Apple event live updates on iPhone 16 launch, iOS 18, Apple Watch 10, AirPods 4, Apple Intelligence and more
Live updates from Apple Park.
Update: The iPhone 16 live event has ended, but the coverage at Engadget has only begun. Start with the tl;dr on the event, Everything Apple just announced, then scroll backwards through this story if you want to see how the event unfolded in real-time. The earlier version of the introduction appears below.
Apple's biggest unveiling of the year has started: The iPhone 16 launch event. The company has already shown off details on the new Apple Watch 10, AirPods 4 and iPhone 16, as well as updates on iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence features that it first introduced to the world \ back in June. The company's iPhone 16 launch event began at 1PM ET, and Engadget's Cherlynn Low and Billy Steele are reporting live from Cupertino. Scroll down to see their latest updates in reverse chronological order. Need even more info? Pull up a second screen to watch the iPhone 16 event live, and stay with Engadget for full wall-to-wall coverage.
267 Updates
-
And, for our final post — for today, at least — from the Apple Event here's senior editor Billy Steele's video report on the Apple Watch Series 10.
Thanks for joining us today!
-
iPhone 16 Pro hands-on: Small button, big change
Tired of reading about the new iPhones? Here's Cherlynn's video report with her first impressions of the iPhone 16 Pro
-
Let's chat about Apple's iPhone 16 event | Engadget Podcast
In this bonus episode, Engadget senior editor Devindra Hardawar and contributing reporter Kris Holt break down everything new (and not so new) in the iPhone 16 lineup. Is Apple Intelligence alone enough to entice iPhone owners to upgrade? Does anyone actually need the camera button? And why are we so intrigued by the Apple Watch Series 10 (which is undoubtedly the most interesting product Apple launched today)?
You can either watch the (no-longer) live recording of the episode on YouTube, or catch the regular audio-only version — both are embedded below. As always, if you have any suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us.
Subscribe to the Engadget Podcast!
-
Apple AirPods 4 hands-on: Seriously impressive ANC performance
AirPods 4 hands-on photo
Two models of AirPods were largely expected at today's iPhone 16 event, one of which would add active noise cancellation (ANC) to the "regular" AirPods for the first time. There are other upgrades for the $179 version, but after a brief demo of the ANC setup on the AirPods 4, I wager the noise-blocking tools will be the key selling point for most people.
Apple is using this version of the AirPods 4 to bridge the gap between the AirPods and the AirPods Pro. As such, this model has some features that were previously exclusive to the company's priciest buds. Those include Siri interactions that allow you to accept or reject calls with a head nod, Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation and more — all thanks to the H2 chip that powers the Pro model. All of these will be welcome improvements for people who prefer the open fit of the AirPods 4, but the ANC is the most impressive addition in my book.
Read the full story: Apple AirPods 4 hands-on: Seriously impressive ANC performance
-
I have just wrapped up some of my post-event duties and finished up my hands-on. That means it's time for lunch at Apple's designated media area at its visitor center, and, of course, here's what's on the menu. Crowd favorite white chocolate macha cookies are back this year, along with chocolate chip cookies. There are prosciutto and cheese sandwiches, as well as roast turkey and pesto sandwiches. For appetizers, we have Mediterranean nachos and a chickpea tabbouleh. Head to the Engadget Instagram account for pictures!
-
The iOS 18 release date is September 16. Is your iPhone compatible?
iOS 18 preview
We finally know iOS 18 will be available to everyone — or, everyone with the right phone — on September 18. This year's release brings a ton of new features like homescreen customization, which you can read about in our early hands-on iOS 18 preview. The new OS is essentially compatible with every phone that runs iOS 17, but only certain models will get access to Apple Intelligence, the company's new suite of AI features. Katie Teague, a senior writer at Yahoo, put together a useful guide to iOS 18 compatability which you can read below.
Read the full story: The iOS 18 release date is September 16. Is your iPhone compatible?
-
Apple quietly kills its terrible FineWoven iPhone cases
Several iPhones with MagSafe cases and accessories.
Hey, there were good intentions! When Apple revealed its new cases for the iPhone 15 series, the FineWoven case was pitched as a leather substitute that used 68 percent post-consumer recycled content.
When leather gets old, it gets... nicer? There's a patina. When Finewoven cases got even a few days old, it got scratched and blotchy. It's not a huge surprise, then, that there are no new FineWoven colorways, or any iPhone 16-compatible FineWoven cases, period. They're gone.
Read the full story: Apple quietly kills its terrible FineWoven iPhone cases
-
More thoughts from hands-on land: you can just call me a glutton for buttons.
-
My favorite thing about Cherlynn's iPhone 16 Pro hands-on is her subheadline, which really sums up my feeling about iPhone events: "It doesn't physically depress, but sure feels like it does."
-
iPhone 16 Pro hands-on: How does a faux camera control button feel so real?
The iPhone 16 Pro
Next up is Cherlynn, who's quite enamored with the iPhone 16 Pro's new camera button:
"Apple's latest attempt to slightly differentiate the iPhone 16 series is... a faux button it's calling Camera Control. But unlike last year's new button, this one doesn't actually physically depress, and uses a mix of sensors and haptic feedback to simulate the sensation of movement. And in my brief hands-on right after Apple's iPhone 16 launch event, I have to say I actually thought it was a real button.
I got a quick look at the iPhone 16 Pro here in Apple Park, and got a deep walkthrough of the new camera control and its corresponding interface. When I first picked up the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I felt like it looked sleeker and thinner than my iPhone 15 Pro Max, which was nice. My fingers were then drawn to the new 'button,' which has a groove that surrounds it, which helps with identification by touch."
Read the full take: iPhone 16 Pro hands-on: How does a faux camera control button feel so real?
-
Here's a look at the new colors for AirPods Max, complete with USB-C connectivity.
-
We haven't been able to try the new AirPods yet, but we're hoping to offer some impressions later today.
-
Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on: Bigger, lighter and thinner than ever
Apple Watch Series 10
First up is Billy, who's taken a look at the new Apple Watch Series 10. Here are his first impressions:
"If you were hoping for three new Apple Watches today, you might be disappointed. However, Apple did reveal the largest Apple Watch display ever on the Series 10 wearable. The device is also thinner, delivering the bigger and slimmer update the company loves to give new devices. It's lighter too, so all three of the design changes should make the wearable more comfy to... wear. And of course, the new display will be a key selling point for this updated model.
That display is the standout update to me. The 40 percent brighter panel at various angles will make it so much easier to see Watch info at a glance. I tried on the Series 10 in the demo area here at Apple Park in both the 46mm and 42mm sizes. The larger of the two isn't that much of burden for me as I'm rocking a 45mm Series 7 on the daily. Still, the OLED display is a massive upgrade over what I'm used to, and it will offer better performance over recent Apple Watches too. I also got a look at that screen update feature, which also you to see time and other info even when the display is in ambient mode."
Read his full take: Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on: Bigger, lighter and thinner than ever
-
Who needs chairs? Cherlynn and Billy are still working their way through all of the products Apple announced today, but we have a few early impressions of the iPhone 16 Pro and Apple Watch Series 10.
Cherlynn and Billy at the Apple Event.
-
Apple Watch Ultra 2
-
Apple Watch Series 10
-
Everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 16 launch event
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 launch event is now over. While the smartphones took center stage (per usual), Apple also showed off the newest version of the Apple Watch, plus two new pairs of AirPods. The company also went into detail on its latest mobile chipset that powers the new iPhones, and reminded folks what they can expect when iOS 18 launches later this month. If you weren't able to catch the announcements live, Engadget has you covered.
Read the full story: Everything Apple revealed at the iPhone 16 launch event
-
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, closing out the September iPhone event.
-
iPhone 16 Pro prices, available in stores September 20.
-
And yes we're back to Tim, who's recapping today's announcements. People are leaving the space, zipping up their bags. We're eager to leave and get hands-ons with the new devices. As am I! Stay tuned to Engadget.com, our social profiles and more to get all our hands-on coverage later today!
-
iPhone 16 Pro features
-
We're going to have a lot of testing to do between now and next Friday.
-
You'll be able to pre-order all the new iPhone 16s on Monday, and they'll be in stores on September 20.
-
The packaging for the new iPhone 16 lineup is now 100 percent fiber based, and is slimmer, which can help reduce shipping impact. Joz is now recapping the iPhone 16 Pro, and I'd expect we'll be going back to Tim Cook soon. But first, prices? They start at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the Pro Max.
-
Cold brew energy levels are depleted at over 90 minutes into this event. Must replenish.
-
iPhone 16 Pro shooting a music video.
-
I have to say, all this cheering and applause after each video really drowns out the speaker that follows and I often miss what they're saying. I really need to get my ears checked, huh. Joz is explaining some updates to Magsafe, like a new charger for faster wireless charging, as well as cases that work well with the new camera control.
-
Spicy MagSafe news everyone was waiting for.
-
"A film making powerhouse." Feels like we've heard that before.
-
The Weeknd's new music video shot with the iPhone 16 Pro.
-
We're about an hour and a half into this stream and I'm thirsty (for water). I'm also gearing up to run to the hands-on area and get our stories up as soon as possible!
-
I would be curious to know how much editing happens on the footage captured in iPhone that's used in a music video. Apple would never.
-
Photographer Eddy Chen is also sharing his experience shooting with the iPhone 16 Pro and the new Photographic Styles.
-
Voice Memos app will let you layer audio.
-
We're now watching a video featuring The Weeknd, who used an iPhone 16 Pro to shoot a music video in slo-mo 4K 120.
-
Creator segment!
-
You can then choose to get rid of the music in the background and be left with just your vocals, ready to lay into whatever sound project you're working on. As someone who occasionally records herself singing, I'm really stoked about this.
-
Really like this Voice Memo feature. Will be helpful for capturing all kids of ideas, musical or otherwise.
-
With Audio Mix, you can isolate the voice of people on camera with an "in-frame mix" option. The "studio mix" option lets you mimic the effect inside a studio, as if you were inside a sound booth. "Cinematic mix" brings in environmental noise in the surroundings and keeps voices in the front. The demo was certainly impressive. A new feature is coming to Voice Memo, where you can record your voice on top of a separate track (like an instrumental backing file).
-
Spatial Audio capture on iPhone 16 Pro videos.
-
Microphone performance upgrades and spatial audio recording will be welcome additions
-
We're back with Joz, who's talking about "a big leap forward with audio performance." iPhone 16 Pro combines hardware, software and intelligence to improve things. There are four "studio-quality" mics on the device that Joz says is great for vocal and acoustic recordings. The iPhone 16 Pro will also support Spatial Audio recording. This will enable "creative sound editing with our new audio mix feature." Joz says this is an industry first.
-
Cinematic slow motion on iPhone 16 Pro.
-
They quip at each other about how cinematic it is when you walk in slow motion, and the words "Cinematic slow motion" and "Shot on iPhone 16 Pro" appear on the screen. The new devices can shoot 4K in 120p, enabling much higher quality slow-motion footage. The A18 Pro's new image signal processor allows for frame by frame edits in Dolby Vision, too.
-
We're being treated to a sample video of two people walking in front of explosions in slow-mo. I don't know who they are, sorry.
-
Here's my video segment!
-
Some updates are also coming to video capture, and Paulom Shah is here to explain.
-
There are monochrome looks, natural ones or stylized options. There's an updated control interface to let you edit these styles yourself, and you can also edit the Photographic Styles after capture, instead of only before.
-
All of these updates are summarizing why the Pro camera is better than what's on the regular iPhone, even with all the upgrades we heard about there earlier. More control, more tools, more quality.
-
Camera control will be updated later this year with a two-state focus feature to lock autofocus. Sounds like some features weren't ready for launch, and sadly it's one of the more interesting ones. The camera app's Photographic Styles area also here, but have imaging upgrades to enable more creative styles.
-
Maybe now we'll get that cinematic iPhone video content since we've moved on to the Pro and Pro Max.
-
iPhone 16 Pro brings more resolution and control than ever, Huff said. It also has a 48-megapixel Fusion Camera, with greater cache for sharp images of moving subjects. The iPhone 16 Pro has a new 48MP ultra wide camera with a quad pixel sensor, as well as a 12MP 5x telephoto camera like before. Now, though, the tetra prism design is available on the Pro and the Pro Max. You'll also get the new Camera Control on the Pro series.
-
iPhone 16 Pro fusion camera.
-
A18 Pro chip.
-
That's a lot of power under the hood.
-
A18 Pro has Advanced media functions, supporting the ProMotion display on the Pro, among other things. There's also a new video encoder and data processing. It also powers "never before seen camera features," and Della Huff arrives to tell us more about these new camera features.
-
Combined with increased memory bandwidth, Apple Intelligence features run faster on the A18 Pro than on the A17 Pro, Triple A games will perform even better thanks to new enhancements on the GPU, with 2x faster hardware-accelerated ray-tracing on the A18 Pro. The new CPU is up to 15 percent faster than the A17 Pro, too. It'll use 20 percent less power than the A17 Pro and has larger caches than the A18.
-
New A18 Pro chip.
-
The iPhone 16 Pro will run the A18 Pro chip, which is faster than the A18. It uses the same second-gen 3nm design, and has a 16-core Neural Engine that's faster and more efficient than the A17 Pro.
-
Very much looking forward to having meeting transcripts faster than having to upload audio to a separate service.
-
More Apple Intelligence features are being described now, like Siri being able to find information on your phone and summaries being generated from recordings of your meetings. Photographers can ask Siri to pull up specific shots from their libraries and apply edits in an app. "
-
Four new finishes in the iPhone 16 Pro.
-
You want a larger battery? You got a larger batt
-
Joz details the internal design of the iPhone 16 Pro, saying it's crucial for running Apple Intelligence and advanced gaming. There's advanced power management here and power efficiency in Apple Silicon, adding up to bring the "Best iPhone battery life ever." Shocker.
-
Largest iPhone screen display.
-
Another new color alert. This time Desert Titanium.
-
These have thinner borders than ever, support ProMotion, Always-On Display and have ceramic shield for protection. They also use Grade 5 Titanium, which is stronger and more scratch-resistant than the titanium "that others have used," Joz said, firing shots at... Samsung probably. There are four colors for the Pro, and I still want nicer pastel colors.
-
iPhone 16 Pro.
-
Sounds like there might be a decent update to the Pro models after all.
-
Greg Joswiak (Joz) is here to tell us more about the Pros. We're kicking off with larger screens — 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches on the Pro and Pro Max, which are the largest iPhone displays ever.
-
There are slightly more rounded corners, what looks like a real button for camera control and a floating iPhone 16 Pro in front of the glowing word "Pro." People are applauding, which is weird at what is basically a screening? Tim Cook can't hear the claps,
-
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus prices.
-
Time for the Pro models, which "deliver breakthrough innovation and incredible new capabilities in this gorgeous design," Cook said, before another video starts playing.
-
I am once again impressed with the look of that rear camera arrangement. I appreciate most people don't care, but I think it looks so much better, even as a small tweak.
-
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available from $799 and $899 respectively. Back to Tim Cook.
-
iPhone 16 and its features.
-
So far I'm intrigued. There were a lot more features that I thought would be reserved for the Pro line that are going to be on the base iPhone 16s. I'm eager to get my hands on the new camera control.
-
But first, a video on the "iPhone 16 in action." Good, I needed a break
-
Emergency SOS live video on iOS 18.
-
More satellite features should provide some extra peace of mind if you're in spotty cellular coverage areas.
-
Messages via Satellite is also coming along with other satellite features in the US and Canada. Emergency SOS and Find My via Satellite are available in 17 countries outside the US. Drance is recapping iPhone 16 now, which means it's time for the iPhone 16 Pro soon.
-
Honor of Kings World game coming to iPhone 16 next year.
-
iOS 18 makes safety features better, too. Emergency SOS now supports the sharing of live videos.
-
iPhone 16 will also support "AAA" games.
-
A bigger battery is always a welcome addition in a new iPhone.
-
Honor of Kings: World is coming next year. Now, Drance is talking about battery life. iPhone 16 has an "even bigger battery," which together with A18 and iOS 18's power efficiency improvements, should improve battery life.
-
Games available on more devices is always a good thing.
-
iPhone 16 will also support AAA games that were previously only available on iPhone 15 Pro, like Assassin's Creed Mirage and Resident Evil. Drance also shared that Honor Of Kings: World by Tencent is also coming with iPhone 16.
-
Apple's iPhone 16 gets a camera button, Action button and the A18 chip
iPhone 16
There are arguably only three sure things in life: death, taxes and a new bunch of iPhones every September. Like clockwork, Apple has revealed this year's iPhone lineup, which is anchored by the iPhone 16 and its larger sibling, the iPhone 16 Plus. Apple has made some alterations to the external design, but the company's main focus this year is on Apple Intelligence, with the new phones designed from the ground up to support that.
Read the full story: Apple's iPhone 16 gets a camera button, Action button and the A18 chip
-
iPhone 16 camera features.
-
The demos here look pretty slick.
-
The A18 is great for gaming, too, Drance says. There's improved thermal design in the iPhone 16, with a new thermal substructure to dissipate heat (made from 100 percent recycled aluminum). The result is 30 percent higher sustained performance while gaming. The phone also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and you'll get 5x higher frame rates than with software-accelerated ray tracing.
-
Redesigned Photos app.
-
Alright gamers, here's your portion of the program.
-
Spatial photos on iPhone 16.
-
Pratik is talking about the redesigned Photos app, which we've covered when it was announced at WWDC, too. Cleanup is coming with Apple Intelligence to supported devices so you can get rid of unwanted photobombers. Pratik is recapping the camera updates to iPhone 16 and handing things back to Drance.
-
This macro setting will be handy for review photos. I'm sure everyone can relate to my elation here. :)
-
The combined data from the ultra wide and the fusion cameras enable the iPhone 16 to capture spatial videos that you can watch later on Apple Vision Pro. iPhone 16 also captures better audio, by using machine learning to reduce background and wind noise.
-
Computational photography "allows us to flex this main camera beyond its fixed lens," Pratik adds. The iPhone 16 also has a 12MP, 2x telephoto lens for a bit more versatility. Combining that data from the main sensor with this, and you've got what Apple is calling a 48MP Fusion camera. It'll capture 4K 60p video with HDR support, too. iPhone 16 also has an Ultrawide camera. It's a little confusing, as there seem to be three cameras in just a dual-lens setup, but the first two were housed in the bottom ring.
-
iPhone 16 camera.
-
Pull up controls using the camera control button.
-
Apps like Snapchat "are also leveraging the camera control." iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel main camera, and you can shoot in that resolution or opt for pixel-binned 24MP photos.
-
Show us a movie shot with this new camera already.
-
It's designed to be easy to use and can be activated in landscape or portrait orientations. Clicking it launches the camera app, and you can just click again to snap the picture. Clicking and holding starts a video recording. The taptic engine is what provides haptic feedback here, mimicking a physical response. It'll also recognize touch gestures and be able to distinguish between a "full click" and a "lighter press." The light press can help focus, and also brings up a new overlay for you to drag and adjust other settings like aperture or focus.
-
iPhone 16 camera control.
-
Apple is going into a lot of detail on the "regular" iPhone, does this mean there's not a comprehensive update for the Pro versions?
-
Get ready for some creator cameos now that we've arrived at the camera section of the presentation.
-
Visual Intelligence "is coming to the camera control later this year." Piyush Pratik is here to tell us more about the iPhone 16's cameras. Starting with: Camera control.
-
ChatGPT alert!
-
This also works with third-party apps. You can use visual intelligence and camera control to identify the make of bikes you're looking at or for help with your homework via ChatGPT.
-
Google Lens would like a word for sure.
-
Say you encounter a new restaurant when you're out for a stroll. You can pull out your iPhone 16, point the camera at it, click the control and you'll see information about the store's hours and menu. You can do this with flyers on walls, dogs you pass by and more. Basically, Apple's answer to Google Lens?
-
Apple Visual Intelligence.
-
Now, something "really cool that we created for iPhone 16," Federighi said. It's "visual intelligence" with iPhone 16's new camera control.
-
A gradual roll out isn't likely to appease the folks who were itching to use Apple Intelligence on the new iPhones.
-
None of this is new yet, we heard about a lot of this at WWDC. Like Siri gaining onscreen awareness, for example, so it can respond to queries about what you're looking at. You can also say "send Erica the photos from the barbeque" and Siri will find the relevant images and compose the message to the right recipient. Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update, Federighi said. It's available in US English next month, with localized English in the UK, Australia and more in December. Support for other languages is coming next year, too.
-
Type to Siri.
-
New priority notifications.
-
Hey Siri, can you please be more useful?
-
Siri is also getting an Apple Intelligence upgrade, becoming better at understanding you even when you stumble and correct yourself mid-sentence. Siri can also give you step by step guidance on how to do something on your iPhone. Finally, I don't need to be tech support for my friends and family?
-
I think I speak for all of us when I say we're very ready for a new era for Siri.
-
Apple description can help you easily find an image you're looking for.
-
Apple Intelligence can help you prioritize and focus, making sense of your notifications. We've also seen this over the summer, with people experiencing early versions of these summarized alerts (some of which were hilarious) in the iOS 18 developer beta.
-
I do have a lot of family photos that are difficult and time consuming to search through.
-
AirPods 4 have a refined design and an ANC upgrade option
The price.
Apple's annual iPhone event sure brought the fire on the handset side of things, but the company also announced two new AirPod models to join the ever-growing lineup. There's the standard AirPods 4 and a slightly more high-tech AirPods 4 with ANC.
The biggest news is perhaps the addition of USB-C to the charging cases. This finally brings the AirPods in line with the rest of the world and, most importantly, newer iPhone and iPad releases. The AirPods 4 earbuds should also fit better, thanks to a refined design.
Read the full story: AirPods 4 have a refined design and an ANC upgrade option
-
New writing tools with Apple Intelligence.
-
Next up: your photos on iPhone. Imagine you have a photo you took forever ago. You can type a description in the Photos app, and Apple Intelligence will find it for you. We also heard about this at WWDC, and just a reminder that you'll need a phone that can work with Apple Intelligence to use this feature.
-
I will let this system compose all my messages to my editor. Hi Cherlynn
-
Federighi reminds us of the privacy cloud compute's principles, as well as more carbon neutral efforts in the process. "Apple Intelligence is integrated throughout the system," across many of the apps you use every day. There are four ways Federighi is going over, starting with "express yourself." Writing tools, for example is one of these. You can fix the tone of Slack messages to your boss or proofread your book reviews on Goodreads. You can create new emoji by typing descriptions. Yes, we've been waiting on Genmoji since it was announced at WWDC like the other features he's describing.
-
Alright Apple, tell me how this AI will make my life better.
-
Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President Software Engineering of Apple, discussing Apple Intelligence.
-
Apple making sure to rundown the security features for its AI systems.
-
Apple built models and finetuned them to your everyday experiences and they are aware of your personal context. Federighi reminds us of Private Cloud Compute, which gives users access to more powerful models without compromising their personal information and privacy.
-
Federighi is in San Francisco's Presidio for this part of the video. He's animatedly gesturing, and honestly just quite enjoyable to watch. I lost track of the preamble he was telling us about Apple Intelligence, but he hasn't said anything that's news yet. "Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system at the heart of the iPhone 16 lineup," for example.
-
How the A18 compares to previous Apple chips
-
The A18 will deliver the same performance while using 30 percent less power than the A16 Bionic, and rivals desktop processors, Santhanam said. The GPU performance is up to 40 percent faster in the GPU in iPhone 15, too, and also uses 35 percent less power than the A16 Bionic. Over to Craig Federighi to tell us more about Apple Intelligence.
-
The A18 chip is optimized for Apple Intelligence
-
Santhanam says the company is jumping two generations ahead from A16 Bionic to A18 on the iPhone 16. It features an upgraded neural engine that's up to 2x faster for machine learning. A18's memory subsystem also gets more advanced, and is built using second-generation 3nm technology. A18 also has the latest 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. The CPU is up to 30 percent faster than the CPU in iPhone 15, he adds.
-
I do like the new rear camera arrangement. That bump takes up less space on the back now that the sensors are in line and not diagonal.
-
Now we're getting some Apple Intelligence details. Finally!
-
This control is on the side of the iPhone 16, and you can swipe on it to adjust camera settings. The iPhone 16 is, as usual, powered by Apple Silicon. It'll power some Apple Intelligence features, and Sribalan Santhanam is here to tell us more.
-
It'll be available in 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches in the base and Plus models. Both will have the new customizable Action button on the left side. You can program the Action button so it does different things depending on the time of day. It also has a new "camera control" feature.
-
Action button was among the biggest rumored updates for the regular iPhone.
-
iPhone 16 uses aerospace grade aluminum and has more new colors "ultramarine" "teal" and pink. It is water and dust resistant, and has a new glass-ceramic screen that Drance says is 50 percent tougher than the previous model and twice as strong as "any other smartphone." Its screen can go between 2,000 nits and 1 nit.
-
That new blue-ish purple looks great. And of course it has an Apple-ized name.
-
The iPhone 16 is getting 2 new buttons: the Acton button, and the Camera button, shown here.
-
Apple Watch Series 10 features a much larger screen and a much thinner design
Apple Watch 10
The new Apple Watch is here. A decade after the company revealed its first model, the Apple Watch Series 10 has a bigger screen and thinner design than all its predecessors. The watch also has wider viewing angles and a redesigned speaker. It adds up to the biggest design change since Series 4.
Read the full story: Apple Watch Seris 10 features a much larger screen and a much thinner design
-
We're seeing iPhones with the redesigned Siri's glowing edges on the screen, a new iPhone with rear cameras that are vertically stacked and more. iPhone 16 "raises the bar for what iPhone can do," Cook said, before passing on to Kaiann Drance to tell us more.
-
Cook talks about how amazing he believes iPhones are. "Apple Intelligence will supercharge these experiences and so many more," he said. The next generation of iPhones has been designed for Apple Intelligence, marks the beginning of a new ear "and here it is," he said. A video is again playing.
-
New lineup of AirPods.
-
Tim Cook is back, and it's iPhone time.
-
Features coming to AirPods 2
-
We're getting a rundown of all the AirPods updates. There were a lot! Now, back to Tim.
-
Hearing aid option.
-
Hearing aid feature is really impressive. I know a lot of people who are resisting wearing hearing aids due to various reasons, and this might help those folks warm up to the idea.
-
Having AirPods in for this purpose instead of a hearing aid will go a long way to reduce the stigma of more medical-looking devices. Apple says the hearing profile from the hearing aid feature will be applied to help across all listening modes. FDA clearance is pending, but the company expects to release the tool this fall.
-
Hearing test on iPhone
-
Hearing test for AirPods Pro and iPhone.
-
The third pillar of the hearing health additions for AirPods Pro is a OTC hearing aid feature. This was rumored but we weren't sure if it was ready. Apple says it's coming this fall.
-
Okay I'm excited for this hearing test. I will admit to being among the 80 percent of people who haven't had a hearing test done in the last five years. Recently I played a video on Reddit and discovered maybe I can't hear past the 10,000 frequency range. It scared me. I'm definitely excited to try this test out!
-
Hearing protection coming to AirPods Pro.
-
Once again, Apple says you can use AirPods Pro at loud concerts to help keep you safe. There's a new clinically validated hearing test on iPhone too, keeping you aware of changes in your hearing health.
-
Apple is giving us the details on how hearing loss awareness can help with other health and wellness issues. The new features focus on prevention and awareness. First up is hearing protection across listening modes.
-
Apple AirPods Max new colors
-
AirPods Pro health updates are on tap next. First up is hearing loss tools.
-
AirPods 4 can be pre-ordered today.
-
New colors in black, blue, purple and orange. There's also the update to USB-C, but no mention of H2 chip. AirPods Max stay the same price and will ship on 9/20.
-
People in the Steve Jobs Theater are the most excited for these new colors on the AirPods Max, squealing quietly behind me. I'm hype too, to be honest. That purple one is cute.
-
Wireless charging option.
-
And now we're on to AirPods Max.
-
AirPods 4 will cost $129 and $179 and will be available for preorder today, available September 20.
-
I just have to say that I've hated Conversation Awareness on my AirPods Pro, not because it's ineffective, but because it's a little too eager to change the volume of my music when I'm not even talking. So I usually turn off Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio. I hope it's getting better, though.
-
Lots of AirPods Pro features, including wireless charging, are available on this ANC model.
-
USB-C charging case.
-
ANC is available on a second model, delivering some of the best features of the AirPods Pro without the silicone tip. Transparency mode will be available too, as is Adaptive Audio to adjust to your environment automatically. You can use Conversation Awareness as well.
-
H2 chip in AirPods 4
-
USB-C charging case is smaller and you can expect up to 30 hours of battery life total.
-
AirPods 4
-
There's better bass and clearer highs, with Personalized Spatial Audio, thanks to an updated acoustic architecture. Siri nodding gestures that are coming to the AirPods Pro in iOS 18 are here too, as is improved voice isolation. That second feature is also coming to AirPods Pro.
-
New AirPods 4
-
Apple explains how important the shape of AirPods is, so that the earbuds fit as many people as possible. It analyzed thousands of ear shapes for "the most comfortable AirPods ever" with the H2 chip inside.
-
Pre-order the Apple Watch Ultra 2 today
-
AirPods 4 not 4th gen.
-
Tim Cook says there are updates across the entire lineup, starting with a new generation of "regular" AirPods.
-
Apple Watch Ultra 2.
-
This year, any Apple Watch in any finish "can be carbon neutral," Williams added, reminding us that it's "one more step towards" the company's 2030 goal of carbon neutrality. Cook is back and teasing up AirPods, to some "oohs" and gasps of "Yes!" in the crowd.
-
Here we go with AirPods
-
That's Apple Watch Ultra 2 (and its new Hermes band and face), and we're back to Williams, who's recapping the device's highlights. Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799, is available for pre-order today and ships on September 20.
-
Apple Watch Ultra 2 in new color
-
It has updated bands with matching black titanium hardware, including the new titanium milanese loop. It looks hot, I have to admit. Ng is explaining how the strap was designed, going deep into how the clasp mechanism was made. The titanium milanese loop was designed for scuba divers, but I'm going to try and get one anyway. (I'm sure anyone can get them
-
Ultra 2 available in satin black.
-
Apple loves announcing a design update that's a new finish. This one's slick though!
-
Instead of an Apple Watch Ultra 3, it looks like we're getting a "gorgeous satin black" finish. The "deep dark finish" is "extremely scratch-resistant and durable," Ng says.
-
The Apple Watch Ultra is "the best sports watch for so many activities," Ng says. "This fall, we're excited to bring a stunning new finish to Ultra," he adds. Those rumors of a new color option were true!
-
Supports offline maps.
-
Ng is explaining how Apple Watch Ultra can connect to phones to show data, and help on swims... I'm still not hearing anything new. "Ultra is also perfect for hiking," Ng said. Time for me to plan on going on a hike for work again.
-
It feels like Apple is undermining the series 10 hype by now telling us how much better Ultra is for workouts, especially those in water.
-
Stan Ng, vice president of Apple Watch and Health product marketing, is here to tell us more about sports with the Apple Watch Ultra. I haven't heard a new product name yet though, so I'm not certain there's new hardware.
-
Apple Watch Series 10.
-
Apple Watch Series 10 is available for pre-order today starting at $399 and will be available on September 20th.
-
Apple leading with Watch might be a sign of minimal iPhone updates?
-
Tides app coming to Apple Watch.
-
That's it for the Apple Watch Series 10, and what I'm hearing is I'll need to schedule some "aquatic activities" to better test out this watch soon.
-
It looks like series 10 will be much better equipped for outdoor adventures, especially in water.
-
The redesign of Series 10 makes it better for workouts, Arney said, since it's lighter and has a bigger screen to more easily see workout stats. The workout app will show water temperature during swims now, which will benefit those who go snorkeling. There are some features designed specifically for that activity too, as well as surfing and fishing. The new Tides app will help track times of day for changes to water level, and includes "data for coastlines all over the world."
-
Apple Watch Series 10 depth app
-
Sleep apnea is coming to more than 150 countries later this month. Now, we're moving on to Fitness features on the Apple Watch, and Julz Arney, director of Fitness Technologies, takes over to share more.
-
Apple is making a point to explain how much work went into this.
-
Apple Watch features
-
Sleep apnea was a rumored feature for Apple Watch series 10, but there were just as many rumors it might not be ready yet.
-
She's recapping some of the existing Health-related features on Apple Watch like loud environment warnings, medication reminders and more. She's also reminding us of body-temperature tracking overnight and cycle tracking. With the Series 10, the Apple Watch can help with sleep apnea.
-
Apple Watch Series 10.
-
Williams is running us through other existing Apple Watch features we've seen, like double tap, emergency SOS, fall detection and more. "To improve phone calls" the Series 10 is able to minimize background noise. There's also a new Photos face that uses machine learning to help make your pictures pop. "Intelligence powers many of the features in Health as well" Dr. Sumbul Ahmad Desai, vice president of Apple Health, is here to explain.
-
S10 chip for Apple Watch.
-
A reduction in background noise for using Watch during calls will be a great addition, if the performance meets the description here.
-
Apple Watch Series 10 colors.
-
Titanium Series 10 Apple Watch
-
There are also new color finishes for the Titanium watches, as well as new matching band options. "To complete the metallic look," there's a Reflections face with a shimmering dial and moving second hand to make "Series 10 the most refined expression of Apple Watch yet." It's also a carbon neutral product, Williams adds.
-
I have to revise my statement. Bigger, thinner, lighter: Apple's favorite updates.
-
Aluminum cases weigh up to 10 percent less than the previous generation, Williams said, but there's a new finish: Titanium. This year, grade 5 Titanium replaces Stainless Steel. With this, Series 10 almost 20 percent less than the stainless steel Series 9.
-
The speaker system is 30% smaller.
-
The company was able to combine two layers into one with the new antenna design on the back, helping reduce thickness, while retaining water-resistance. The Series 10 will also have a more efficient charging coil, making it the fastest charging Apple Watch so far.
-
A lot of re-engineering on the inside to make series 10 the thinnest Apple Watch ever.
-
New Apple Watch colors.
-
The jet black case is new this year, and rose gold is also available.
-
"On your wrist, every millimeter and every gram matters." To that end, the Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch ever, 10 percent smaller than the Series 9. Apple had to minimize even more components like the SiP and the speaker system. For the first time, too, you can play media directly through the Series 10's new speakers onboard.
-
Live from today's Apple iPhone 16 event.
-
A new watch face is here to help you remember the Series 10 has a new display. There's also a new color option: Jet black. The case is made from "a durable aluminum alloy and polished." It goes through a 30-step anodization process, which bonds dye at a molecular level, too. There will still be the silver and aluminum case options, too.
-
Rose gold alert!
-
The Series 10 has a brighter screen when viewed on an angle.
-
Live from today's Apple iPhone 16 event.
-
40 percent brighter display will be handy for quick glances at an angle.
-
Under the front crystal is Apple's first ever wide-angle OLED display, Williams said. This lets crystals underneath emit more light. Series 10 therefore is brighter from angles and easier to read when you're not looking at it face on.
-
The newest Apple Watch has a larger display and thinner body.
-
"How easily you can read the screen is crucial," Williams said. Thus the Series 10 has the largest display the company has ever built, and it's even bigger than Watch Ultra. It's also 30 percent larger than before. You can see more lines of text in apps like Mail and News, and make entering your passcode or messages easier.
-
Moving on to Jeff Williams, Chief Operating Officer, to talk about Apple Watch.
-
Bigger and thinner: the updates Apple loves to deliver on new products.
-
Rather, the fluids seem to be moving dramatically. They're not dramatic, I take that back. We're seeing the words Apple Watch Series 10 etched on a watch case. Series 10 is official! It has the biggest display and thinnest design ever, Cook said.
-
I wonder why Apple feels the need to try to convince us every year that Apple Watch is a useful tool. You'd think it's a new product with a similar version of the same pitch.
-
"Today we're building on the advanced technologies pioneered by the Apple Watch," Cook said, and all in a "beautiful new design." Another video is playing, with dramatic fluids dancing about.
-
We're starting with Apple Watch, and Cook says he receives messages from users every day about how the device has greatly impacted their lives. That's a lot of messages in anyone's inbox.
-
Cook recaps Apple Intelligence, which was announced at WWDC in June. Today, "we have exciting announcements to share about Apple Watch and AirPods," he said. As well as the first iPhones designed "from the ground up" for Apple Intelligence and its capabilities.
-
First AI mention. Drink! (water)
-
The video ends with flying drone footage ending up at Tim Cook standing under the rainbow in Apple Park. Today, we're going to talk about Apple Watch, AirPods and iPhone, he said, and the "profound impact they're making in our lives."
-
Looks like once again we're in for a pre-recorded presentation.
-
We're seeing people dancing around, and onscreen words describing people who have had their lives impacted by Apple products. Thyson Halley, for example, uses Live Captions to communicate with his family. Maurice Wright received care after the Apple Watch detected atrial fibrillation.
-
Typical Apple sizzle reel showing how its products are useful in every day life.
-
"Let's get on with the show," Cook said. A video is playing, showing people using iPhones, Apple Watches, FaceTime, Apple Fitness+ and a variety of other Apple products.
-
Tim Cook has taken the stage and is welcoming the crowd, repeatedly saying "Good morning!"
-
The Engadget team is in Slack wondering who the artists behind all this pre-keynote music are. Who do you think? Send your guesses to podcast at engadget dot com. And also tune in to the Engadget Podcast on Thursday mornings at 10:45am ET! On the Engadget YouTube channel! We stream live every week.
-
Cherlynn loves a good venue review.
-
Oh update that I took my own pre-keynote bathroom break and, due to the Apple event being more crowded than usual, did not have my typical zen experience this time. Apple's bathrooms still have the same all-wood doors and individual stalls that are mostly closed off without giant gaps like Google's did. Amenities were sparse in comparison to Google's, though, and there was a line in the ladies room!
-
This is your nine-minute warning that the event is going to start soon, so grab your beverages and empty your bowels!
-
We're seated with about 15 minutes until game time. I'll be curious to see if the rumor of an AirPods Max update from this morning pans out.
-
We're also expecting multiple Apple Watches and two new models of AirPods. Will Apple finally bring active noise cancellation (ANC) to the "regular" earbuds? That's the rumor... well, at least for one of them.
-
Into the breach
Heading down into the Steve Jobs Theater.
Just in from Cherlynn: The crowd of journalists is making its way down into the main area of the Steve Jobs Theater.
-
We'll be heading into the actual Steve Jobs Theater shortly for the keynote, which kicks off at 1pm ET / 10am PT, and I'll definitely be giving everyone a reminder to take a bathroom and snack break.
-
The main attraction at today's event will likely be the iPhone 16 lineup, where we expect at least three new models. To catch up on everything we know right now, consult our event preview right here.
-
For all the videos and photos from Apple's It's Glowtime event, make sure to check out Engadget on Instagram (or myself, @Cherlynnstagram if you're in a hurry). I'll soon be evaluating Apple's bathrooms in comparison to Google's, like I did at the Pixel launch event last month.
-
If you're wondering what Billy Steele is good at, so far he's proven himself extremely helpful by preventing me from walking into a tree at Apple Park, while I had my eyes glued to my phone responding to Slacks and posting Instagram Stories. We'll keep Billy around, I guess.
-
I woke up this morning to the news of Apple's new "Observatory" event space, which John Falcone has linked below. I'm definitely keen to check it out — it's already my favorite news out of this year's iPhone event? Arguably the most interesting hardware the company has built in months? (We'll see, though.)
-
Cherlynn and Billy have arrived.
Billy and I are here at the Steve Jobs Theater and have already scoped out the food. Because we have the right priorities. On today's menu, in addition to the usual array of coffee, tea, water and juices, there's an assortment of pastries. There are also some tasty looking "rainbow fruit cups," french toast bites and even zucchini "soyrizo" eggless fritatas for the vegan, gluten free crowd. Quite mindful, I'd say.
-
A new Apple Park structure? Behold 'The Observatory'
We didn't have a new Apple Park structure on our bingo card, but that's what we're seeing online today. Per Dezeen, a British architectural publication, Apple Park now has a new underground structure called "The Observatory." Hop over to Dezeen for the details, as we await confirmation from our on-site team.
Apple Park reportedly has a new area.
-
AirPods Max getting a refresh?
Also per Mark Gurman (who was recently a guest on the Engadget podcast), the AirPods Max may see their first update since first being launched in late 2020.
I expect Apple to launch new AirPods Max headphones tomorrow with better noise cancellation, adaptive audio & USB-C. They'll launch with the low-end AirPods 4. This is line with my reporting for months but runs counter to lack of low inventory in stores. https://t.co/KIJQEwywcp
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 9, 2024
If accurate, it'll be interesting to see if Apple positions this as a truly next-gen product, or just a slight refresh. The company chose the latter path when it moved the AirPods Pro from Lightning to USB-C last year.
-
No Apple Watch Ultra 3 today?
That's the latest from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, per his X/Twitter feed last night.
I don't expect Apple to announce an Apple Watch Ultra 3 tomorrow. Instead, I expect the Ultra 2 sticks around and — finally — gains a black color option. I also wouldn't rule out a delay to the new Watch SE.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 9, 2024
-
If you're able to watch the event live today, check out our detailed guide to help you get all of your ducks in a row before 1PM ET. Pro tip: keep this liveblog open in a separate tab for all of our expert commentary.
-
We're live in Cupertino!
We've arrived in Cupertino and are getting ready to head to Apple Park, where we hear there might be some news today?
Catch up on all the news from Apple's iPhone 16 event!