Pop culture lovers, buckle up—this week is packed with game-changing moments! Whether you're an Apple fanatic, a political junkie, or a music enthusiast, there’s something huge on the horizon. From the much-anticipated launch of the iPhone 16 to the first fiery Trump-Harris presidential debate and the glittering MTV Video Music Awards, it's all happening in just a few days. Get ready for a whirlwind of tech, politics, and pop royalty, because this week is going to be unforgettable!
iPhone 16 Launch: Apple Event, Design & Colours
On September 9, at Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, the tech giant is expected to unveil the iPhone 16, bringing some exciting updates to the iPhone lineup.
The iPhone 16 Pro will now feature a larger 6.3-inch screen, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will expand to 6.9 inches—marking the first size increase in years. These changes are exclusive to the Pro models, with the standard iPhone 16 retaining the same dimensions as the iPhone 15. While the size of the standard models remains the same, there will be some small design updates, including new buttons. The appearance, however, will still resemble the iPhone 15.
After testing several potential designs, Apple settled on a vertically aligned camera system with a pill-shaped bump for the iPhone 16 models. This is a change from the square camera bump used in earlier models, which accommodated diagonal lenses. The new lens layout has allowed Apple to slim down the bump significantly.
Color options for the iPhone 16 have sparked some debate. One rumor hints at seven shades: blue, pink, yellow, green, black, white, and purple. However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests we’ll see black, green, pink, blue, and white, with no purple or yellow in the mix. Meanwhile, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg predicts green, blue, pink, and white, with yellow being off the table.
Dummy models of the iPhone 16 showcase potential colorways, including a soft pink, a darker blue-green shade, and a vibrant blue, alongside the classic black and white. The color-infused frosted back glass, first introduced with the iPhone 15, will return, contrasting with the main frame of the phone.
Trump-Harris First Presidential debate: What to watch for on Tuesday
Get ready for a political showdown as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris gear up for their first presidential debate, just under two months before the election. The political landscape has drastically shifted since President Biden’s poor debate performance led to concerns over his ability to challenge Trump, the Republican nominee.
Since then, Trump has survived an assassination attempt, accepted the GOP nomination, and witnessed Biden withdraw from the race.
Harris quickly stepped in and clinched the Democratic nomination, making a notable recovery in swing state polls, where she is now neck and neck with Trump. Despite her rising support and record-breaking fundraising, Harris’ honeymoon phase could be coming to an end as Republicans, including Trump, sharpen their attacks.
This much-anticipated debate will be the first time Trump and Harris face each other in person. Set to take place at the National Constitution Center (NCC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10 at 9 pm Eastern Time (01:00 GMT on Wednesday), the 90-minute debate promises fireworks. The NCC is no stranger to hosting political events, having been the site of a Democratic primary debate in 2008 and town halls ahead of the 2020 election.
With Biden’s withdrawal shaking up the race, this debate is crucial for both candidates as they attempt to gain momentum. For Harris, time is short—she only replaced Biden on July 21, leaving her with just seven weeks to introduce herself to voters.
Despite the turbulence, Harris has gained substantial ground for the Democrats. According to polling averages from Real Clear Politics, the Democrats have shifted from trailing Trump by 3.1 percent to leading by 1.8 points since Harris entered the race—a near five-point swing in just over a month. Expect viral moments and sharp exchanges, making this a debate you won’t want to miss!
The MTV Video Music Awards 2024
Brace yourself because the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) are just days away, and they’re bringing together some of the biggest names in music! This iconic event, now in its 40th year, will celebrate the best music videos and performances. Held in New York on September 11, it promises to be a star-studded night.
Leading the nominations this year is none other than Taylor Swift, who’s up for an impressive 10 awards. Swift has a history of VMAs dominance, bagging nine awards last year and becoming the first artist to win video of the year twice in a row.
Not far behind is pop sensation Ariana Grande, up for six awards, including the coveted artist of the year. Grande will be going head-to-head with Swift in this category, as well as facing off against breakout star Sabrina Carpenter, who’s also up for six awards.
It’s also going to be a monumental night for Chappell Roan, who’s nominated for two awards and is set to perform at the VMAs for the first time. Sabrina Carpenter, fresh off her pre-show performance last year, will be making her debut on the main stage this time around.
But that’s not all—this year’s Video Vanguard Award, a lifetime achievement honor, will go to Katy Perry, who will perform some of her biggest hits as part of the celebration. Expect other epic performances from a lineup of incredible artists.
For Chappell Roan and RAYE, the stakes are high. Roan is not only a first-time performer but also a nominee, while RAYE has a nomination to her name as well. All in all, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night for music fans everywhere!
The week ahead
This week promises to be a pivotal one for pop culture, technology, and politics. From the release of the iPhone 16 to the first Trump-Harris debate and the MTV Video Music Awards, it's a time to be glued to your screens and engaged in the buzz. Make sure to follow along for all the latest updates and analysis from the heart of the action.
