Apple’s “Glowtime” event has just concluded and a slew of products were unveiled including iPhones, Watches, and AirPods. Alongside the new hardware, many new software features are noteworthy. In this article, we’ll summarize everything Apple introduced in their 2024 event. Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
1. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
As expected from the leaks, Apple’s iPhone 16 meets the anticipated features. Even the non-Pro models now come with a customizable action button. Additionally, a new Camera Control button has been added, making it easier to take photos, record videos, focus, and control other camera functions. A new menu has been added to the camera UI that we will explore in more detail in a separate article.
Both iPhones are powered by the A18 chip which is almost 30% faster than the A16 chip found in the iPhone 15 models. This means even the non-Pro models can now run Apple Intelligence features this year, unlike iPhone 15 base models. As Tim Cook puts it, the iPhone 16 lineup “has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up.” In addition to AI capabilities, the iPhone 16 models can now capture spatial photos and videos.
What really caught my attention is that even the non-pro iPhone 16 models can run AAA games. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the 128GB model, with the 16 Plus starting at $899.
2. iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro models come with larger displays – 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. However, the Pro models are powered by the A18 Pro chip which is 15% faster than the A17 Pro. Both Pro devices now support 5x telephoto zoom and come with a new 48MP ultra-wide camera capable of taking macro shots.
The standout feature though is their ability to shoot in 4K at 120fps and tuning Photographic styles (basically filters like you get in Instagram but before you take photos) with better accuracy. Apple also claims these phones have 2x faster ray tracing speeds and offer the best battery life in any iPhone to date. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 and the 16 Pro Max starts at $1,119 with both up for preorder Friday and launching in stores on September 20.
3. Apple Watch Series 10
Apple began the event by unveiling the Apple Watch Series 10, the largest Apple Watch ever, surpassing even the Ultra in terms of display size. The new model features a slightly updated design with rounded corners and a wider aspect ratio. The Series 10’s display is up to 40 percent brighter when viewed at an angle, and it is the thinnest Apple Watch to date at 9.7mm, making it up to 10 percent lighter than previous models.
It also offers fast charging, reaching 80 percent in just under 30 minutes. Additionally, the Series 10 introduces new AI-powered features like a photo watch face that curates images displayed on the screen from your gallery and machine learning-based translation tools to better communicate while traveling. Watch 10 also comes with new apps called Tides and Depth and a new health feature – sleep apnea (more on this later).
Take a look at our Watch 10 vs Watch 9 comparison for more details.
4. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple has consistently marketed the Ultra as the ideal device for fitness enthusiasts, emphasizing features such as custom workouts, running track detection, and real-time tracking for bike rides. However, instead of launching the anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple introduced a new satin black color option for the Ultra 2 instead. Though there is no Ultra 3, the Ultra 2 does gain additional features including apps like Tides, Depth, and Paddle Logger, and features like Sleep Apnea detection and an AI-powered Photos watch face.
5. Sleep Apnea Detection
The sleep apnea detection feature uses the accelerometer sensor to identify breathing interruptions during sleep, providing potential interruption alerts through watch notifications. This data will be analyzed periodically every 30 days to detect if you have sleep apnea. A detailed report will be generated and made available in the Health app. You can choose to share this report and findings with your doctor automatically if you want.
Apple expects FDA clearance “very soon,” and the feature will be available in 150 countries this month. In addition to the Apple Watch Series 10, this feature will also be coming to the Series 9 and Ultra models.
6. AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC
Apple describes the new AirPods 4 as their “most comfortable AirPods ever,” thanks to a redesigned look. It is powered by the new H2 chip. Personalized Spatial Audio is coming to the AirPods 4 models, along with machine learning for Siri to pick up head shakes as nods in response to prompts.
Pricing begins from $129 for the standard model and $179 for the ANC version. Both the AirPods 4 models will be available to buy starting September 20.
7. AirPods Pro 2
Apple has added three key features to the AirPods Pro 2: Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, and Hearing Aid.
Hearing Protection offers passive noise reduction and is managed through machine learning. Apple is also introducing a “clinically validated” hearing test that users can take at any time to know if they have suffered hearing loss recently. Those whose tests suggest they could benefit from hearing assistance may benefit from this feature.
Apple expects FDA clearance for these features “soon,” with updates anticipated to roll out to iOS in the fall. However, these features are currently announced only for the AirPods Pro 2, not the standard AirPods 4 models.
8. AirPods Max
At the Apple Event, the AirPods Max received a series of small updates, including USB-C and a range of new color options. These updated headphones will be available on September 20, maintaining the same price of $549.
9. Camera Control Button
All four iPhone 16 models feature a new Camera Control button that when pressed will open the Camera app. Within the app, a quick press of the button takes a photo, while a long press begins video recording. A half-press focuses on the subject, similar to how DSLRs function. Additionally, swiping on the button allows you to navigate between camera settings and adjust options like zoom.
10. Visual Intelligence
Apple didn’t introduce any new Apple Intelligence features in the event. They did take advantage of the new Camera Control button for Visual Intelligence. When the Camera app is not open, you can long-press the Camera Control button to open Visual Intelligence. With this, you can search the internet visually just like Google Lens or Circle to Search. You can find a dog’s breed, translate sign boards, find a hotel’s menu by simply scanning their nameplate, or save a date on the calendar easily. Apple also says you can use this to find similar images on Google or even generate answers to your questions using ChatGPT (learn why you should upgrade to ChatGPT Plus plan).
11. Spatial Videos and Photos
All iPhone 16 models can capture spatial photos, a feature not available in previous models. Additionally, all four models can record spatial videos at 1080p at 30 frames per second, which can be viewed on the Apple Vision Pro headset.
12. Upgrade to Voice Memo
Apple unveiled a new feature for Voice Memos allowing users to layer vocal tracks over pre-recorded music or instrumentals.
That’s it! These are the devices and features Apple announced and talked about in their 2024 event.
