Apple’s much-anticipated “It’s Glowtime” event of 2024 delivered a slew of new products and features, as expected from the tech giant’s annual fall release cycle. Held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, this year’s event focused on a wide range of innovations, from the new iPhone 16 series to updates for Apple Watch, AirPods, and more. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the major announcements.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
Apple kicked off the event with the introduction of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, featuring screens that measure 6.1 and 6.7 inches, respectively. Both models share a design reminiscent of the iPhone X, with a redesigned camera island now in a pill shape.
This change enables a new feature called “Spatial Capture,” improving the phone’s photography capabilities. The Dynamic Island feature, which debuted with the iPhone 15, continues in the new models, enhancing user interactivity.
One of the most significant updates to the iPhone 16 series is the replacement of the Ring/Silent switch with an Action Button. This button allows for more customisation, enabling users to switch between different modes or open the Camera app quickly.
A second new button, the Camera Control button, makes it easier to interact with the camera’s various functions, such as zooming, focusing, and switching between photo and video modes.
The camera system itself remains largely unchanged from the iPhone 15, featuring a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens on the back, alongside a 12MP front-facing camera. However, it’s the new A18 chip under the hood that brings major performance upgrades.
The A18 chip not only improves graphics but also supports “Apple Intelligence,” an AI system set to launch in October 2024. This system will allow users to perform tasks such as image generation and language understanding more efficiently.
In terms of colours, Apple has refreshed the palette with darker hues, offering options in black, white, green, blue, and pink. The iPhone 16 starts at ₹79,900, while the iPhone 16 Plus is priced at ₹89,900.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro models also received noteworthy updates, particularly in size. The iPhone 16 Pro now features a 6.3-inch screen, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a massive 6.9-inch display, up from the previous 6.7 inches. Despite the larger screens, the devices remain easy to hold due to slimmer bezels, preserving a compact feel.
The A18 Pro chip powers these models, enhancing their AI capabilities. Apple Intelligence works seamlessly across the Pro line, allowing for faster processing and better multitasking.
One of the key highlights for photographers is the upgrade to the ultrawide camera, now offering a 48MP sensor, up from the previous 12MP. Additionally, both models feature a 5x telephoto lens, improving zoom capabilities without compromising image quality.
Like the standard iPhone 16 models, the Pro versions come equipped with the new Camera Control button, providing a more intuitive experience for photography enthusiasts. Colour options include a new “desert titanium” finish, along with classic choices like black, white, and natural titanium. Interestingly, despite these upgrades, Apple has reduced the prices for the Pro models in India. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at ₹1,19,900, while the Pro Max begins at ₹1,44,900.
Apple Watch Series 10: Bigger Screen, Titanium Build, and Health Features
Apple also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, which sports a larger and more advanced display, available in 42mm and 46mm sizes. This is Apple’s thinnest watch to date, featuring a redesigned look that enhances both style and usability. The aluminium casing remains, but a new titanium option has been introduced, making the watch 20% lighter than the stainless steel variant.
The Series 10 comes packed with new health features, including sleep apnea detection. This feature will eventually be rolled out to older models like the Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. The Series 10 also inherits features from the Watch Ultra 2, such as a built-in depth gauge, water temperature sensor, and the Oceanic+ app for diving enthusiasts. The S10 SiP powers the device, promising improved performance and quicker charging — up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is available in six colours: Jet Black, Silver Aluminium, and Rose Gold for the aluminium models, while the titanium versions come in Natural, Slate, and Gold. The watch starts at ₹44,900, with pre-orders available immediately, and shipments beginning on September 20.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: New Colour Option
While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 did not receive a full generational update, Apple introduced a new satin black finish for the model. The titanium Milanese Loop band complements the new colour, offering a sleeker, more refined look. This update adds aesthetic appeal to a model already designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
AirPods 4: New Features and ANC
The fourth-generation AirPods were another major highlight of the event. Apple announced two variants: a standard model and a premium version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Both versions feature the H2 chip and updated acoustic architecture, providing superior audio quality compared to previous models. Additional features include Personalised Spatial Audio and improved voice isolation for clearer calls.
The standard AirPods 4 are priced at ₹12,900, while the ANC model will cost ₹17,900. Buyers opting for the ANC version will also benefit from Transparency Mode and Adaptive Audio, which adjust the sound output based on the user’s surroundings.
The new charging case, the smallest yet, features USB-C and supports wireless charging, offering up to 30 hours of battery life. Pre-orders start on September 13, with sales beginning on September 20.
AirPods Pro 2: Health Features and Hearing Aid Capabilities
Although Apple did not release a new version of the AirPods Pro 2, it announced significant software updates aimed at improving the product’s utility for users with hearing impairments. The AirPods Pro 2 will soon function as a “clinical grade” hearing aid for users with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Additionally, a new hearing test feature will allow users to assess their hearing in under five minutes. A passive hearing protection mode will also be introduced, reducing loud noises in the environment.
AirPods Max: New Colours and USB-C
The AirPods Max, Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, received a long-awaited refresh in terms of colour options. New choices include midnight, blue, purple, orange, and starlight. Additionally, the AirPods Max now come with a USB-C charging port, aligning them with the rest of Apple’s updated lineup.
Apple Delivers on Expectations
Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event lived up to the hype, offering significant upgrades across its flagship products. From the iPhone 16 series to the Apple Watch Series 10 and the latest AirPods, Apple continues to push the envelope in terms of design, AI integration, and user experience.
With the new Apple Intelligence system set to roll out soon, the focus on personalisation and advanced features promises to further enhance the appeal of Apple’s ecosystem.
