116: New AirPods, Apple Watches and iPhones Announced! Event Recap
Sep 13, 2024
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Apple's recent event showcased exciting updates! The new iPhone 16 lineup brings an A18 chip, faster charging, and a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera. The Apple Watch Series 10 impresses with enhanced screens, sleep apnea detection, and faster charging. There’s also a refreshing look at the fourth-gen AirPods, though the updates left some wanting more. The hosts reflect on whether these upgrades are worth it and share their thoughts on the impact of new features on everyday user experience.
The iPhone 16 lineup features significant enhancements including the A18 chip, improved camera controls, and rapid charging capabilities.
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings a new design with larger screens and audio playback, but may not feel revolutionary to current Series 9 users.
AirPods Pro now include health features like hearing protection and management, while updates to AirPods Max have disappointed users seeking substantial improvements.
Deep dives
Apple Watch Series 10 Overview
The Apple Watch Series 10 introduces several quality-of-life enhancements, most notably the ability to play audio through the speaker, which has been a long-awaited feature. The design marks a significant iteration, with a new casing that stands out more in person than in images, featuring a larger screen ratio and a new jet black finish. Despite these improvements, some users feel that the update may not be compelling enough unless they are upgrading from much older models, as many features are also available on the Series 9. Overall, while the redesign is appreciated, the Series 10 may be viewed as less revolutionary than anticipated, especially with health features like sleep apnea detection being available on previous models.
AirPods Pro Health Features
The latest updates to AirPods Pro include innovative health features such as hearing protection, hearing tests, and even potential hearing aid functionalities, which can be accessed via a software update rather than requiring a new purchase. These features allow AirPods Pro to function as a form of personal audio management, adjusting sounds and enhancing conversations to cater to individual hearing needs. This integration makes AirPods Pro a versatile tool that could serve as an accessible alternative to traditional hearing aids, particularly benefiting older audiences who may feel self-conscious about more conventional devices. The ability to apply audio adjustments across various audio sources further elevates AirPods Pro as a multifaceted device in daily life.
Disappointment with AirPods Max Update
The update for AirPods Max has been met with disappointment, primarily because it offers only minimal changes, such as new color options and USB-C compatibility. Users expected more substantial improvements, considering the time elapsed since the last release, but instead, they received features that seem outdated compared to the capabilities present in newer models. There is a consensus that the disparity in technology between the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max is problematic, particularly with the former boasting significantly superior features at a lower price point. Ultimately, many feel the high cost of AirPods Max is unjustifiable without substantial enhancements in technology and usability.
iPhone 16 Features and Upgrades
With the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple has introduced notable features like Dynamic Island, improved camera controls, and rapid charging capabilities across both standard and pro models. However, scrutiny reveals a lack of exclusive features separating the standard models from the Pro variants, which has led to discussions on whether the upgrades justify a switch for existing users. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus present compelling options with their new features, yet many potential buyers are hesitant, anticipating more significant advancements next year with the release of the iPhone 17 lineup that promises enhanced camera capabilities. Overall, while the iPhone 16 is an impressive offering, many are weighing their options for next year's model, citing the benefits of waiting for potentially more substantial improvements.
Future Expectations for Apple Devices
Looking ahead, there's significant anticipation surrounding next year's Apple lineup, with expectations of noteworthy upgrades across various models. The iPhone 17 is rumored to introduce features such as ProMotion for standard models and a substantial camera resolution boost, which could attract many users considering an upgrade. The conversation suggests that if potential buyers are currently satisfied with their devices, it may be prudent to wait for these next-gen improvements rather than committing to the incremental changes of the iPhone 16. This sentiment echoes a broader narrative that Apple's consistent innovation will likely provide even better options shortly for those wanting to remain up-to-date with new technology.
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through all of the major announcements from Apple's "It's Glowtime" event.
The long-awaited unveiling of the iPhone 16 lineup was the main announcement at the event, so we breakdown some of the major features coming to the new devices. For the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, this includes the A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence, the Action button, faster charging, revamped Photographic Styles, and the all-new Camera Control button. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max take things further with larger display size options with slimmer bezels, a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, improved audio recording, and a significant battery life boost.
We discuss the Apple Watch Series 10 and new Satin Black color option for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Series 10 features redesigned casings and larger screen sizes, a new wide-angle OLED display with a faster refresh rate for an improved experience in always-on mode, sleep apnea detection, a water temperature sensor and depth gauge, a speaker with media playback, and faster charging.
We also take a look at the fourth-generation AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation and the new hearing protection, testing, and aid features for the AirPods Pro 2. Apple also brought a minor update to the AirPods Max that switches Lightning for USB-C and refreshes its selection of color options.
Finally, we weigh up the event as a whole and take a look forward at some of the early rumors for the iPhone 17 lineup to consider who should upgrade this year and who may be better off waiting until next year.
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