Apple’s “It is Glowtime” simply happened at Apple Park, that includes a bunch of bulletins that might tempt plenty of followers to improve gadgets throughout the board.
Apple CEO Tim Cook dinner and his workforce revealed the brand new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Professional, the Apple Watch Collection 10, and a line of recent and refreshed AirPods, all launching on September 20. iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia may also be out there on September 16.
We have coated each system that was launched individually, and likewise rounded up the whole lot that was introduced in case you missed the occasion. However was the brand new Apple clobber any good? Listed below are my ideas on every of the brand new Apple gadgets unveiled on the iPhone 16 launch occasion.
iPhone 16, Apple Watch Collection 10, and AirPods 4 impressions
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The Apple Watch Collection 10 is a powerful new system, however it’s a little bit bitter-sweet. My expectations had been excessive, with years of Apple Watch X rumors. Whereas I am a fan of the system we bought, I am craving for what may have been.
Apple’s newest smartwatch comes packing the brand new S10 chipset and a bigger wide-angle OLED show for brighter off-angle viewing. We all the time get a brand new chipset, in order that’s nothing particular, however I like the higher viewing angles. Apple additionally says that the show on the Collection 10 is greater than the one on the Apple Watch Extremely 2 . I am an enormous fan of that, seeing as I’ve at the moment bought the Apple Watch Extremely on my wrist. Like earlier gadgets, it is out there in two sizes: 42MM and 46MM.
Now you can play media out of the speaker, and there is all-new Sleep Apnea detection. A brand new Titanium mannequin replaces Stainless Metal, provided in pure, gold, or darkish slate. Sadly, there isn’t any brushed titanium possibility for the Collection 10 – so I nonetheless favor the design of the Apple Watch Extremely higher.
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Talking of the Apple Watch Extremely, we did not gen a brand new third-gen mannequin . The Apple Watch Extremely 2 is staying, however now is available in a Satin Black end. Whereas I have been enthusiastic about this new shade since we first heard rumors about it, I’ve grown extra fondly of titanium not too long ago. I will be sticking with the unique shade possibility, however am nonetheless glad to see the Black version make its debut.
There’s additionally a brand new vary of Milanese bands to go with this new shade. I immediately fell in love with these, and will likely be getting one instantly. Having all the time been a fan of titanium bands and Milanese straps, this feature is ideal for me.
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The iPhone 16 line introduces a number of upgrades over the iPhone 15, such because the Motion Button and a brand new “Digital camera Management” button that allows customers to take images and movies immediately. It will possibly decide between a light-weight and a tough press, as it is a haptic button. For instance, a light-weight press will present you a preview; or you’ll be able to press more durable for extra controls.
I am a little bit torn over this button. On the one hand, it will make controlling the digicam simpler, and I have been lacking the fast digicam launch after mapping my Motion Button to Arc Search. However on the opposite, it is yet one more button to get used to, and would not do something the Digital camera app would not already supply. I believe that I am going to have to attend till my new iPhone arrives to make my thoughts up on this one.
New digicam updates add a 48MP snapper right here, with the promise of higher aperture and snappier images. The flexibility to file Spatial Video or take Spatial Images is spectacular for a non-Professional system, however I’ve no use for this with out an Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional headset. Additionally, the brand new digicam bump format provides me main WALL-E vibes.
iPhone 16 additionally comes with 8GB of reminiscence and an A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence when it is made out there later this yr in iOS 18.1. The choice to proceed providing 128GB base storage is infuriating, however to be anticipated as a method to differentiate from the Professional fashions.
This yr’s choice of colours definitely makes a press release. The brand new iPhone 16 is definitely loads bolder than the iPhone 15’s muted pastel colours – one thing many followers criticised. The brand new flagship Ultramarine blue shade is my private favourite, and the choice I would choose
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However the iPhone 16 Professional Max (and smaller sibling) is the place my specific focus is, being the system I will purchase this yr – upgrading from the iPhone 15 Professional Max.
Display sizes have seen a rise from 6.1 and 6.7 inches to six.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. Wider bezels imply that the gadgets aren’t truly any greater than earlier than. Since I’ve all the time opted for the Professional Max for the additional display screen actual property, this transfer is one thing I am very keen on – I am getting extra iPhone display screen with out the system beginning to get too huge.
There’s additionally a brand new Desert Titanium shade, changing Blue Titanium from final yr. I initially ordered my iPhone 15 Professional Max in Blue Titanium, however shortly switched to the Pure Titanium to match my Apple Watch Extremely – a choice I am glad I made. However the brand new Desert Titanium is tempting me, which is a scorching take. Most are criticising the colour, however I am truly slightly fond. I mentioned what I mentioned.
The truth that each principal cameras at the moment are 48MP is healthier, as I take hundreds of images on my iPhone every month. I am excited to see the quicker aperture pace for snappier photographs, and the way a lot brighter images are. Whereas I have been utilizing the 5x tetraprism digicam for a yr now, I’m glad it is now out there on the smaller iPhone 16 Professional – it ought to have been from the start. Additionally, 4K Slo-Mo at 120fps is technically very spectacular, however I do not suppose I’ve ever recorded in sluggish movement. Ever.
I will not rehash my ideas on the Digital camera Management button or every other options which might be equivalent to the common iPhone 16 gadgets. Though I’ll say that I am glad pricing has remained the place it’s.
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As for the brand new AirPods, my emotions are a little bit combined. The brand new AirPods 4 supply a extra snug design, new case Discover My options, and wi-fi charging. And (plot twist) there are two variants: one with ANC and one with out.
I am very glad to see the brand new $129 AirPods 4, and I believe this mannequin is smart (in principle). $179 continues to be a little bit steep for the most cost effective AirPods in a world the place respectable wi-fi earbuds might be had for round $50. Whereas $129 continues to be pricier, it makes AirPods rather more accessible for people who do not care in regards to the newest and best options.
However (and this can be a huge however), the AirPods line-up is now far too complicated. AirPods 4 have the identical identify, however one has ANC and is $179 whereas the opposite has no noise cancellation and is $129. AirPods Professional 2 can now be had in three configurations: Lightning case, MagSafe and USB-C case, and USB-C case with the brand new listening to options. After which there’s AirPods Max on the excessive finish. Attempt explaining all that to your grandma or in lower than 20 phrases.
Apple is utilizing the identical identify for too many gadgets directly. The $129 AirPods 4 must be AirPods SE, whereas the $179 AirPods 4 ought to keep their 4th-gen identify. As for the Professionals, Apple ought to simply slap a 3 on there already, as a 3rd minor improve is dragging on a little bit. As for AirPods Max maintaining their identify, I am going to permit it for the reason that solely adjustments are USB-C and colours – however subsequent time should add a quantity on there.
Rant over. I like the truth that Discover My is now on AirPods 4 – vital characteristic that is come to my rescue a good few instances. I like the brand new AirPods Max colours, and I am positive many followers will too. Though I am upset, there are not any audio enhancements to Apple’s costly and premium over-ear cans. AirPods Professional 2 (v3)’s new listening to options look actually helpful, and I am excited to attempt them out. However. Name. Them. AirPods. Professional. 3. For. The. Love. Of. God. Please.
My ideas on the latest Apple gadgets summarised
The Apple Watch Collection 10 and iPhone 16 line convey stable upgrades like a bigger OLED show and the anticipated S10 chip for the watch, and enhanced digicam techniques for the iPhones. However throughout the board, Apple’s latest gadgets are considerably bittersweet.
The Apple Watch Collection did not fairly dwell as much as the excitement of Apple Watch X rumors, leaving a way of “what may have been,” and the complicated AirPods line-up with equivalent names, however completely different options provides pointless complexity. Nonetheless, some new options like Discover My for AirPods and sleep apnea detection for the Watch stand out.
All in all, I am a cheerful camper. The brand new releases convey a mixture of pleasure and delicate frustration, however general supply compelling new options which might be welcoming to see.
We’re protecting all of the Apple iPhone 16 occasion bulletins dwell as they occur. Do not miss all our iPhone 16 , iPhone 16 Professional , iPhone 16 Professional Max , Apple Watch X , Apple Watch Extremely 3 , iOS 18 and watchOS 11 protection to this point.
