Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” just took place at Apple Park and features a series of announcements that could tempt many fans to upgrade their devices across the board.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team revealed the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 10, and a line of new and updated AirPods, all launching on September 20. iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia will also be available on September 16.
We cover all the devices that were released individually and also round up everything that was announced in case you missed the event. But was Apple’s new beating good? Here are my thoughts on each of the new Apple devices unveiled at the iPhone 16 launch event.
Impressions of the iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4
He Apple Watch Series 10 It’s an impressive new device, but it’s a bit bittersweet. My expectations were high, with years of rumors surrounding the Apple Watch
Apple’s latest smartwatch features the new S10 chipset and a larger wide-angle OLED display for brighter viewing from any angle. We always get a new chipset, so that’s nothing special, but I like the better viewing angles. Apple also says the Series 10’s screen is larger than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. I’m a big fan of that, as I currently have the Apple Watch Ultra on my wrist. Like the previous devices, it is available in two sizes: 42 mm and 46 mm.
You can now play media from the speaker and there’s a brand new sleep apnea detection. A new titanium model replaces stainless steel and is offered in natural, gold or dark slate. Unfortunately, there’s no brushed titanium option for the Series 10, so I still prefer the design of the Apple Watch Ultra.
Speaking of the Apple Watch Ultra, we do not generate a new third generation model. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 stays, but now comes in Satin Black finish. While I’ve been excited about this new color since we first heard rumors about it, I’ve been liking titanium more lately. I’ll stick with the original color option, but I’m still happy to see the black edition make its debut.
There is also a new range of Milanese bracelets to complement this new shade. I instantly fell in love with these and will be purchasing one right away. I have always been a fan of titanium straps and Milanese straps, this option is perfect for me.
He iPhone 16 line introduces several updates over the iPhone 15, such as the action button and a new “camera control” button that allows users to instantly take photos and videos. You can determine between a light and strong press as it is a haptic button. For example, a light press will show you a preview; or you can press harder for additional controls.
I’m a little torn about this button. On the one hand, it will make it easier to control the camera and I was missing the quick start of the camera after mapping my action button a Bow Search. But on the other hand, it’s another button to get used to and it doesn’t do anything that the Camera app doesn’t already offer. I think I’ll have to wait until my new iPhone arrives to decide on this one.
The new camera upgrades add a 48MP camera here, with the promise of a better aperture and sharper photos. The ability to record space videos or take space photos is impressive for a non-Pro device, but I wouldn’t use it without a Apple Vision Pro headphones. Plus, the new camera design gives me major WALL-E vibes.
Is it just me or is the iPhone 16 giving off major Wall-e vibes? pic.twitter.com/oPGtt5kxFASeptember 9, 2024
The iPhone 16 also comes with 8GB of memory and an A18 chip, which will enable Apple Intelligence when it becomes available later this year in iOS 18.1. The decision to continue offering 128GB of base storage is infuriating, but to be expected as a way to differentiate itself from the Pro models.
This year’s color selection certainly catches the eye. The new iPhone 16 is certainly much bolder than the dull pastel colors of the iPhone 15, something many fans criticized. The new flagship ultramarine blue color is my personal favorite and the option I would choose
But my particular focus is the iPhone 16 Pro Max (and its smaller brother), as it’s the device I’m buying this year – upgrading from the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Screen sizes have increased from 6.1 and 6.7 inches to 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. The wider bezels mean the devices aren’t actually any larger than before. Since I’ve always opted for the Pro Max for the extra screen real estate, this move is something I really like: I get more iPhone screen without the device starting to grow too big.
There’s also a new Desert Titanium color, replacing last year’s Blue Titanium. I initially ordered my iPhone 15 Pro Max in blue titanium, but quickly switched to natural titanium to match my Apple Watch Ultra, a decision I’m glad I made. But the new Desert Titanium is tempting me, which is a good idea. Most people criticize the color, but I actually quite like it. I said what I said.
The fact that both main cameras are now 48MP is better, since I take thousands of photos with my iPhone every month. I’m excited to see the faster aperture speed for sharper photos and how bright the photos are. While I’ve been using the 5x tetraprism camera for a year, I’m glad it’s now available on the smaller iPhone 16 Pro; It should have been from the beginning. Also, 4K Slo-Mo at 120fps is technically very impressive, but I don’t think I’ve ever recorded in slow motion. Ever.
I won’t repeat my thoughts on the Camera Control button or any other features that are identical to the regular iPhone 16 devices. Although I will say that I’m glad the price has stayed where it is.
As for the new AirPods, my feelings are a bit mixed. the new Airpods 4 It offers a more comfortable design, new Find My case features and wireless charging. And (plot twist) there are two variants: one with ANC and one without ANC.
I’m very happy to see the new $129 AirPods 4 and I think this model makes sense (in theory). $179 is still a bit steep for the cheapest AirPods in a world where you can get decent wireless earbuds for around $50. While $129 is still more expensive, it makes the AirPods much more accessible for those who don’t care about the latest and greatest features.
But (and this is a big but), the AirPods lineup is now too confusing. The AirPods 4 have the same name, but one has ANC and costs $179, while the other doesn’t have noise cancellation and costs $129. The AirPods Pro 2 can now be had in three configurations: Lightning case, MagSafe and USB-C case, and USB-C case with the new hearing features. And then there are the AirPods Max at the high end. Try to explain all that to your grandmother or in less than 20 words.
Apple uses the same name for too many devices at once. The $129 AirPods 4 should be AirPods SE, while the $179 AirPods 4 should keep their fourth-generation name. As for the advantages, Apple should already give it a 3, since a third minor update is taking a bit of time. As for the AirPods Max keeping their name, I’ll allow it since the only changes are USB-C and colors, but next time I should add a number in there.
Rant. I like the fact that Find My is now on AirPods 4, a must-have feature that has come to my rescue several times. I like the new colors of the AirPods Max and I’m sure many fans will too. Although I’m disappointed, there are no audio improvements on Apple’s expensive and premium over-ear headphones. The new hearing features on the AirPods Pro 2 (v3) look really useful and I’m excited to try them out. But. Call. Them. Airpods. Pro. 3. Stop. Him. Loving. Of. God. Please.
My thoughts on the newest Apple devices summarized
The Apple Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 lineup brings solid updates like a larger OLED display and the long-awaited S10 chip for the watch, and improved camera systems for the iPhones. But overall, Apple’s newest devices are a bit bittersweet.
The Apple Watch series didn’t live up to the rumored Apple Watch Still, some new features stand out like Find My for AirPods and sleep apnea detection for the Watch.
All in all, I’m a happy camper. New releases bring a mix of excitement and mild frustration, but generally offer compelling new features that are nice to see.
We cover all Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don’t miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.
