Apple showcased its latest innovations at the “It’s Glowtime” event on Monday, unveiling the new iPhone 16 along with other updated devices.
Held at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, the event highlighted the company’s significant push into generative AI with the introduction of Apple Intelligence.
According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, “The next generation of iPhone has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up.”
Cook emphasized that the iPhone 16 marks a new era in smartphone technology, aiming to set a higher standard for future devices.
The iPhone 16 is designed to be both water and dust resistant and comes in five vibrant colors. It features notable upgrades including a larger battery and bigger display sizes, with the iPhone 16 boasting a 6.1-inch screen and the iPhone 16 Plus at 6.7 inches.
The models are equipped with an advanced camera system and an improved control button for easier photo capturing, all powered by the new A18 chip.
This chip supports large generative AI models like Apple Intelligence, integrated across various apps.
Pricing for the new iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16 Plus is priced at $899 and above. The premium iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models feature displays of 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively, and come in four titanium finishes: black, white, natural, and a new desert shade.
These models will be available for pre-order on Friday and will hit the stores on September 20, with prices starting at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max.
The upcoming iOS 18, set for release in October, will introduce Apple Intelligence, which enhances various functionalities.
For instance, Visual Intelligence allows users to point their camera at objects like a dog or a restaurant and receive detailed information such as breed identification or business hours and menu options.
This feature parallels the functionality of the Shazam app, which identifies music playing in the background.
Consumer Reports tech expert Nicholas De Leon commented on CBS MoneyWatch that the true measure of Apple Intelligence’s impact will come once users test it. He noted, “If nothing else, it’s a big deal because this is the first iPhone of the generative AI era.”
The launch of the new iPhone also comes amid a growing trend of consumers holding onto their current devices due to the high cost of upgrades and ongoing discussions about the effects of mobile technology on health. De Leon pointed out, “We are on our phones 24/7, and people are examining their relationship with these tools.”
In addition to the iPhone, Apple introduced new Apple Watch models, including the Series 10 and the Ultra variant. The Series 10, starting at $399, boasts the largest display and thinnest design to date.
It features a sleep apnea detection tool, which monitors breathing disturbances during sleep. The Ultra, starting at $799, also becomes available for pre-order immediately, with delivery set for September 20.
Apple also revealed new AirPods models, including the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max 2, some of which incorporate advanced health technology. Notably, the AirPods Pro 2 include an over-the-counter, professional-grade hearing aid.
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives described the event as “Apple’s biggest upgrade cycle in its history,” predicting a significant impact on consumer behaviour.
He remarked, “It’s a historic event that kicks off the consumer AI revolution, now coming to Apple,” and anticipated that Apple Intelligence will drive substantial iPhone sales, especially given that approximately 300 million iPhones have not been upgraded in four years.
However, ZDNet’s Jason Perlow expressed caution, suggesting that while Apple Intelligence holds potential, its initial version might not yet offer the transformative usability many expect.
