Apple introduces iPhone 16

The camera button is also a shortcut to AI functions. For example, you can use it to take a photo of a concert poster or an animal to find out more about it.

All new models equipped for Apple AI

Overall, the iPhone 16 and the more expensive and better equipped iPhone 16 Pro largely retain the design of the most recent predecessor models. But the two cameras of the standard model are again arranged in a line next to each other, as they were on the iPhone X. With the camera system, the phones can now also record three-dimensional videos for Apple’s Vision Pro computer glasses.

Inside there are new chips and more RAM. This is a prerequisite for the new functions with artificial intelligence to run smoothly on the devices. Of the earlier models, only the iPhone 15 Pro is powerful enough for “Apple Intelligence”. The starting price of the standard model of the iPhone 16 remains unchanged at 949 euros.

New languages ​​for «Apple Intelligence» – German not mentioned

These AI functions are intended to summarize emails and text messages in a few words in the preview, create individual emoji symbols from text templates and fish out information on demand. This should make searching in the photo library much easier, as the software analyzes the content of the images. It is not yet clear when this advanced Apple AI could come to Germany.

Up until now, “Apple Intelligence” only worked in English. At the event, however, Apple announced additional languages ​​for next year – “including” French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. German was not explicitly mentioned.

The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) sets out rules for large platforms. Apple is particularly concerned that the DMA’s requirements to open up to other manufacturers and service providers could compromise the protection of user data and will only accept assurances that it can offer the advanced exclusive features.

Will interest in AI boost sales?

The iPhone is by far Apple’s most important product. In the first nine months of the current year, it generated a good half of the company’s revenue. The iPhone is also the basis for the lucrative business with subscription services and apps as well as accessories such as the AirPods earphones.

Some market observers expect a surge in demand for the iPhone 16 due to interest in the new AI features. Since the new features will be introduced over several software updates, it is unclear whether it will be a factor in this generation of iPhone.

At the same time, industry expert Carolina Milanesi from the analysis firm Creative Strategies was convinced that the company’s aim was to encourage as many users as possible to upgrade to new devices that are ready for “Apple Intelligence”.

In terms of units sold, Apple is number two in the smartphone market behind Samsung – but recently domestic manufacturers such as Huawei have become more competitive with the iPhone group in the important Chinese market. Samsung and Google, as developers of the competing Android operating system and their own Pixel smartphones, are also placing great emphasis on artificial intelligence.

AirPods Pro can also be hearing aids

The AirPods Pro, which have so far stood out for their noise cancellation, will soon also be able to be used as a hearing aid. They will also be suitable for a hearing test. After approval by regulatory authorities, the function will be introduced in Germany, among other places, by the end of the year.

If the function works, Apple could shake up the hearing aid market, where devices often cost several thousand euros. The iPhone company sells the AirPods Pro for 279 euros. At the same time, Apple is also offering noise cancellation in a version of the basic model of the AirPods.

Apple Watch gets bigger and thinner

Ten years after the first announcement, Apple is giving its computer watch a facelift. The Apple Watch is noticeably thinner and has larger displays.

A more powerful new chip will enable the Apple Watch Series 10 to automatically display selected information when you need it. A new feature for the Apple Watch is the detection of sleep apnea – a condition in which breathing can stop for a short time.

To ensure that you can wear the watch for longer, 30 minutes of charging time should fill the battery to 80% – and eight minutes on the charger should ensure eight hours of sleep tracking. So far, many users charge the watch overnight. The new Apple Watch will also be able to detect water temperature and depth.

The Apple Watch was introduced in September 2014 and went on sale in spring 2015. Since then, Apple has been leading the smartwatch market – although recently Chinese manufacturers in particular have been able to catch up a little. Apple last enlarged the display of the Watch a few years ago. The starting price remains at 449 euros.