All the Details About the IPhone 16, Apple Watch 10 and AirPods 4
Apple just wrapped up its big September event, introducing the world to the iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, AirPods 4, and the new Apple Intelligence feature. The new lineup includes updates like larger screens, improved camera specs, and even some new buttons. Plus a new AirPods model that sits between the cheapest option and the AirPods Pro.
Read a sneak peek and watch the full event below.
iPhone 16
At first glance, the iPhone 16 lineup is similar to the iPhone 15 lineup, with four models in total. There are two base model sizes, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and two Pro model sizes, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. This proven approach means there’s nothing quite like the iPhone Flip you’d expect (yet), but this year’s updates aren’t without improvements.
The most hyped update for these phones is probably Apple Intelligence, which all four phones will receive when iOS 18.1 arrives later this fall. This is an improvement over the iPhone 15, which only features Apple Intelligence on its Pro models, and you can thank the new A18 chip for that. This is Apple’s latest mobile processor, and the base iPhone 16 models will get a version of it.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons to upgrade to the Pro model. Apple’s Pro phones come with the improved A18 Pro, so they’ll still be more powerful than the base model, but the new chips in all models promise to be powerful. For example, all iPhone 16 models will be able to play AAA games like Death Stranding , which were previously only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
There’s also a big build update: a slightly larger screen on the iPhone 16 Pro (6.3 inches on the base Pro and 6.9 inches on the Pro Max), a dedicated action button on all models (previously only on the iPhone 15 Pro line) , as well as a new Camera Control shutter button.
Available on all iPhone 16 models, this dedicated shutter button lets you press softly to focus or press harder to take a photo. With a light press, you’ll also be able to drag your finger across the button to adjust features like zoom or exposure.
While the camera megapixel count on the iPhone 16 remains the same, the iPhone 16 Pro boasts an improved ultra-wide-angle sensor with a resolution of 48 MP, compared to the 12 MP on the iPhone 15 Pro. The 48MP main lens and 12MP selfie camera are the same, but both iPhone 16 Pros now also get a 5x telephoto lens; on the iPhone 15, this was reserved for the Pro Max.
There are also “studio quality” microphones, but the biggest camera upgrade this year comes in the software. Pro models now support 4K recording at 120fps, which is great for slow-motion shooting. This will even work with ProRes footage. In photography, you’ll also be able to customize photo styles on the fly, even after shooting, as well as customize your own.
Likewise, you’ll be able to mix audio or edit video on the fly with features like Audio Mix, which let you isolate subjects’ voices or place them on different channels right from your phone.
Cameras aside, all iPhone 16s promise better battery life thanks to more efficient chips. There are still no official numbers, although the company has promised that the iPhone 16 models will have the “best iPhone battery life.”
Pre-orders for all iPhone 16 models begin on Friday, and the phones will begin shipping on September 20. There are five colors available for the iPhone 16 (black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine) and four colors for the iPhone 16 Pro. (black titanium, white titanium, desert titanium and natural titanium). As the name suggests, the iPhone 16 Pro continues to have a titanium body, an upgrade that was introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 16 starts at $799 and the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 and the Pro Max at $1,199.
Apple Intelligence
During the broadcast, Apple spent some time promoting the upcoming Apple Intelligence , going over previously announced features such as writing assistance or context-aware Siri. But it also took a while to introduce a new feature on the iPhone 16 models: visual intelligence.
Visual Intelligence works in tandem with the new camera shutter, allowing you to hold it down to look for information about a subject in a photo. For example, it could display reviews and menus when looking at a restaurant, or search Google for shopping information while looking at a bike. Apple has said it won’t store your photos and that the feature uses the company’s own proprietary models, although for photos of subjects like math problems you’ll also be able to turn to ChatGPT for help – Apple previously promised ChatGPT integration with its services would also be included safe, although no further details were provided today.
While Apple says Apple Intelligence will launch in English in the US next month, Visual Intelligence is expected sometime “later this year.”
Apple Watch 10
The Apple Watch is also getting a refresh this year with the release of the Apple Watch Series X. This year’s watches are slightly larger in available sizes, meaning larger screens, with the largest model even having slightly more screen real estate than the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
As someone who prioritizes the comfort of her watch , I’m a little concerned about the slightly larger size, although Apple claims the Apple Watch Series X should be thinner to compensate for this, being 10% less bulky than the Series 9 at 9.7 in thickness mm. While you can still get an aluminum case, the stainless steel upgrade option also changes to titanium, which Apple says weighs 20% less.
This year there will also be a new processor – S10. This should power some machine learning features, including one still approved by the FDA that will allow the watch to detect sleep apnea.
Interestingly, the speaker can now play music and podcasts, which will be great if you wear the watch in the shower – it’s still waterproof.
The screen is also now a wide-angle OLED, which Apple says is 40% brighter when viewed from an angle. And thanks to better power management (Apple promises up to 18 hours of battery life), the always-on screen can now refresh once per second rather than once per minute, meaning you’ll be able to see a more accurate clock.
On the software side, fitness users are getting several new swimming apps to better track depth and tides.
Apple Watch Series X starts at $399, with pre-orders available now and shipping beginning September 20. Available colors vary depending on your case: aluminum, silver, rose gold and jet black, while titanium options include gold. , slate and natural (more muted black).
Premium users will have to wait for the new Apple Watch Ultra, although starting September 20, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will start shipping in a new matte black color. You can pre-order the new colorway right now.
AirPods 4
I love a good noise-cancelling headphone, but until now you’ve always had to opt for a pair of AirPods Pro to get active noise cancellation. Apple is now making ANC available on its base model, albeit at a small additional cost. Plus, your AirPods Pro 2 will soon become hearing aids.
Apple’s new fourth-generation AirPods come in two flavors, but both have USB-C charging, so you can finally use the same chargers with them that you use for everything else. More interesting is that the slightly more expensive model will have ANC, which at $179 means you’ll save $71 compared to the latest AirPods Pro ($250). In addition, you will also get a speaker in the case, which will be easier for you to find if you lose it, and the case will also include wireless charging.
You’ll still be missing out on some niceties—ANC doesn’t always work well without silicone ear tips, which the AirPods 4 still don’t have—but if you’re planning on getting a new pair of AirPods, it’s worth waiting until they arrive. will come out, if only to ensure that you don’t end up with one of the older 2nd or 3rd generation models they will replace.
Models with ANC will also have existing software features developed for the Pro 2, such as conversation recognition.
Talking about the AirPods Pro 2, they are getting some new health features pending FDA approval. These will include a clinical hearing test and the ability to use AirPods as “professional-grade” hearing aids that will be customized based on the results of your hearing test. Apple expects these features to arrive sometime in the fall.
In addition to these features, you’ll also get hearing protection that will help the AirPods Pro 2 subtly muffle the noise around you without canceling it out completely.
The AirPods Max will also get an update with a few new colors as well as USB-C, although you’ll have to wait for a more proper update.
AirPods 4 cost $129, and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation cost $179. Pre-orders are available now and shipping will begin on September 20th. The updated AirPods Max will also hit shelves on September 20, with pre-orders available now . They still cost $549.