Apple is persisting with its pursuit of unfolding new features powered by artificial intelligence, with an announcement of new iPhones optimised to utilise this technology. These plans are in progress despite a setback in the EU release. A revamped Apple Watch with sleep apnea detection function is also on the company’s agenda.
The recently revealed iPhone 16 (starting price €979) and its superior twin, the iPhone 16 Pro (on sale from €1,279), are specially crafted to align with Apple intelligence. This is Apple’s take on generative AI, equipped with an upgraded Siri assistant, AI-based writing tools and the capability to produce emojis based on text cues. Yet, the company has confessed that these AI enhancements will not be accessible until October, following a software upgrade.
CEO Tim Cook called this venture an inauguration of an exhilarating new phase, with the iPhone 16 setting the benchmark for iPhone capabilities.
The iPhone 16 incorporates the operational button introduced for the iPhone 15 Pro, allowing assignment to a user-selected function. A freshly introduced camera control button provides swift access to camera functions, while enabling settings tweaks by sliding a finger across the button. It also aspires to provide immediate access to visual intelligence functions in the upcoming days.
Apple has also significantly upgraded the chip for its standard iPhone variation. Unlike previous patterns of using outdated chips for basic models and reserving the advanced ones for the Pro models, iPhone 16 has leapt forward by two chip generations to the custom-designed A18. This chip is specifically created to accommodate Apple’s novel generative intelligence functionalities.
More dramatic uplifts have been noticed in the iPhone 16 Pro. The Pro variants will have a powerful A18 Pro chip, purportedly faster and highly efficient than the A18. The Pro models also flaunt enlarged displays, standing at 6.3 inches for the 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max, supplemented with camera advancements for both still photography and video recording.
As per the available information, upgrades to the Pro models of the iPhone 16 will include a more sophisticated display justified by its superior cost and professional grade photography functions. These models would also offer unrivalled battery life for Apple’s iPhone users, especially identified in the Pro Max model.
A revamped Apple Watch has also been announced by the tech giant. This includes a larger and improved display in comparison to the Ultra. It has also managed to slim down in design, reducing the thickness and weight of the watch by approximately 10%. The modification process involves downsizing several modules within the application, including the newly introduced S10 SiP, the Digital Crown and an efficient, smaller speaker. The speaker allows direct playback of music and podcasts on the watch.
The ability to detect sleep apnea is a new feature added to the Apple Watch, and is also being incorporated into the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. The watch now also offers enhanced charging speed and an alternative titanium option, replacing the previous stainless steel variant. The firm is promoting this as its subsequent carbon neutral offering.
Although no upgrades have been made to Apple’s Ultra Watch, designed particularly for sports and outdoor lovers, a fresh colour choice for the Ultra 2 has been introduced. According to CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood, the lack of improvements to the Watch series beyond Series 10 indicates the increasing complexity of annual enhancement in smartwatch technology. Going forward, Apple may adopt a more relaxed update cycle similar to product lines like the AirPods.
Leaks confirmed the launch of AirPods 4 with a design that prioritizes comfort and an updated acoustic structure for better bass and clearer high tones. This version also introduces the active noise cancellation feature, previously unavailable in Apple’s open-fit earbuds. Touching on the AirPods Max, they are set to be updated for the first time since 2020 with a new colour scheme and a USB C connection, moving away from the deprecated lightning port. In addition, software updates scheduled for late in the autumn will introduce new features to the AirPods Pro to aid with hearing protection.
New settings that will automatically enable lower decibels and fragmented noise reduction will be incorporated in the interest of safeguarding hearing. Additionally, AirPods Pro aims to perform the dual function of a hearing aid by amplifying ambient noises and conversations, with the expectation of launching this feature sometime in the final quarter of the year.
The concept of everyday headphones exhibiting the ability of hearing aids may strike some as implausible, but the surge in demand for off-the-shelf hearing aids over recent years suggests otherwise. According to Mr Wood, rolling out this solution on AirPods Pro would democratise this technology by making it cost-effective. Although it may seem a bit ambitious to expect users to wear AirPods continuously throughout the day, Mr. Wood believes that if Apple successfully delivers a superior user experience along with a top-notch, affordable hearing aid, it could potentially revolutionise the sector.