Apple’s much-anticipated September 2024 event, titled “It’s Glowtime,” delivered several major announcements, confirming some pre-event rumors like iPhone 16 and defying others. Here’s a breakdown of what Apple actually launched, alongside the predictions we made and how they held up.
What Apple Launched
- iPhone 16 Lineup:
- Models: Apple introduced the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, featuring a sleeker design and colors like Ultra Marine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. The iPhone 16 series also includes an upgraded Ceramic Shield that is 50% tougher.
- Apple Intelligence: One of the major highlights was the integration of Apple Intelligence, a generative AI system that enhances Siri, camera functionalities, and machine learning. For instance, the AI can now help reduce wind noise in videos and take Spatial Videos and Photos.
- Camera Upgrades: The Pro models received significant camera enhancements, including a 48MP Ultra Wide camera with autofocus and a new “Camera Control” button that gives DSLR-like precision.
- Apple Watch Series 10:
- The Series 10 was revealed with the largest, thinnest display ever seen on an Apple Watch, along with advanced health features such as sleep apnea detection (pending FDA approval) and scuba tracking.
- AirPods 4:
- AirPods 4 debuted with active noise cancellation (ANC) for the first time in the non-Pro models. New features like Adaptive Audio and a redesigned, smaller charging case with USB-C were also unveiled.
Predictions We Got Right
- AI Integration (Apple Intelligence): Our prediction that Apple would lean heavily on AI with the iPhone 16 was spot on. Apple Intelligence powers several new features, especially with Siri and camera improvements, just as expected.
- Camera Enhancements: We accurately predicted advanced photography features. The iPhone 16 Pro series’ new 48MP camera system and advanced video recording capabilities, like 4K at 120 fps, were right on target.
Our Live Coverage on Reddit
What Didn’t Happen (see our predictions here)
- Apple Vision Pro Integration: While there was excitement about potential deep integration with Apple Vision Pro, the event focused primarily on AI features and upgrades in the iPhone’s existing ecosystem. There was no major new hardware related to augmented or virtual reality unveiled at the event.
- No iPad and Mac Update: Early rumors about an iPad 7 and Mac hardware refresh did not materialize.
iPhone 16
The iPhone 16, unveiled at Apple’s 2024 launch event, comes with a host of new features, upgrades, and performance enhancements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key features:
1. Display and Design
- Screen Sizes: The iPhone 16 comes in two sizes:
- iPhone 16: 6.1-inch display
- iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch display
- Peak Brightness: Both models have an impressive 2000 nits of peak brightness, making them perfect for use even in bright sunlight.
- Ceramic Shield: Apple has upgraded the Ceramic Shield on the front, which is 50% tougher than previous versions, adding extra durability to the display.
2. Performance
- A18 Chip: The iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 chip, which includes a 5-core GPU, providing up to 40% faster graphics than its predecessor. This chip also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for enhanced gaming and graphics performance.
- Machine Learning Enhancements: The A18 chip includes a 16-core Neural Engine, making machine learning tasks (e.g., AI photo processing, Siri, etc.) twice as fast as the previous generation.
3. Camera System
- 48MP Fusion Camera: The iPhone 16 features a 48MP main camera, leveraging Apple’s Fusion technology for higher-resolution images and better color accuracy.
- Ultra Wide Camera: A new Ultra Wide camera with autofocus supports macro photography and enhanced low-light performance.
- Camera Control Button: A standout feature is the new Camera Control button, which mimics a DSLR-like experience for adjusting zoom, depth, and other settings directly from the side of the phone.
- 4K 120fps Video: Users can now record videos in 4K at 120 fps, with Dolby Vision HDR support, for professional-grade video quality.
- Spatial Video and Photos: For use with Apple Vision Pro, the iPhone 16 can now capture Spatial Videos and Photos, creating immersive 3D-like media.
4. Battery and Charging
- Battery Life: The iPhone 16 offers improved battery life, thanks to a more efficient thermal design and power management. Apple claims the battery is larger, delivering more sustained power.
- Qi2 Wireless Charging: It supports the new Qi2 wireless charging standard, along with updated MagSafe charging cases.
5. Connectivity and Buttons
- Action Button: Borrowing from the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 16 now includes an Action Button, which can be customized to perform various tasks like launching apps or turning on the camera.
- USB-C: Following regulatory changes, the iPhone 16 now supports USB-C for charging and data transfer.
6. Apple Intelligence (AI) Integration
- Enhanced Siri: Apple’s new AI-powered Siri, branded as Apple Intelligence, is integrated deeply within the iPhone 16. It provides smarter responses, faster processing, and improved contextual understanding.
- Machine Learning for Audio: The iPhone 16’s machine learning capabilities extend to its audio recording, offering wind noise reduction and Spatial Audio recording
7. Colors and Pricing
- Color Options: The iPhone 16 comes in a variety of colors, including Ultra Marine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black.
- Pricing:
- iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the 128GB model.
- iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899 for the 128GB model.
8. Miscellaneous Features
- Spatial Audio & Dolby Vision: Spatial Audio has been enhanced for an even more immersive experience, especially when paired with AirPods or Apple Vision Pro.
- Audio Mix for Videos: Users can adjust soundtracks after recording, offering studio-like sound mixing with voice isolation and background noise control.
Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10, announced at Apple’s 2024 launch event, introduces significant upgrades in design, health features, and performance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key features of the Apple Watch Series 10:
1. Design and Display
- Larger Display: The Apple Watch Series 10 boasts the largest and thinnest display ever seen on an Apple Watch. The new wide-angle OLED display increases the screen size compared to the previous Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra, with more rounded corners and a higher aspect ratio for better readability and interaction.
- Polished Finishes: The watch comes in a variety of finishes, including a sleek jet-black aluminum and polished titanium, offering a premium look and feel.
- Brighter Screen: The display is 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, improving outdoor visibility. Even with the wrist down, it shows a continuously running second hand.
2. Performance and Battery Life
- S10 SiP Chip: The Series 10 is powered by the new S10 System-in-Package (SiP), designed for enhanced performance and power efficiency. The chip supports faster app load times and more responsive interactions, as well as better power management to ensure longer battery life.
- All-Day Battery: The battery life remains consistent with prior models, lasting up to 18 hours, ensuring it supports a full day’s use.
3. Health and Fitness Features
- Sleep Apnea Detection: One of the standout features is the ability to detect signs of sleep apnea using the built-in accelerometer to track disturbances in breathing patterns. Apple is awaiting FDA approval for this feature, which will eventually be available in over 150 countries.
- Scuba Tracking and Tides App: Similar to the Apple Watch Ultra, the Series 10 adds scuba tracking capabilities and includes the Tides app, making it useful for divers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Photos Watch Face: A new “Photos” watch face leverages Apple Intelligence to automatically curate and display the best images from your photo library, providing a personalized experience.
4. Fitness and Activity Tracking
- Advanced Activity Tracking: The Series 10 continues to support comprehensive activity tracking, including step counting, heart rate monitoring, and ECG. The new watchOS 11 offers better customization for activity rings and improved insights into health data.
- Sleep Tracking: In addition to apnea detection, the Series 10 supports advanced sleep tracking, offering users detailed insights into their sleep cycles, such as REM, core, and deep sleep.
5. Audio and Speaker Features
- Built-in Speaker: A new feature for the Series 10 is the ability to play audio directly from the watch’s speaker, allowing for calls or media playback without needing AirPods or other Bluetooth devices.
6. Software
- watchOS 11: The Series 10 runs the latest version of Apple’s watchOS 11, which introduces new features like the Tides app for water sports, improved health tracking, and updated fitness algorithms.
7. Pricing and Availability
- Pricing: The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399. It is available for pre-order starting today, with official availability beginning September 20.
Key Innovations of Series 10:
- Sleep Apnea Detection: Expanding Apple’s health tracking prowess with a much-anticipated feature that could have significant health benefits.
- Larger, Brighter Display: The thinnest design with an expansive, vibrant display is a notable leap from previous models.
- New Activity and Water Sports Features: Enhanced scuba tracking and Tides app cater to fitness enthusiasts, especially those engaged in water sports.
The Apple Watch Series 10 continues Apple’s tradition of blending health, fitness, and design innovation into a powerful wearable.
AirPods 4
The AirPods 4, revealed during Apple’s September 2024 event, come with several enhancements, particularly in audio quality, design, and new noise-canceling features. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new features:
1. Design and Fit
- Redesigned Shape: The AirPods 4 feature a newly redesigned earbud shape that Apple claims will fit more ear types comfortably. This new shape improves both passive noise isolation and overall comfort, making the AirPods 4 more versatile across different users.
- Smallest Charging Case: The new charging case is the smallest yet for AirPods, adding to the portability. Like other recent Apple products, it now uses a USB-C port for charging, aligning with Apple’s broader shift away from Lightning connectors.
2. Audio Enhancements
- H2 Chip: The AirPods 4 are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, delivering improved audio quality, faster processing for features like Personalized Spatial Audio, and better energy efficiency. This chip also enables more responsive interactions with Siri.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): For the first time, Apple has introduced ANC in non-Pro models. The AirPods 4 with ANC provide users with the option to block out external noise at a lower price point, making premium features more accessible.
- Adaptive Transparency: The AirPods 4 also feature Transparency Mode, which allows users to hear ambient sounds while listening to music. Adaptive Transparency automatically adjusts the level of ambient sound filtering based on the user’s environment.
3. Conversation Awareness
- Conversation Awareness: One of the new features of the AirPods 4 is Conversation Awareness, which lowers the media volume when it detects the user talking. This is ideal for brief interactions where users don’t need to remove their earbuds to have a conversation..
4. Battery Life and Charging
- Battery Life: Apple promises up to 30 hours of total listening time with the charging case. This includes up to 6 hours of listening on a single charge with ANC enabled, which is competitive for this category.
- USB-C Charging: The shift to USB-C is part of Apple’s larger ecosystem-wide transition to this standard. The case itself is more compact, but it still provides long-lasting battery support.
5. Pricing and Availability
- Pricing:
- Standard AirPods 4: $129
- AirPods 4 with ANC: $179.
- Availability: Both models are available for pre-order and will be widely released on September 20.
6. Personalized Features
- Personalized Spatial Audio: Using the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, users can create a customized spatial audio profile, adjusting sound levels for a more immersive experience tailored to their ear shape.
The AirPods 4 represent a significant leap for Apple’s entry-level wireless earbuds, bringing features like Active Noise Cancellation, USB-C, and Personalized Spatial Audio to a more affordable tier while retaining the signature seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
See the whole event on YouTube
