Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ expo recently took place at Apple Park and featured a number of announcements that could prompt many fans to upgrade their devices.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team unveiled the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 10, and the new and refreshed AirPods, all of which will be available on September 20. iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia will also be available on September 16.
We have covered each device individually launched and also rounded up everything as advertised in case you missed the event. But was the new Apple cobber any good? Here are my thoughts on the new Apple devices unveiled at the iPhone 16 launch event.
iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 impressions
The Apple Watch Series 10 it’s an impressive new device, but it’s a little bittersweet. With years of Apple Watch X rumors, my expectations were high. While I’m a fan of the device we got, I wish what could have been.
Apple’s latest smartwatch packs the new S10 chipset and a larger wide-angle OLED display for brighter edge-to-edge viewing. We always get a new chipset, so nothing special, but I like the better viewing angles. Apple also says its display on the Series 10 is bigger than the screen on the screen Apple Watch Ultra 2. I’m a big fan of this because I currently have an Apple Watch Ultra on my wrist. Like the previous devices, it is available in two sizes: 42MM and 46MM.
You can now read media off the speaker and there’s brand new Sleep Apnea detection. The new Titanium model replaces the Stainless Steel, which is offered in natural, gold or dark slate. Unfortunately, there is no brushed titanium option for the Series 10 – so I still prefer the design of the Apple Watch Ultra.
Speaking of the Apple Watch Ultra, we didn’t invent a new one third generation model. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains, but now comes in Satin Black. Although I’ve been excited about this new color ever since we heard the rumors, I’ve been loving titanium more lately. I’ll stick with the original color option, but I’m still glad the Black edition debuted.
There are also new Milan bands to complement this new shade. I instantly fell in love with these and will be purchasing one immediately. Always a fan of titanium bands and Milan straps, this option is perfect for me.
The iPhone 16 line It features several improvements over the iPhone 15, such as the Action Button and a new “Camera Control” button that lets users take photos and videos instantly. It can determine between light and hard pressure because it is a haptic button. For example, a light press will show you a preview; or you can press more for more control.
I’m a little bored with this button. On the one hand, it will make camera control easier, and I miss having to launch the camera quickly after mapping my camera. Action button Arc Search. On the other hand, it’s another button to get used to and doesn’t do anything the Camera app doesn’t already offer. I guess I’ll have to wait until my new iPhone arrives to decide on that.
New camera updates add a 48MP snapper here with the promise of better aperture and more snappy photos. The ability to record Spatial Video or take Spatial Photos is impressive for a non-Pro device, but I’d be useless without it. Apple Vision Pro headset. Also, the new camera bulge structure is giving me major WALL-E vibes.
is it just me or does the iphone 16 give off basic wall vibes? pic.twitter.com/oPGtt5kxFASeptember 9, 2024
The iPhone 16 also comes with 8GB of storage and the A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence when it launches in iOS 18.1 later this year. The decision to continue offering 128GB of base storage is infuriating, but should be expected as a way to differentiate itself from the Pro models.
This year’s color choice certainly makes a statement. The new iPhone 16 is certainly bolder than the muted pastel colors of the iPhone 15 – which many fans have criticized. The new flagship Ultramarine blue color is my personal favorite and my go-to
But the iPhone 16 Pro Max (and its smaller sibling) is where I’m particularly focused, upgrading from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the device I’ll be buying this year.
Screen sizes have increased from 6.1 and 6.7 inches to 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. Wider bezels mean the devices aren’t actually bigger than before. As I’ve always opted for the Pro Max for the extra screen real estate, this move is something I really like – I get more iPhone screen before the device starts getting too big.
There’s also a new Desert Titanium color that replaces last year’s Blue Titanium. I originally ordered the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Blue Titanium, but quickly switched to Natural Titanium to match my Apple Watch Ultra – I’m glad I made that decision. But I’m tempted by the new Desert Titanium, which is nice. Many criticize the color, but I actually love it. I said what I said.
It’s better that both main cameras are now 48MP because I take thousands of photos on my iPhone every month. I’m excited to see the faster shutter speeds for faster shots and how much brighter the photos are. Although I’ve been using the 5x tetraprism camera for a year now, I’m glad it’s now available on the smaller iPhone 16 Pro – it should have been from the beginning. Also, 4K Slo-Mo at 120fps is technically very impressive, but I don’t think I’ve ever recorded in slow motion. Never.
I won’t repeat my thoughts on the Camera Control button or any other features that are identical to the regular iPhone 16 devices. I’m glad the prices stayed where they were, though.
As for the new AirPods, my feelings are a little mixed. New AirPods 4 offers a more comfortable design, a new body, Tap My functions and wireless charging. And (plot twist) there are two variants: one with ANC and one without.
I’m excited to see the new $129 AirPods 4, and I think this model makes sense (in theory). In a world where decent wireless earbuds can be had for around $50, $179 is still a bit steep for the cheapest AirPods. While $129 is more expensive, it makes AirPods more accessible to those who don’t care about the latest and greatest features.
But (and this is a big but), the AirPods lineup is pretty messed up right now. AirPods 4 have the same name, but one has ANC and costs $179, the other does not have noise cancellation and costs $129. AirPods Pro 2 is now available in three configurations: a Lightning case, a MagSafe and USB-C case, and a USB-C case with new hearing functions. And then there’s the AirPods Max at the highest point. Try to explain all this to your grandmother or something in less than 20 words.
Apple uses the same name for multiple devices. The $129 AirPods 4 should keep the AirPods SE name, while the $179 AirPods 4 should keep the 4th generation name. On the plus side, Apple should hit 3 there already, as the third minor update is a bit of a drag. As for AirPods Max keeping the name, I’ll let it go as the only changes are USB-C and the colors – but next time it should add a number there.
To crack. I love that Find My is now on the AirPods 4 – it’s an important feature that has come in handy a few times. I love the new AirPods Max colors and I’m sure many fans will too. Although I’m disappointed, Apple’s expensive and high-quality headphone cases lack any audio enhancements. The new hearing features of the AirPods Pro 2 (v3) look really useful and I’m excited to try them out. But. Make a call. They are. AirPods. Pro. 3. For. The. love Of. God. Please.
My thoughts on the latest Apple devices are summarized
The Apple Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 line bring solid upgrades, such as a larger OLED display and the expected S10 chip for the watch, and improved camera systems for the iPhones. But Apple’s newest devices are a bit bittersweet.
The Apple Watch Series didn’t quite live up to the hype of the Apple Watch X rumors, the “what could have been” feeling, and the confusing lineup of AirPods with the same names but different specs added unnecessary complexity. Still, some new features like Find My for AirPods and sleep apnea detection for the Watch stand out.
All in all, I’m a happy camper. The new releases bring a mix of excitement and mild disappointment, but overall they offer attractive new features that are nice to see.
We’re live streaming all Apple iPhone 16 event announcements as they happen. Don’t let us all down iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.
