Apple’s recent event unveiled a host of exciting new products and features, including four new iPhones, a new Apple Watch, two AirPods models, and several impressive Apple Intelligence features. However, some rumored announcements were notably absent. Here’s a detailed guide to everything Apple revealed.
1. iPhone 16: Two New Buttons and a Fresh Design
The iPhone 16 may look similar to its predecessor, but it introduces two significant design upgrades: the Action button from the iPhone 15 Pro and a new Camera Control button. The latter functions like Google Lens, allowing users to quickly learn about their surroundings. The iPhone 16 also features the new A18 chipset and vertically arranged rear camera lenses, enabling spatial video capture. It will be available in ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black, with pre-orders starting September 9 and the official release on September 20.
2. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: Bigger, Better, and More Pro
Apple has taken the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max to the next level with larger screens (6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively) and a powerful A18 Pro chipset. These models offer enhanced gaming capabilities and can capture 4K video at 120 frames per second. The new haptics-based Camera Control button and four integrated microphones for Spatial Audio recording further elevate the Pro experience. Available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium, these models maintain their prices despite the upgrades.
3. iPhone 16 Plus: A Larger iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 Plus mirrors the iPhone 16 in every aspect except size, boasting a 6.7-inch display. It includes the same Action Button, Camera Control button, and A18 chipset, with Visual Intelligence features arriving in October. Preorders begin on September 13, with prices starting at $899.
4. iPhone 16 Pricing: No Increases Despite Upgrades
In a surprising move, Apple has kept the prices of the iPhone 16 family static despite the new features. Prices start at $799 for the iPhone 16, $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro, and $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. All models will be released on September 20, with pre-orders available from September 13.
5. New Buttons: Action and Camera Control
The iPhone 16 lineup introduces a new Camera Control button alongside the Action button from the iPhone 15 Pro. This button allows users to open the Camera app, take pictures, and adjust settings with simple taps and swipes, making photography more convenient.
6. iPhone 16 Pro: Studio-Quality Recording Hardware
The iPhone 16 Pro is designed for creatives, featuring four “studio quality” microphones and AI tools to adjust sound mixes or layer musical ideas. It also captures 4K video at 120fps, with post-production slow-motion capabilities and easy camera settings adjustment via the new Camera Control button.
7. New Chipsets for All iPhone 16 Models
The iPhone 16 family introduces the A18 and A18 Pro chipsets, offering significant performance improvements. The A18 in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is 30% faster in CPU and 40% faster in GPU compared to the A16 Bionic. The A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max boasts 15% faster CPU and 20% faster GPU performance, along with double video encoding speeds.
8. Apple Intelligence: Coming Soon
Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI feature set, will roll out in October with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Initially available in US English, it will include writing tools, summaries, and a redesigned Siri, with more features to come over the following months.
9. Visual Intelligence: Apple’s Answer to Google Lens
Exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup, Visual Intelligence allows users to search their surroundings using AI by pressing the new Camera Control button. This feature, similar to Google Lens, will launch later this year.
10. Apple Watch 10: Bigger Screen, Thinner Body
The Apple Watch Series 10 features the largest screen and thinnest body yet, along with faster charging and a new S10 chipset. It also includes a Breathing Disturbances feature for sleep apnea detection and a speaker that can finally play music without AirPods.
11. No Apple Watch Ultra 3, But Updates for Ultra 2
While the Apple Watch Ultra 3 didn’t debut, the Ultra 2 received minor updates, including a new Satin Black color and a corrosion-resistant Milanese titanium band. The Ultra 2 now also includes features previously exclusive to the Ultra series, such as Depth and Oceanic+ apps.
12. Sleep Apnea Detection on Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 2
The Apple Watch 10 and Watch Ultra 2 introduce a potentially life-saving sleep apnea detection feature. Using the accelerometer, these devices detect sleep disturbances that could indicate sleep apnea and analyze them every 30 days.
13. Apple AirPods 4: Double the Fun
Apple launched two new AirPods 4 models, both with upgraded acoustic architecture. The higher-end model includes Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and conversation awareness, while both feature personalized Spatial Audio and gesture detection.
14. Upgrades for AirPods Pro 2, But No AirPods Pro 3
Although the AirPods Pro 3 didn’t make an appearance, the AirPods Pro 2 will receive new features focused on hearing health, including improved noise cancellation, a hearing test, and the ability to function as hearing aids.
15. AirPods Max 2: Still Waiting
Despite rumors, the AirPods Max 2 were not announced. Instead, the existing AirPods Max received minor updates, including a switch to USB-C ports and new color options like Midnight, Orange, Starlight, Blue, and Purple. However, features like lossless audio and weatherproofing are still missing.
