Apple’s highly anticipated 2024 September event has come and gone, and it was packed with exciting new hardware announcements. From the iPhone 16’s sleek new features to advancements in wearable tech and audio, Apple has shown once again why it’s a leader in innovation. Let’s dive into the key announcements from the event, including the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch Series 10, and the next-generation AirPods.
iPhone 16: Faster, Smarter, and More Powerful
The star of the show was, of course, the iPhone 16. Apple’s latest smartphone keeps a familiar design but packs some serious upgrades under the hood. Powered by the new A18 chip, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, the iPhone 16 promises up to 30% faster performance while using 30% less power compared to its predecessor. The GPU performance is also up by a massive 40%, allowing the iPhone 16 to handle AAA games such as Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil 4 — a feat previously reserved for the Pro models.
iPhone 16 Pro finishes via Apple.com
One of the more exciting new features is the Camera Control button, which sits just below the power button. This physical button introduces swipe and tap gestures, making it even easier to control the camera without fiddling with on-screen controls. The new button integrates seamlessly into the phone’s sleek, colour-infused glass design, which now comes in Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink alongside the classic White and Black finishes.
The iPhone 16 boasts a dual-camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor and a new ultra-wide camera, both equipped with autofocus. Thanks to its 2x crop mode and macro capabilities, the iPhone 16 offers the equivalent of four lenses, delivering impressive versatility for photography enthusiasts.
iPhone 16 pro cameras via Apple.com
Apple’s focus on AI is another headline feature of the iPhone 16. The phone will be the first mainstream model to support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI software that debuted in Pro models last year. This includes features like custom emojis, text summaries, and intriguing Visual Intelligence, which allows you to search for information using your camera — much like Google Lens.
While the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 and 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus retain the same screen sizes as last year, their display quality has been improved. With peak brightness levels of up to 2,000 nits and a 1-nit low for night-time reading, the iPhone 16 offers one of the best viewing experiences on the market.
Apple Watch Series 10: Bigger, Better, and Smarter
Apple continues to push the boundaries of wearable tech with the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 10. This new version offers a larger and brighter display, with 30% more screen real estate than the Series 6 and a 30% boost in brightness. The watch also comes in stylish new finishes, including Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Silver, with the addition of a premium Titanium finish for those looking for something extra special.
Apple Watch Series 10 via Apple.com
The Series 10’s redesigned body is thinner, at just 9.7mm, while being more durable thanks to enhanced scratch resistance. Along with this physical makeover, the watch features a powerful S10 chip with a 4-core neural engine that can handle complex AI tasks, such as detecting falls and identifying sleep patterns that may indicate Sleep Apnoea — all without the need for external devices.
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the new depth app for divers and the tides app, making it easier to plan water-based activities like surfing. The Series 10 is packed with new health and fitness features, ensuring that Apple remains at the top of the wearable tech game.
Apple Watch Series 10 Depth Sensor via Apple.com
AirPods 4: Refined Design and Enhanced Features
Apple also took the wraps off its AirPods 4, offering a more comfortable design and significant audio improvements. Now powered by the H2 chip, the AirPods 4 come with Personalised Spatial Audio, ensuring a superior listening experience across all genres.
Apple AirPods Max new colourways via apple.com
The charging case has been redesigned too, now supporting USB-C for faster and more universal charging, finally marking the end of Apple’s proprietary Lightning cable. Apple has also added noise cancellation to the standard AirPods model, previously a feature exclusive to the Pro version. The new adaptive noise cancellation adjusts dynamically based on your environment, even pausing the cancellation when you speak.
A notable addition is the case’s Find My feature with an embedded speaker, making it easier than ever to locate your AirPods when they inevitably go missing.
In addition to the new AirPods 4, Apple has updated the AirPods Pro 2 with Hearing Protection. This feature uses machine learning to detect loud sounds and adjust the noise cancellation to help prevent hearing damage. The AirPods Max also received a small refresh, now available in new colourways with USB-C charging.
Apple hearing health via Apple.com
Conclusion: A Solid Line-up for 2024
Apple’s September event delivered plenty of excitement, with each product offering meaningful upgrades. The iPhone 16 stands out with its improved AI, camera innovations, and powerful A18 chip, while the Apple Watch Series 10 brings an even more refined design and helpful health features. For audio enthusiasts, the AirPods 4 promise better sound quality and comfort, with improved functionality across the board.