On Monday, Apple unveiled its latest iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models, all of which will incorporate the company's upcoming Apple Intelligence features. The first set of these AI tools will be available in a software update later this fall, while more advanced features like a smarter Siri will be introduced next year.
Some analysts believe this renewed focus on AI, combined with many users holding onto older models, could trigger a new upgrade cycle, a positive development for Apple amid declining sales of its flagship product.
During the nearly two-hour launch, Apple also introduced slimmer and brighter Apple Watches, new AirPods models, and a key software update for the $249 AirPods Pro that could transform them into hearing aids, pending FDA approval.
Apple revealed four new iPhones: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. These devices have been "designed from the ground up" to utilize AI features. The more affordable iPhone 16 ($799+) and 16 Plus ($899+) now come with faster A18 chips and "Action" buttons, first seen on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models.
The iPhone 16 Pro ($999+) and iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199+) feature enhanced processors for gaming, creative tasks, and AI tools, along with slightly larger screens and a new ultrawide camera. All iPhones now include a touch-sensitive button for camera settings, and Apple claims better battery life across the board, though no specific numbers were shared.
Apple Watches now include a sleep apnea detection feature that will generate reports for users to share with their doctors. This feature will be available on both older and new models, including the Series 10. The new watch design is slimmer, with brighter screens for easier viewing at angles.
AirPods Pro didn’t get a design change but received new hearing health software. Users can take a hearing test and, if mild to moderate issues are detected, use AirPods as over-the-counter hearing aids. This feature, too, awaits FDA clearance. New versions of AirPods, including a $129 entry-level model and a $179 version with noise cancellation, were also introduced. All AirPods will now charge via USB-C.
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