Apple’s iPhone 16 event added a bevy of hardware upgrades in a bid to entice customers to upgrade devices even though Apple Intelligence will be delivered via software updates over the next year. Apple, however, does have a knack for useful killer apps and AirPod Pro as a clinical grade hearing aid will sell well.
Based on innovation, I'd rank the event this way.
- AirPod Pro becomes a hearing aid. Given the sheer number of people with untreated hearing loss looking to avoid stigma, Apple will quickly have a hit--once it gets FDA approval.
- Apple launches A18 Pro, a chip that the company claims is the most powerful on any smartphone.
- Apple launches A18 processor that is supposed to rival PC chips.
- Apple Watch has new displays that are able to be viewed better at an angle.
- Generative emoji creation. Not the most groundbreaking feature, but sticky for the base.
- Camera control that has haptic features to enable framing of a shot, adjustments and access Visual Intelligence.
- Spatial audio that will set Apple up for its Vision Pro ecosystem. Today, spatial audio will make mixing audio and video easier.
- Satellite service on iPhone enhancements with roadside assistance, find device and other features across geographies.
Constellation Research CEO Ray Wang said the iPhone 16 cycle is a "significant release" that sets up "a super cycle of replacement that is shifting from 5G to AI." "We are halfway through the 5G cycle and the AI replacement cycle is driven by Apple Intelligence," said Wang. "We're seeing about 230 million iPhones a year replaced so year one for AI begins in 2025."
But innovation doesn’t necessarily pay Apple’s bills. What follows is a recap of the Apple iPhone 16 event by priority to the company's financials and most customers. Preorders start today on most products announced today with delivery Sept. 20.
iPhone 16 Pro, A18 Pro
Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company's flagship has new enhancements including the largest displays at 6.3" and 6.7".
According to Apple, iPhone 16 Pro is designed for Apple Intelligence, leverages Siri for genAI tasks and personal semantic intelligence and provides suggestions for better photos. The device also has the longest battery life.
iPhone 16 Pro features A18 Pro, which is faster and more efficient than A18. It includes 3 nanometer technology, 16-core neural engine, 6-core CPU, 2x faster ray tracing, machine learning features, advanced media features, new image and video signal processors.
Spatial audio on iPhone 16 Pro will set Apple up for the future with Vision Pro, but today it will enable better audio and video mixing. Apple also added some fun features for voice memos.
iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999.
iPhone 16, A18 and Apple Intelligence
Cook said the new iPhone has been designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence, which isn't expected to fully roll out until 2025. iPhone 16 comes in 6.1" version and 6.7" version.
Biggest item in iPhone 16 is Apple Silicon for models, AI and machine learning. Apple launched A18 with 16-core neural engine, 16% more bandwidth to generative models, 3 nanometer technology, 6-core CPU and 30% more energy efficient. Apple A18 also includes a new GPU that uses 35% less power than A16.
Apple claimed that the A18 rivals high-end desktop processors.
The company touted Apple Intelligence integration throughout iPhone 16, but many features aren't expected to be available at launch. However, iOS will get writing tools, tone adjustment and proofreading. Apple Intelligence will be able to create new Emojis on the fly and new images.
Visual Intelligence will enable customers to take a picture and get contextual information for Google and ChatGPT data via iPhone 16's new camera control.
Next month, Apple Intelligence will be available for beta with a rollout in non-English languages next year. The upshot: Upgrade your phone and we'll give you Apple Intelligence later.
iPhone 16 starts at $799 and iPhone Plus starts at $899 and Apple said there are trade-in deals to be had.
Apple Watch
Apple Watch gets a larger screen, fast charging (80% charged in a 30 minutes), and wide-angle OLED display for brighter off-angle viewing. Apple claims that the screen size is now large enough to type on and 30% larger than Series 6 and bigger than the current Apple Watch Ultra.
Available Sept. 20 starting at $399.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra gets GPS enhancements, running zones and power meters for cycling as well as automatic stroke detection in swimming. Many of the features added to Apple Watch Ultra are already in Garmin watches.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799.
Apple AirPods 4
AirPods will enable you to respond to Siri with a simple yes or no nod. The charging case is USB C with 30 hours of total battery life. AirPods will get active noise cancellation for the first time as well as adaptive audio that adapts to environmental noise around you. Other items include conversational awareness, wireless charging to the case and transparency mode. Apple also updated AirPod Max headphones at $549.
AirPod Pro
AirPod Pro will include features to prevent hearing loss and boost awareness of the health issue. AirPod Pro will have hearing protection via machine learning while preserving audio range. AirPod Pro will also include hearing tests with an app on the iPhone based on data from the Apple Hearing Study and a hearing aid feature. Apple said that it expects FDA approval for its Hearing Aid feature soon and the feature will be delivered via a software update.
