Apple has unveiled the long-awaited iPhone 16, along with a slew of new features coming with the device's next operating system update. The tech giant also shared updates for its smartwatch and AirPods lineups.
See also: Which iPhone devices will be compatible with iOS 18?
See the most important announcements from Apple's " It's Glowtime " event
Apple Intelligence
Apple's AI capabilities, known as Apple Intelligence, include the ability to search for images by description, create custom emoji, summarize emails, and prioritize notifications. Apple Intelligence will also upgrade Apple's virtual assistant Siri to better understand requests and give it some awareness of actions taking place on the phone, hopefully making it more useful.
Most of Apple's AI features will be released as part of a free software update for iOS 18, the operating system that will power the iPhone 16 that will be released from October to December. U.S. English will be the default language at launch, but an update to enable other languages will be released next year, according to Apple.
iPhone 16 and the camera button
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will offer slightly larger screens and feature variants of the powerful A18 chip, which gives Apple the computing power its devices need to perform AI functions.
The biggest physical change to the iPhone 16 series comes in the form of a dedicated camera control button. The button responds to taps and gestures, allowing users to quickly take photos, preview a shot, or start recording video. The button also allows owners to use something called Visual Intelligence, which will tell the iPhone 16 to automatically search for things you’re taking photos of.
The phones will start shipping on September 20. The iPhone 16 will retail for $799, with the Plus model costing $899. The iPhone 16 Pro will cost $999, while the Pro Max will retail for $1,199.
See also: Leak reveals the problems of the upcoming iPhone 16
Apple Watch Upgrades
The Apple Watch Series 10 features a larger and brighter, wide-angle OLED display that will allow users to better view the watch at an angle. But Apple focused much of its presentation on the device's ability to detect signs of sleep apnea. The Series 10 watch starts at $399 and will be available on September 20.
New AirPods
The new AirPods 4 series will feature an upgraded chip for better sound quality and more active noise cancellation. If you often lose your headphones, the new AirPods will also play a sound when you locate them via the Find My app.
Apple also said it will upgrade the AirPods Pro 2 so they can function as an over-the-counter hearing aid. A free software update will provide the upgrade, and will also include options that help protect hearing and the ability to administer a hearing test.
See also: Apple: What to expect from the iPhone 16 launch event?
The AirPod 4 model costs $129, while the version with active noise cancellation will cost $179.
Source: apnews
