Apple Inc. is betting to attract customers with the release of their iPhone 16, which has AI technologies with some minor hardware improvements.
Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the smartphone with new watches and AirPods headphones during the event, with the promise of AI. As part of the event, Apple debuted a version of its smartwatch with a larger screen and the ability to identify sleep apnea. It also highlighted new software that allows AirPods to turn into hearing aids.
The iPhone debut was the highlight of the presentation, even though the business only made minor changes to the hardware and look of the device.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come in new colours with a customisable Action button, exclusively available to higher-end models.
New Pro versions will have larger displays and thinner borders with more potent camera and video capabilities, letting them capture better quality pictures and more cinematic slow-motion videos.
In the field of generative AI, where Microsoft Corp and Alphabet Inc. Google have made progress, Apple is trying to catch up.
AI seemed to be the main focus of the event. Since users need a modern iPhone to handle the features, the company hopes to use the Apple Intelligence Software to persuade users to purchase upgraded devices.
Apple Intelligence has updated its voice assistant Siri and text prompts to create custom emojis.
However, some technology is not yet ready, which could seemingly impact iPhone sales. Apple Intelligence will only be available as a beta test using the October launch.
The base model of the iPhone starts at $799, and the Plus model for $899. The price of Pro Max is $1,199, while the iPhone 16 Pro is $999.
Apple Watch
The new Apple Watch, the Series 10 model, has 30% more screen area. The sleep apnea feature will be accessible to over 150 regions.
The new watch is roughly 10% slimmer than the Series 9 version. It comes with a new titanium chassis that’s lighter than aluminum models. It starts at $399 and will be launched on September 20.
Apple AirPods
Apple launched a new range of USB-C charging $549 AirPods Max headphones available in fresh colours. Instead of releasing a new version of AirPods Pro, they introduced features like a hearing test.
Apple Camera
They launched a small button on the lower right side, included on all four versions of iPhone 16, called the Camera Control button. Pressing it once will open the camera screen, and a second press will take the photo. The goal is to imitate the experience of using the shutter on a digital single-lens reflex camera or DSLR.
By moving the finger across the button, settings or the zoom level can be altered, depending on the mode.
Voice assistant Siri has a more updated user interface. When activated, the feature lights up on the phone’s border. One can pose questions to Siri without speech recognition by simply typing on a command bar.
The phone’s more powerful processors are noticeable when navigating between apps and handling other tasks. Apple also claimed that the new Pro Max has the longest iPhone battery life ever, which is appealing for iPhone users.
The iPhone debut is the most important announcement of the year for the tech giant. Roughly half of the company’s yearly revenue comes from the device and fuels sales of accessories and services.
Usually, Apple doesn’t hold its launch on a Monday, but the early date allowed it to avoid a very busy Tuesday, which included the US presidential debate and a resolution in a European Commission case over whether Apple must pay $14b in taxes.
