6 highlights from the Apple 2024 'Glowtime' event that caught our eye
Apple's 2024 event arrived with predictable fanfare, and if we're honest, a fairly predictable series of announcements given the now traditional leaks that spoiled most of the surprises.
As expected, the new iPhone 16 range was announced to include four new models - the 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and Pro Max, all powered by Apple's own AI (Apple Intelligence, in this case). A new set of 'low-end' AirPods introduce a more affordable option for less discerning audiophiles, and the new thinner Apple Watch includes new benefits for sports and health.
We've put together six main highlights to bring you up to speed with all the new devices on the way later this year.
New iPhones can mean bigger discounts on older models - keep an eye on our guide to the best iPhone deals to see how much you could save.
1. Apple Intelligence hasn't technically arrived, but it's on its way
Apple confirmed a partnership with OpenAI and announced Apple Intelligence in June 2024. So we knew Apple's event would likely focus on the AI upgrades in action on Apple devices. Here are the most significant features coming to iPhones:
- Like we've seen in similar AI announcements for Samsung and Google flagship phones this year, AI can change the tone of a piece of text you've written, such as from informal to formal. It will be able to convert your rough notes into an email and you'll even be able to create new emojis.
- Gone are the days you'll find yourself endlessly scrolling through your camera roll trying to find the specific shot you want to share. Simply type a description of the picture or video within the camera roll's search bar, and Apple Intelligence will do the hard work and bring up suggested results.
- The camera software can identify objects and texts within images so you can Google search them, or even create calendar entries based on text. Since it can identify objects, it can also erase them. So if someone walks in the background of your holiday snaps, with a few clicks you should be able to remove them.
- Apple Intelligence can summarise and prioritise your notifications. At a glance, you can see what each notification is about, and the important ones won't end up buried at the end of the list.
- Importantly, Apple has stated that the data that Apple Intelligence processes for your requests is never stored or shared with Apple.
- Apple says processors in the iPhone 16 series are optimised to run Apple Intelligence most efficiently and quickly, so everything should run smoothly.
However, the bad news is that Apple Intelligence won't be available on iPhones until December in the UK, which could be a good reason to delay your pricey upgrade. Apple Intelligence is coming to the iPhone 15 series too.
Apple's AI offers similar tricks to Samsung and Google's recent flagships – see what we thought of Samsung's S24 AI when we put it to the test.
2. iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: camera improvements and camera control button
Beyond Apple Intelligence, the upgrades to the Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models aren't monumental. But they hold a couple of camera upgrades worth mentioning. Apple has upgraded the lenses on these iPhones to bring you Macro Mode – this means your up-close shots should capture incredible colours, sharpness and an impressive amount of detail. Perhaps the biggest change though, is the new control button.
The all new iPhone 16 camera button
All iPhones in the range get the brand new Camera Control button, which was a highly anticipated feature. This is a subtle button that sits on the side of the phone that will open the camera immediately, and then you can use it to control shooting modes.
The Camera Control button sits in a position that should feel natural to take a photo or change the settings when you're holding your phone in a landscape orientation. With different level of force when pressing the button or swiping across it, you can control different settings, zoom in and out, and swap quickly between taking a photo and a video. Apple promised that more controls will come to the button with time, such as setting focus and exposure.
3. iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: betting that bigger is better
The Pro iPhones are the ones with the most advanced cameras. But Apple has also increased the screen size on both phones; from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches on the Pro, and from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches on the Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will have the largest iPhone display ever.
The ultrawide camera - which expands the field of view in the scene - has been upgraded from 12Mp to 48Mp. The shutter speed has quickened to help improve focus and avoid motion-blur.
Last time the Pro Max got an exclusive 5x zoom telephoto camera, which was left out of the Pro. This time around, both models have it.
When will the new iPhones be released?
All the new iPhone models will be available for pre-order from Friday September 13, and on sale September 20.
However, if you're most excited to try the new Apple Intelligence features, you'll have to wait until December in the UK.
How much will the new iPhones cost?
Prices for the new iPhones will vary based on the storage capacity. All prices below refer to the 128GB model unless specified.
- iPhone 16 – from £799
- iPhone 16 Plus – from £899
- iPhone 16 Pro –from £999
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) – from £1,199
4. The launch of AirPods 4: a worthwhile upgrade
Along with claims of improved comfort backed by meticulous scientific research, the AirPods 4 should make audio more immersive and they have clever features to adapt to your environment.
Voice Isolation software was announced to improve the noise cancellation when you're on a call so the person on the other end of the line can hear your voice more clearly. With Machine Learning you can nod or shake your head to answer or reject calls hands-free, or you can use the new force sensor (button) on the AirPods, which you can use to control your music too.
The new Conversation Awareness feature will automatically quieten your headphones when you're wearing them and start talking to someone. Personalised Spatial Audio should improve how immersive your listening experience is.
5. The AirPods Pro can transform into hearing aids
Apple announced an interesting new feature for the AirPods Pro that, if it works well, could benefit a lot of people with hearing loss. You'll be able to take a hearing test, which Apple claims is of 'clinical grade'.
If mild to moderate hearing loss is identified, the AirPods Pro can become hearing aids and will adapt their settings according to your hearing profile from the test results.
6. New Apple Watch Series 10 launched: biggest screen, lightest design
One of the gripes when using your smartwatch to read messages or emails is that the screen is small. So Apple has made it bigger (up to 46mm). Bigger screens usually mean the watch will be bulkier, which can be annoying when exercising or sleeping. But Apple has gone one better by making the Series 10 the thinnest Apple watch ever (9.7mm wide). To do this, it claims to have made the inner workings of the watch smaller without compromising performance. This is a small but nice upgrade and when we test it, we'll be able to tell you if it's as high-performing as it claims.
Apple says that this new watch will be able to help identify if you have sleep apnea by tracking any breathing disturbances over time. (A feature that's also coming to last year's Series 9 and Ultra 2).
Apple also announced the Apple Watch Series 10 is fastest Apple Watch to charge yet. In just 30 minutes you can reach 80% battery. Other improvements include an optimised processor to run Apple Intelligence features and for better efficiency.
See how the Apple Watch range fares in our guide to the best smartwatches.
