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How to pre-order the new iPhone 16 from the Apple Store
Apple announced its newest lineup of smartphones during the 2024 iPhone 16 launch event on Monday. Four new models will soon hit the streets: The iPhone 16, the larger iPhone 16 Plus, the high-end iPhone 16 Pro and its big sibling the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Last year, the most notable design change came with the adoption of a USB-C charging port. This year, all four phones are getting a new, multi-function capacitive button on the side. The other big news comes on the inside with the A18 and A18 Pro chips designed to handle all the coming Apple Intelligence features, including the just-announced Visual Intelligence.
Our team on the ground in Cupertino had a chance to put their hands on the handsets, but we’ll tell you exactly what we think about Apple's latest phones and features once we've had a chance to thoroughly review them. But if you already know you want a shiny new iPhone 16 as soon as possible, pre-orders open on Friday, ahead of the ship date of September 20.
Apple also announced the AirPods 4 and the Apple Watch Series 10, both of which are available for pre-order now. Like the new iPhones, they'll ship on September 20.
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-pre-order-the-new-iphone-16-183710052.html?src=rss
The iOS 18 release date is September 16. Is your iPhone compatible? These are the new features and eligible devices
Apple's It's Glowtime event just concluded (see Everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 16 launch event for full details), where it showcased the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, as well as the new Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 devices. The phones will have iOS 18 already installed, so you won't have to upgrade at purchase. Everyone else with an older iPhone will get to check out iOS 18 when it becomes available as a free download for most newer Apple handsets on September 16. But not every iPhone will be able to run iOS 18, and even the ones that can won't have all the bells and whistles of the new Apple Intelligence features.
That update stratification is nothing now. Generally each year, some older iPhone models are removed from Apple's iOS eligibility list. Last year, for instance, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X were left off the compatibility list. That meant those iPhone owners couldn't update to iOS 17 and missed out on some notable features.
We'll help you find out if your iPhone will support iOS 18, as well as Apple Intelligence. Not sure what's coming with the new update? Here's a summary of the biggest announcements from WWDC, including an overview of iOS 18.
iPhones compatible with iOS 18
We have good news: If you had an eligible phone last year when you updated to iOS 17, that device should still be compatible with iOS 18, according to Apple. That means you won't have to buy a new phone to check out most of the new software features.
iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Put another way, if you have an iPhone from the 2017 model year or earlier (iPhone 8 or iPhone X), you can't upgrade to the latest iOS, but your phone should continue to work — albeit without the latest and greatest features.
Is your iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence?
While your older device will still be able to support the latest iOS, chances are that you won't get to try the Apple Intelligence beta yet next month. Unless you have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max — the top-end 2023 models — or one of the new iPhone 16 models, your iPhone isn't eligible.
When will Apple Intelligence features be available?
If your device is compatible with Apple Intelligence, you can start playing with some of those features in October, when they begin to hit those newer iPhones in subsequent updates.
Apple Intelligence will be available in English in the US this October. In December, it'll become available in localized English to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Additional language support, including Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish, will be available sometime next year, Apple says.
As previously reported, Apple Intelligence will not be making its way to EU countries anytime soon. The American tech giant remains locked in a battle with European regulators over enforcement details of the EU's Digital Markets Act.
iOS 18 new features to expect
While Apple Intelligence is by far the biggest update coming with iOS 18, its features are going to be released more piecemeal over the subsequent few months. And the more advanced features won't be available on older iPhone models aside from the iPhone 15 Pro series. But the rest of the iOS 18 features will hit the handsets listed above. Here are just some of the highlights you can expect when you download Apple's new software later this month.
Passwords app: Securely store all your credentials in one place, including passwords and security alerts that you can access directly in the app. (While this functionality currently exists in Settings, moving it to a new app should make it easier to locate and access.)
Improved Messages app: A new iMessages experience is bringing the option to bold, italicize, underline and strikethrough your text. You'll also be able to add animations to your text messages. The update is also bringing RCS to iPhones to better support Android compatibility.
An organized photos library: The Photos app is getting a redesign, which allows you to create and pin your own collections in the app — think "wedding photos" or "trip to Aruba." It removes the current tabbed bottom and leans into a grid layout. The updated carousel view that was touted at WWDC was removed during the beta process.
Personalized home screen layout: You'll finally get the option to rearrange your apps — for instance, you can leave the middle space open to display your home screen photo, and instead have your apps alone the border of the screen. You can also change the appearance of the apps by tinting them with any color, as well as making the apps larger.
There are plenty of other tweaks and improvements to keystone apps like Maps, Calendar, Safari and more. Check out Cherlynn Low's choices for the best hidden features of iOS 18 and its sibling Apple operating system updates, based on the betas released earlier this year.
Is there an iOS 18 beta?
There is, and you can download it now — so long as you're willing to live with the glitches and challenges of beta software. If you haven't already downloaded it at this point, we'd suggest just waiting for the real deal to be released in just under a week.
Update, September 9, 5:00PM ET: Added details regarding the lack of Apple Intelligence availability in EU countries.
Update, September 9, 3:37PM ET: This story has been updated with the announced release dates for iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/the-ios-18-release-date-is-september-16-is-your-iphone-compatible-these-are-the-new-features-and-eligible-devices-155304114.html?src=rss
How to pre-order the new Apple Watch Series 10
The first bit of hardware news Apple dropped during the It’s Glowtime iPhone 16 launch event on Monday was about the Apple Watch Series 10. The headline here is the larger screen — now bumped up to 42 or 46mm — paired with an overall thinner design. Our own Billy Steele and Cherlynn Low were on the ground in Cupertino giving us live updates. They also had a chance to put their hands on the new devices, including trying on the new wearable.
A new Apple Watch SE was not announced during the event, though it remains part of the official lineup. And last year’s Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still the company’s most recent high-end wearable, though it did get an additional shiny black colorway. We’ll put out a full review once we’ve had a chance to really put the Series 10 through its paces, but if you already know you want the new Apple Watch ASAP, here’s how to pre-order before it hits stores on September 20.
This is a developing story. Refresh for the latest news...
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/how-to-pre-order-the-new-apple-watch-series-10-173004323.html?src=rss
How to pre-order the new iPhone 16 from the Apple Store
Two of Engadget’s own headed to Cupertino on Monday to witness the reveal of Apple’s new hardware at the 2024 iPhone 16 launch event. Cherlynn Low and Billy Steele brought us live commentary and a number of hands-on sessions with the latest devices. There are four new handsets in total: the iPhone 16 and the larger iPhone 16 Plus, as well as the high-end iPhone 16 Pro and its big sibling the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The most notable new design element is the addition of the capacitive Camera Control, which not only supports functions in the phones’ new cameras, it’ll also control Apple’s upcoming Visual Intelligence. We’ll deep-dive into all the features and give you full reviews as soon as we can, but if you can’t wait for that, here’s how to pre-order the new iPhones before they’re widely available on September 20.
This is a developing post. Refresh for the latest news...
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-pre-order-the-new-iphone-16-183710052.html?src=rss
Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. the competition: Bigger, with more buttons
Apple unveiled a quartet of iPhones on Monday, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. As expected, the updates are largely iterative. The standard models now have the programmable Action button from last year's Pro series, slightly improved battery life and an updated camera module that's stacked vertically instead of diagonally.
The Pro phones, meanwhile, feature bigger displays with slimmer bezels, improved battery life and a handful of camera upgrades, including a 5x optical zoom for the smaller Pro and a sharper ultrawide camera. The standard models run on Apple's new A18 silicon, while the Pro models, fittingly, use a faster and more efficient chip called the A18 Pro.
The most notable hardware change across the board might be a new touch-sensitive "Camera Control" button that makes capturing photos and video a little more DSLR-like. Mostly, though, these phones don't look to be massive departures from the iPhone 15s before them. Much of Apple's sales pitch will come down to how helpful its "Apple Intelligence" AI tools are out in the wild.
We already have a hands-on preview for the iPhone 16 Pro up on the site, and we'll have full reviews for the entire iPhone 16 lineup in the near future. But if you're thinking about pre-ordering right away, we've broken down how the new iPhone 16 Pro compares to two of its most prominent rivals in the $1,000 price bracket, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24+, on the spec sheet. Per usual, raw specs won't tell the full story — you'd probably buy an iPhone because you want iOS and an Android phone because you prefer Android — but if you're wondering what a $1,000 smartphone gets you in 2024, here's how Apple's latest handset stacks up.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S24+
Pricing (MSRP)
$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)
$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,219 (512GB), $1,449 (1TB)
$1,000 (256GB), $1,120 (512GB)
Dimensions
5.9 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches
6 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches
6.2 x 3 x 0.3 inches
Weight
7.03 ounces
7 ounces
6.9 ounces
Screen size
6.3 inches
6.3 inches
6.7 inches
Screen resolution
1,206 x 2,622 (460 ppi)
1,280 x 2,856 (495 ppi)
1,440 x 3,120 (512 ppi)
Screen type
OLED
Up to 120Hz (1-120Hz)
Up to 2,000 nits (peak brightness)
Ceramic Shield
LTPO OLED
Up to 120Hz (1-120Hz)
Up to 3,000 nits (peak brightness)
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Up to 120Hz (1-120Hz)
Up to 2,600 nits (peak brightness)
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
SoC
Apple A18 Pro (6-core)
Google Tensor G4 (8-core)
US/Canada/China: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (8-core)
Int'l: Samsung Exynos 2400 (10-core)
RAM
Not specified
16GB RAM
12GB RAM
Battery
"Up to 27" hours video playback
4,700 mAh
"24+ hours" with mixed usage
4,900mAh
"Up to 29" hours video playback
Charging
Wired: not specified
25W wireless (with MagSafe charger; up to 15W with Qi2 chargers)
27W wired
21W wireless (with Pixel Stand; up to 12W with other Qi chargers)
45W wired
15W wireless
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (1TB only available with Obsidian model)
256GB, 512GB
Rear camera
Main ("Fusion"): 48 MP, f/1.78
Ultrawide: 48 MP, f/2.2, 120° FOV
Telephoto: 12 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom
Main: 50 MP, f/1.68, 82° FOV
Ultrawide: 48 MP, f/1.7, 123° FOV
Telephoto: 48 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom
Main: 50 MP, f/1.8, 85° FOV
Ultrawide: 12MP, f/2.2, 120° FOV
Telephoto: 10MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom
Front camera
12 MP, f/1.9
42 MP, f/2.2, 103° FOV
12 MP, f/2.2, 80° FOV
Video capture
Rear: 4K at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
Front: 4K at 24/24/30/60 fps, 1080p up to 120 fps
Rear: 8K at 30 fps, 4K at 24/30/60 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
Front: 4K at 30/60 fps
Rear: 8K at 24/30 fps, 4K at 30/60 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
Front: 4K at 30/60 fps
Water and dust resistance rating
IP68
IP68
IP68
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 6e
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3
OS
iOS 18
Android 14
Android 14
Colors and finish
Glass front, glass back, titanium frame
Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium
Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Porcelain, Rose Quartz, Hazel, Obsidian
Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Jade Green, Sandstone Orange, Sapphire Blue
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-iphone-16-pro-vs-the-competition-bigger-with-more-buttons-194622608.html?src=rss
Everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 16 launch event: Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, iOS 18 and more
September is here and, like clockwork, so are new iPhones. Apple unveiled its latest iPhone models at an event in Cupertino today, and as expected, the iPhone 16 handsets are largely iterative of last year's models. While the smartphones, standard and Pro versions, took center stage, Apple also showed off the new Apple Watch Series 10, two new pairs of AirPods and hearing aid features coming to the second-generation AirPods Pro. The company also went into detail on its latest mobile chipsets that power the new iPhones, and reminded folks what they can expect when iOS 18 launches later this month with Apple Intelligence. If you weren't able to catch the announcements live, Engadget has you covered; here's everything announced at Apple's iPhone 16 event.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus at the event, which feature a water- and dust-resistant design and new colors including ultramarine, teal and pink. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display. Both of those can achieve up to 2,000 nits of brightness, and can go all the way down to 1 nit in the dark. The Action button has found its way to this series of iPhones as well, and it's just as customizable as the one we saw on last year's Pro-model iPhones.
There's also a new easy-access camera control "button" of sorts, which allows you to quickly control the camera with a slide of your finger. This tool can also tap into Visual Intelligence, an AI-powered feature coming in iOS 18 that can tell you more about anything you point your camera at. It appears similar to Google Lens, and can do things like add live event dates to your calendar after you point your camera at a flyer you see on the street. The camera array on the standard iPhone 16 models includes a 48-megapixel main Fusion camera, a 12MP telephoto lens and a new ultrawide camera with autofocus. This array will also be able to capture Spatial Photos that can be viewed on Apple's Vision Pro.
Both standard iPhone 16 models run on the new A18 chip, which has a 16-core neural engine optimized for generative models. The internals feature a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, both of which will be crucial for powering all of the new Apple Intelligence features coming to iOS 18.
According to Apple, both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have larger batteries than their predecessors, and when combined with the efficiencies added from the A18 chipset and iOS 18 improvements, should make for a much longer-lasting battery lives overall (although Apple did not provide an exact estimate). Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are available for pre-order today starting at $799 and $899, respectively, and will be widely available on September 20.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
The Pro series of iPhones includes the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max this year, which have 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch ProMotion, always-on displays, respectively. Both are made with Grade 5 Titanium, which Apple claims to be even lighter than stainless steel. These handsets will be available in four new colors: black, white, natural and desert, the latter of which resembles a dusty gold color.
According to the company, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence, being able to take full advantage of all the new features coming in iOS 18. These handsets run on the new A18 Pro chipset, which takes advantage of 3nm transistors and is even faster and more efficient than the standard A18 chip found in the regular iPhone 16 lineup.
The rear camera array on both models includes a 48MP Fusion camera, 48MP ultrawide shooter and a 12MP telephoto lens. The main camera's improvements allow for 4K, 120fps video and slow-motion recording. Both phones also have the new camera control button that provides easier access to the camera and all of its tools, both for capture and editing. There are also four studio-quality microphones built in to both smartphones for improved audio capture, and they allow for Spatial Audio recording, too.
Both the iPhone 16 Pro series and the standard iPhone 16 handsets supports Qi2 wireless charging, and Apple will come out with new MagSafe charging cases that account for the new camera control button. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will be available for pre-order on Friday, September 13, starting at $999 and $1,199, respectively. They'll be widely available on September 20.
AirPods 4
AirPods 4 launched today during the iPhone 16 event, as rumors suggested. These have a redesigned bud shape that's suppose to fit more ear shapes and be more comfortable overall. They have the H2 chip inside, which will provide improved audio quality and enable features like Personalized Spatial Audio. The charging case has a USB-C port, and it's the smallest AirPods charging case to date.
In addition to the regular AirPods 4, there will be a second model that includes support for active noise cancellation and Transparency mode. Conversation Awareness will also automatically lower your media volume level when the buds detect you talking to someone. The standard AirPods 4 cost $129 and the AirPods 4 with ANC cost $179; both are available for pre-order today and will be widely available on September 20.
AirPods Max new colors
Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel with the updated AirPods Max. Instead, they’ll be available in a few new colors (midnight, blue, purple, orange and starlight) and support USB-C charging. The new colors can be pre-ordered today for $549 and will be widely available on September 20.
AirPods Pro new hearing aid features
Apple announced new features coming to the second-gen AirPods Pro that are designed to help prevent (and increase awareness around) hearing loss. A feature called "Hearing Protection" will be turned on by default, and users will be able to take a clinically-validated hearing test to see if they already have some hearing loss. On top of that, AirPods Pro will have a clinical-grade hearing aid feature built-in as well, which will work with a hearing profile created after a user takes the hearing test.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 10 today, the natural successor to last year’s Series 9. It has the biggest display and thinnest design ever on an Apple Watch, and the wide-angle OLED display is even a bit larger than that on the Apple Watch Ultra. The case has more rounded corners and a wider aspect ratio, both of which, combined with the larger screen, should provide more space to interact with graphics and text on the Watch. Apple claims the screen is 40 percent brighter when looked at from an angle, and it'll show a second hand ticking away even when your wrist is down.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is powered by the new S10 SiP chip, which Apple claims is built for performance, power efficiency and intelligence (i.e. Apple Intelligence). One example of Apple Intelligence at work on the Series 10 is the new Photos watch face, which will curate the best photos from your library and serve them up to you automatically.
When it comes to fitness features, Apple announced that the latest version of watchOS will allow the Series 10 to detect signs of sleep apnea, provided you're wearing your Series 10 to sleep regularly. Apple claims it's awaiting FDA clearance, and it expects the sleep apnea detection feature to launch in more than 150 countries. Elsewhere in the activity sphere, the Series 10 will have scuba tracking features and it will support the new Tides app in watchOS 11.
Another new feature is the ability to play audio directly from the Watch's speaker, which could be helpful if you don't have AirPods or another pair of Bluetooth earbuds handy. The Apple Watch Series 10 be available in a new polished, jet-black aluminum finish and new polished titanium finishes. It's available for pre-order today and will be widely available on September 20.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 new finish
While there have been a bunch of swirling rumors about the next iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra, the company did not reveal the third generation sportswatch today. Instead, Apple revealed a new finish for the Apple Watch Ultra 2: satin black. There are also new Hermes finishes, and a new Milanese band to accompany the new satin black finish.
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/everything-apple-revealed-at-the-iphone-16-launch-event-apple-watch-series-10-airpods-4-ios-18-and-more-170346723.html?src=rss
iPhone 16 Pro hands-on: How does a faux camera control button feel so real?
Apple's latest attempt to slightly differentiate the iPhone 16 series is... a faux button it's calling Camera Control. But unlike last year's new button, this one doesn't actually physically depress, and uses a mix of sensors and haptic feedback to simulate the sensation of movement. And in my brief hands-on right after Apple's iPhone 16 launch event, I have to say I actually thought it was a real button.
I got a quick look at the iPhone 16 Pro here in Apple Park, and got a deep walkthrough of the new camera control and its corresponding interface. When I first picked up the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I felt like it looked sleeker and thinner than my iPhone 15 Pro Max, which was nice. My fingers were then drawn to the new "button," which has a groove that surrounds it, which helps with identification by touch.
From the home screen, I pressed down on the camera control and the camera app quickly opened. The Apple rep guarding these phones encouraged me to push the camera control with varying pressures, as a lighter touch changed the dial that popped up onscreen next to where the button sat. I dragged my finger on this surface, and the digital knob moved along with me, although I at first found the direction of the movement slightly counterintuitive. I am, however, one of those gamers that needs to flip the direction of my controllers when looking around and navigating any environment though, so that might be just me.
There is no way to change the direction of camera control's direction when you're swiping, but you can tweak the settings to adjust pressure sensitivity. When the Apple rep asked me to push harder on the control, I was shocked at what felt like a real button moving below my fingertip. I confirmed again with the Apple rep that this was not a mechanical button that actually moves, and was met with reassuring nods. Next to me, fellow reviewer Brian Tong echoed my sentiment that the camera control feels remarkably like an actual button.
This story is developing, please refresh for updates.
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-16-pro-hands-on-how-does-a-faux-camera-control-button-feel-so-real-191406863.html?src=rss
Apple invents its own version of Google Lens called Visual Intelligence
Apple has introduced a new feature called Visual Intelligence with the iPhone 16. From the demo that Apple showed as part of its September 2024 event, it seems like Visual Intelligence is Apple's version of Google lens.
The new feature is activated by a brand new touch-sensitive button on the right side of the device called Camera Control. With just a click, Visual Intelligence can identify objects, provide information, and offer actions based on what you point it at. Aim it at a restaurant to instantly pull up menus and ratings, or snap a flyer for an event to add it directly to your calendar. Curious about a dog’s breed? Point and click to find out. Eyeing a bike for purchase? Click to search for it online.
Apple claims that Visual Intelligence is private, which means that the company does not know what you clicked.
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-invents-its-own-version-of-google-lens-called-visual-intelligence-180647182.html?src=rss
How to pre-order the new iPhone 16
Apple announced its newest lineup of smartphones during the 2024 iPhone 16 launch event on Monday. And now, four new models are available for pre-order: The iPhone 16, the larger iPhone 16 Plus, the high-end iPhone 16 Pro and its larger sibling the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Last year, the most notable design change came with the adoption of a USB-C charging port. This year, the phones are getting a new multi-function capacitative button on the side. The other big news is on the inside with the A18 chip designed to handle all the coming Apple Intelligence features. We'll tell you exactly what we think about Apple's latest phones once we've had a chance to thoroughly test them out. But if you already know you want a shiny new iPhone 16 as soon as possible, pre-orders will open on Friday, ahead of the ship date of September 20.
This is a developing post. Refresh for the latest news...
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-pre-order-the-new-iphone-16-183710052.html?src=rss
Everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 16 launch event so far
September is here and, like clockwork, so are new iPhones. Apple unveiled its latest iPhone models at an event in Cupertino today, and as expected, the iPhone 16 handsets are largely iterative of last year's models. While the smartphones took center stage (per usual), Apple also showed off the newest version of the Apple Watch, plus two new pairs of AirPods. The company also went into detail on its latest mobile chipset that powers the new iPhones, and reminded folks what they can expect when iOS 18 launches later this month. If you weren't able to catch the announcements live, Engadget has you covered; here's everything announced at Apple's iPhone 16 event.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus at the event, which feature a water- and dust-resistant design and new colors including ultramarine, teal and pink. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display. Both of those can achieve up to 2,000 nits of brightness, and can go all the way down to one nit in the dark. The Action button has found its way to this series of iPhones as well, and it's just as customizable as the one we saw on last year's Pro-model iPhones.
There's also a new easy-access camera control "button" of sorts, which allows you to quick access and control the camera with a slide of your finger. Users can also use this tool to access Visual Intelligence, an AI-powered feature coming in iOS 18 that can tell you more about anything you point your camera at. It appears similar to Google Lens, and it can do things like add live event dates to your calendar after you point your camera at a flyer you see on the street. The camera array on the standard iPhone 16 models includes a 48-megapixel main shooter, a 12MP telephoto lens and a new ultrawide camera with autofocus. This array will also be able to capture Spatial Photos that can be viewed on Apple's Vision Pro.
Both standard iPhone 16 models run on the new A18 chip, which has a 16-core neural engine optimized for generative models. The internals feature a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, both of which will be crucial for powering all of the new Apple Intelligence features coming to iOS 18.
According to Apple, both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have larger batteries than their predecessors, and when combined with the efficiencies added from the A18 chipset and iOS 18 improvements, should make for a much longer-lasting battery lives overall (although Apple did not provide an exact estimate). Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are available for preorder today starting at $799 and $899, respectively, and will be widely available on September 20.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
The Pro series of iPhones includes the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max this year, which have 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch ProMotion, always-on displays, respectively. Both are made with Grade 5 Titanium, which Apple claims to be even lighter than stainless steel. These handsets will be available in four new colors: black, white, natural and desert, the latter of which resembles a dusty gold color.
According to the company, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence, being able to take full advantage of all the new features coming in iOS 18. These handsets run on the new A18 Pro chipset, which takes advantage of 3nm transistors and is even faster and more efficient than the standard A18 chip found in the regular iPhone 16 lineup.
AirPods 4
AirPods 4 launched today during the iPhone 16 event, as rumors suggested. These new buds have a redesigned bud shape that's suppose to better fit more ear shapes and be more comfortable overall. They have the H2 chip inside, which will provide improved audio quality and enable features like Personalized Spatial Audio. The charging case has a USB-C port, and it's the smallest AirPods charging case to date.
In addition to the regular AirPods 4, there will be a second model that includes support for active noise cancellation and Transparency mode. Conversation Awareness will also automatically lower your media volume level when the buds detect you start talking to someone. The standard AirPods 4 cost $129 and the AirPods 4 with ANC cost $179; both are available for preorder today and will be widely available on September 20.
AirPods Max new colors
Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel with the updated AirPods Max. Instead, they’ll be available in a few new colors and support USB-C charging. The new colors can be preordered today for $549 and will be widely available on September 20.
AirPods Pro new hearing features
Apple announced new features coming to the second-gen AirPods Pro that are designed to help prevent and increase awareness around hearing loss. A feature called "Hearing Protection" will be turned on by default, and a users will be able to take a clinically validated hearing test to see if they already have some hearing loss. On top of that, AirPods Pro will have a hearing aid feature built-in as well and will work with a hearing profile created after a user takes the hearing test.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 10 today, the natural successor to last year’s Series 9. It has the biggest display and thinnest design ever on an Apple Watch, and the wide-angle OLED display is even a bit larger than that on the Apple Watch Ultra. The case has more rounded corners and a wider aspect ratio, both of which, combined with the larger screen, should provide more space to interact with graphics and text on the watch. Apple claims the screen is 40 percent brighter when looked at from an angle, and it'll show a second hand even when your wrist is down.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is powered by the new S10 SiP, which Apple claims is built for performance, power efficiency and intelligence (i.e. Apple Intelligence). One example of Apple Intelligence at work on the Series 10 is the new Photos watch face, which will curate the best photos from your library and serve them up to you automatically.
When it comes to fitness features, Apple announced that the latest version of watchOS will allow the Series 10 to detect signs of sleep apnea, provided you're wearing your Series 10 to sleep regularly. Apple claims it's awaiting FDA clearance, and it expects the sleep apnea detection feature to launch in more than 150 countries. Elsewhere in the activity sphere, the Series 10 will have scuba tracking features and it will support the new Tides app in watchOS 11.
Another new feature is the ability to play audio directly from the Watch's speaker, which could be helpful if you don't have AirPods or another pair of Bluetooth earbuds handy. The Apple Watch Series 10 be available in a new polished, jet-black aluminum finish and a polished titanium finish that comes in silver, gold and slate gray. It's available for pre-order today and will be widely available on September 20.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 new finish
While there have been a bunch of swirling rumors about the next iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra, the company did not reveal the third generation sportswatch today. Instead, Apple revealed a new finish for the Apple Watch Ultra 2: satin black. There are also new Hermes finishes, and a new Milanese band to accompany the new satin black finish.
Developing...
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/everything-apple-revealed-at-the-iphone-16-launch-event-so-far-170346449.html?src=rss
Apple invents its own version of Google Lens called Visual Intelligence
Apple has introduced a new feature called Visual Intelligence with the iPhone 16. From the demo that Apple showed as part of its September 2024 event, it seems like Visual Intelligence is Apple's version of Google lens.
The new feature is activated by a brand new touch-sensitive button on the right side of the device called Camera Control. With just a click, Visual Intelligence can identify objects, provide information, and offer actions based on what you point it at. Aim it at a restaurant to instantly pull up menus and ratings, or snap a flyer for an event to add it directly to your calendar. Curious about a dog’s breed? Point and click to find out. Eyeing a bike for purchase? Click to search for it online.
Apple claims that Visual Intelligence is private, which means that the company does not know what you clicked.
This is a developing story...
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-invents-its-own-version-of-google-lens-called-visual-intelligence-180647182.html?src=rss
Apple's AirPods Pro update turns them into a clinical grade hearing aid
Apple was very busy when it came to AirPods announcements this week. Alongside new fourth-generation AirPods (and an ANC option) and updated AirPods Max, it's also giving attention to the AirPods Pro, with a focus on hearing health. This encompasses prevention, with levels limited by default and a noise app to measure exactly how noisy your surroundings are. Apple notes that one in three people are regularly exposed to noisy environments that can damage hearing, even with in-ear buds like AirPods Pro and noise cancellation.
The company is now introducing a clinically validated hearing test on your iPhone. The test taps into large-scale data studies that Apple used to develop its hearing loss features, and it only takes five minutes. It'll ask you to tap the screen when you hear a series of tones at different frequencies. Your hearing profile will also be automatically applied to audio content across music, movies and phone calls.
But Apple took it even further and has developed an over-the-counter, professional-grade hearing aid feature. It'll boost the specific kinds of sounds you need help with. It's a big move from Apple, as existing OTC hearing aids can cost between $1,000 and $1,500. The second-gen AirPods Pro are just $250 by comparison.
The company is still awaiting FTC approval, but expects to launch these hearing features later in the fall.
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apples-airpods-pro-update-turns-them-into-a-clinical-grade-hearing-aid-174919818.html?src=rss
Apple Watch Series 10 features a much larger screen and a much thinner design
The new Apple Watch is here. A decade after the company revealed its first model, the Apple Watch Series 10 has a bigger screen and thinner design than all its predecessors. The watch also has wider viewing angles and a redesigned speaker. It adds up to the biggest design change since Series 4.
Although the company didn’t mention the exact screen sizes in its presentation (or confirm that it comes in two sizes), Apple says the screen on the Series 10 wearable has 30 percent more area than that of the Series 6. It’s even slightly bigger than that of the Apple Watch Ultra. The watch’s wide-angle OLED screen is 40 percent brighter at angles than its predecessor, which Apple says will help with digesting info at a quick glance. The screen updates once per second, and the ticking second hand even shows while in ambient mode. Both the display and case have more rounded corners than before.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is 10 percent thinner than the Series 9 model. It’s also 10 percent lighter than last year’s watch (20 percent lighter if you opt for the new titanium model). The latter replaces stainless steel as the wearable’s premium casing option, although we’ll have to wait a bit to find out about pricing.
Powering the device is the new S10 SIP (System in Package), which Apple claims will enhance performance and efficiency. Its speakers are 30 percent smaller without sacrificing audio performance. And it can play media (like music and podcasts) for the first time — handy if you forget your AirPods.
Apple
The watch’s metal back integrates with the antenna, which Apple says will enhance cellular performance and water resistance (up to 50m), which combines with its built-in depth gauge and water temperature sensor for extra diving capabilities. It adds the Tides app for surfing, fishing and other underwater tracking. There’s also an Oceanic Plus app for the snorkelers out there.
The Apple Watch Series 10 includes sleep apnea tracking, another first. The company says it uses machine learning to look for breathing disturbances overnight. Apple expects FDA approval soon.
Of course, the new Apple Watch (along with older models starting with Series 6 and the second-gen SE) will run watchOS 11. The 2024 software adds the ability to pause and further customize Rings and Activity goals, as well as a new Vitals app to check overnight metrics, training loads, and pregnancy data.
Apple
The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for a GPS-only variant. The GPS + cellular model costs $499. It's available in jet black (for the first time), rose gold and silver aluminum.
Developing...
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-watch-series-10-features-a-much-larger-screen-and-a-much-thinner-design-171307821.html?src=rss
Apple brings sleep apnea detection to the Watch Series 10
Apple's annual iPhone event isn't just where we see the debut of the iPhones 16, but also to learn about the new Apple Watch series 10 and its various features. One of the newest, and most interesting, is a new dedicated Sleep Apnea detection setup.
This breaking news story is developing, please refresh for more information.
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-brings-sleep-apnea-detection-to-the-watch-series-10-172316987.html?src=rss
Everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 16 launch event so far
September is here and, like clockwork, so is the annual iPhone event. Apple is expected to unveil its latest iPhone models at an event in Cupertino today, which should be the iPhone 16 series of handsets. We’re also expecting to see new Apple Watches and new AirPods, and we’ll hear more about the changes coming in iOS 18 later this year. If you weren't able to catch the announcements live, Engadget has you covered; here's everything announced at Apple's iPhone 16 event so far.
Developing...
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/everything-apple-revealed-at-the-iphone-16-launch-event-so-far-170346449.html?src=rss
Amazon drops the the Apple Watch Ultra 2 below its Prime Day price
In the lead-up to Apple announcing its newest iPhones, Amazon has the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for cheaper than it was during Amazon Prime Day a couple of months ago. Apple's premium smartwatch is available for $689 on Amazon at the moment, which is a savings of $110. This is the company's latest and greatest (for now) ultra-premium smartwatch. It boasts the company’s Double Tap feature, which lets users pinch quickly in mid-air to bring up the home screen and make adjustments.
The high-end watch is geared toward serious athletes and others with specialized fitness-tracking needs, so the sensors are on point and the exterior is incredibly durable. It still features the same 49-millimeter form factor as the original, so it's not too chonky. The screen is much brighter than the OG Ultra, up to 3,000 nits. This should make it easier to read in low light conditions, which is another boon for extreme athletes who do early morning training sessions.
As for power, the smartwatch includes Apple’s new S9 chip, which allows for the aforementioned Double Tap gestural controls and upgraded Siri functionality. The battery can last up to 72 hours on a single charge, so long as it’s in low power mode. Otherwise, it’ll brick out after around 36 hours.
This is a whole lot of smartwatch. Not only is it double the price of the Apple Watch 9, but it's chock full of features that most people don’t need. This is a machine for serious fitness enthusiasts or those who go off the grid for long periods of time. With that being said, today’s sale makes this thing pretty darn attractive for the rest of us.
October Prime Day 2024 is around the corner, serving as Amazon’s (un)official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. If you’re eager to snag some early holiday deals for those on your list (or yourself), here’s what we know so far about the next Prime Day shopping event.
When is October Prime Day 2024?
Amazon has not announced the dates of fall Prime Day 2024 yet, but we do know it will be returning sometime in October.
What is October Prime Day?
October Prime Day is an extension of the regular Prime Day sale held annually in July. It features exclusive deals on Amazon for Prime members, although not quite on as big of a scale as the main summer Prime Day.
How long is October Prime Day?
In years past, October Prime Day has been two days long, just like Prime Day in July.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-drops-the-the-apple-watch-ultra-2-below-its-prime-day-price-163255033.html?src=rss
How to watch today's iPhone 16 launch event, live soon with a new Apple Watch and AirPods
The iPhone 16 launch event is starting imminently, where Apple will finally be introducing its newest lineup of smartphones. The Apple event is today, September 9 at 1PM ET (10AM PT) at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino. You can livestream Apple's It's Glowtime event on YouTube (which we’ve embedded above for your convenience), as well as on Apple’s site. You can also follow our Apple 16 launch event live blog for real-time updates Engadget’s Cherlynn Low and Billy Steele, who are on-site in Cupertino.
As far as new products go, we’re expecting four new iPhone models to be announced: The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Don’t expect a huge leap forward from the iPhone 15, which our senior editor Billy Steele called the “most substantial update to the regular iPhone in years.” Instead, the major push will be around iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence. In terms of hardware, there'll be the usual more powerful processor, screen sizes may adjust slightly and there’s supposedly a new dedicated camera button for the Pro models.
Away from iPhones, we’ll likely also get new Apple Watch models (Series 10 or Series “X,” and maybe an Ultra 3 or an Ultra 2 in black), alongside new AirPods in both entry- and Pro-level models. You can get the scoop on everything we expect at the event in our in-depth what we expect at the iPhone 16 launch article.
For anyone not planning to buy any new Apple devices this year, you'll still have access to the latest iOS 18 update, likely later in September, as long as your device is eligible (find out here). Here's everything coming with the iOS 18 update this year, including Apple Intelligence and more home screen customization options.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/how-to-watch-todays-iphone-16-reveal-along-with-a-new-apple-watch-and-airpods-113044331.html?src=rss
The iOS 18 release date is days away but is your iPhone compatible? These are the eligible devices and new features
Apple
The big day is finally here: Apple's It's Glowtime event is starting today at 1PM ET (you can watch it here and follow Engadget's Apple event liveblog, too). It's expected to announce the new iPhone 16 lineup, as well as new Apple Watch and AirPods models. Those phones will have iOS 18 already installed, so you won't have to upgrade at purchase — here's when the iPhone 16 models are expected to hit stores. But if you're not upgrading to a new iPhone this year, when Apple releases iOS 18, you may find that your older phone's operating system isn't supported anymore.
Generally each year, some older iPhone models are removed from Apple's iOS eligibility list. Last year, for instance, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X were left off the compatibility list. That meant those iPhone owners couldn't update to iOS 17 and missed out on some notable features.
We'll help you find out if your iPhone will support iOS 18 — which is expected to become available in roughly two weeks — as well as Apple Intelligence. Not sure what's coming with the new update? Here's a summary of the biggest announcements from WWDC, including an overview of iOS 18.
iPhones compatible with iOS 18
We have good news: If you had an eligible phone last year when you updated to iOS 17, that device should still be compatible with iOS 18, according to Apple. That means you won't have to buy a new phone to check out most of the new software features.
iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Put another way, if you have an iPhone from the 2017 model year or earlier (iPhone 8 or iPhone X), you can't upgrade to the latest iOS, but your phone should continue to work — albeit without the latest bells and whistles.
Is your iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence?
While your older device will still be able to support the latest iOS, chances are that you won't get to try the Apple Intelligence beta yet. Unless you have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max — the top-end 2023 models — your iPhone isn't eligible. It's a safe bet that the new iPhone 16 models will be fully Apple Intelligence compatible, but we'll have to await the official details at the September 9 event.
iOS 18 new features to expect
While Apple Intelligence is by far the biggest update coming with iOS 18, its features are going to be released more piecemeal over the subsequent few months. And the more advanced features won't be available on older iPhone models aside from the iPhone 15 Pro series. But the rest of the iOS 18 features will hit the handsets listed above. Here are just some of the highlights you can expect when you download Apple's new software later this month.
Passwords app: Securely store all your credentials in one place, including passwords and security alerts that you can access directly in the app. (While this functionality currently exists in Settings, moving it to a new app should make it easier to locate and access.)
Improved Messages app: A new iMessages experience is bringing the option to bold, italicize, underline and strikethrough your text. You'll also be able to add animations to your text messages. The update is also bringing RCS to iPhones to better support Android compatibility.
An organized photos library: The Photos app is getting a redesign, which allows you to create and pin your own collections in the app — think "wedding photos" or "trip to Aruba." It removes the current tabbed bottom and leans into a grid layout. The updated carousel view that was touted at WWDC was removed during the beta process.
Personalized home screen layout: You'll finally get the option to rearrange your apps — for instance, you can leave the middle space open to display your home screen photo, and instead have your apps alone the border of the screen. You can also change the appearance of the apps by tinting them with any color, as well as making the apps larger.
There are plenty of other tweaks and improvements to keystone apps like Maps, Calendar, Safari and more. Check out Cherlynn Low's choices for the best hidden features of iOS 18 and its sibling Apple operating system updates, based on the betas released earlier this year.
Is there an iOS 18 beta?
There is, and you can download it now — so long as you're willing to live with the glitches and challenges of beta software. If you haven't already downloaded it at this point, we'd suggest just waiting for the real deal to be released in just a few days.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/the-ios-18-release-date-is-days-away-but-is-your-iphone-compatible-these-are-the-eligible-devices-and-new-features-155304235.html?src=rss
Sony looks set to announce the PS5 Pro tomorrow in a strangely short livestream
We likely won't have to wait much longer to get all the official details on the PlayStation 5 Pro. Sony has announced a PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation that it will stream at 11AM ET on September 10 on the PlayStation YouTube channel.
All indications point toward this being the official unveiling of the PS5 Pro. Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PS5, will host the stream, which will focus on the "PS5 and innovations in gaming technology." This comes just a few days after Sony teased a redesigned PS5 in an image that lines up with various PS5 Pro leaks. It was also expected that the company would unveil the PS5 Pro in mid-September ahead of the holiday shopping season. Add all that up, plus a tagline that reads "The Journey Continues" in a teaser video, and it's pretty clear what's in store.
Tune in tomorrow for a PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation hosted by Mark Cerny
The 9-minute stream begins September 10 at 8:00am PT / 4:00pm BST. Full details: https://t.co/VC31WS9VYd pic.twitter.com/qGUF0Yj9Ia
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 9, 2024
The PS5 Pro rumor mill suggests that the mid-cycle refresh will deliver improved and consistent frame rates at 4K resolution as well as an 8K performance mode in supported games. Game rendering is said to be 45 percent faster than on the standard PS5, while the Pro's ray-tracing capabilities are reportedly two to three times faster.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-looks-set-to-announce-the-ps5-pro-tomorrow-in-a-strangely-short-livestream-152342888.html?src=rss
Apple Event 2024: All the iPhone 16, Apple Watch and AirPods news expected today
For Apple followers, the biggest tech day of the year is finally here: The Apple iPhone 16 launch event. It'll take place later today, September 9, at 1PM ET in Cupertino, CA, and you can stream it live on YouTube or the company's website. We'll also be live-blogging the news and hopefully will get a chance to check out the new iPhone after the event.
The biggest news we're expecting from Apple's It's Glowtime event is the iPhone 16 lineup. Following past events, we're also anticipating a new Apple Watch or two. But a late-breaking update from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that we won't be seeing a full refresh on the Apple Watch Ultra line — just a new Ultra 2 color. (See below for details).
Beyond that, rumors have been swirling about various changes to the AirPods line, including new noise-canceling models and maybe even a small refresh to the AirPods Max. And what about new M4 Macs, HomePods, iPad mini or even the baseline iPhone SE? Some of those may hit later this year, while others probably won't see the light of day until 2025 or beyond. But until Tim Cook takes the (virtual) stage, however, everything is pure speculation. With that said, let’s get into the most likely leaks and rumors ahead of the Apple event.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
No matter what else happens, these new handsets will take center stage during the Apple event. That’s good news for people ready for an upgrade. The bad (ish) news? The vast majority of leaks and rumors indicate that this will be another year of iterative improvements, so don’t expect a game-changing new hardware feature.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget
There are likely to be four new models announced at the event, which is similar to what Apple did last year. The new phones will allegedly be called the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, according to industry analyst Mark Gurman. This is the exact same naming convention as last year’s iPhone 15 reveal, so the rumors of Apple adopting an “iPhone Ultra” moniker seem to have been greatly exaggerated.
Even if Apple doesn't use the Ultra naming, the Pro models might be getting slightly larger screens, which is always nice (if you like big phones, that is). The regular Pro is likely to move to 6.3 inches from 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max should hit 6.9 inches, an increase from 6.7 inches. Finally, there will likely be a new color or two, as always. Bloomberg’s Gurman suggests that Apple is ready to ditch the blue model in favor of the return of rose gold. Separately, 9to5Mac has reported on a new "gold-colored titanium" hue for the iPhone 16 Pro model. Based on a source who apparently nailed last year's gray titanium color, they are showing off what appears to be more of a dusky sand hue than gold.
On the hardware side of things, look for a new chipset that takes advantage of the company’s recent push toward AI, also known as Apple Intelligence. Beyond that, the upgraded A18 chip will be an iterative improvement, specs-wise. As is typical, the Pro and Pro Max will likely get a more powerful chip than the standard models. It looks like the base amount of RAM here will be 8GB, so as to handle those aforementioned AI tasks.
It’s also been rumored that the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will get the Action Button, a feature introduced last year for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This multi-purpose button is a direct replacement for the mute switch, by default, but can be adjusted to control a bunch of different things. The Action Button can be used to to change ringer settings, turn on the flashlight, launch the camera and more.
Cherlynn Low/Engadget
There’s also talk of another new button, this one on the right side of the phone. This will control camera features, operating like a button on a DSLR. Reporting indicates that a soft press will trigger autofocus and a harder press will take a photo. Consumers may also be able to swipe along the button to zoom in and out while shooting photos or taking videos. It’s been reported that this camera button will only come with the Pro and Pro Max, which makes sense since the high-end models typically offer a more robust camera experience.
To that end, new iPhones always get a camera spec bump, but we don’t know exactly what that will look like this time. It’s been reported, however, that the iPhone 16’s camera module could be getting a design refresh. Apple might be ditching the square and going with a vertical orientation. This might only apply to the base iPhone 16 and maybe the Plus, as the Pro and Pro Max phones tend to place a much higher emphasis on photos and videos.
Apple
We already know what’s coming on the software side of things, thanks to the recent WWDC event. Based on previous years, iOS 18 should be available within the week following the event. The software update features a more customizable Control Center and Home Screen. It'll also finally bring RCS support to iPhones.
As for Apple Intelligence, you’ll have to wait a bit. It was announced as part of iOS 18, but it’s been delayed until iOS 18.1. This isn’t a huge deal, as that OS refresh is expected in October, but does mean that early adopters of the iPhone 16 won’t be able to fool around with AI right away.
The new iPhone drop may also spell the end of Apple’s widely panned FineWoven case, which was just introduced last year as an alternative to leather but has been criticized for durability issues. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that FineWoven inventory is getting low, suggesting the company is either phasing it out or planning a refresh. One leaker on the Saturday ahead of the event shared a look at an array of iPhone cases in neutral colors, claiming these may be coming out in a new material to replace FineWoven.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3
Ever since 2016, iPhone events have also included a deep dive on the latest Apple Watch. This year looks to be no different. As a matter of fact, this is a big year for the Apple Watch. We are coming up on the gadget’s tenth birthday, so there are conflicting rumors as to whether the next entry will be called the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Series X.
No matter what it ends up being called, Apple’s next standard smartwatch is reported to have a bigger screen that’s more in line with the Ultra. It’s expected that the company will ditch the 41mm form factor and introduce a 49mm design.
Rumors have also suggested that Apple has completely redesigned the band system and added new connectors. This will likely make these straps easier to adjust, but there’s a downside. This move could make it so all of those old bands no longer work.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Of course, there’s going to be a new chip to power these watches, but we don’t have any specifics. It’s been suggested that these chips have been designed to accommodate Apple’s recent foray into AI, but that integration is likely to happen later on. For now, Apple Intelligence will be tethered to iPhone, iPad and Mac.
There are likely to be two watches revealed at the event, which are codenamed N217 and N218. It’s possible one of these will be the Apple Watch Ultra 3, though Mark Gurman at Bloomberg says the high-end smartwatch won’t get a major redesign this time out. It’ll likely be an iterative refresh.
On the software front, it looks like Apple has run into some snags while developing long-anticipated health tracking tools. Health monitoring is one of the key features of the Apple Watch, so the company has been working on new sensors to detect high blood pressure and sleep apnea. However, the tech will likely not be ready for this year’s smartwatch. Apple’s also been developing a glucose sensor for almost a decade so, who knows, maybe it’ll finally show up with the Series X.
Finally, it’s highly possible that Apple announces a new version of the budget-friendly Watch SE. This was last updated in 2022, so a refresh is overdue. There has been some reporting that Apple will be swapping out the aluminum exterior with a rigid plastic shell. This should help get costs down even further. As it stands, the Apple Watch SE is $250, but Samsung’s cheapest wearable is the $200 Galaxy Watch FE. Apple may want to compete closer to that price range.
Two new sets of AirPods
Billy Steele/Engadget
It’s been reported that Apple’s prepping two new variants of its standard earbuds. According to a Bloomberg roundup that was published on September 6, Apple will introduce an entry-level model and a mid-tier version, which would effectively replace AirPods 2 and AirPods 3.
The big news here is that both new AirPods versions are likely to transition to a USB-C case to keep pace with the iPhone and the second-gen AirPods Pro. It’s been suggested that the cheaper of the two forthcoming models would lack wireless charging, but that the mid-tier version would support this technology. This is the same strategy Apple followed with previous generations, so it makes sense. The case for the more expensive AirPods may also include a speaker, which would make it easier to find with Apple's Find My feature.
Both versions should feature similar designs, though the mid-tier variant is likely to support active noise cancellation like the Pro model. If that's the case, it's not really clear what's left to differentiate those earbuds from the AirPods Pro, but we'll find out soon enough.
As for the AirPods Max, four years on, we might finally an updated model, too. In a tweet just a day before the big event, Mark Gurman says we could see a new pair of premium headphones. They'll get USB-C and "better noise cancellation."
One more thing
The iPhone event doesn’t typically have a “one more thing” moment, but there’s one piece of hardware that could get a surprise shout out. It’s been rumored that Apple is preparing a massive redesign of the Mac mini, which would include ditching the USB-A port, according to Gurman. Analysts have suggested that this will be the company’s smallest ever desktop computer and could be around the same size of an Apple TV streaming box.
There will reportedly be two versions of the upcoming Mac Mini, one with the standard M4 chip and another with the more powerful M4 Pro chip. The base model is rumored to start shipping from suppliers this month, so it’s possible Apple will spend a few minutes on the computer at the iPhone event. However, don’t count on it. This is an event for iPhones and smartwatches and a miniaturized desktop could feel out of place. And, just like it did last fall, Apple could easily hold a Mac-specific event later this year.
There's also a lot of noise online about an upcoming iPad mini refresh. Apple's smallest iPad hasn't had an update since 2021, and is currently "considered 'constrained' internally," according to Gurman. While a new model is likely to come soon, it's not common for Apple to announce iPads during its iPhone event.
Beyond that, a whole bunch of software updates are about to drop. There’s iOS 18, which we’ve written about extensively, and iPadOS 18. As for smartwatches, watchOS 11 is also coming out sometime this fall. Apple already detailed all three operating systems at WWDC, but the upcoming iPhone event would be a good time to announce official release dates.
One... early thing?
Here's something we know for sure: Apple has a updated Beats Powerbeats Pro update coming next year. Beats teased an update to the earbuds on its Instagram account on September 4 with a short Reel. In the clip, Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani swings a bat while wearing the upcoming earbuds, before a "Powerbeats Pro 2" wordmark and "Coming 2025" flash up on screen.
That's it — there's no mention of specs, pricing, or a tighter release window, but we do at least see a tweaked design. You can read senior reporter Billy Steele's analysis of this glimpse here. Chances are we won't hear about this new set of buds at the iPhone event, but expect to see them adorning many more athlete and celebrity ears before long.
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The Engadget Podcast with special guest Mark Gurman
In preparation for Apple's September 9 event, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman joined Engadget Podcast hosts Cherlynn Low and Devindra Hardawar to talk all things Apple. The trio talked at length about the latest Apple rumors, including the new camera button for iPhone, tweaks to screen sizes, the new AirPods lineup and what to expect from the latest Apple Watch models. There's also a little more detail on the future of Apple, from next year's "super slim" iPhone redesign through to the company's burgeoning ambitions in home robotics. You can listen to the episode above, and a full transcript is available here.
Update, September 9 2024, 8:00AM ET: This story has been updated multiple times since its original publishing. The updates were as follows, in chronological order:
Added a link to our liveblog and last-minute rumors from Bloomberg about new AirPods Max.
Added the time and date of the Apple event.
Added some details on the iPad mini being stock-restrained.
Added a recap of the Engadget Podcast with Mark Gurman.
Added a link to 9to5Mac's reporting on a new color for the iPhone 16 Pro.
Added a link to Mark Gurman's reporting on the Mac mini.
Added a section on the surprise announcement of the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Added more details about the two new sets of AirPods.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-event-2024-all-the-iphone-16-apple-watch-and-airpods-news-expected-today-192347434.html?src=rss