That’s a wrap on It’s Glowtime: Apple’s Special Event held at their HQ in Cupertino, California. Unsurprisingly, we saw brand new Apple Watch and AirPods models announced, with the iPhone 16 taking centre stage. However the real star of the show was Apple Intelligence.
Join us as we recap the event, and unpack how Apple’s entry into generative AI integrates with the new releases, as well as other fresh features.
iPhone 16
The new iPhone 16 lands in five different colourways, is water and dust resistant, and more prominently, is Apple Intelligence ready. This is a landmark moment for the iPhone, with the 16 being “designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up,” in the words of CEO Tim Cook – plus a new A18 chip providing the necessary power to run such tasks.
Meanwhile, other new features include:
- Action button
- Bigger battery
- Larger display size of 6.1 inches
- Camera control button
- 6.7 inch screen for Plus, 6.3 inch for Pro and 6.9 inch for Pro Max
- 48 megapixel fusion camera for Pro and Pro Max
Our first insight into the next-generation of Apple is Visual Intelligence, an AI-assisted camera feature that will scan objects to provide information about the subject – for example, a dog’s breed or a shop’s opening times. We expect other AI use cases to enhance things like note taking, composing emails, and sorting photos.
Apple Watch 10
Apple’s largest and thinnest model yet is here, the Apple Watch Series 10, with a 9.7mm thickness and screen versions of 46mm and 42mm – 1mm more than its predecessor. It’s also powered by a new AI-ready S10 processor. Most notably, the Watch features a sleep apnea detection tool which detects breathing disturbances during sleep – a smart move that encourages consistent wearing of the Watch, even overnight. New base and “Ultra” Apple Watch models were also announced.
AirPods 4
The latest version of Apple’s wireless earbuds, AirPods 4, are built with an H2 chip which will provide enhanced sound quality. Though the headlines lie with the premium version, which offers Active Noise Cancellation, compiled of Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness. Both versions are also equipped with Adaptive EQ to automatically calibrate music, a more comfortable fitted design, and Voice Isolation to support mic quality in windy or loud environments.
What’s next?
Apple Intelligence is reported to be available in the iOS 18 update, a moment where users will finally be able to have their say on the level of value it provides. This is due to arrive by the end of October, shortly after which we expect to see Apple’s next Special Event take place with the potential release of new Mac versions with the M4 chip.
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