What remains without the AI ​​functions

Same look as last year, same prices as last year. You could say that Apple was simply updating its product at the event on September 9, 2024. But it wasn't quite that boring. There is even some good news for users who skipped the iPhone 15 last year to finally get it in 2024. You no longer have to go for the expensive Pro model to get new features.

The iPhone 16 is becoming more interesting again

The new iPhone 16 and its larger offshoot, the iPhone 16 Plus, now finally come not only with the action button that was only available on the Pro models last year, but Apple has also equipped them with the new “Camera Control” photo button. This makes it possible to open the camera app with one press. A second press takes a photo directly. If you keep the button pressed, the smartphone records a video. In addition, other camera settings can be made. Last year, this sensitive taste would probably only have been built into the Pro.

For customers in Germany, however, this taste must initially be enough as a reason to buy. While US users will soon be able to try out the new Apple Intelligence functions on the iPhone 16 (Plus), the writing aid for emails, the ability to generate images or the new Siri are not initially available in this country due to legal uncertainties.

What remains is a new camera system with a 48-megapixel telephoto and a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and the new A18 processor, which (of course) should deliver more performance than the counterpart in the iPhone 15. Nevertheless, the fact that Apple is no longer treating the “normal” iPhones so stepmotherly could make the devices more interesting for many again. The price remains unchanged: it starts at 949 euros.

All details about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro becomes more of a professional device

The iPhone 16 Pro (Max), on the other hand, is moving further away from the mainstream. Apple says it has improved the camera system here too. It consists of a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, a new ultra-wide-angle camera with the same resolution and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with five times optical magnification. Great: Apple no longer makes a distinction between Pro and Pro Max, both iPhones come with the same setup. Its strengths should not only be shown when taking photos, but also when recording videos. In the future, it will be possible to record 4K material at 120 frames per second.

The iPhone 16 Pro will be available in these colors. (Image: Apple)

The company also does cosmetics. The screens of the devices grow to 6.3 inches (Pro) and 6.9 inches (Pro Max). Both also get the new camera button. Inside, the A18 Pro processor now runs, which is also supposed to work faster and more efficiently than the A17 Pro in the predecessor.

All details about the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

The Apple Watch Series 10 is getting slimmer and bigger

Aside from the iPhones, Apple showed the new Apple Watch Series 10. This is by no means an anniversary model with a completely new design. The manufacturer missed the tenth edition of its smartwatch, but there were still a few changes. These include larger screens. The screens of the Series 10 now measure 45 or 49 millimeters. The Series 9 was 41 and 45 millimeters. Apple has also made the case slimmer. Also new: The smartwatch will now be available in a titanium case on request (and for an additional charge).

There are fresh watch faces and straps for the new Apple Watch Series 10. (Image: Apple)

In terms of functionality, watchOS 11 features include sleep apnea detection, including a detailed new report. The Apple Watch Ultra includes a sensor for measuring water temperature. The Apple Watch Series 10 costs from 449 euros upwards.

All details about the Apple Watch Series 10

Airpods 4 in two versions

New Airpods are also on display. Here, Apple makes it difficult for users to find the right model. The new Airpods 4 for 149 euros are functionally more similar to their predecessor, but they are supposed to sit more comfortably in the ears. The in-ears support spatial sound called “Spatial Audio”. The charging case now has speakers on board. It can play sounds through them if you search for them using the “Find My” app.

Airpods 4, Pro 2 and Max: Small and big changes to Apple's headphones. (Image: Apple)

The biggest difference to the Airpods Pro 2 so far was the lack of active noise cancellation. Apple is now adding this to the Airpods 4 Active Noise Cancellation, which cost 199 euros. They are supposed to filter out ambient noise and also be able to automatically turn the music down when wearers start a conversation. Forgo the ear tips. You also cannot customize the ANC Airpods. That is reserved for the Airpods Pro 2 (279 euros), which Apple has given a few new medical functions. There is also a new edition of the Airpods Max. The new features, however, are limited to new colors and a USB-C port that replaces the Lightning socket.

All details about the new Apple Airpods

And Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence played a major role at the event, but the company also made it clear that the AI ​​function will initially only be launched as a beta and then only in US English. From December, Apple plans to provide agreed English for markets such as Australia, Canada and Great Britain. According to a press release, the AI ​​package is available if the iPhone and Siri are set to US English. However, software boss Craig Federighi explained that this does not apply to everyone, but to “most regions around the world”.

As previously announced by Apple, the EU will probably remain excluded for the time being. The manufacturers cited legal uncertainties with the Digital Markets Act (DM) as the reason. The company will support additional languages ​​next year. However, German is not one of them.