iPhone 16 reveal/ Apple AI product showcase/ new iPhone 16 features/ AirPods 4 release/ Apple Intelligence launch/ Newslooks/ CUPERTINO/ Calif./ Apple revealed the iPhone 16, enhanced AirPods, and AI-powered updates at its “Glowtime” event, showcasing the company’s latest technological advancements. Key updates include Apple Intelligence for on-device AI, improved AirPods, and a dedicated camera button on the iPhone 16. The new products are set to ship starting Sept. 20, with prices ranging from $799 for the iPhone 16 to $179 for the AirPods 4.
Apple Product Showcase 2024: Quick Looks
- Apple introduces the iPhone 16 with a focus on AI features, powered by the A18 chip.
- Apple Intelligence enables new AI capabilities such as image search, custom emojis, and Siri upgrades.
- A dedicated camera button on the iPhone 16 allows for quick photos and Visual Intelligence.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 features a larger display and new sleep apnea detection technology.
- AirPods 4 offer better audio, noise cancellation, and can now function as hearing aids.
- The new lineup starts shipping on Sept. 20, with the iPhone 16 priced at $799 and AirPods 4 at $129.
iPhone 16, AirPods 4 & more unveiled at Apple’s “Glowtime” event
Deep Look:
At its highly anticipated “Glowtime” event, Apple introduced a range of new products and features, headlined by the iPhone 16 and new advancements in artificial intelligence. Apple’s pivot toward AI technology was a central theme, as it unveiled a new system called Apple Intelligence, designed to enhance user experience with smart on-device functions while maintaining the company’s commitment to privacy.
Apple Intelligence: AI With Privacy in Mind
Apple Intelligence, first previewed at the company’s June developer conference, takes center stage in the new lineup. With features like image search by description, custom emoji creation, email summarization, and notification prioritization, it aims to streamline everyday tasks. Siri also gets a boost, becoming more contextually aware of on-screen actions to deliver better responses. What distinguishes Apple’s approach is its privacy-first design—most AI processes happen directly on the device rather than in cloud-based data centers, ensuring that personal data stays private.
The AI features will roll out as part of iOS 18, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, set to power the new iPhone 16 models. Initially, these functions will only support U.S. English, with additional languages expected to be available in 2025.
iPhone 16: AI-Powered and Redesigned
The iPhone 16 lineup takes full advantage of Apple’s AI innovations, boasting enhanced performance through the A18 chip, which enables seamless operation of on-device intelligence features. During the presentation, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized that the iPhone 16 was “designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up.”
One of the most notable physical changes to the iPhone 16 is the addition of a dedicated camera button, allowing users to quickly access camera functions for photos and videos. This button works with Visual Intelligence, which lets the phone identify objects in pictures and offer additional information or options based on the image content.
The iPhone 16 will come in several models, with the base version priced at $799 and the iPhone 16 Plus at $899. The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models will retail for $999 and $1,199, respectively. Shipping begins on Sept. 20.
Apple Watch Series 10: Health and Display Upgrades
Apple’s focus on health continues with the Apple Watch Series 10, featuring a larger and brighter OLED display designed to improve visibility from various angles. But the standout feature is its ability to detect signs of sleep apnea, a condition that affects millions globally. This health-tracking update is expected to further cement the Apple Watch’s position as a leader in wearable health technology.
Additionally, for the first time, the Series 10 will be available in a titanium finish, offering a lighter, more durable alternative to the traditional materials used in earlier models. The Series 10 will start at $399 and will also begin shipping on Sept. 20.
AirPods 4: Better Audio and Hearing Assistance
Apple also announced the AirPods 4 series, which comes with a new chip designed to deliver better audio quality and enhanced noise cancellation. A practical new feature is the ability to emit a sound via the Find My app, making it easier for users to locate lost earbuds.
The AirPods Pro 2, part of the same series, will receive a medically-focused update that allows the device to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid. The AirPods will include features to protect users’ hearing and even administer a clinical-grade hearing test via a free software update.
The base AirPods 4 model is priced at $129, while the version with active noise cancellation will sell for $179. Both are available starting Sept. 20.
Apple’s Push for AI and Privacy
What sets Apple’s AI efforts apart from competitors like Google and Samsung is its unwavering commitment to privacy. By processing most AI functions directly on the device, Apple avoids the risks associated with storing personal data on remote servers. For tasks that do require external data centers, Apple promises that no personal data will be retained, reinforcing its dedication to user privacy.
