Apple event - live: iPhone 16, new Watch and AirPods unveiled alongside big AI updates
New AI features among highlights of Apple event
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Apple has unveiled a brand new range of iPhones at its biggest event of the year.
The new iPhone 16 lineup was launched alongside updated Apple Watches and AirPods, together with some major AI announcements from the Cupertino company.
The ‘It’s Glowtime’ event, which was live streamed from Apple’s campus in California, kicked off at 10am local time (6pm UK time), with CEO Tim Cook saying it marked a major shift in the company’s approach to its hardware.
One of the biggest updates to the iPhone 16 – which will actually be four different models – is a dedicated “capture” button for using the camera, but perhaps the biggest feature was one that was revealed earlier this year: Apple Intelligence. The AI tools include the ability to create custom emojis from a simple text command, while its integration to the new AirPods Pro 2 mean they can be used as a “clinical-grade hearing aid”.
You can follow all the latest news and updates from the launch, as well as watch a live stream of the event, right here.
Apple Intelligence brings custom emojis
Apple’s AI tool, called Apple Intelligence, is being integrated into the iPhone through the latest iOS software. The funnest feature is a new custom emoji tool that lets you creat brand new emojis from just a simple text command. I imagine there’s some safety controls on this. Here’s the example Apple gave:
Apple Intelligence will also include writing tools to change the tone of a message.
Onto the iPhone 16...
Tim Cook is back with us to introduce the iPhone 16, which he says will “raise the bar for what an iPhone can do”.
As expected, it also comes with a dedicated camera button, which can be controlled by sliding your finger up and down to change different camera functions.
The iPhone 16 comes with a new A18 chip, which has been optimised to work with new AI features. It’s also much faster than its predecessors, and is powerful enough to “challenge high-end desk-top PCs”.
Oh, and there’s some new colours too.
Watch Apple unveil new AirPods 4
Watch Apple unveil new Series 10 watch
Apple AirPods Max get a makeover
No major hardware updates for the AirPods Max, however it will be coming in new colours. That’s the fourth year now that the over-the-ear headphones haven’t had a proper revamp.
Apple AirPod specs and price
Here’s everything you need to know about the new AirPods:
Onto Apple AirPods
Apple is updating its range of AirPod headphones
They include something called upgraded microphones, “personalised spatial audio”, while machine learning also allows you to interact with Siri just by nodding or shaking your head.
Conversation awareness automatically detects when you’re speaking to someone without having to manually turn them down.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 specs
Here’s everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Ultra 2:
Apple Watch Ultra gets new upgrades
Apple says its new Apple Watch Ultra is the best smartwatch for outdoor activities.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in new colours and materials, with prices starting at $799. It’ll be available from 20 September.
Apple Watch Series 10 specs and price
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Apple Watch’s specs and price:
And you can read more about it here:
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