"Groundbreaking"
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As expected, Apple unveiled the next generation of its best-selling smartphone, the iPhone 16, on Monday evening. It is set to catapult the company into the AI era using "Apple Intelligence" - but not in the EU for the time being, where the devices will be available from September 20, starting at 949 euros. New AirPods and watches were also unveiled.
The new iPhone 16 comes as a basic model with a screen diagonal of 6.1 inches and as a Plus version with 6.7 inches in the new colors "ultramarine", "blue-green" and "pink". In addition to Apple's new A18 processor, which promises a 30 percent increase in performance compared to its predecessor, the A16 Bionic, while also consuming 30 percent less power, Apple has also given the devices a new, customizable action button.
On the one hand, it works in a similar way to photo cameras: light pressure activates the autofocus, pressing it down takes a picture. It also makes it possible to control functions such as zoom with swiping movements.
The camera itself has a resolution of 48 megapixels, but also enables 12 megapixel telephoto shots with 2x magnification through "cropping". In addition, an ultra-wide-angle camera with a resolution of twelve megapixels is also available. The iPhone 16 also has a larger battery, which, in combination with the A18 processor and enhanced energy management, should ensure a "significant improvement" in battery life - although Apple did not provide any further details.
The entry-level price for the iPhone 16, which will be available in stores from September 20, is 949 euros, while the iPhone 16 Plus costs at least 1099 euros (128 gigabytes each).
In addition to the "normal" variants, Apple is also launching two Pro models, the 6.3-inch iPhone Pro and the 6.9-inch Pro Max. Both have a 120 Hz display, the "even faster and more efficient" A18 Pro processor, which promises the "best iPhone battery life ever", as well as an improved camera consisting of main, ultra-wide-angle (48 megapixels each) and five times telephoto optics (twelve megapixels). Filmers can also look forward to 4K recordings with up to 120 frames per second.
The entry-level price for the iPhone 16 Pro is 1199 euros (128 gigabytes) and 1449 euros for the iPhone 16 Pro Max (256 gigabytes).
"Apple Intelligence"
On the software side, the new devices feature the AI called Apple Intelligence, which was unveiled at the WWDC developer conference in June. "We're excited to introduce the first iPhones designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence and its groundbreaking capabilities," said CEO Tim Cook in his introduction.
However, users in the EU will be denied these possibilities for the time being. The company points to legal uncertainties caused by the Digital Media Act (DMA), which sets out rules for large platforms. Above all, Apple is concerned that the DMA requirements for opening up to other manufacturers and service providers could compromise the protection of user data.
However, the AI functions will also be introduced gradually for US users, spread over several software updates. In a first step, the AI functions will be able to recommend replies to emails received by iPhone users, for example. The voice assistant Siri will become more powerful by being able to answer more complex questions and, for example, find a photo that is described to it verbally by the user. It will also be possible to create individual emoji symbols.
Austrian users, on the other hand, can look forward to the SOS satellite emergency call, which was launched last year and is now also being introduced here and in other European countries with iOS 18.
AirPods 4, AirPod Max and AirPods Pro
Apple had previously announced "significant updates to the entire product range" of its AirPods. In addition to a better fit in the ear, the AirPods 4 promise an improved acoustic architecture including spatial audio and head gesture support. For example, calls can be answered by nodding. The earbuds come with a smaller USB-C charging case that promises a total battery life of up to 30 hours and will be available at the same time as the iPhones from September 20, starting at 149 euros. Active noise suppression is available for an extra charge of 199 euros.
USB-C, Spatial Audio and new colors are available for the AirPods Max headphones, whose price remains unchanged at 579 euros. Apple will be updating its AirPods Pro 2 with a hearing test to protect users from hearing loss and a hearing aid function from the fall. Price: 279 euros.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2
Last but not least, the new Watch Series 10 with what Apple calls the "largest and most advanced display ever" was also unveiled. Compared to previous generations of the smartwatch, it is said to offer up to 30 percent more screen area, shine brighter and be easy to read even at a wider viewing angle. At just 9.7 millimetres, the case is still almost ten percent thinner than that of the Series 9, and the manufacturer also promises an improved charging time for the watch powered by its own S10 chip - it should be up to 80 percent charged in 30 minutes.
On the software side, the smartwatch comes with new widgets, a photo dial and sleep apnea detection to warn users of breathing interruptions during sleep - the function will be available in more than 150 countries over the course of the month. Of particular interest to swimmers: the Apple Watch Series 10 also has a new depth gauge and a water temperature display for swimming in swimming pools and open water. The smartwatch will be available from September 20 from 449 euros (GPS only) or 569 euros (with additional LTE). If you want a titanium case, you will pay at least 799 euros.
The new Watch Ultra 2, which Apple is giving a titanium case in addition to new colors and straps, will also be available in stores at the same time. Starting at 899 euros.
This article has been automatically translated,
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