Everything Apple Announced at the iPhone 16 Event: iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, iOS 18, and More
Apple’s September event has come and gone, and as usual, it brought a host of new devices and exciting innovations. If you missed the live stream, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with all the key announcements. From the iPhone 16 lineup to updates on the Apple Watch, AirPods, and iOS 18, here’s everything you need to know about what Apple revealed.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
The stars of the event, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, were unveiled with exciting new features and designs. The iPhone 16 sports a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch screen. Both models have a water- and dust-resistant design and are available in a vibrant range of new colors, including ultramarine, teal, and pink.
With a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits and the ability to dim down to 1 nit in low-light settings, these phones are perfect for use in any lighting condition. Apple also introduced an Action button on both models, similar to the one found in last year’s Pro series, offering customizable shortcuts for easier access to essential functions.
The camera system is also a standout. Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with a 48-megapixel main camera, a 12MP telephoto lens, and an improved ultra-wide camera with autofocus. A new AI-powered feature called “Visual Intelligence” takes the camera experience to the next level, offering real-time information about objects in your viewfinder, similar to Google Lens.
Powered by the all-new A18 chip, these iPhones offer enhanced performance with a 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine optimized for AI-driven tasks. Apple claims these improvements, combined with larger batteries, will significantly extend battery life. The iPhone 16 starts at $799, and the iPhone 16 Plus begins at $899, with pre-orders available now and a release date set for September 20.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple also pulled back the curtain on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch always-on ProMotion displays. The Pro models are made from Grade 5 Titanium, making them lighter than previous stainless steel models. These devices come in sleek new colors: black, white, natural, and a desert shade that resembles a dusty gold.
The iPhone 16 Pro series is built for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-driven platform. Running on the A18 Pro chipset with advanced 3nm transistors, these phones deliver faster and more power-efficient performance than ever before.
The rear camera setup features a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens capable of 4K video recording at 120fps and stunning slow-motion shots. New camera controls make it easier to access photo and video tools, while four studio-quality microphones allow for Spatial Audio recording.
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max also support the new Qi2 wireless charging standard and come with updated MagSafe cases that accommodate the new camera control button. Pre-orders for the Pro models start on September 13, with prices beginning at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both will be available on September 20.
AirPods 4 and AirPods Max
Apple also introduced the much-anticipated AirPods 4 during the event. These earbuds have been redesigned for a more comfortable fit and now come with the H2 chip, delivering enhanced audio quality and features like Personalized Spatial Audio. The charging case now includes a USB-C port and is the smallest AirPods case yet.
There are two models available: the standard AirPods 4, priced at $129, and a version with active noise cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode, available for $179. Both models feature Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers your media volume when you’re speaking to someone. Pre-orders are open now, and the earbuds will hit shelves on September 20.
In addition, Apple announced new colors for the AirPods Max, including midnight, blue, purple, orange, and starlight. The updated AirPods Max will also support USB-C charging and are available for pre-order at $549.
New Hearing Aid Features for AirPods Pro
Apple has expanded the capabilities of its second-gen AirPods Pro with new hearing aid features. A built-in Hearing Protection feature will now be enabled by default, helping users protect their ears from loud sounds. Additionally, users will be able to take a clinically-validated hearing test through the AirPods Pro to determine if they’re experiencing hearing loss. Based on the test results, the AirPods Pro will adapt into clinical-grade hearing aids, making them a valuable tool for those with hearing impairments.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple continues its dominance in the smartwatch market with the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 10. This latest iteration features the largest and thinnest display ever on an Apple Watch, with a wide-angle OLED screen that’s brighter and easier to read from any angle.
The Series 10 is powered by the new S10 SiP chip, designed for better performance and energy efficiency. A new Photos watch face, powered by Apple Intelligence, will automatically display the best moments from your photo library. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate new features like sleep apnea detection (pending FDA approval) and enhanced activity tracking, including scuba diving metrics and support for the new Tides app in watchOS 11.
For those who prefer to go without headphones, the Series 10’s improved speaker can play audio directly from the watch. The Apple Watch Series 10 is available in a new polished jet-black aluminum finish, as well as titanium finishes. Pre-orders are open now, with a starting price of $399.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Although Apple did not unveil a third-generation Apple Watch Ultra, the company did introduce a new satin black finish for the Ultra 2. This new look will be accompanied by new Hermes finishes and a Milanese band, giving the Ultra 2 a fresh, luxurious aesthetic.
iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
Apple also provided updates on iOS 18, which will launch later this month alongside the new iPhones. One of the key highlights of iOS 18 is the integration of Apple Intelligence, a new AI-driven platform that powers everything from Visual Intelligence in the camera app to personalized recommendations across all devices.
In addition to a more intuitive user experience, iOS 18 brings enhanced security features, improved privacy controls, and more customization options for widgets and apps. Apple Intelligence will also help streamline tasks and provide real-time assistance based on user behavior.