At yesterday’s ‘Glowtime’ event, Apple revealed the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series alongside a range of hardware and software updates.
Most of the speculation leading up to the launch proved accurate, but several surprises emerged, with a blend of exciting and disappointing news.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
One of the standout features of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models is their vibrant color choices, which include black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine. Additionally, both models feature aligned cameras designed for an enhanced Spatial Video experience.
Both versions are equipped with the new A18 chip, empowering them with advanced AI functionalities. Notably, many features typically reserved for the Pro models are also available in the standard versions.
The standard models now include the highly touted Action button from last year’s Pro models, alongside the innovative Camera Control mechanism—a two-stage button with a touch-sensitive element for adjusting camera settings like zoom. They also sport the 48MP Fusion camera, enabling macro photography features, although they lack the 48MP Ultra Wide camera found in the Pro variants.
In terms of video capabilities, the standard models now offer Spatial Audio options and advanced noise-reduction features. Battery life also sees improvements, with the base model extending playback capabilities from 20 hours to 22 hours under optimal conditions. Additionally, all iPhone 16 models support quicker MagSafe charging, enhanced to 25W when paired with a compatible 30W charger.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
As mentioned earlier, the aforementioned features are present across all iPhone 16 models, with the Pro variants introducing the new multi-functional Camera Control button and touchpad.
The Pro models come with slightly larger displays measuring 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. They boast a brand-new color palette, which includes a luxurious gold tone that Apple has named ‘desert’, along with black titanium, natural titanium, and white titanium finishes.
The Pro models are powered by a more robust A18 Pro chip with a 6-core GPU, distinguishing them from the standard models, which feature a 5-core GPU. Exclusive to the Pro variants are ProMotion technology and the Always-On display.
For photography, both Pro models include a new 48MP Ultra Wide camera, and the advanced 5x telephoto lens is now available on the standard Pro, not just the Pro Max. Video recording capabilities offer Dolby Vision 4K at up to 120fps, catering to enthusiasts looking for high-quality slow-motion footage. Apple claims that “studio-quality” microphones are integrated into these models as well.
The battery life for these models is noteworthy, providing up to 27 hours for the Pro and an impressive 33 hours for the Pro Max, once again based on optimal video playback conditions.
Furthermore, the Pro Max offers a higher storage capacity baseline, beginning at 256GB, compared to the Pro model’s 128GB starting point, making the price difference merely $100 for a comparable configuration.
Apple Watch Series 10
Significant enhancements were also made to the Apple Watch, including a larger display and a sleeker design. The new Jet Black finish for the aluminum models shines with a polished touch, while the natural, gold, and slate titanium finishes feature a luxurious luster.
The Series 10 introduces a built-in speaker that can stream music or podcasts, albeit with a small speaker, so you shouldn’t expect impressive sound quality. Faster charging capabilities have been implemented, allowing the Watch to reach an 80% charge in just 30 minutes—ideal for those who use it as a sleep tracker.
One notable addition is the new health feature that detects sleep apnea, providing an important screening capability that usually requires extensive testing. A new watch face adapts to ambient lighting conditions, enhancing personalization.
Moreover, water resistance has been improved, with the Depth app now available on the Series 10, which was previously exclusive to the Ultra model.
Updates to Apple Watch Ultra 2
While the Ultra 2 didn’t receive any major updates, Apple introduced additional options for it. One new feature is a sleek black titanium finish that incorporates a diamond-like carbon coating to enhance scratch resistance.
Additionally, an exclusive Hermès Ultra 2 option was announced featuring a natural titanium case paired with a new Hermès En Mer band in a navy blue hue. This collaboration also includes a special Hermès Maritime watch face.
Despite its fashion-forward branding, the band is designed for rugged usage, featuring a durable, high-density textured knit and a secure wide titanium buckle, making it suitable for adventurous activities.
AirPods 4 and New AirPods Max Colors
Apple has introduced the fourth generation of its standard AirPods, designed to replace both the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 models. The new AirPods 4 are equipped with the H2 chip, bringing features from the Pro line to the standard version for the first time. Users can now enjoy Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, voice isolation, and the ability to respond to Siri with head gestures. The audio quality has also been enhanced to 16-bit, 48kHz.
The compact charging case now features a USB-C connection, moving away from the traditional Lightning port. Additionally, an upgraded variant of the AirPods 4, equipped with active noise cancellation, has been launched, dubbed AirPods 4 with ANC, which might create some confusion regarding naming.
The AirPods Max received only minor updates, including the transition to USB-C charging and a range of new color options including midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange.
Lastly, the AirPods Pro 2 have unveiled a long-anticipated hearing aid feature, complete with built-in hearing assessment capabilities.
Apple is introducing a pioneering all-in-one hearing health experience with the AirPods Pro. This solution offers active hearing protection, clinically validated hearing tests, and an accessible over-the-counter hearing aid feature, set to receive marketing approval from global health authorities shortly. The hearing aid functionality will launch this fall in over 100 regions, including the U.S., Germany, and Japan.
A few unexpected turns
Positive Highlights
Among the most delightful surprises was the minimal feature disparity between the standard and Plus iPhone 16 models, as well as the Pro variants. The enhanced Camera Capture button exceeded expectations, and the introduction of the hearing aid feature was a welcomed addition.
Additionally, the sleep apnea detection feature is not limited to the new Series 10, but is also available on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models.
Less Favorable News
However, there were certain disappointments. Foremost was the news that the core capability of the Camera Control—specifically, the ability to lock focus and exposure prior to re-framing—will not be functional at launch, with plans for a future update to introduce this feature.
Moreover, although the Ultra 2 received cosmetic upgrades, it did not benefit from an upgrade to the S10 chip, rendering the new standard model technically more advanced than the Ultra. Despite this, the Ultra still excels in areas such as display brightness, water resistance, and longer battery life.
In a similar vein, the AirPods Max updates were quite minor, lacking enhancements in audio features or processing capabilities, disappointing many who expected more significant changes.
Your Thoughts?
What was your impression of yesterday’s announcements? Are you planning to make any purchases? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments section!
Images courtesy of Apple