Apple's much-anticipated fall event brought us updates to three device lines: the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch 10, and the AirPods 4. Each category brought us a few headlining features, but whether or not you should upgrade each device depends largely on what device you already have. The entire 16 line sports the A18 chip, specially designed for Apple Intelligence features, and a brand new Camera Control button. We also see some Pro features come to the base models, such as the Action Button. The Apple Watch 10 sports a slimmer profile and a larger screen option than before and an important health feature that detects sleep apnea. The AirPods 4 also sees many of the AirPods Pro 2 features join its ranks, while the AirPods Pro 2 are getting a software update that can make them function as hearing aids. Here are the top five takeaways from Apple's iPhone 16 event.
Everything Apple Announced in Its September Event
With a few headlining features coming to the iPhone 16 line, Apple Watch 10, and Airpods 4, let's take a look at what we can expect from these releases and who might want to upgrade.
1. The iPhone 16 & 16 Plus Get Pro Features
Availability:
- Pre-order September 13
- Available in stores in September 20.
Price:
- iPhone 16 starts at $799
- iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899.
The new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus deliver tons of new and updated features for a much more affordable price than their costlier counterparts, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus updates include hardware upgrades like the new Camera Control button, an upgraded camera system, plus faster performance thanks to the A18 chip. Apple Intelligence features help users write, edit, summarize, work with Siri, create images, look up products, use the new Camera Control feature to take photos and videos, learn about objects and locations with visual intelligence, and much more. Check out our full article on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to learn why Apple's new value-packed iPhones are the upgrade you've been waiting for!
2. The iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max Get an Even Better Camera
Availability:
- Pre-order September 13
- Available in stores and online September 20.
Price:
- iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999
- iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199
If you’re a committed iPhone enthusiast or are looking to get the ultimate creative audio, video, and camera features for your iPhone, you’re likely to be intrigued by Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This update integrates and supports Apple Intelligence from a hardware level to help simplify daily tasks and enhance creative projects. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models both have an upgraded camera system with a host of new features, including zero shutter lag (meaning you can capture movement in photos in that exact moment), as well as the ability to take even more detailed wide-angle and macro photography shots. In addition, you also have improved audio and audio-editing capabilities, such as being able to easily tap and filter unwanted background noise out of a video. The new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max model is also more durable, and has a longer battery life than the previous iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. If you tend to only use your iPhone for basic tasks and the occasional photo shoot, the new models might not be worth the extra cost. But for those who enjoy utilizing their iPhone for creative projects, or just enjoy the powerful camera for great family and travel photos, the extra Pro and Pro Max features are likely worth the upgrade. Check out our full coverage of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
3. Apple Watch 10 Brings a Change in Frame & New Health Features
Availability
- Pre-order now
- Available September 20
Price
- Apple Watch Series 10: starts at $399
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: starts at $799
The latest generations of Apple Watch, the Series 10 and the updated Ultra 2, were not what we expected. Instead of an Apple Watch Ultra 3, we have a slightly updated Ultra 2 in a new color and with even faster GPS. The Apple Watch Series 10 inherited a lot of Ultra features, such as a bigger display and the Depth app, with the option of upgrading to a titanium body. Unfortunately, there is no update to battery life, but fast charging is faster than ever, with a 30-minute charge getting you up to 80%. Although the display screen on the Apple Watch 10 is bigger (and brighter), the body of the watch is thinner and lighter. Both models will also have a new Sleep Apnea detecting feature, a Translation App, and both products have carbon neutral options for eco-conscious users. Of course, the watches come with new watch faces, watch band types, and they will be running the new watchOS 11 software. Check out our full Apple Watch 10 and Ultra 2 coverage.
4. The AirPods 4 See an All-Around Boost
Pricing
- AirPods 4: $129
- AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: $179
Availability
- Pre-order now
- Available September 20
While we aren’t getting AirPods Pro 3 this year, Apple is bringing breakthrough hearing health features to the AirPods Pro 2. Soon, you’ll be able to use Hearing Protection to reduce loud environmental sounds, take a Hearing Test in the Health app, and transform your AirPods Pro 2 into a clinical-grade hearing aid. Additionally, Apple is introducing two new models of AirPods 4: one that features an updated design, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Voice Isolation, and one that includes Active Noise Cancellation and much more. Read our full AirPods 4 coverage.
5. Who Should Upgrade?
Apple’s entry in the world of Artificial Intelligence is due to roll out over the next year, but it will only run on the series 16 iPhones and the 15 Pro and Pro Max. So if you have an older iPhone, is it worth updating just for the Apple Intelligence features? In our opinion, no. Apple Intelligence includes many exciting features such as automatic summaries of web pages, image generation from text prompts, and a more context-aware Siri capable of understanding and answering questions in much greater detail, but those features will not all arrive with the release of the iPhone 16 series. Only a few of those features will be available at launch time, and the rest won’t be out until closer to the release of the iPhone 17 series next year. If Apple Intelligence was the only reason you were thinking about upgrading, then you may as well wait.
Check out our full event coverage in our latest podcast episode.
