As expected, Apple unveiled the Watch Series 10 and new AirPods alongside the iPhone 16 at this year’s WWDC 2024. Apple Intelligence, the AI-supported technology designed to take the user experience to a new level, once again played a major role.
Important highlights at a glance:
- Presentation of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Launch of the Apple Watch Series 10 with a new design and larger displays.
- New generation of AirPods: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max 2.
- Introduction of “Apple Intelligence”, a new AI technology.
The iPhone 16 series: more power and improved cameras
The iPhone 16 and its various models come with a number of new features. There are now two additional buttons on the casing of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. We already know the Action button from the iPhone 15 Pro. The new button called “Camera Control”, on the other hand, is new. It can be used to open the camera app at the touch of a button. A second press then triggers a snapshot. Holding the button down starts a video.
In addition to a more powerful A18 chip, which offers improved performance and energy efficiency, the new camera system stands out in particular. The new camera system consists of a telephoto lens (48 MP) and a wide-angle camera (12 MP). The camera is also the biggest difference to the iPhone 16 Pro (Max), which also has the new camera button. The device has an additional lens. In total, the Pro models offer an ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle and telephoto lens with 48 MP, 48 MP and 12 MP.
The hardware leap will be particularly noticeable when taking moving images. In future, 4K videos with 120 frames per second should be possible. The A18 Pro processor should form the heart of the fast performance. Apple also wants to live up to the Pro claim visually. As usual, the Pro looks a little more elegant than the basic version. In addition, the display size has increased to 6.3 inches (Pro) and 6.9 inches (Pro Max) compared to its predecessor.
- iPhone 16 (Plus): from 949 euros (pre-order from September 13, market launch on September 20)
- iPhone 16 Pro (Max): from 1199 euros (pre-order from September 13, market launch on September 20)
The starting prices of the latest iPhone generation are therefore no bargain. However, experience shows that if you want to save money, you can find good offers after just a few months. This is also the conclusion drawn by Idealo’s price forecast. According to the bargain experts’ forecast, prices could fall by up to 20 percent after just five months on the market.
Apple Watch Series 10: elegance meets technology
The new Apple Watch Series 10 impresses with a slimmer design and larger displays that offer more information at a glance. Unfortunately, there was no major design update, as many Apple fans would have liked in view of the smartwatch’s tenth anniversary.
The display now measures either 45 mm or 49 mm and the casing is visibly slimmer. However, there are hardly any new features. The most exciting feature is certainly sleep apnea detection, which has now been introduced. This is also the case with the Apple Watch Ultra. It should now be able to measure water temperature thanks to a suitable sensor.
- Apple Watch Series 10: from 449 euros (market launch: September 20)
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: from 899 euros (market launch: September 20)
New AirPods and Apple Intelligence
The newly introduced AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 offer improved sound quality and enhanced noise suppression. Apple also wants to offer the AirPods 4 in two different versions. One with and one without ANC. People with hearing impairments will also soon be able to enjoy a hearing aid feature with the AirPods Pro 2. This will be made possible by the new H2 chip and will also intelligently protect hearing.
Something is also set to change with the AirPods Max. Apple is saying goodbye to the Lightning connector and switching to the USB-C port. Of course, there was also some exciting news about “Apple Intelligence”. However, only US users will be able to enjoy this for the time being. There is too much uncertainty on the part of the tech company as to whether the innovations are also in line with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
- AirPods 4: 149 euros (pre-order now, market launch on September 20)
- AirPods 4 (ANC): 199 euros (pre-order now, market launch on September 20)
- AirPods Pro 2: 279 euros
- AirPods Max: 579 euros (pre-order now, market launch on September 20)
Images: Apple
