iPhone 16 series, AI and more: all the major announcements from #AppleEvent 2024

Historically, Apple events have consistently highlighted the mobile tech development space. This is because the events always feature announcements that become the portal into the future of mobile technology, unveil breathtaking designs, herald cutting-edge functionalities and kickstart the mad rush for the newest edition of the iPhone.

As with others, Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, which happened today, the 9th of September, 2024, introduced to the world a host of exciting innovations across Apple’s array of gadgets: iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods product lines. 

Hosted at the Steve Jobs Theatre in Cupertino, California, the event so far has focused on Apple’s shift towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its devices, along with substantial hardware upgrades.

From the all-new iPhone 16 lineup to the next-generation Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4, the event showcased Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and user experience improvements.

Here is a roundup of the major announcements so far...

iPhone 16 Series: AI-driven enhancements

Apple’s iPhone 16 series introduces significant improvements, particularly in artificial intelligence. A standout feature is Apple Intelligence, a new AI system that powers key aspects of the phone, such as the redesigned Siri. 

Apple introduced the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, designed with Apple Intelligence in mind. Available in two sizes (6.1 inches for the iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches for the Plus), the new devices feature aerospace-grade aluminium and 85% recycled content. The customisable action buttons provide quick access to essential functions like the flashlight or calendar.

The A18 chip, built on 3-nanometer technology, powers the phone, offering a 2x faster neural engine and up to 60% faster performance than the iPhone 12. This makes the iPhone 16 capable of running large generative models with ease.

Siri now offers a typing mode activated by a double tap and is more accurate in interpreting commands. In addition, AI-driven notifications summarise your emails, texts, and alerts to help reduce clutter. These upgrades make the iPhone 16 smarter and more efficient for everyday use​.

New features and upgrades

The iPhone 16, revealed at the Apple Event, looks similar to its predecessor but comes in new colours like Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink. Notable design updates include a new colour-infused glass and the Action Button, which allows users to quickly access customisable functions.

Additionally, a new camera button, that acts like a haptic sensor, can open the camera and serve as a shutter, mimicking the experience of using a traditional camera. This button also lets users adjust camera settings with subtle movements without touching the screen.

On the hardware front, the iPhone 16 features an upgraded 48MP main camera with an ultrawide lens capable of capturing more light for better photos, especially in low-light conditions.

The ultrawide lens also enables macro photography, allowing users to take close-up shots with impressive detail. Apple has also introduced a powerful A18 chip, boasting a 16-core neural engine, which significantly enhances AI-driven tasks, improves performance, and offers better battery life.

Apple said the iPhone 16 starts at $799 and the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899. They will be available to order beginning Friday and launch on Sept. 20.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: Camera and Display Upgrades

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have received notable hardware enhancements. A key highlight is the 5x optical zoom telephoto camera, which is now available on both models, improving long-distance photography. 

In addition, the Pro models feature bigger displays (6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max), offering a more immersive viewing experience. With the A18 chip, users can expect faster performance, making these models ideal for both casual and professional tasks​.

The new models also have the “thinnest borders on any Apple product,” Apple said, calling them “by far our best iPhone displays ever.” The titanium is nearly half the weight of stainless steel and is “more scratch resistant than other forms of titanium others have used.”

The four finishes include white, black, natural, and “desert.”

Both models will be available for pre-order on Friday, with in-store sales starting on September 20th.

AirPods 4 and Updated AirPods Max

Apple also introduced the AirPods 4, which features a redesigned shape for maximum comfort and improved sound quality. These new AirPods were designed using 3D modelling and laser topography.

They are powered by the H2 chip and include personalized spatial audio for a tailored listening experience. 

They are also geared towards making long-term wear more pleasant while offering superior audio for calls and media. With a new low-latency mode for gaming and video calls, they are also a versatile accessory for entertainment and work​.

Priced at $129, they feature improved environmental noise reduction and USB-C charging in the smallest charging case Apple has ever made.

In addition, AirPods Max received a refresh with new colours (orange, purple, and starlight) and USB-C charging, still priced at $549.

AirPods Pro 2: Advanced Health Capabilities

The AirPods Pro 2 now includes groundbreaking health features such as hearing protection, a clinically validated hearing test, and a clinical-grade hearing aid capability. Apple claims that users can complete a hearing test in just five minutes, after which the AirPods can function as a hearing aid, with adjustments automatically applied across all devices.

Read also: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: All you need to know about Apple’s latest releases

Apple Watch Series 10: Thinner, Smarter, and More Health-Focused

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, which is thinner and more powerful than previous models. The biggest change is a much larger, more legible display, with 30% more screen real estate than the Apple Watch Series 6.

This should make it much easier to read content at a glance, combined with a 30% brighter display.

The gadget is powered by the new S10 SoC (System on a Chip), which has a 4-core neural engine to better handle AI workloads, like being able to detect falls and contact emergency services when you need it and without needing you to do anything.

The Apple Watch Series 10 also features new colourways: Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Silver. Plus, Apple has made these finishes more scratch-resistant, while cutting the thickness down to 9.7 mm, making it an extremely thin smartwatch. Apple has also improved the charging coil on the back of the Apple Watch, which should cut down on charging time.

The standout feature is the sleep apnoea detection, which leverages the watch’s sensors to monitor breathing and sleeping patterns and alert users to irregularities. 

It is 10% thinner than the previous model and includes 50 metres of water resistance and an 18-hour battery life. Preorders for the Series 10 start today, and it will launch on September 20, starting at $399.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Ultimate Fitness Companion

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 was introduced with a satin black finish, a first for this rugged model. It features the most accurate dual-frequency GPS, along with various fitness tracking options like automatic stroke detection for swimmers and advanced pacing for runners. 

It also provides offline turn-by-turn directions even when an iPhone isn’t nearby, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. The watch starts at $799, and customers can preorder it today. It will be available on Sept. 20.

Apple Immersing Deeply into AI

If there is one key takeaway from this event, it is Apple’s full commitment to integrate advanced AI features and upgrades to the new iPhones and products for users.

Apple’s deeper integration of AI, highlighted in its new products like the iPhone 16 and the A18 chip, marks a pivotal moment for the company and the tech industry. By focussing on generative models, personalised experiences, and health innovations, Apple is not just enhancing user convenience—it’s redefining how devices understand and interact with us.

For users, this promises faster, smarter, and more intuitive technology. For competitors, it raises the bar on AI-driven innovation, forcing them to adapt or risk falling behind in this AI-dominated future.

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