Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” just took place at Apple Park, with a slew of announcements likely to entice legions of fans to fully upgrade their devices.
Apple CEO Cook and his team showed off the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 10, and a range of new and updated AirPods, all set to launch on September 20. , watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia will be released on September 20.
We cover each device launched individually and also summarize everything announced If you missed the event. But are Apple’s new products any good? Here are my thoughts on each new Apple device introduced at the iPhone 16 launch event.
iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 impressions
this Apple Watch Series 10 It’s an impressive new device, but it’s a bit bittersweet. My expectations were high due to years of rumors surrounding the Apple Watch X. While I’m a fan of the equipment we have, I’m also hungry for what could be.
Apple’s latest smartwatch features a new S10 chipset and a larger wide-angle OLED display for brighter viewing from an angle. We always get a new chipset, so it’s nothing special, but I like the better viewing angles. Apple also said that the display of the Series 10 is larger than the display of the Series 10. Apple Watch Ultra 2. I’m a big fan because I currently have an Apple Watch Ultra on my wrist. Like the previous device, it is available in two sizes: 42MM and 46MM.
Now you can play media through the speakers, and there’s new sleep apnea detection. The new titanium model replaces the stainless steel model and is available in natural, gold or dark slate. Unfortunately, the Series 10 doesn’t have a brushed titanium option – so I still prefer the Apple Watch Ultra’s design.
Speaking of Apple Watch Ultra, we’re not getting a new one third generation model. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains, but now comes in satin black. I’ve been excited about this new color since we first heard rumors about it, but lately I’ve been more and more interested in titanium. I’ll stick with the original color options, but would still be happy to see a black version debut.
There’s also a new range of Milanese bands to complement the new hue. I instantly fell in love with these and will be getting one immediately. I have always been a fan of titanium straps and Milanese straps and this choice is perfect for me.
this iPhone 16 series Compared with iPhone 15, it has introduced a number of upgrades, such as action buttons and new “Camera Control” buttons, allowing users to take photos and videos instantly. It can decide between light and heavy presses because it’s a tactile button. For example, a single tap brings up a preview; or you can press harder for more controls.
I’m a little torn about this button. For one thing, it would make controlling the camera much easier, and I’ve been missing the opportunity to quickly launch the camera after mapping mine. action button to arc search. But on the other hand, it’s a button that takes getting used to, and doesn’t do anything that the camera app doesn’t already offer. I guess I’ll have to wait until my new iPhone arrives to make a decision.
The new camera update adds a 48MP snapper here, expected to offer better aperture and sharper photos. For non-professional equipment, the ability to record space videos or take space photos is impressive, but if you don’t have Apple Vision Pro earphone. Also, the new camera bump layout gives me a WALL-E feel.
Is it just me or does the iPhone 16 give off a Wall-E vibe? pic.twitter.com/oPGtt5kxFASeptember 9, 2024
iPhone 16 also comes with 8GB of memory and an A18 chip, and will feature Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 later this year. The decision to continue offering 128GB of base storage is infuriating, but it’s a way to differentiate from the Pro model and is to be expected.
The color choices really stand out this year. The colors of the new iPhone 16 are definitely much bolder than the muted pastel colors of the iPhone 15 – something that many fans criticized. The new flagship ultramarine blue is my personal favorite color and the option I would choose
But the iPhone 16 Pro Max (and its smaller sibling) is what I’m particularly focused on, and it’s the device I’ll be buying this year – an upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The screen sizes have increased from 6.1 and 6.7 inches to 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively. Wider bezels mean these devices aren’t actually any bigger than before. Since I’ve always opted for the Pro Max for the extra screen real estate, this move is something I really like – I get more screen on my iPhone without the device getting too big.
There’s also a new Desert Titanium color, which replaces last year’s Blue Titanium. I originally ordered the 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 appeals to me, and it’s a popular choice. Most people criticize this color, but I actually like it. I said what I said.
In fact, both main cameras are now 48MP, which is better since I take thousands of photos on my iPhone every month. I’m happy to see that the faster aperture speed results in sharper photos, which are also brighter. While I’ve been using the 5x quad camera for a year, I’m glad it’s now available on the smaller iPhone 16 Pro – as it should have been from the beginning. Also, 4K slow motion at 120fps is technically very impressive, but I don’t think I’ve ever recorded in slow motion. once.
I won’t repeat my thoughts on the camera control buttons or any other features that are the same as on regular iPhone 16 devices. Although I will say I’m glad the pricing remains the same.
I have mixed feelings about the new AirPods. new AirPods 4 Offering a more comfortable design, new case “Find My” functionality and wireless charging. And (plot twist) there are two variants: one with ANC and one without.
I’m excited to see the new $129 AirPods 4, and I think this model makes a lot of sense (in theory). $179 is still a bit steep for the cheapest AirPods, in a world where decent wireless headphones can be found for around $50. While the $129 price tag is still on the higher side, it makes AirPods more accessible for those who don’t care about the latest and greatest features.
But (and this is a big but), the AirPods line is too confusing right now. AirPods 4 have the same name, but one has active noise cancellation and costs $179, while the other has no noise cancellation and costs $129. AirPods Pro 2 are now available in three configurations: Lightning charging case, MagSafe and USB-C charging case, and USB-C charging case with new hearing features. Then there are the high-end AirPods Max. Try explaining it all to your grandma, or in 20 words or less.
Apple uses the same name for too many devices at the same time. The $129 AirPods 4 should be AirPods SE, while the $179 AirPods 4 should retain the fourth-generation name. As for Pros, Apple should have already hit 3 on it, because the third minor upgrade is a bit delayed. As for AirPods Max keeping their name, I’ll allow that since the only changes are USB-C and color – but will have to put a number on it next time.
The rant is over. I love the Find feature on AirPods 4, it’s a must-have feature that has helped me out many times. I love the new AirPods Max colors, and I’m sure many fans will too. Although I’m disappointed, there aren’t any audio improvements to Apple’s expensive and premium over-ear headphones. The new hearing features of AirPods Pro 2 (v3) look very useful and I’m excited to try them. but. call. them. AirPods. relative. 3. For. this. like. of. God. please.
Summary of my thoughts on the latest Apple devices
The Apple Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 series bring solid upgrades, such as larger OLED displays and the expected Watch S10 chip, as well as the iPhone’s enhanced camera system. But overall, Apple’s latest device is a bit bittersweet.
The Apple Watch lineup hasn’t quite lived up to the Apple Watch X rumors, leaving a sense of “could have been,” while the confusing AirPods lineup with the same name but different features adds unnecessary complexity. Still, some new features, like Find My for AirPods and sleep apnea detection for the Watch, stand out.
All in all, I was a happy camper. The new version brings excitement and mild frustration, but overall offers compelling new features that make it worth a look.
We’ll have live coverage of all Apple iPhone 16 event releases. Don’t miss all our iphone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple WatchX, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 Coverage so far.