Apple’s next major event is rapidly approaching, scheduled for September 9 at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST. While the official unveiling of the iPhone 16 hasn’t been confirmed, all signs point to a significant reveal that could mark a new chapter in Apple’s storied history. September has traditionally been the month when Apple introduces its latest smartphone innovations, and this year promises to be particularly noteworthy.

The anticipation surrounding the iPhone 16 is palpable, and it’s no wonder—this launch could signify a major shift for the tech giant. Rumors have been swirling about the potential integration of generative AI, alongside substantial design overhauls. Here are three rumored features that have piqued my interest, and why they might be game-changers.

^{1. The All-New Capture Button}

One of the most exciting potential updates to the iPhone 16 is the rumored enhancement to its camera system, particularly the introduction of a new Capture button. While improvements like a better night mode and an upgraded ultrawide sensor are expected, the Capture button is generating a lot of buzz for its innovative functionality.

This new button is said to serve as more than just a camera shortcut. In addition to snapping photos with a press, it reportedly supports gesture controls, making photography more intuitive. Imagine zooming in and out by swiping across the button with your thumb, or adjusting focus with a light touch before taking a shot. This feature could make photography more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.

^{2. Siri’s Major Overhaul}

Siri, Apple’s voice-activated assistant, has been around for years, but it’s long overdue for a significant upgrade. The emergence of generative AI models has highlighted Siri’s limitations, and it seems Apple is ready to address them.

At WWDC 2024, Apple announced that Siri will soon receive a comprehensive update, enhancing its conversational abilities and allowing it to take actions across multiple apps based on user commands. One particularly intriguing rumor is that activating the new Siri will trigger a glowing animation along the iPhone’s display edge—a feature hinted at by the event’s tagline, “It’s Glowtime.” This suggests that Apple may have more surprises in store for Siri’s upgrade than previously revealed.

^{3. A Powerful New Chipset}

To fully realize the potential of its AI-driven features, the iPhone 16 is expected to come equipped with a powerful new chipset. The rumored A18 processor paired with 8GB of RAM for the base model, and 12GB for the Pro variant, is likely to provide the necessary muscle to support the next generation of Apple Intelligence features.

While the current beta version of Apple Intelligence is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max due to their higher RAM capacity, the iPhone 16’s upgraded hardware could democratize access to these features across the entire lineup. More memory and processing power will undoubtedly enhance overall performance, making the iPhone 16 a formidable device, whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply looking for a faster, more responsive phone.