the Apple Watch, expect innovations like larger displays, a thinner design, and potential health-monitoring features like sleep apnea detection and blood pressure monitoring. 🩺
AirPods 4:
The next-gen AirPods will likely feature improved active noise cancellation and longer battery life, perfect for both daily commutes and workouts. 🎧
Software Updates:
Announcements for iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia will also be unveiled, with a special focus on Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI integration to improve user experiences. 📲
📈 Pricing Expectations for iPhone 16
Here’s what we expect for pricing in different regions based on leaks and rumors:
- USA: iPhone 16 might start at $849, with Pro models ranging from $999 and higher. 💵
- UK: Prices are expected to start around £899 for the iPhone 16, with the Pro models reaching up to £1,149. 💷
- Australia: Expect a starting price of AUD 1,399, with Pro models touching AUD 1,749. 💰
🛒 Where to Buy the iPhone 16 in the UK
Wondering where to grab your new Apple gear? Here’s a breakdown of top UK retailers and mobile network providers offering the best deals.
Retailers:
- Apple Store UK: Always a reliable choice for trade-ins, financing options, and student discounts. 🎓
- John Lewis: Known for its extended warranties and customer service, making it a popular choice for buying Apple devices. 🛡️
- Currys: Offers trade-in programs and financing deals, often running special promotions during new Apple releases. 💳
- Argos: Known for competitive pricing and interest-free financing, as well as same-day delivery options in many areas. 🚚
- Amazon UK: Watch out for limited-time lightning deals during launch week. Plus, they often offer free delivery for Prime members. ⚡
- Carphone Warehouse: Expect exclusive bundle deals with accessories or even mobile contracts. 📦
Mobile Service Providers:
Looking to grab your new iPhone with a data plan? Here’s a breakdown of the best UK mobile providers offering iPhone deals:
- EE: EE often offers exclusive pre-order deals on the latest iPhones, alongside fast 5G coverage and upgrade programs that allow you to trade up after a year. 📱💨
- O2: Known for its custom plans, O2 lets you personalize your contract, from data to contract length. You can also enjoy perks like Priority access to events. 🎟️
- Vodafone: Vodafone offers Red Entertainment bundles, which can include subscriptions to services like Spotify or YouTube Premium, along with excellent international roaming options. 🌍
- Three: Great for heavy data users, Three offers unlimited data plans and Go Roam, allowing you to use your data in 71 countries at no extra cost. 📶
- Sky Mobile: If you’re a Sky TV customer, you can get special mobile deals that let you roll over unused data month-to-month. 📡
- Virgin Media: Offering freestyle contracts, Virgin lets you change your plan at any time, giving you complete flexibility. You can also bundle with Virgin broadband for extra savings. 📱💻
USA Retailer
- Apple: Get up to $650 off with a trade-in on Apple’s trade-in page.
- Verizon: Save up to $1,000 with a trade-in and an unlimited plan. Check out the offer on Verizon’s deals page.
- AT&T: Offering up to $1,000 off with a trade-in and unlimited plan. Explore the deal on AT&T’s trade-in page.
- T-Mobile: Enjoy up to $1,000 off with a trade-in and unlimited plan. Find more details on T-Mobile’s promotion page.
- Best Buy: Get up to $1,000 off with a trade-in and an unlimited plan. Visit Best Buy’s smartphone deals section for more information
💡 Tips for Snagging the Best Deals
- Compare Before You Buy: Always check multiple retailers and mobile service providers to see who is offering the best pre-order perks and bundle offers. 🛍️
- Trade-In Programs: Apple and many mobile networks offer trade-in schemes, where you can trade in your old iPhone and get discounts on the latest model. Look for special promotions that might increase trade-in values during the event. 🔄📱
- Watch for Bundle Deals: Mobile providers often offer bundle deals with AirPods, Apple Watches, or even iPads. These can provide great value if you’re looking to build your Apple ecosystem. 📦
- Black Friday & Early Christmas Sales: If you’re not in a rush, you might find early Black Friday deals in November or Christmas sales in December offering discounts or added incentives like gift cards. 🎅🖤
- Mobile Contract vs. SIM-Free: If you’re happy with your current phone plan, consider going SIM-free and buying directly from retailers like Apple or John Lewis. If you prefer a new plan, look for mobile carriers with flexible payment options or extra perks like international data. 💳
