With the arrival of September comes Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone launch event. Held in Cupertino, this year’s event saw the unveiling of the iPhone 16 series, encompassing both the standard and Pro models, each boasting improvements upon the previous year’s models. In addition to the spotlight on the new iPhone lineup, Apple also revealed the Apple Watch Series 10 and two new iterations of AirPods, including a second-generation AirPods Pro equipped with sophisticated hearing aid features.
The event also offered a glimpse into Apple’s latest mobile processors, set to power the iPhone 16 devices, and served as a precursor to the launch of iOS 18, which will introduce Apple Intelligence features later in the month. For those unable to attend the live event, Innovation Village has put together an exhaustive recap of all the key announcements from Apple’s iPhone 16 presentation.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
At their recent event, Apple introduced the latest additions to their smartphone lineup, the iPhone 16 and the larger iPhone 16 Plus. These new models boast a design that’s resistant to water and dust and come in fresh colors like ultramarine, teal, and pink. The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus variant sports a 6.7-inch display, both capable of an impressive brightness range from 1 nit to 2,000 nits.
Incorporating the Action button, a feature previously seen on last year’s Pro models, the new iPhones offer customizable controls for users. Additionally, a novel slide-to-control camera function provides quick access to camera settings, enhancing the photography experience.
The camera system on the standard iPhone 16 models includes a high-resolution 48-megapixel main Fusion camera, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a newly introduced ultrawide camera with autofocus capability. These cameras support the capture of Spatial Photos, which can be viewed on Apple’s Vision Pro, adding a new dimension to photo viewing.
Powered by the new A18 chip with a 16-core neural engine designed for advanced generative models, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are equipped with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. These components are key to supporting the innovative Apple Intelligence features set to arrive with iOS 18.
Apple claims that both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have been fitted with larger batteries compared to their predecessors. Coupled with the A18 chip’s efficiency and the enhancements from iOS 18, users can expect significantly extended battery life, although no specific figures were provided. Starting today, both models are available for pre-order, with the iPhone 16 priced at $799 and the iPhone 16 Plus at $899. They will be available for purchase on September 20.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
This year’s premium iPhone lineup features the iPhone 16 Pro and the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max, boasting 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch ProMotion displays with always-on functionality. Crafted from Grade 5 Titanium, Apple touts these models as being lighter than their stainless steel counterparts. The Pro series will debut in four elegant new shades: black, white, natural, and desert—a hue that echoes the look of dusty gold.
Apple has designed the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max with a focus on harnessing the full potential of Apple Intelligence, ensuring they seamlessly integrate with the upcoming iOS 18 features. These devices are powered by the A18 Pro chipset, which utilizes cutting-edge 3nm transistor technology to deliver enhanced speed and efficiency beyond the standard A18 chip found in the regular iPhone 16 models.
The advanced camera systems on the Pro and Pro Max include a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The primary camera has been upgraded to support 4K video recording at 120fps and slow-motion capabilities. Both models also feature the new camera control button, simplifying access to various camera functions for both capturing and editing images. Additionally, the phones are equipped with four studio-quality microphones, enabling superior audio recording and support for Spatial Audio.
The iPhone 16 Pro series, along with the standard iPhone 16 models, are compatible with Qi2 wireless charging. Apple is set to release new MagSafe charging cases that accommodate the innovative camera control button. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will be open for pre-order on Friday, September 13, with prices starting at $999 and $1,199, respectively, and will be widely available on September 20.
AirPods 4
During the iPhone 16 launch event, Apple announced the release of the AirPods 4, confirming the circulating rumors. The latest iteration features a newly designed bud shape intended to accommodate a wider range of ear shapes and enhance overall comfort. Equipped with the H2 chip, the AirPods 4 promise to deliver superior audio quality and support innovative features such as Personalized Spatial Audio. The charging case, now sporting a USB-C port, is the most compact AirPods charging case produced so far.
Apple is also offering a premium version of the AirPods 4, which includes Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode for those seeking an immersive audio experience or the ability to stay aware of their surroundings. Another smart feature, Conversation Awareness, is designed to automatically reduce the media volume when the AirPods detect that you are engaging in conversation. The standard AirPods 4 are priced at $129, while the ANC-equipped model is available for $179. Both versions are open for pre-order today and will hit the shelves on September 20.
New Color Palette for AirPods Max Unveiled
Apple has opted for a subtle update to the AirPods Max, introducing a selection of new color options rather than overhauling the design. The premium over-ear headphones will now come in additional shades including midnight, blue, purple, orange, and starlight, aligning with the company’s color expansion across its product lines. Another incremental upgrade is the support for USB-C charging, reflecting the ongoing industry shift towards a universal charging standard. These refreshed AirPods Max models, retaining their price of $549, are available for pre-order starting today and will be broadly available from September 20.
AirPods Pro Introduces Innovative Hearing Aid Capabilities
Apple has unveiled innovative features for the second-generation AirPods Pro, focusing on hearing health and protection. A key addition is the “Hearing Protection” function, which will be enabled by default to help users safeguard their hearing. Additionally, users will have access to a clinically-validated hearing test within the AirPods Pro settings to assess their current hearing status.
Building on this health-centric approach, the AirPods Pro will also incorporate a clinical-grade hearing aid feature. This advanced functionality will be tailored to individual users based on a hearing profile established after taking the in-app hearing test. These enhancements underscore Apple’s commitment to not only providing high-quality audio experiences but also promoting awareness and proactive measures against hearing loss.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, the anticipated follow-up to the Series 9. This latest model boasts the largest and slimmest display of any Apple Watch to date, surpassing even the Apple Watch Ultra with its wide-angle OLED screen. The redesigned case features smoother, more rounded corners and an expanded aspect ratio, enhancing the user’s ability to engage with the watch’s visual content. Apple also touts a 40% increase in screen brightness when viewed at an angle and has designed the display to show a ticking second hand even in a lowered wrist position.
At the heart of the Apple Watch Series 10 is the new S10 SiP (System in Package) chip, which Apple asserts is optimized for superior performance, energy efficiency, and smart capabilities, in line with Apple Intelligence. A practical application of this intelligence is the new Photos watch face, which intelligently selects and displays the best photos from your library.
In terms of health and fitness, the latest watchOS update equips the Series 10 with the ability to monitor for signs of sleep apnea, assuming the watch is worn consistently during sleep. While Apple is currently awaiting FDA clearance, it anticipates that the sleep apnea detection feature will be available in over 150 countries upon approval. Additionally, the Series 10 introduces scuba tracking capabilities and will be compatible with the new Tides app in watchOS 11.
A novel feature of the Series 10 is its capacity to play audio directly from the watch’s speaker, offering convenience for users without AirPods or other Bluetooth earbuds. Style-wise, the Apple Watch Series 10 will be offered in a new polished, jet-black aluminum finish, as well as new polished titanium options. Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 10 are open today, with general availability set for September 20.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Debuts with New Satin Black Finish
Despite the numerous rumors circulating about the next version of the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple did not announce a third-generation sports watch at today’s event. Instead, the focus was on introducing a new finish for the existing Apple Watch Ultra 2, which now comes in a sleek satin black. Additionally, Apple has expanded its luxury offerings with new Hermes finishes and has complemented the satin black Ultra 2 with a fresh Milanese band option.
