It's Glowtime. Apple's September 2024 Event
While Apple teased us with glimpses of its advanced AI capabilities at WWDC, we eagerly anticipated a more practical demonstration at Apple's fall event. Here are seven major highlights from the event.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
Apple introduced the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, featuring a revamped camera, a newly added Camera Control button, and the Action button that was previously limited to Pro models. According to Apple, these devices are built to support a range of upcoming artificial intelligence capabilities, however many of these features are expected to launch later this fall or coming year.
Both run on Apple's new A18 chip, which brings significant improvements in power efficiency and performance. Claimed to support demanding tasks like high-end gaming, the A18 offers up to 30% faster speeds compared to the previous year's processor.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max now come with larger displays - 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max and focus strongly on advanced content creation capabilities. Similar to the base iPhone 16, the Pro models have a new capture button for easier photo and video access. They also feature the upgraded A18 Pro chip, with the Pro Max offering what Apple claims is the “best battery life ever seen in an iPhone”.
The updated rear-camera systems on both Pro models feature a 48-megapixel Fusion camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto with 5x optical zoom. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max can capture full 48-megapixel photos and record video in 4K at 120 fps, delivering top-notch slow-motion video quality.
AirPods 4
Apple introduced two new models of AirPods, described as the "most comfortable," aimed to replace the AirPods 2 and 3. The latest version features built-in accelerometers that allow users to answer or decline calls simply by shaking their heads. Additionally, Apple has integrated advanced machine learning to minimise background noise and enhance call clarity.
The more affordable model lacks these key features, but still offers the new design and some other improvements.
Apple Watch Series 10
The new Apple Watch Series 10 boasts what Apple claims is "our thinnest watch with our biggest display", which is even bigger than last year's Apple Watch Ultra 2 display. It is also now coming in a striking new black titanium finish.
Apple is pushing to establish the Apple Watch as a thorough health monitoring tool by introducing another health feature - sleep apnea detection. The new feature utilises the watch’s accelerometer and advanced machine learning to track sleep disturbances over 30 days, alerting you and possibly your partner if signs of sleep apnea are detected.
What We Liked & Looking Forward To
The “It's Glowtime” event had interesting announcements, but a few features stood out to our team:
- Hearing Test and Tracking. The ability of the AirPods Pro 2 to perform a hearing test and track hearing over time is a game-changer. The hearing test can be performed on an iPhone in about five minutes and detects hearing loss. If mild or moderate hearing loss is found, the AirPods can be configured as hearing aids, customising sounds to be easier to hear.
- Clinical-Grade Hearing Aid Functionality. Adding clinical-grade hearing aid functionality to the AirPods Pro 2 is a significant step forward in making technology accessible to everyone. This feature will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for many users.
- Sleep Apnea Detection. The Apple Watch's new ability to detect sleep apnea is another highlight. This feature will empower users to monitor their sleep health more closely and take necessary actions to improve their sleep quality.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that new iPhone 16 cases are now available at MegaMac.
