Keynote of September 2024: The iPhone 16: A new era for Apple

On September 9, Apple presented its latest models of popular smartphones in a keynote speech. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will soon be available in stores. The American company is not only relying on the latest hardware and software for these devices, but is also placing particular emphasis on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which is intended to support a variety of tasks. In Cupertino, the overall concept is referred to as “Apple Intelligence”.

Apple relies on AI

Tim Cook (63), the head of Apple, described the iPhone 16 as the beginning of an “exciting new era”. The devices were designed from the ground up to use AI. Craig Federighi (55), Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, specified “Apple Intelligence” as a “personal intelligence system” that forms the heart of the new smartphone series. The application of AI should, for example, make it possible to redesign messages as desired, create illustrations, localize photos or create new emojis using simple descriptions. It will also make the voice assistant Siri more effective. The first functions are expected to be available in English (US English) the following month. Further English-language versions are expected in December, while Chinese, French, Spanish and Japanese versions are planned for 2025. It is currently not known when a German version might be released.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available in the case colors “Black”, “White”, “Pink”, “Teal” and “Ultramarine”. In contrast, the Pro and Pro Max models are offered in “Titanium Black”, “Titanium White”, “Titanium Natural” and “Titanium Desert Sand”. All four models now also have a “Camera Control” button on the side of the case. This “camera control” makes it possible to quickly adjust settings such as zoom or depth of field and to take photos or record videos.

The two models, the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus, have Super Retina XDR displays measuring 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches respectively, and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits each. Both models have a new A18 chip integrated, which is responsible, among other things, for ensuring that the AI ​​functions can be applied smoothly. Both devices are equipped with a two-camera system that includes a 48-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. According to information on the Apple website, a correspondingly larger battery should ensure video playback of up to 22 hours (iPhone 16) or 27 hours (iPhone 16 Plus).

Both smartphone variants can be pre-ordered from September 13th. According to the homepage, the iPhone 16 is available from 949 euros, the Plus model starts at 1,099 euros.

The high-performance versions of the iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max also use Super Retina XDR displays with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits each – in the Pro models with 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches. Instead of an A18 chip, a powerful A18 Pro chip is installed here. The so-called Pro camera system consists of a 48-megapixel camera, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 5x telephoto camera with 12 megapixels. The batteries are designed for video playback of up to 27 hours (iPhone 16 Pro) and 33 hours (iPhone 16 Pro Max). “These are the best iPhones we’ve ever made,” it was said during the presentation.

Pre-orders for these models will also be possible from September 13th. Prices start at 1,199 euros for the Pro model and 1,449 euros for the Pro Max.

Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4: Fresh technology for your wrist and ear

In addition to the smartphones, the technology giant has also introduced new models of the Apple Watch and AirPods. Compared to its predecessors, the Apple Watch Series 10 is said to boast the largest and most modern display to date as well as the thinnest design – the price starts at at least 449 euros depending on the configuration. The new smartwatches will be available from September 20th. The AirPods 4, which are touted as the most comfortable model in the series to date, will also be available from September 20th. The headphones cost 149 euros – with active noise cancellation the price increases to 199 euros.

By (Spot)