iPhone 16 series to AirPods 4: Highlights from Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ event

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 series comes in two sizes: the standard 6.1-inch iPhone 16 and the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus. Both models feature an updated aluminum design with a vibrantly colored glass back. The devices are water and dust resistant and have a glass-ceramic display, adding protection and improved durability.

The display has a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, while the screen can also dim down to 1 nit for low-light situations. New hardware includes an Action Button and a Camera Control button with integrated Google Lens and ChatGPT for the new Visual Intelligence feature, coming at a later date.

Performance is driven by the Apple A18 chip, built on a second-generation 3nm process, featuring a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. With 17 percent more memory bandwidth, this new architecture enables advanced machine learning tasks and large generative AI models, leveraging a 16-core neural engine for optimized performance. Apple claims it delivers 30 percent faster processing and 40 percent faster graphics compared to its predecessor, while being 30 percent more power efficient.

Camera advancements include a 48MP main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS), an Ultra Wide camera with autofocus, and a 2x telephoto option enabled by the main sensor. iPhone 16 supports 4K 60fps video recording in Dolby Vision and introduces Spatial Capture, allowing users to record immersive video and photos designed for use with Apple Vision Pro.

Prices start at $799 for the iPhone 16 and $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

The premium iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models (6.3-inch and 6.9-inch, respectively) showcase innovations inside and out, Apple said. Notably, they have thinner bezels, ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate, and are protected by Ceramic Shield glass. These models use Grade 5 Titanium for the chassis, providing a durable yet lightweight design, complemented by a micro-blasted texture and a new Desert Titanium color scheme.

At the heart of these Pro models is the A18 Pro chip, which powers 35 trillion operations per second with its 16-core neural engine. The 6-core GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, improving graphical rendering in games and apps. The 6-core CPU has two performance cores and four efficiency cores, improving overall efficiency.

In terms of cameras, both Pro models come equipped with a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus, and an improved 5x telephoto lens. They introduce new photographic styles and the ability to film in 4K 120fps slow-motion with Dolby Vision, ProRes, and LOG formats. The Pro models also offer studio-quality microphones for improved audio capture, as well as a new Audio Mix function for more dynamic sound recording.

Featuring faster MagSafe charging and support for Qi2 wireless charging, these Pro models are suited for users looking for a premium experience. Apple also highlighted upcoming features for the Camera Control button, which will be updated later this year for improved functionality.

Apple Intelligence

A central theme of the event was Apple’s new Apple Intelligence system, which integrates generative AI across the iPhone 16 lineup. This new system enables Personal Intelligence, running multiple Apple generative models on the device, with privacy a key consideration. Apple Intelligence introduces Private Cloud Compute, allowing users to privately leverage more advanced AI models.

In addition, the new camera control system, launching later this year, will feature Visual Intelligence. This innovation supports precision with light pressure and full click functionality for refined control.

Siri also sees a significant upgrade, with richer language understanding and improved generative AI capabilities. The first wave of Apple Intelligence features will be available in select regions in English, US, starting next month.

Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 was another highlight of the event, with a refreshed design and improved display. This latest watch has a 30 percent larger screen than previous models, with rounded corners and a wide-angle OLED display. The screen is also up to 40 percent brighter when you’re looking at it from an angle.

At 9.7mm, the Apple Watch Series 10 is 30 percent thinner than its predecessor. New finishes include polished Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Silver Aluminum casings. Notably, Apple swapped stainless steel for polished titanium options, available in Natural, Gold, and Dark Slate Gray finishes.

Powered by the new S10 SIP (system-in-package) with a 4-core neural engine, the Series 10 introduces WatchOS 11, which brings sleep apnea detection — a feature that’s also coming to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now available in a new Satin Black titanium finish.

AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 (ANC)

Apple introduced the AirPods 4 (fourth generation), powered by the H2 chip and featuring an open-ear design. These AirPods offer personalized spatial audio, USB-C charging case and up to 30 hours of total battery life. A notable feature is the support for head nodding gestures for Siri, which improves hands-free operation.

The new AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature improved microphones, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio. They introduce Conversation Awareness, which lowers the volume when the AirPods detect the user is speaking and automatically raises it when the call ends.

Apple’s premium AirPods Max now support personalized spatial audio and come with a USB-C charging case for faster, more versatile charging.

First publication: Sep 10, 2024 | 12:45 AM IST