On the 10th of September, Apple gave to me … Two new phones, one pair of pods, and the smartest Smart Watch yet! It may be a few months away, but Christmas has come early for Apple aficionados, with the tech leaders today launching a range of new products for 2024. These include two versions of the iPhone 16, AirPods, and a watch – packed with cutting-edge features, impressive innovations and sleek designs that have become the brand’s signature. Below, is a breakdown of the four new Apple products.
iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro is a powerhouse of performance and privacy. At the heart of it is a new A18 Pro chip, an engineering innovation of unmatched velocity and efficiency. This chip works seamlessly with Apple Intelligence, a new AI-driven system that understands and adapts to your personal context. Whether writing an email, summarising a call, or organising your schedule, the 16 Pro makes these tasks easier than ever. The Writing Tools feature, powered by this AI, also amplifies productivity by offering advanced text editing and summarisation features.
On the photo front, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces a game-changing 48MP Fusion camera. This new setup packs stunning 4K120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision-a completely new benchmark for smartphone photography and videography. Additionally, the 48MP Ultra Wide camera expands creative possibilities with higher-resolution macro and wide-angle shots. The iPhone 16 Pro packs studio-quality microphones to capture clear and true-to-life audio ideal for content creators and professionals alike.
Sleek and strong, the design of iPhone 16 Pro introduces lightweight yet incredibly durable titanium. Along with an immersive 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with thinner borders. Advanced Ceramic Shield for better durability and new thermal architecture for a more efficient heat dissipation system make this phone stay ahead even under the most intensive workloads. And, deliver the best battery life ever on an iPhone as a result.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max takes everything that’s great about the iPhone 16 Pro and elevates it to a grand scale. It features the largest display ever on an iPhone – an expansive 6.9 inches – that offers an incredibly immersive viewing experience. The larger screen is not just about size. It’s about enhancing every visual experience, from gaming to streaming videos in high-definition.
Camera enthusiasts will be impressed with the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 5x Telephoto camera, which offers unparalleled zoom capabilities for capturing detailed shots of distant subjects with impressive clarity. The new Camera Control system, which integrates hardware and software, offers intuitive and fast access to camera settings. And, makes it easier than ever to take the perfect shot or start recording a video. A physical switch on the device allows for quick access to the camera, with options to adjust settings and capture high-quality photos or videos effortlessly.
Finally, the iPhone 16 Pro Max also features advanced spatial audio capabilities. And, provides a richer, more immersive sound experience as a result. The substantial battery boost means you can shoot, record, and edit for longer periods, making it a perfect tool for all users who need maximum performance and extended usability. Whether they be professional content creators or just parents proudly capturing all their kid’s firsts!
Airpods 4
On the audio front, Apple’s latest incarnation of its iconic airpods, the AirPods 4, herald a new era in personal audio with a striking open-ear design that prioritises both comfort and sound quality. Available in two versions – standard and the advanced AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – these earbuds represent the pinnacle of Apple’s audio technology.
The AirPods 4 come equipped with the cutting-edge H2 chip, which significantly enhances audio performance. This chip drives a new low-distortion driver and a high dynamic range amplifier, ensuring that every note and sound effect is delivered with unparalleled clarity. Additionally, the integration of Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive listening experience. This allows users to feel as though they are at the centre of the action, whether they’re listening to music, watching films, or playing games.
A major leap in Apple’s technology is the introduction of Active Noise Cancellation in the AirPods 4. This feature is complemented by advanced computational audio and upgraded microphones. Together, these effectively minimise unwanted background noise such as city traffic or airplane engines. The addition of Transparency Mode allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their audio content, creating a seamless balance between isolation and awareness.
For gamers, the AirPods 4 are designed with low-latency wireless audio support, which ensures minimal delay and high-quality voice communication. The new force sensor on the stem offers intuitive controls, making it easy to manage playback and calls with simple gestures. This sensor also supports Voice Isolation, enhancing call clarity by filtering out background noise.
The AirPods 4 come with a compact USB-C charging case that is over 10% smaller than its predecessor. Yet, still provides up to 30 hours of battery life. Users can also charge this new case with an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger, adding flexibility.
In addition to advancing technology, Apple designed the AirPods 4 with environmental protection at the core. They utilise 100% recycled rare earth elements and gold in their construction and feature fibre-based packaging that helps reduce plastic waste. This commitment to sustainability reflects Apple’s broader goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Watch Series 10
Finally, the Apple Watch Series 10 marks a significant evolution in wearable technology. It combines sleek design with a suite of advanced features that cater to both everyday users and fitness fans alike. As Apple’s thinnest and most advanced watch to date, the Series 10 offers an unparalleled combination of form and function.
The new Series 10 boasts a thinner profile, nearly 10% slimmer than previous models. This is achieved through an innovative metal back that integrates the antenna and case into a single piece. This design not only contributes to the watch’s sleek appearance but also enhances its overall performance. The S10 SiP processor, paired with a 4-core Neural Engine, powers intelligent features such as on-device Siri, automatic workout detection, and new double-tap gestures.
One of the standout features of the Series 10 is its larger, brighter display. The new wide-angle OLED display provides up to 40% greater brightness and improved visibility at wider angles compared to the Series 9. This advancement ensures that users can easily read notifications and view workout metrics even in challenging lighting conditions. The display’s enhanced power efficiency also supports a faster refresh rate, allowing for smoother interactions and always-on functionality.
Faster charging is another highlight of the Series 10. The redesigned charging coil allows for 15 minutes of charging to provide up to 8 hours of use, and 30 minutes can charge the watch up to 80%. This efficiency ensures that the Series 10 remains functional throughout the day and night, with minimal downtime.
Available in both aluminium and titanium finishes, including a new jet black polished aluminium and three new titanium hues, the Apple Watch Series 10 combines aesthetics with durability. With its advanced health features, refined design, and new capabilities, the Series 10 is set to be a game-changer in the world of wearables.
Pre-orders for new Apple products are available from today (AirPods 4 and Watch Series 10). And Friday (iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max). With the official release on September 20, 2024. RRP as follows: iPhone 16 Pro starts from $1,799. iPhone 16 Pro Max starts from $2,149. AirPods 4 $299. Apple Watch Series 10 starts from $649.