iPhone 16: Apple’s phone is an AI phone – except in the EU

The iPhone 16 was built from the ground up with a powerful chip to use artificial intelligence, said company boss Tim Cook at the presentation on Tuesday (local time). Of the old models, only the 15 Pro and Pro Max are said to be able to use Apple Intelligence. At the presentation, there were also a few examples of what Apple Intelligence can do in concrete terms: For example, the phone could help you find an old photo that you can roughly describe. Or a new address that you received by email can be neatly entered into the address book. The AI ​​should also be able to sort photos into appropriate folders. How well does that work in real life? Unclear.

iPhone 16: In Germany initially with less AI

Many of the intelligent functions will not be available in Germany for the time being anyway. The company is holding them back, citing legal uncertainties in connection with the new EU digital law DMA. Apple is also only introducing the function for a few languages ​​for the time being – first English, then Chinese, Japanese, French and Spanish next year.

Otherwise, the new iPhones have a photo button for quicker and easier access to the camera – which now has a resolution of 48 megapixels. The button works a bit like it used to on digital cameras. Pressing it once activates the camera app, pressing it a second time takes the photo. You can also use the button to focus.

New features also for the Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is now ten years old, so it’s time for the Apple Watch 10. Among other things, it’s supposed to be lighter and thinner. It’s also supposed to charge faster – to 80 percent in 30 minutes. And Apple has announced a new health feature for the watch: Apple Watch 9, 10 and Ultra 2 should be able to give a specific warning about breathing pauses during sleep, known as sleep apnea.

The relevant data is analyzed every thirty days and a warning is sent if there are indications of moderate or severe respiratory pauses. However, the company is still waiting for the health authorities to certify the new function – this should happen very soon.

Hearing test via AirPod

The AirPods Pro 2 now also have a health feature: In the future, the wireless headphones will be able to perform a hearing test and even serve as a simple hearing aid by amplifying personalized voices or suppressing ambient noise. Apple says it has applied for approval – also in Germany.

The problem is well known: many people – especially older people – go to the doctor far too late when they have hearing problems, don’t have a hearing aid, or leave it lying around in a drawer. Whether something like the Apple AirPods could be an alternative for these people remains to be seen, however. In Germany, professional hearing aids are usually paid for by health insurance companies.

The standard AirPods 4 are also available with noise cancelling for an additional charge. The sound has also been improved. They are also said to be the most comfortable Apple AirPods to date, as the company has slightly adjusted the shape after analyzing thousands of ear shapes.