At its September 9 event, Apple announced the new Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods series, and iPhone 16 series, all with carbon neutrality in mind. Despite the latest iPhones powered by Apple Intelligence, the AI features will not fully arrive until the first quarter of 2025.
While pre-orders for the iPhone 16 will begin on September 13, pre-orders for all other newly announced products are now open. All products are expected to be officially released on September 20.
Pricing
The new Apple Watch Series 10 is priced at US$399, while the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at US$799. Both models offer a range of new features and improvements, including enhanced health tracking and performance.
The fourth-generation AirPods are available for US$129, and the version with Active Noise Cancellation is priced at US$179. The AirPods Max price remains at US$549.
The highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup features four models: the iPhone 16 starting at US$799, the iPhone 16 Plus at US$899, the iPhone 16 Pro at US$999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max at US$1199.
Apple Intelligence
Craig Federighi, SVP of Software Engineering of Apple, announced that Apple Intelligence will be offered as a free software update, with the initial set of features expected to enter beta next month. More features will follow in subsequent months. The update will initially support US English in most regions worldwide, with localized English versions for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK slated for December. Plans are also underway to expand Apple Intelligence to additional languages, including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish, with these updates scheduled for release next year. Federighi emphasized that this launch is just the beginning, with ongoing efforts to enhance personal intelligence across the apps and experiences used daily.
What analysts said
Bloomberg Intelligence released a note saying that the design changes of the iPhone 16 don't seem compelling enough to drive a major refresh cycle, particularly with the staggered release of Apple Intelligence features set for the first quarter of 2025. However, a 5% increase in unit shipments is still anticipated for fiscal 2025 compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the thinner Apple Watch with a larger screen could help slow the product's sales decline.
iPhone 16
Apple has introduced its latest iPhone, featuring aerospace-grade aluminum with 85% recycled content and a range of vibrant new colors. The new design also boasts enhanced durability, with the device being water- and dust-resistant. Its advanced Ceramic Shield material is now 50% tougher than the first generation and twice as strong as any other smartphone glass on the market, offering improved protection.
Apple Silicon A18 Chip:
- Upgraded 16-core Neural Engine, 6-core CPU, and 5-core GPU.
- Significant improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and support for advanced features like generative models and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for gaming.
Apple Intelligence:
- Integrates personal context with generative models for tasks like writing tools, photo organization, and Siri enhancements.
- Private Cloud Compute for secure and private access to larger generative models.
Display:
- Exceptional viewing experience with brightness up to 2000 nits in sunny environments and as low as 1 nit in darkness.
- Available in two sizes: 6.1 inches for iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches for iPhone 16 Plus.
Customizable Action Button:
- Allows various functions such as recording Voice Memos, identifying songs, translating phrases, and creating shortcuts for different tasks throughout the day.
Camera Control:
- Easy access to camera features with a click and slide functionality.
- New visual intelligence features for instant information about surroundings.
- Enhanced camera capabilities with a 48MP Main camera, Ultra Wide camera with autofocus, and spatial capture for photos and videos.
Gaming:
- Support for AAA games with enhanced graphics and performance.
Safety Features:
- Emergency SOS Live Video and Messages via satellite for enhanced safety and connectivity.
iPhone 16 Pro
Apple Silicon A18 Pro Chip:
- Enhanced by the A18 Pro chip with second-generation 3-nanometer transistors, offering better density, performance, and efficiency.
- Features a 16-core Neural Engine, 6-core GPU, and advanced media capabilities like ProMotion and Always-On display.
Apple Intelligence:
- Enhances the Pro experience with capabilities like Siri's personal semantic index and Camera Control for photographers.
- Allows advanced on-device features and high-performance gaming.
Video and Audio:
- Supports 4K at 120 frames per second for incredible slo-mo effects.
- Studio-quality mics for higher quality audio recording and Spatial Audio capture.
- New Audio Mix feature for creative sound editing.
Battery Life:
- Optimized with larger batteries, advanced power management, and the efficiency of Apple silicon. The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts the best battery life ever in an iPhone.
Camera System:
- New 48MP Fusion camera with a second-generation quad-pixel sensor for zero shutter lag.
- New 48MP Ultra Wide camera and 5x Telephoto camera with tetraprism design.
- Innovative Apple Camera Interface for faster and more efficient data transfer.
MagSafe and Environmental Commitments:
- New Clear and silicone MagSafe cases, a new MagSafe charger, and support for Qi charging.
- Packaging is now 100% fiber-based, made from renewable and sustainable resources.
Apple Watch Series 10
Display:
- First-ever Wide-angle OLED display optimized for better visibility at wider angles.
- Up to 40% brighter when viewed from an angle, enhancing readability.
Design and Build:
- Thinnest Apple Watch ever at 9.7 mm, nearly 10% thinner than the previous series.
Performance and Efficiency:
- New S10 SiP with a 4-core Neural Engine for enhanced performance and power efficiency.
- Improved battery life with up to 80% charge in just 30 minutes.
Health and Fitness:
- New sleep apnea detection feature using accelerometer data.
- Enhanced fitness features including built-in depth gauge and water temperature sensor for aquatic activities.
- New Tides app and support for snorkeling with the Oceanic+ app.
watchOS 11:
- Smart Stack for automatic widget updates.
- New Photos face, Translate app, and health features like Vitals app and medication reminders.
Environmental Commitment:
- Titanium Series 10 is Apple's next carbon-neutral product, made with 95% recycled titanium and manufactured with 100% renewable electricity.
Apple Watch Ultra 2:
Apple has unveiled its latest smartwatch, designed specifically for athletes, featuring dual-frequency GPS and advanced positioning software. The watch also boasts an extended battery life, catering to the needs of endurance athletes.
Enhanced metrics have been introduced across various sports, including running, cycling, swimming, and hiking, offering athletes more detailed performance insights. A new Training Load feature helps users track their workout intensity, while support for offline maps ensures seamless navigation during outdoor adventures, even without a connection.
Features:
- Durable Titanium case and sapphire front crystal.
- Intelligent features of watchOS.
- Capabilities for various sports and adventure activities.
AirPods
Apple has announced that any Apple Watch, regardless of its finish, can now be carbon neutral, marking a significant step toward the company's broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire global footprint. This move aligns with Apple's ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
AirPods 4
- Design: Improved fit and comfort using advanced modeling tools and data analysis.
- Technology: Powered by the H2 chip, offering better audio quality, Personalized Spatial Audio, and features like Voice Isolation and head gestures for Siri.
- Charging Case: USB-C, smallest and most portable with up to 30 hours of battery life.
- Advanced Model: Includes Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness.
AirPods Max:
- New Colors: Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight.
- Charging: USB-C for convenience.
AirPods Pro:
- Hearing Protection: Reduces harmful noise exposure.
- Hearing Test: Clinically-validated and easy to perform at home.
- Hearing Aid: Over-the-counter feature for mild to moderate hearing loss, transforming AirPods Pro into personalized hearing aids.
