Apple Event 2024: iPhone 16, 16 Pro, And Apple Intelligence Revealed

In a departure from tradition, unlike Apple’s usual Tuesday presentations, this year’s event is taking place on a Monday. It begins at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT in the USA. For viewers in India, the event will kick off at 10:30 p.m. IST, allowing Apple enthusiasts to tune in late evening. The live stream will be available on Apple’s YouTube channel, its official website and the Apple TV app.

Siri is anticipated to receive significant updates this time, with Apple reportedly set to introduce a new AI feature capable of summarising messages and notifications. However, the company appears to be reserving more dazzling features for later this year.

Apple has already unveiled "Apple Intelligence," a tool designed to help users write, communicate, and complete tasks seamlessly. The software leverages personal context to enhance the user experience while upholding high privacy standards in AI. Despite these advancements, the development of Apple's AI technology has faced numerous delays. As of now, it is expected to be launched as a part of iOS 18.

Apple's highly anticipated event kicks off at 10:30 p.m. IST, with the iPhone 16 set to headline the lineup. The flagship smartphone will be introduced in four variants: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 will have larger screens on its Pro models and new camera features, such as a dedicated button for snapping photos.

The unveiling will be followed by the phones going on sale from Sept. 20, in line with Apple’s typical approach in recent years, according to Bloomberg. 

A major highlight of the event will be the introduction of new AI capabilities integrated into Siri, with Bloomberg reporting that the event's title, It's Glowtime, is a hint at a revamped Siri interface.

It is also expected that Apple will announce the release date for iOS 18, which was introduced during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference event in June. 

Apple is also expected to launch new versions of the Apple Watch and AirPods at its Cupertino, California, headquarters on Monday. 

The tech giant's decision to host the event on Monday marks a notable change from its usual Friday schedule, possibly to avoid clashing with significant events on Tuesday, including a US presidential debate and a ruling from the European Commission. The latter concerns whether Apple will be required to pay $14 billion in taxes for allegedly favouring its own music streaming service by restricting rivals like Spotify. A preliminary fine was issued in March.

Apple stock usually underperforms after iPhone launches, according to Bloomberg. Historically, Apple shares fell during 12 out of the 17 iPhone launch events it has hosted.

Following Nvidia’s disappointing June quarter results, Wall Street will be looking to see if Apple’s AI strategy is working. Notably, Citi Research has named Apple its top AI pick for 2025. 

Apple Inc. was trading 1.17% lower at $218.23 apiece or 2.59 points down, compared to an 1.03% advance in the benchmark Nasdaq as of 7:18 p.m. 

It has risen 23.12% in the last 12 months and 14.69% on a year-to-date basis. The total traded volume so far in the day stood at 29.9 times its 30-day average. The relative strength index was at 46.42.

Forty out of the 60 analysts tracking Apple have a 'buy' rating on the stock, 18 recommend a 'hold' and two suggest a 'sell', according to Bloomberg data. The average of 12-month analyst price targets implies a potential upside of 11.2%.

On Aug. 2, Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook announced record revenue growth in India and over 25 other countries for the quarter ended June 30. The iPhone maker reported a 7.8% rise in net income to $21.44 billion compared to $19.8 billion in the same period a year ago.

Total net sales grew 4.8% to $85.77 billion, up from $81.79 billion a year ago. 

"Apple is reporting a new June-quarter-revenue record of $85.8 billion, up 5% from a year ago and better than we had expected. We have also set quarterly revenue records in more than two dozen countries and regions, including Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, the UK, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand," Cook said during the company's earnings call.

iPhone sales dipped 1% to $39.29 billion, while Mac sales rose 2.4% to over $7 billion. iPad sales surged 24% to $7.16 billion. The Mac installed base reached an all-time high, with half of MacBook Air buyers being new to the platform. 

However, sales of wearables, home, and accessories dropped 2% to $8 billion from $8.28 billion a year ago.

The iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to be powered by the flagship A18 Pro chip, while the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are likely to use the A18 Bionic chip, built on TSMC's 3nm process.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumoured to have larger displays, measuring 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively, while the base models will retain the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screens of their predecessors. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is anticipated to feature a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 4,676mAh battery, 40W wired charging support, and 20W MagSafe charging.

• Apple will unveil four new iPhone models: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.

• The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will retain the design of their predecessors, with 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screens, aluminium cases, and minor upgrades like faster processors and 8GB of memory.

• Both models will feature the Action button and vertically stacked rear cameras for spatial video recording compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro.

• The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will look like last year’s versions, including 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes and aluminum cases. They’ll gain faster processors and include a total of 8 gigabytes of memory (up from 6). That memory will help support Apple Intelligence and other features.

• The most significant camera enhancement coming to both models: a dedicated, touch-sensitive button on the right side of the phone for taking photos and video. This button will be the biggest selling point for the new iPhones, other than AI. 

• New colour options: Pro models will offer gold titanium instead of blue titanium, while the non-Pro models will add new shades of green, pink, and blue, replacing yellow with white.

Apple's wearables— the iWatch and AirPods are set for significant updates. 

The Apple Watch Series 10 will feature a thinner design and larger screens. Additionally, Apple is refreshing its AirPods lineup with new entry-level and mid-tier models. For the first time, noise cancellation will be available on the mid-tier AirPods, while the entry-level model will receive its first update since 2019.

• Apple is preparing to release two new AirPods models, replacing the entry-level second-generation and mid-tier third-generation versions.

• The new models will feature designs similar to the AirPods Pro, with enhanced audio quality, USB-C charging, and a new case.

• The mid-tier model will come with a more advanced case equipped with a speaker for easier location via Apple’s Find My feature and will include noise cancellation, a feature previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro.

• Apple is also focusing on hearing health with new features aimed at turning AirPods into a substitute for hearing aids and conducting hearing tests. These enhancements, codenamed Yodel, have faced delays and may be released later.

• An updated version of the AirPods Pro is in development, featuring a new design and improved noise cancellation, expected as early as next year.

• Additionally, Apple is working on updated AirPods Max headphones that will include new colours and transition from a Lightning connector to USB-C to comply with European Union regulations. However, the update may be postponed due to current inventory levels.

• The Apple Watch Series 10 model will be launched, marking the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. It will feature a redesigned look with slightly larger screen options and a thinner case compared to previous models.

• For the first time in two years, Apple will update all its Apple Watch models simultaneously, introducing a new low-end Apple Watch SE, a mid-tier Series 10 model, and an Ultra 3.

• The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will receive minor internal upgrades but will retain its current external design.

• Although new AI features are being added to other Apple devices, the Apple Watch will not receive major advancements in Apple Intelligence.

• A significant new health feature, sleep apnea detection, will be introduced, building on existing sleep tracking capabilities. This feature will aim to identify signs of sleep apnea and recommend further testing, though it may not be available at launch.

• The anticipated hypertension detection feature has been delayed and is not expected to be included in the upcoming models. Blood-oxygen sensing, previously removed due to legal issues with Masimo Corp., is not expected to return soon.

Apple is preparing to transition its Macs to M4 processors later this year, though updates to Mac models typically follow the annual iPhone launch by about a month. To ensure compatibility with third-party applications, the company has intensified testing on four new Mac models, as indicated by developer test logs obtained by Bloomberg. These models are identified as "16,1," "16,2," "16,3," and "16,10," all featuring base-level M4 chips.

Among these, three models are equipped with 10-core CPUs and 10-core GPUs, while one lower-end version has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. All models come with either 16 or 32 gigabytes of memory.

Additionally, new iPads, including an upgraded mini version, are expected to be announced at Apple's October event, alongside the M4-equipped Macs.

Apple is also set to announce the release date for iOS 18, which was first introduced at the WWDC event in June. The beta version of the operating system is already available. Most of the new features will run on Apple Intelligence. 

Key features that are expected:

• Eye Tracking: Designed for users with physical disabilities, this feature will use the front camera to navigate app elements.

• Music Haptics: Aimed at users with hearing impairments, this feature will utilise the iPhone’s taptic engine to provide taps, textures, and vibrations synced with music.

• Increased Customisation: More options for users to personalise app icons will be introduced.

• OpenAI Integration: Apple will likely integrate OpenAI with its digital assistant, Siri. 

• Vehicle Motion Cues: In order to address motion sickness experienced during travel, this addition aims to alleviate discomfort by making the screen mimic the vehicle’s motion. It works by displaying animated dots along the screen’s edges, which helps reduce sensory conflict and ease motion sickness for passengers.

• Increased Stolen Device Safety: Users will be able to control their iPhone remotely from their Mac and disable settings for account restrictions so that nobody can turn it off. They can also open the maps app and track the device’s location real time. 

• Generative Images: Apple will introduce a new feature called "Image Playground" with which users can create playful images, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is straightforward to use, built into apps like Messages, and also available as a standalone app.

• Prioritise Notifications: Devices will prioritise notifications by minimising unnecessary notifications and ensuring users don’t miss anything important. 

• Clean Up Images: The clean up feature will help users remove distracting background elements without changing the subject image. 

• Record Calls: iPhone users will finally get the option to record phone calls. When a call is being recorded, the other party will be notified. 

Last year, Apple introduced the A17 chip and the iPhone 15 series.

• The company transitioned from Lightning to USB-C cables following an EU mandate.

• The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max featured a titanium design and a customisable solid-state action button.

• Type-C wired earphones were released, alongside improved MagSafe capabilities.

• The USB-C connector was added to AirPods Pro and EarPods.

• The iPhone 15 was available in five new pastel colors—black, white, green, yellow, and pink—and featured a new 48 MP primary camera.

• The Apple Watch Ultra also gets the S9 chip, same as the Watch Series 9, allowing the one-handed use.

Apple Inc. was trading 0.48% lower at $219.75 apiece or 1.07 points down, compared to an 0.95% advance in the benchmark Nasdaq as of 9:28 p.m. IST 

In the minutes leading up to the launch event, shares of the company were trading 0.30% or 0.67 points lower at $220.11apiece, compared to an 1.30% advance in the benchmark Nasdaq as of 10:28 p.m. IST 

Apple CEO Tim Cook has taken the stage at the Apple Event 2024.

The Series 10 watch will have the biggest display in an iWatch so far and the thinnest design, says CEO Cook.

"We pushed the limits of technology to make the thinnest watch ever. At just 9.7mm, it is significantly thinner than Series 9," says COO, Jeff Williams.

In 30 minutes, the watch can charge to 80%.

The new watches will be made with Titanium and available in shades - Natural, Gold and Dark slate. The watch will be carbon neutral.

There will be new link bracelets and Milanese loops to accompany the new metal finishes.

The watch will be able to track fertility cycle and sleep apnea by tracking breathing.

The new depth gauge and water temperature app will make it compatible for water activities. The feature isn’t a Series 10 exclusive: it’s also coming to the Ultra 2 and Series 9. 

Apple has collaborated with Nike and Hermes to make attractive new straps.

The watch will be priced at $399 and will be available in stores from Sept. 20. It is available for pre-order from today.

During the event, Jeff Williams described the new Apple Watch as the "most rugged and capable iWatch" to date, highlighting its suitability as the ultimate sports watch for swimmers, hikers, and athletes of all kinds. The updated watch features a titanium Milanese loop available in natural and black finishes, and it is carbon neutral. Additionally, Apple has collaborated with Hermès to introduce a new luxury strap and watch face.

The watch will be priced at $799 and will be available in stores from Sept. 20. It is available for pre-order from today.

Apple has unveiled a more convenient and compact model of its AirPods, featuring the smallest case yet. The new AirPods come with active noise cancellation, delivering a great listening experience even at lower volumes by reducing external noise. An updated microphone enhances call clarity, while transparency mode and adaptive audio automatically adjust volume based on ambient sounds.

The new conversation awareness feature seamlessly lowers audio when users start talking and raises it once the conversation ends. Additionally, the AirPods case supports wireless charging and includes a built-in speaker to enhance the "Find My" feature.

The AirPods will be priced at $129 and will be available in stores from Sept. 20. It is available for pre-order from today.

AirPods 4 are $129, AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation are $179. 

Will be available in - Midnight, Pastel Blue, Starlight, Lavender and Orange

The AirPods Max will be priced at $549 and will be available in stores from Sept. 20. It is available for pre-order from today.

AirPods Pro 2 health features are being announced.

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16, crafted with aerospace-grade aluminium and a colour-infused back glass available in striking shades like ultramarine and pink.

The front screen boasts a new glass-ceramic formulation, making it 50% tougher than the first-generation Ceramic Shield. Its display offers a brightness of 2000 nits for sunny environments and drops to just 1 nit in darker settings. The iPhone 16 comes in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch (iPhone 16 Plus) variants.

A standout feature is the customisable action button, which can be set to perform tasks such as recording voice memos, translating, or other functions based on the time of day. The Ford Pass app integration allows users to unlock their cars directly from their iPhone.

Camera control is now more intuitive with the action button, allowing users to adjust various camera settings quickly, making it a powerful tool for both creative and intelligence uses.

The A18 chip in the iPhone 16 is faster than all competitors, rivaling even top desktop models. It's designed to be critical for powering Apple Intelligence features, delivering a 40% performance boost over last year's iPhone 15. The A18 is in a class of its own, enabling new experiences and elevating overall functionality.

Apple Intelligence will now integrate iOS with powerful writing tools that can transform hazily written notes into polished invitations or refine your Slack messages to your boss with ease.

The system also allows users to create custom emojis by simply typing prompts. Additionally, the new Image Playground feature lets you generate images right within the OS.

Apple Intelligence will prioritise notifications, summarise your emails, and help you stay organised. It aims to accelerate daily tasks through seamless integration with Siri, making it easier to get things done efficiently.

You can now type to Siri and it will follow along even if you stumble while speaking. With over 100 new tasks and prompts, Siri can handle more than ever before. You can ask it to manage your photos, like telling it, "Send Erica photos from Saturday's barbecue," and Siri will take care of it.

These features will be available in beta version starting next month, with plans to expand to new languages throughout the next year.

The new camera control feature allows you to extract data from photos. For instance, you can take a picture of a flyer, and it will automatically pull out details about the event’s date and location. This feature is integrated with ChatGPT, giving you enhanced functionality. You have control over when third-party apps are involved, ensuring your privacy is protected.

The camera control feature lets you adjust zoom, depth of field, and other settings while taking photos. You can also use this feature with apps like Snapchat, allowing for enhanced control over your photo and video capture.

The new camera system features super high-resolution images with a 48MP main sensor. It has a 26mm focal length, 2µm quad-pixels, and 100% focus pixels with an f/1.6 aperture. The lens includes an anti-reflective coating and sensor-shift optical image stabilisation.

The new ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 16 enhances creative framing and supports up to 2.6x zoom, with macro photography capabilities. The 12 MP telephoto lens features a 52 mm focal length, 1 µm pixels, 100% focus pixels, and an f/1.6 aperture. It also includes sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) for superior optical quality. Additionally, the iPhone 16 introduces spatial capture for more immersive photography experiences.

The clean up feature will help users remove distracting background elements from photos without changing the subject image. 

The iPhone 16 delivers 30% higher sustained performance for gaming and achieves five times higher frame rates, ensuring smoother graphics and an enhanced gaming experience.

"Built for Apple Intelligence from the ground up"

The iPhone 16's larger battery, combined with the A18 chip, offers a significant boost in battery life. iOS 18 introduces new text effects and enhances safety features by allowing emergency live video sharing with services. It also enables satellite messaging for staying connected even when Wi-Fi and cellular networks are unavailable, providing an extra layer of safety or a break from technology.

The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 16 Plus begins at $899 for the same storage capacity.

The iPhone 16 Pro boasts the largest display in the series and is crafted from titanium grade 5, which is half the weight of stainless steel. It features a new texture and comes in white titanium, black, white, and desert titanium. The model also offers increased battery life and enhanced Apple Intelligence features to elevate the Pro experience.

The iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the A18 Pro chip, featuring a 16-core neural engine specifically designed for seamless integration with Apple Intelligence. It is 15% faster than the previous 15 Pro chip and includes a 6-core GPU, pushing AAA games to new levels of performance.

The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera and introduces a new Cinematic Slow Motion mode in 4K. Additionally, the updated Photographic Styles feature offers enhanced personalisation for how people appear in photos.

The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced from $1199 for the 256GB version.

They will be available for pre-order starting this Friday and will be in stores from Sept. 20.

The event ended with a thank you note from the CEO.

Shares of the company were trading 1.45% or 3.21 points lower at $217.63 apiece, compared to an 0.65% advance in the benchmark Nasdaq as of 12:13 a.m. IST