Apple Event: All the Announcements and Key Takeaways

Apple Event: iPhone 16 – All the Announcements and Key Takeaways

The latest Apple event was packed with announcements, including four new iPhones, a new Apple Watch, two new AirPods models, and several innovative Apple Intelligence features. However, some much-rumored updates and devices were notably missing. Below is a breakdown of everything Apple revealed and some additional insights we gained.

iPhone 16 Introduces Two New Buttons

Although the iPhone 16 looks similar to its predecessor at first glance, Apple has made several significant upgrades to the new base model. The design includes the Action button from the iPhone 15 Pro, but the more intriguing addition is the new Camera Control button, which functions similarly to Google Lens to quickly identify surroundings. The iPhone 16 is powered by an exclusive A18 chipset, enhancing its Apple Intelligence features, and now has vertically arranged rear camera lenses for spatial video capture. It comes in ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black, with pre-orders starting Friday, September 9, and in-store availability beginning Friday, September 20, alongside the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Offer Bigger Screens and More Pro Features

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have received substantial upgrades, including larger screens (6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively) and the powerful A18 Pro chipset, which promises enhanced gaming performance and the ability to capture high-quality 4K video at 120 frames per second. Both models also feature an upgraded Action button and a new Camera Control button that recognizes taps and swipes for various camera modes. The Pro models also come with four microphones capable of recording Spatial Audio and are available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium. Despite these upgrades, the Pro models’ prices remain unchanged, making them strong contenders for the best smartphones.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have received substantial upgrades, including larger screens (6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively) and the powerful A18 Pro chipset, which promises enhanced gaming performance and the ability to capture high-quality 4K video at 120 frames per second.

iPhone 16 Plus Is Just a Larger Version of the iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 Plus matches the standard iPhone 16 in every aspect except size, boasting a 6.7-inch display, making it Apple’s second-largest phone after the new iPhone 16 Pro Max. Like the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup, it features the new Action Button and Camera Control capacitive button. Powered by the A18 chipset, the Plus model will receive Apple Intelligence features as a beta release in October, with official availability in December. Pre-orders start on September 13, starting at $899 / £899 / AU$1,599 for the 128GB model.

Apple Maintains the Same Prices for iPhone Models

Surprisingly, Apple has kept the prices for the iPhone 16 lineup consistent with previous models. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399, the iPhone 16 Plus at $899 / £899 / AU$1,599, the iPhone 16 Pro at $999 / £999 / AU$1,799, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,149. While prices increase with higher storage options, they remain reasonable for more modest storage choices. All four models will be released on September 20, with pre-orders for the iPhone 16 starting on September 13.

Surprisingly, Apple has kept the prices for the iPhone 16 lineup consistent with previous models.

Camera Control Button Added to iPhone 16 Models

In addition to the Action button, the iPhone 16 models now include a new Camera Control button. This button allows users to open the Camera app, take pictures, and adjust camera settings by sliding along the button. This addition should make taking pictures more convenient and user-friendly.

iPhone 16 Pro Offers Studio-Quality Recording Capabilities

Apple is targeting creatives with the iPhone 16 Pro by including four “studio-quality” microphones and AI-driven sound adjustments, making it ideal for music and video production. The Pro model also supports 4K video capture at 120fps, with features to adjust playback speed for cinematic effects and a Camera Control button for on-the-go camera settings adjustments.

The Pro model also supports 4K video capture at 120fps, with features to adjust playback speed for cinematic effects and a Camera Control button for on-the-go camera settings adjustments.

New Chipsets for All iPhone Models

The iPhone 16 lineup features new A18 and A18 Pro chipsets, boasting substantial performance improvements. Apple claims the A18, found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, offers a 30% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU than the previous A16 Bionic chipset. The A18 Pro in the Pro models promises a 15% CPU performance boost and a 20% GPU increase, along with doubled video encoding speeds.

Apple Intelligence Arriving Soon

Apple Intelligence, the new AI suite, is set to release in October with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, initially in US English. This update will introduce tools like writing aids, summaries, and a redesigned Siri. More localized versions will follow in December, with additional features expected in the coming months.

Apple Intelligence, the new AI suite, is set to release in October with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, initially in US English.

Visual Intelligence Brings AI-Powered Search to iPhone

Visual Intelligence, activated via the new Camera Control button, allows users to search their surroundings using AI. Similar to Google Lens, this new feature is exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup and will be available later this year.

Apple Watch 10 Debuts with a Larger Screen and Thinner Body

The Apple Watch Series 10 features a larger display, a thinner body, and faster charging. It also includes an S10 chipset, machine-learning-powered health features, and a new Breathing Disturbances feature for sleep apnea detection.

The Apple Watch Series 10 features a larger display, a thinner body, and faster charging.

Apple Watch 10 Can Play Music Without AirPods

The new Apple Watch Series 10 now allows for music playback directly from its speaker, eliminating the need for AirPods to enjoy music on the go.

No Apple Watch Ultra 3, But Some Updates for Ultra 2

While there is no Apple Watch Ultra 3, the Ultra 2 received a minor update, including a new Satin Black color and a corrosion-resistant Milanese titanium band.

While there is no Apple Watch Ultra 3, the Ultra 2 received a minor update, including a new Satin Black color and a corrosion-resistant Milanese titanium band.

Sleep Apnea Detection Added to Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 2

Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 now have a sleep apnea detection feature that uses the device’s accelerometer to detect breathing disturbances during sleep.

Apple AirPods 4 Introduced in Two Versions

Apple announced two new AirPods 4 models, both with upgraded acoustics. The higher-end version includes Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and conversation awareness, while both models feature personalized Spatial Audio and gesture detection thanks to the H2 chip.

Apple announced two new AirPods 4 models, both with upgraded acoustics.

AirPods Pro 3 Absent, But AirPods Pro 2 Get Upgrades

The AirPods Pro 3 didn’t appear, but the AirPods Pro 2 are receiving three new features focused on hearing health, including improved noise cancellation, a hearing test, and a hearing aid mode.

No AirPods Max 2, Minor Upgrades to AirPods Max

Rumored AirPods Max 2 did not debut; however, the current AirPods Max received some minor updates, including a switch to USB-C ports and new color options.

This covers all the significant updates and surprises from Apple’s latest event, with plenty of exciting new features and products to look forward to.

Links

• Apple debuts iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max – Apple Newsroom
• Apple introduces iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus – Apple Newsroom
• Apple Intelligence comes to iPhone, iPad, and Mac starting next month – Apple Newsroom
• Introducing Apple Watch Series 10 – Apple Newsroom
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 now available in black titanium – Apple Newsroom
• Apple introduces AirPods 4 and the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2 – Apple Newsroom
• Sell pre-owned Apple device online – iGotOffer
• Everything About Apple’s Products – The complete guide to all Apple consumer electronic products, including technical specifications, identifiers and other valuable information.

Apple iPhone 16 Event: Everything Apple Announced in 13 Minutes! [Video]

Video uploaded by MacRumors on September 9, 2024.