Apple unveils lineup during their Twilight Gathering: iPhone 16, AirPods 4, and additional offerings
Apple's "Glowtime" event brought a mixed bag of excitement and underwhelming announcements. Despite anticipation for a fully redesigned Apple Watch Ultra or Apple Watch FE, we were met with refinements to existing models and a softly-spoken rollout of AI features. The "coming soon" tag was deployed more times than a hungover frat boy at a keg party.
The slight revamp of the iPhone lineup saw the introduction of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. They bear a striking resemblance to their 15-counterparts but boast some noticeable enhancements. The Action button, previously a Pro-exclusive feature, now adorns all new iPhones alongside the Camera Control button, which boasts touch-responsive gestures for camera customization.
An Apple-Tinted Shutter Button
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature a redesigned camera bump and two new side-protruding buttons. The base iPhone 16 boasts the iPhone 15 Pro's Action button, while the Pièce de Résistance is the Camera Control tactic button. Users can simply tap or swipe this button to control camera functions without the need for an obnoxious screen touch.
A18 Bionic CPU: The Backbone of the New iPhone Family
All new iPhone models have been blessed with the A18 Bionic CPU, making them the crème de la crème of mobile processors. The A18 Pro (Pro and Pro Max models) steps up the game with a superior GPU and NPU, enabling ProMotion display support, always-on display, and better multi-tasking capabilities.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: Bigger is (Sometimes) Better
If you're a fan of super-sized smartphones, you'll love the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max – they're bigger than ever before. The Pro models also feature a few more camera tweaks and support for ProMotion and an always-on display.
As for the promised AI features, they are, alas, still in the "coming soon" category. You'll have to wait for the iOS 18 release alongside the iPhone 16 on September 20 to experience them in full.
The Apple Watch Series 10: Slimmer, Bigger, and (Finally) Anodized Black
The Apple Watch Series 10 was (unfortunately) not the rumored Apple Watch Series X we'd been dreaming of, but it does boast some exciting changes. The smaller bezel, sloped face design, and reduced weight result in 30% more screen real estate. It comes in satin black, making it the first Apple Watch color to ditch silver. The new watch also promises a 0% to 80% charge in 30 minutes, faster than its predecessors. The Marvel-esque sleep apnea detection mode is sure to be as popular as a Marvel Cinematic Universe spoiler alert at a Comic-Con panel.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: Black as Night and Packing a Tides App
Satin black isn't just for the Apple Watch Series 10; it's also available for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Fans of the silver look can now switch to scratch-resistant black, raising the universally appealing question: Has Apple finally realized that nothing is more stylish than black? The titanium Milanese loop is a sweet bonus for sports-loving fashionistas. The Tides app is the pièce de résistance, allowing users to predict high and low tides and their corresponding elevations with precise accuracy.
AirPods 4: Two Models, Two Prices, Two Feats of Ah-mazingness
Gone are the days of choosing between rudimentary AirPods and high-stakes Pro AirPods. With the new AirPods 4, Apple offers two variants: one with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and another sans-ANC. The former is pricier at $180, while the latter settles for a moderate $130. Common to both versions is the M2 chip, new drivers, and acoustic architecture. The more expensive model allows for access to the Qi-certified wireless charger and comes loaded with ANC features.
AirPods Max 2: A Minimal Boost in "Related News"
Four years have passed since Apple updated its AirPods Max. While the latest version sports USB-C charging instead of Lightning, the changes are marginal. The color selection has expanded to include a light purple hue. Priced at $550, the AirPods Max 2 remain an expensive indulgence, especially for those who prefer an old-school tethered cord.
AirPods Pro 2: Turning Your Ears into Hearing Aids
Apple's foray into hearing aids has finally come to fruition. The AirPods Pro 2 feature an "over-the-counter hearing aid capability," boosting speech and music volume for users in need of auditory assistance. The Health app also offers a hearing test to cater to the hearing-impaired community. Approval from global health agencies is pending, but we can expect it to be available in the U.S. and beyond later this year.
- The tech world is buzzing with anticipation for the new AI features promised by Apple, expected to be released with the iPhone 16 on September 20, alongside iOS 18.
- The future of tech-accessible hearing aids is promising with the introduction of the AirPods Pro 2, offering an "over-the-counter hearing aid capability" for users.
- The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max lineup showcases exciting tweaks, such as the addition of ProMotion display support and an always-on display, for a more seamless user experience.
- The iPhone 16 series boasts cutting-edge technology with the A18 Bionic CPU, positioning it as the best-performing mobile processor on the market.
