Photo source: Apple
Apple’s major annual event has taken place, as it launches the iPhone 16 series along with a variety of AI enhancements for iOS 18. This year, Apple Intelligence took centre stage at the “Glowtime” event, similar to its prominence at WWDC in June. The announcements included anticipated hardware updates such as the new iPhone 16, AirPods 4, and the Apple Watch Series 10.
The impact of Monday’s announcements on the anticipated “supercycle” of iPhone 16 adoption remains uncertain, but Apple’s commitment to integrating AI into its future sales strategy is evident.
As expected, the iPhone 16 “has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up,” according to CEO Tim Cook. The event showcased updated designs and new colour options. The iPhone 16 lineup features a side camera control for physical interaction with camera functions, and the new A18 chip, which Apple claims makes the device up to 30% faster than its predecessor.
The iPhone 16 maintains a familiar feel compared to last year’s models. The 16 and 16 Plus now sport a vertically aligned camera module and include Apple’s Action Button, first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro. This customisable button can replicate the Mute switch functionality or be programmed for various tasks, such as activating the flashlight or launching the camera.
Additionally, the Camera Control button can facilitate Google searches and generate responses from OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which is being integrated into apps like Siri. However, specifics on how the button will determine the use of third-party or Apple software remain unclear. Pricing starts at $799 for the 128GB iPhone 16, while the 16 Plus begins at $899 for the same storage capacity.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are slightly larger, with reduced bezels allowing for bigger screens measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively (up from 6.1 and 6.7 inches). Additional enhancements include the introduction of 5X optical zoom in the smaller Pro model.
The premium models boast significant screen upgrades, with the Pro and Pro Max featuring the largest displays ever on an iPhone. They are powered by the A18 Pro chip, equipped with an upgraded camera capable of faster shutter speeds and 4K video recording at 120 fps. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, and the Pro Max begins at $1,119, both set to launch on September 20.
Initially introduced at WWDC, Apple Intelligence is positioned as a private large language model designed to enhance existing applications and features. Apple highlighted its capability to summarise inboxes and modify notifications to prioritise important messages. Describing it as “a new era for Siri,” Apple emphasised that these upgrades enable Siri to comprehend less articulate requests and assist users with specific tasks on their iPhones while being aware of on-screen actions.
A notable new feature allows users to point their iPhone camera at a restaurant, business, flyer, or other informational signs and ask Siri for more details. For instance, pointing at a restaurant will yield photos, menus, hours, and reservation links, while a flyer can prompt users to add the event to their calendar. This feature resembles Google Lens, indicating the productivity and search capabilities Apple aims to enhance with its AI strategy.
Apple Intelligence is set to launch in beta in the U.S. this fall, with localised English versions rolling out in December. Additional languages, including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish, are expected to follow in 2025.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the original Apple Watch, Apple has redesigned the Watch Series 10. It is lighter and thinner than the Series 9, and it features the largest display on an Apple Watch. The new display has rounded edges and a wider-angle OLED screen for better visibility from various angles.
The new model is available in a sleek jet black finish, polished with silicon nanoparticles for a reflective look. To make it thinner, the speaker system has been revamped, allowing users to play podcasts directly through the watch. A more efficient charging coil enables the watch to reach 80% battery in just 30 minutes, although improvements in overall battery life were not specified.
A standout health feature introduced with watchOS is sleep apnea detection, which monitors breathing interruptions during sleep using the watch’s accelerometer. Although blood pressure tracking was anticipated, it was not included, likely due to recent legal challenges that led Apple to remove blood-oxygen sensing from the new watches earlier this year following a patent dispute with Masimo.
Apple Intelligence will be integrated into the Watch, primarily through updates to the Health app that were introduced with watchOS 11 earlier this year. New water-related fitness features include maritime watch faces for activities like sailing or kayaking.
The Watch Ultra 2 received no significant updates but now features a new black finish and a Milanese loop designed for water sports. The Apple Watch Series 10 and the updated Watch Ultra 2 will both be fully available on September 20. The Series 10 starts at $399 in aluminum and $699 in titanium, while the Ultra 2 starts at $799.
Apple has introduced new options for its AirPods lineup. For the first time, active noise cancelling is available in the standard AirPods, though only in a more expensive version. The new AirPods 4 are priced at $129 without active noise cancelling, while the version with this feature costs $179.
Personalised spatial audio is also coming to AirPods 4, along with gesture controls for interacting with Siri, such as nodding to accept a call. A new charging case provides a total battery life of 30 hours and supports both USB-C and wireless charging for the ANC version. Both variants of the AirPods 4 are set to launch on September 20.
Apple also introduced new colours for the AirPods Max, which now charge via USB-C instead of Lightning. The new colour options include midnight, blue, orange, purple, and starlight. The AirPods Max, first released in 2020, remain at the same price of $549 and will also be available on September 20.
While Apple is not releasing a new version of AirPods Pro, it is enhancing hearing protection technology for the AirPods Pro 2. This includes a feature that reduces sound levels in loud environments, allowing them to function like earplugs. Additionally, Apple is offering a clinical hearing test to assess hearing loss and over-the-counter hearing aid certification, enabling the AirPods to serve as true hearing aids, which could disrupt the emerging OTC hearing aid market.
iOS 18 is set to launch on September 16 for compatible iPhones. This update introduces numerous personalisation options, which allow users to customise the home screen and Control Center layout. Users can now freely arrange apps and even hide or lock them behind authentication, requiring Face ID for access to apps like Slack or photo galleries.
A significant addition is support for Rich Communication Services, which aims to improve the texting experience on iPhones and make communication with Android users smoother than before.
