Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” just took place at Apple Park and included a lot of announcements that could entice many fans to upgrade their devices.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team unveiled the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 10 and a range of new and improved AirPods, all set to launch on September 20. iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia will also be available on September 16.
We’ve covered every device that’s launched individually and rounded them up as well everything that was announced in case you missed the event. But was the new Apple clobber any good? Here are my thoughts on each of the new Apple devices introduced at the iPhone 16 event.
Impressions of iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4
Apple’s latest smartwatch comes with the new S10 chipset and a larger wide-angle OLED display for clearer off-angle viewing. We always get a new chipset so it’s nothing special, but I like the better viewing angles. Apple also says that the display on the Series 10 is larger than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. I’m a big fan of that because I currently have an Apple Watch Ultra on my wrist. Like the previous device, it is available in two sizes: 42MM and 46MM.
You can now play media from the speaker and there is a brand new sleep apnea detection. The new Titanium model replaces stainless steel, offered in natural, gold or dark slate. Unfortunately, there’s no brushed titanium option available for the Series 10 — so I still prefer the Apple Watch Ultra design.
Speaking of the Apple Watch Ultra, we haven’t created a new third generation model. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains, but now comes in Satin Black. While I’ve been excited about this new color ever since we first heard rumors about it, I’ve grown to like titanium more recently. I’ll stick with the original color variant, but I’m still glad the black edition is debuting.
There is also a new range of Milanese bands to complement this new hue. I instantly fell in love with them and will be getting them right away. Having always been a fan of titanium bands and milanese bands, this option is perfect for me.
The iPhone 16 series brings several improvements over the iPhone 15, such as an action button and a new “Camera Control” button that allows users to take photos and videos instantly. It can tell between a light press and a hard press because it’s a haptic button. For example, a light press will show you a preview; or you can press harder for more controls.
I’m a little torn about this button. For one, it will make the camera easier to control, and after mapping my Action Button to Arc Search, I missed the quick camera launch. But on the other hand, it’s another button to get used to, and it doesn’t do anything the Camera app doesn’t already offer. I guess I’ll have to wait until my new iPhone arrives to decide on that.
New camera updates here add a 48MP snapper, with the promise of a better aperture and snappier photos. Being able to record 3D video or take 3D photos is impressive for a non-Pro device, but I have no use for it without the Apple Vision Pro headset. Also, the new camera bump layout is giving me major WALL-E vibes.
is it just me or is the iphone 16 giving major wall-e vibrations? pic.twitter.com/oPGtt5kxFASeptember 9, 2024
The iPhone 16 also comes with 8GB of memory and an A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence when it comes later this year in iOS 18.1. The decision to continue to offer 128GB of base storage is infuriating, but to be expected as a way to differentiate itself from the Pro models.
This year’s choice of colors definitely proves that. The new iPhone 16 is definitely much bolder than the muted pastel colors of the iPhone 15 – something many fans have criticized. The new flagship Ultramarine blue color is my personal favorite and the option I would choose
But the iPhone 16 Pro Max (and smaller sibling) is where I’m particularly focused on the device I’ll be buying this year — an upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Screen sizes have increased from 6.1 and 6.7 inches to 6.3 and 6.9 inches. The wider bezels mean the devices aren’t really any bigger than before. Since I’ve always opted for the Pro Max for the extra screen, this move is something I really like – I’m getting more iPhone screen without the device getting too big.
There’s also a new Desert Titanium color that replaces last year’s Blue Titanium. I originally 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 hot. Most criticize the color, but I’m actually quite happy. I said what I said.
The fact that both main cameras are now 48MP is better because I take thousands of photos on my iPhone every month. I’m excited to see the faster shutter speed for snappier shots and how much brighter the photos are. Even though I’ve been using the 5x tetraprism camera for a year now, I’m glad it’s now available on the smaller iPhone 16 Pro – it should have been from the start. Also, 4K Slo-Mo at 120fps is technically very impressive, but I don’t think I’ve ever shot in slow motion. At all.
I’m not going to bother with the Camera Control button or other features that are identical to the regular iPhone 16. Although I will say that I’m glad the prices stayed where they are.
As for the new AirPods, my feelings are a bit mixed. The new AirPods 4 offer a more comfortable design, new Find My case features and wireless charging. And (plot) there are two variants: one with ANC and one without.
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 decent wireless headphones can be had for around $50. While $129 is still expensive, it makes AirPods much more affordable for those who don’t care about the latest and greatest features.
But (and it’s a big but), the AirPods lineup is too confusing right now. The AirPods 4 have the same name, but one has ANC and costs $179, while the other has no noise cancellation and costs $129. AirPods Pro 2 can now be had in three configurations: a Lightning case, a MagSafe and USB-C case, and a USB-C case with new listening features. And then there’s the top-of-the-line AirPods Max. Try to explain it all to your grandmother or less in 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 the fourth-generation name. As for the Pros, Apple should slap 3 on there by now, because the third minor upgrade is a bit of a stretch. As for keeping the AirPods Max name, I’ll allow it, as the only changes are USB-C and colors – but next time I have to add a number there.
Talk to each other. I love that Find My is now on AirPods 4 – an essential feature that has saved me a few times. I love the new AirPods Max colors and I’m sure many fans do too. Although I am disappointed, Apple’s expensive and premium earbuds are no audio enhancements. The new AirPods Pro 2 (v3) hearing features look really useful and I’m excited to try them out. Target. Call. Them. AirPods. For. 3. For. Tea. Love. Z. God. Please.
I’ve rounded up my thoughts on Apple’s latest device
The Apple Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 bring solid improvements, such as a larger OLED display and the expected S10 chip for the watch and improved camera systems for the iPhones. But overall, Apple’s latest devices are somewhat bittersweet.
The Apple Watch lineup hasn’t quite lived up to the hype of the Apple Watch Still, some new features like Find My for AirPods and sleep apnea detection for the Watch stand out.
All in all, I’m a happy camper. The new releases bring a mixture of excitement and mild frustration, but overall they 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 of ours iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.