As excitement builds for Apple's upcoming Glowtime event and the highly anticipated launch of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, questions are being raised about whether the smaller iPhone 16 can live up to the hype generated in September. Recent leaks have cast doubt on its potential, pointing to potential issues with its specifications, readiness of the software, and the possibility of better value for money in the near future.

One key aspect that will be heavily emphasized during the Glowtime event is Apple's approach to generative AI, as part of their newly announced Apple Intelligence suite. This suite will play a crucial role in promoting iOS 18 and the new iPhones. Those looking to dive into Apple's AI game from the ground floor will naturally turn their eyes towards the iPhone 16. Currently, it is expected to be the most affordable iPhone capable of running the Apple Intelligence software. It's worth noting that only the highly specced iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will support Apple Intelligence among the existing devices.

However, there are concerns that the iPhone 16 may be underpowered for Apple Intelligence in the coming years. Apple is ensuring that the first iPhones released alongside Apple Intelligence will feature the latest A18 processor and increased RAM to handle the software. Unfortunately, current indications suggest that the iPhone 16 will only meet the minimum requirements to run the software, leaving little room for future expansion in terms of processor and memory. This could become problematic in the long run as more software updates and personal data processing are shifted to the handset, potentially leaving the iPhone 16 lacking the necessary resources to support these advancements in generative AI routines.

Another important factor to consider is the timeframe for iOS 18 and AI integration. The Apple Intelligence software will not be available at the iPhone 16's launch. The first public release of a basic toolset is planned for mid-October, approximately a month after the iPhone 16's launch. The ChatGPT functionality is expected to arrive in December, with the full suite becoming available in March 2025. As a result, anyone purchasing the new iPhone 16 models will be doing so with the promise of software that will be ready in the future, rather than ready at the time of the device's launch. This inherent risk may cause uncertainty for those whose decision to purchase heavily relies on the capabilities of the software.

Moreover, the March release of the next iPhone SE is also anticipated. With Apple Intelligence featured in every iPhone 16 model and becoming a central part of their marketing strategy, it is highly likely that the iPhone SE will also offer support for AI capabilities. This implies that the iPhone SE will at least match the specifications of the iPhone 16. Additionally, the next iPhone SE is expected to ditch the older LCD screen and adopt the newer OLED technology, removing one of the few disadvantages of the SE range. By the time it launches, the iPhone SE will also have the full suite of Apple Intelligence available, providing potential buyers with a broader range of options.

While Apple has yet to confirm the pricing for the iPhone 16 family, current indications are that there will be a price hike across the board. Apple is likely to justify this increase by highlighting the upgraded hardware and the introduction of Apple Intelligence as key factors. However, it's important to note that according to a recent report from Compare and Recycle, the resale value of vanilla iPhone handsets has been decreasing rapidly over the past three years. In the first twelve months following their launch, the iPhone 13 depreciated by 40.1 percent, the iPhone 14 by 47.8 percent, and the iPhone 15 surpassed the halfway mark with a depreciation of 55.6 percent. It is projected that the iPhone 16 will experience an even higher depreciation rate of around 62 percent within its first year. This, coupled with the software limitations and the imminent release of the iPhone SE, raises concerns about the value for money that the iPhone 16 will offer.

In summary, while the Apple community eagerly awaits the Glowtime event and the launch of Apple Intelligence, it's important to acknowledge that the software will only be available in March. The limitations in specifications may hamper the iPhone 16's potential for future updates, and the more cost-effective iPhone SE with similar capabilities is set to hit the market in March as well. Glowtime may bring the excitement, but the true AI revolution for the iPhone will have to wait until 2025.