Apple unveiled its iPhone 16 at an annual launch event in California on Monday evening, as the US tech giant seeks to entice consumers with a raft of new artificial intelligence (AI) features.
At the company’s so-called Glowtime event, Apple unveiled four new iPhone models, as well as new AirPods and a revamped Apple Watch.
Its latest gadgets are geared to take advantage of the tech giant’s AI software, known as Apple Intelligence.
This is powered by new A18 and A18 Pro microchip processors, which analysts hope will trigger a surge in sales.
“The next generation of iPhone has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up. It marks the beginning of an exciting new era,” Apple boss Tim Cook said.
It came on the same day that Chinese rival Huawei unofficially announced a new tri-fold phone.
The Chinese company’s website showed on Monday that it had garnered more than 3m pre-orders for its Z-shaped phone. This solidifies Huawei’s position against Apple in China, where consumers are hankering for more AI features and are willing to pay for them.
“The Chinese market is hungrier for AI features than the US market,” said Ben Bajarin, chief executive and principal analyst at Creative Strategies, said. For Apple, “it will be very difficult to bring it to China immediately, so they’ll be going off the merits of the hardware.”
Here is everything you need to know about Apple’s new launches:
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: features
- What is Apple Intelligence and when will it be released?
- How much will the iPhone 16 cost?
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro release date
- What about the Apple Watch and AirPods?
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: features
Apple unveiled four new iPhone 16 models.
This includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 introduces new colours, while the the Pro versions will include a more advanced A18 Pro chip.
The standard version of the Apple iPhones will come in ultramarine, teal, pink, while and black, and with 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screens.
The premium versions of Apple’s iPhones will come in black, white, silver and desert colours. They come with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens. The larger of these being Apple’s largest-ever phone display, a step up from its former 6.7-inch screen.
The gadgets will look broadly similar to other iPhones of recent years. The iPhone 16 models will come with a dual rear camera and the Pro variant with a triple rear set-up.
However, all the phones will come with a new “capture” or “camera” button that will act similar to a shutter button on a regular camera – with added touch and swipe functions.
The phones will also include a programmable action button, which can be linked to quick-launch different features.
What is Apple Intelligence and when will it be released?
The tech giant will bring its Apple Intelligence AI to the US “next month” – in what it describes as a “beta” – before launching a “localised” version for the UK in December.
The new software will include a revamped Siri digital assistant and a host of writing tools.
This will include AI-powered features that can reply to emails, draft blog posts and presentations, create synthetic artwork and design customised emojis.
Apple Intelligence will also grant users access to ChatGPT, the digital assistant from Silicon Valley start-up OpenAI.
Apple has previously said: “Siri can tap into ChatGPT’s expertise when helpful. Users are asked before any questions are sent to ChatGPT, along with any documents or photos, and Siri then presents the answer directly.”
How much will the iPhone 16 cost?
The iPhone 16 will cost £799, while the iPhone 16 Plus will cost £899.
The higher-end iPhone 16 Pro starts at £999, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in at £1,199.
The prices are the same in pounds as they are in dollars for the US market. The iPhone is typically more expensive in the UK owing to taxes and exchange rates.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro release date
Apple has announced that the new iPhone 16 will to be available for pre-order in the US and UK from Friday Sept 13, and will then go on full sale a week later on Sept 20.
However, some of the crucial new software features may not be available immediately, with Apple Intelligence available in the UK in December.
What about the Apple Watch and AirPods?
Apple is releasing a new low-end version of its AirPod headphones, the AirPods 4, at a cost of £129, or £179 with noise cancellation.
The new AirPods 4 have a new design for more comfortable wearing and improved acoustics.
Meanwhile, the premium AirPods Pro will now be able to carry out a hearing test. The iPhone will play a series of sounds, asking you to tap the screen when you hear a tone.
On Monday, Apple also debuted a revamped version of its larger, over-ear headphones, known as the AirPods Max.
The new Apple Watch 10 was also launched, thinner than its predecessor and has an up to 30pc larger screen than previous generations. It starts at £399.
Apple highlighted the Watch’s ability to help with sports and health issues, including finding longer-term conditions such as sleep apnea as well as detecting and responding to emergencies such as a fall.
Apple also launched a new version of the more rugged Watch Ultra 2, starting at £799.
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