At Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, the company introduced the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, a new color for Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods 4 and a refreshed AirPods Max.
Updates to the iPad and Mac will likely happen at a later October event.
The Apple event was Monday, September 9. The event began at 10 a.m. Pacific time. That’s 1 p.m. in New York, 6 p.m. in London, 10:30 p.m. in India and 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Brisbane, Australia. (Check our post to see what time the Apple event was in your location.)
The best way to watch the Apple event on your TV is in the Apple TV app. The Apple TV app isn’t just for Apple TV set-top boxes. Any modern smart TV made by Samsung, LG, Vizio, Panasonic, Sony (or any TV running Google TV software) has it built in. You can download the app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PlayStation or Xbox if you have any one of those. Here’s the full list of compatible TVs and game consoles.
What’s an Apple event?
Apple introduces new products and makes its biggest announcements at Apple events.
Since 2020, these take the form of prerecorded videos that are live-streamed on apple.com, YouTube and inside the Apple TV app. Apple selectively invites members of the media, journalists, and YouTubers in-person at Apple Park — Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California — to watch the live-stream and get an early hands-on look at the new products.
The September event is the biggest Apple event of the year. This is when Apple introduces the new iPhone and Apple Watch lineup. New models of AirPods are typically introduced at this event, too. Other products like iPads and Macs have been announced at this time as well, but are not guaranteed — those products are usually introduced in October, November, March or April.
Every Apple event typically has a name that’s a pun or some kind of tease of what to expect. This event came with the tagline “It’s Glowtime.”
What was announced at the “It’s Glowtime” event?
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were the centerpiece of this event. In the last few years, Apple has rolled out four models — an entry level model in two sizes and a pro model in two sizes. That did not change this year.
The biggest change coming to all models of iPhone 16 is a new physical camera control, that sits below the power button on the right side. Pressing the button will open the camera. Sliding your finger over the control will adjust the zoom. You can half-click the button to switch between adjusting different settings like exposure and white balance. Click the button all the way to take a picture; hold it down to record a video.
The camera control also enables a new Apple Intelligence feature exclusive to the iPhone 16 line — Visual Intelligence. By pointing the camera at something, you can look up a business, add an event to your calendar, figure out a dog breed, have ChatGPT explain a concept in your notes, look up a product with Google and more.
The prices did not change this year. The regular iPhone still starts at $799, the iPhone 16 Plus costs $899, the iPhone 16 Pro costs $999 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $1,199. All models come with the same storage capacity.
The devices come in five colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal and Ultramarine.
The camera system saw significant improvement. The main lens was upgraded to a 48 MP Fusion sensor, which can take both high-resolution 1× images and optically crop in on the sensor to take full-resolution 24 MP 2× images. It’s like having a virtual zoom lens. The ultra wide lens was also boosted to a 48 MP sensor, letting in up to 2.6× more light and enabling high-quality macro photography. The lenses are rearranged, so that when the phone is held horizontally, it can capture Spatial Video for Vision Pro. It also captures Spatial Audio, making these videos even more lifelike and immersive.
The Action button that debuted in the two 2023 iPhone 15 Pro models now comes to the entry-level iPhone 16 models, replacing the Mute switch.
A boost to the MagSafe specification means it charges faster — up to 50% in 30 minutes. New MagSafe chargers can be powered up to 25W.
The iPhone 16 is built using a bespoke A18 chip, built on TSMC’s second-generation three nanometer process. The processor and RAM upgrades are clearly about ensuring top performance when running Apple Intelligence— the company’s upcoming (mostly) on-device AI features.
The added efficiency also leads to longer battery life.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
From left, black, natural, white and the all-new desert titanium are your iPhone 16 Pro model color choices.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max get slimmer bezels around the display, allowing for the screen sizes to grow to 6.3 and 6.9 inches each in roughly the same physical dimensions.
Three of the colors are carried over from last year: Black Titanium, Natural Titanium and White Titanium. The new color replacing Blue Titanium is a shade of gold, Desert Titanium.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max get the same 48 MP upgrades to the ultra-wide lens. Fans of the smaller Pro phone can rejoice — the 5x tetraprism lens of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is coming to the smaller size, so both will have a powerful optical zoom.
A big boost in computational photography enables some powerful new camera features. The camera can now capture 4K video at 120 fps in Dolby Vision or in slo-mo. Playback speed can be adjusted after the video is captured as well.
Additional microphones can capture Spatial Audio. This means you can adjust the mix of dialogue to background noise after the video has been taken.
New Photographic Styles can change the color balance and color filters after the photo has been taken as well.
The A18 Pro chip of the iPhone, also made with TSMC’s latest fabrication process, enables much greater performance and efficiency. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the greatest battery life of any iPhone.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 10 lineup of colors and bands.
New models of Apple Watch are typically introduced alongside the iPhone in September. The Apple Watch lineup includes the low-cost Apple Watch SE, the mid-range Apple Watch and the big and hardy Apple Watch Ultra.
The mid-range Apple Watch received the only substantial update. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 did not receive a hardware update, only a new black finish. The Apple Watch SE was not updated, despite speculation.
A cloud hanging over this product introduction is a patent dispute between Apple and medical technology company Masimo. Apple lost a patent lawsuit and has been forced to disable blood oxygen features on the current Series 9 and Ultra 2 models since January 28, 2024. These new models continue to be sold with these features disabled.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Series 10 is noticeably larger than Series 6.
Apple Watch Series 10 has a larger and thinner design. The new models are 42 mm and 46 mm, compared to 41mm and 45mm on Series 9. Bigger displays mean the larger Apple Watch Series 10 actually has a slightly larger display than that of the Apple Watch Ultra.
The next big health feature of the Apple Watch is sleep apnea detection. Over 80% of sleep apnea cases are undiagnosed; the Apple Watch will check every 30 days whether you show signs of sleep apnea based on your sleep patterns.
The models come in new finishes and materials. The aluminum models come in Silver, Rose Gold and the return of polished shiny Jet Black. The stainless steel models have been upgraded to titanium for lighter weight. It comes in Slate, Gold and Natural polished titanium.
The larger speakers can now play audio like music and podcasts from the Watch itself, without connected Bluetooth headphones.
The Depth app comes to the regular Series 10 models, allowing you to track water temperature and depth for swimming and snorkeling. A new Tides app lets you track the waves along a coast.
The prices are unchanged. The aluminum models start at $399 and $429, depending on size. The titanium models start at $699 and $749 depending on size. Additional options are available if you want a metal band in the box and cellular connectivity. Additional configurations with more bands are available to order as 100% carbon neutral.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Detail of the Apple Watch Ultra in the new Satin Black finish.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 did not receive a new hardware revision, which was expected to be called Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Instead, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now available in a new Satin Black finish. The launch of this new color comes with a new Apple Watch Ultra band, the Titanium Milanese Loop. Other Apple Watch Ultra bands, the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop and Ocean Band, have new matching black colors.
AirPods
The current AirPods lineup consists of the two new fourth-generation AirPods, high-end AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods Max over-the-ear headphones.
AirPods (4th generation)
AirPods 4 features.
AirPods 4 replaces the two previous-generation models in Apple’s lineup with two new models.
Both models get a sleeker design, inspired by AirPods Pro, with force-sensitive stems for play/pause/Siri/audio controls. A new speaker design gives richer bass.
Internally, they’re powered by the new H2 chip, powering new voice isolation for clearer phone call quality. You can also respond to Siri using yes/no head nodding gestures.
The higher-end models come with Active Noise Cancellation, enabling a bunch of intelligent features borrowed from AirPods Pro 2. Adaptive Audio combines Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation, depending on the situation — like if you walk from a busy city street to a quiet café. Conversation Awareness boosts volume from people talking to you, so you can carry a conversation without pausing your music.
The high-end AirPods comes with a charging case with a built-in speaker and support for wireless charging. Both models switch from Lightning to USB-C.
Prices remain the same as current offerings — $129 for the basic buds and $179 for the models with noise cancellation.
AirPods Max (2nd generation)
AirPods Max come in five new colors: starlight, orange, purple, blue and midnight.
Changes to Apple’s premium over-the-ear headphones aren’t major. The headphones were not given a new H2 chip to power similar advanced noise cancellation features, so it still lacks Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness.
Instead, it comes in a new selection of colors and now comes with a USB-C port instead of Lightning.
AirPods Pro 2 hearing aids
While AirPods Pro 2 did not receive new hardware at this event, they get a big software update enabling them to work as clinically-approved hearing aids — pending FDA approval. You will also be able to take a hearing test from inside the Health app to check your hearing ability.
What wasn’t announced?
Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)
A new Apple Watch SE 3 was rumored to come. Speculation suggested this model would come in a range of colorful plastic casings, possibly lowering the price. While this model did not debut at this event, it could still come in the future.
It’s been suggested that screen size options could rise to 41mm and 45mm, up from 40mm and 44mm. More health sensors could join the heart-rate sensor, too.
The Apple Watch SE 3 may come in at an even-lower price, like $229 or $199.
iPad
New iPads are rumored to be in the works. A new 11-generation iPad and 7th-generation iPad mini will likely bring new, faster processors, support for Apple Intelligence and support for the new USB-C Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro.
These models are likely to arrive in October. The iPad Pro and iPad Air were updated earlier this year and are unlikely to be updated until late next year.
Mac
Every Mac is rumored to be updated to the latest M4 generation of chips within the next year.
The MacBook Pro will receive a spec bump to the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
Both of these Macs are expected to be introduced in October.
Apple TV
The Apple TV is due for an update at some point. The next model will likely be updated with an A18 chip. Updates to this product are rarely leaked in advance, so it’s hard to know when it will be announced.
Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on It's Glowtime event:
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re basking in the afterglow of Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event. Time to discuss what we like most (and least) about the new iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4 and more.
Also on The CultCast:
That black titanium Apple Watch Ultra looks tempting. The barely upgraded AirPods Max? Not so much.
Which new Apple products do we plan to order? The choices seem tougher this time than usual.
And finally … the results of our “It’s Glowtime” event predictions. We have a winner! (Two, actually.).
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Is it time to buy new AirPods? Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is it time for you to upgrade and buy the new AirPods 4? The fourth-generation AirPods boast advanced noise cancellation features previously only available on AirPods Pro 2. Meanwhile, the refreshed AirPods Max swap out the legacy Lightning port for USB-C and bring new color options.
Now that the new headphones are available to preorder, you might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade. That depends on what AirPods model you own. I put together a buying guide and a video to help you decide.
Is it time to buy a new iPhone? Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is it time for you to upgrade and buy the new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro? Both models bring significant improvements to the cameras and will support all the Apple Intelligence features. The Pro phones have bigger, brighter displays and the longest battery life ever.
With the products available to preorder on Friday morning, you might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade. That depends on what devices you have, so I put together a buying guide with charts and a video to help you decide.
Watch the event in just 90 seconds. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
At Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, fourth-generation AirPods and more. It was a big event — and some people complained about the length.
The beautiful city of San Francisco shone as the backdrop to Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event. Photo: Apple
While getting blitzed by an avalanche of mind-numbing specs during Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, I kept marveling at how good San Francisco looked. The beautiful City by the Bay provided the backdrop to Monday’s event, with many of the presenters standing in front of gorgeous San Francisco landmarks.
San Francisco is my hometown (I’ve lived here nearly 30 years now), and it’s been getting beat up by stories about urban decay in recent years. But it’s still one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and it looked great during Apple’s live stream. Here’s a quick rundown of all the eye-popping SF locations.
A new MagSafe charging puck from Apple is much faster than its predecessor. Photo: Apple
Apple improved MagSafe wireless charging in the new iPhone 16 models by increasing the maximum charging capacity. It’s a considerable jump: the handsets can charge up to 66% faster.
Wireless charging is now as fast as plugging in a cable…with the right equipment.
Hey, look at that: Now Beats is making iPhone 16 cases! Photo: Beats
You know what else comes along whenever Cupertino busts out a new set of handsets like the new iPhone 16 lineup? New iPhone cases and accessories. The company trotted some out at its “It’s Glowtime” event Monday, and in a surprise move, so did its audio subsidiary Beats.
But neither appeared to include a replacement material for the much-maligned FineWoven leather alternative that came out with iPhone 15 cases. Apple’s new cases are clear and silicone models. Beats’ cases feature a hard polycarbonate back and flexible sides.
We're still waiting for some much-anticipated Apple products. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event wrapped up Monday with several upcoming products not even having been mentioned, much less launched. Some of these were not expected to debut, like new Macs and iPads, but others were supposed to be on the agenda, like a new Apple Watch SE.
Here’s what to look forward to at an October Apple event, plus the products that’ll likely come even later.
The Camera Control button on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro gives you instant access to your camera AND camera settings Photo: Apple
The new Camera Control on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models provides instantaneous camera access and other advanced features. With it, you can launch the Camera app, zoom in and out of your shot, initiate an AI-powered visual search and more — all with a simple tap, click or slide on the new capacitive button.
AirPods Max come in five new colors: starlight, orange, purple, blue and midnight. Photo: Apple
Apple breezed through a few long-overdue updates to the AirPods Max during Monday’s “It’s Glowtime” event. The minor updates include new colors for Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, tweaks to their active noise cancellation feature and the removal of the Lightning port in favor of USB-C.
Visual Intelligence is a new Apple Intelligence feature that lets you get information on things around you, add events to your calendar from a poster, look up products and more. The iPhone 16 lineup’s new Camera Control feature, makes this powerful functionality instantly available at the press of a button.
The new jet black polished aluminum Apple Watch Series 10 looks perfect for Darth Vader cosplay. Photo: Apple
The all-new Apple Watch Series 10 is the slimmest Apple Watch yet. With a bigger screen, longer battery life, improved water resistance, and a titanium finish upgrade, it’s now a serious alternative to Apple Watch Ultra. But despite all these sporty new features, Apple Watch Series 10 looks more refined than ever, with an elegant new polished aluminum look.
“It’s the thinnest Apple Watch ever, with our largest and most advanced display in a sleek, lightweight, all-metal case that comes in gorgeous new finishes of aluminum and polished titanium,” said Apple COO Jeff Williams during Monday’s taped “It’s Glowtime” event. “The design of Series 10 is truly a milestone of watchmaking.”
Your AirPods Pro can help with mild to moderate hearing loss. Screenshot: Apple
AirPods Pro 2 will soon go beyond providing music and podcasts as the wireless earbuds become genuine medical-grade hearing aids.
“We’re adding this groundbreaking capability to help more than 1 billion people living with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said Sumbul Desai, MD, Vice President of Health at Apple.
Apple said iPhone 16 Pro models are the most advanced iPhones ever made (which it says every year, naturally). Photo: Apple
The new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max handsets boast size increases, thinner bezels for larger screens, a leap in battery life and new features, including impressive camera and audio upgrades. And on top of that, the new A18 Pro chip brings enough raw processing power to handle resource-intensive Apple Intelligence functions, Apple said Monday at the “It’s Glowtime” event.
“iPhone 16 Pro has a stunning new design with innovations inside and out. It starts with a big improvement to the gorgeous pro displays,” said Greg “Joz” Joswiak, Apple senior VP of Worldwide Marketing. “They’re even larger at 6.3 inches on iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches an iPhone 16 Pro Max for the largest iPhone display ever, helping you see more and do more. These are by far our best iPhone displays ever.”
And they’re the best iPhones ever, which Apple CEO Tim Cook was sure to mention, as he always does.
iPhone 16 features an iPhone X-like design. Photo: Apple
Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus on Monday. The new iPhones feature an iPhone X-like rear camera design and upgraded internals for Apple Intelligence support.
“iPhone 16 celebrates color in an unparalleled way. We evolved the process of developing our unique and durable color back glass to create new rich colors,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s VP of iPhone marketing, during the “It’s Glowtime” event.
AirPods 4 are more advanced, and borrow much from AirPods 4. Image: Apple
New fourth-generation AirPods are the latest models of Apple’s popular wireless earbuds. Two new AirPods 4 models bring advanced new features to the lower end of Apple’s lineup.
Both models of AirPods 4 feature personalized spatial audio for music and gaming. The charging case also moves to USB-C for easier charging, while delivering over 30 hours of battery life. The higher-end models add active noise cancellation, with Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio and Conversational Awareness.
You can preorder both new models today, with deliveries on September 20. The entry-level AirPods start at $129, with the higher-end models priced at $179.
This pristine version of a FineWoven case doesn't show any of the scratches and stains users complained about. Photo: Apple
A prominent leaker with a fair-to-midding record for accuracy claims Apple will ditch its much-maligned FineWoven iPhone cases. Instead, the company will release a new alternative that appears to look like leather — perhaps a vegan or faux variety — at the “It’s Glowtime” event Monday.
If Apple replaces FineWoven iPhone cases with something else, other accessories like Apple Watch bands likely will follow.
The new building features a large, round window in the side of a hill. Photo: Apple
Today’s iPhone 16 launch might make use of a new underground building at Apple Park called The Observatory. This building, adjacent to the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park campus, “will be used for launch events and to showcase the brand’s latest technology,” according to a Deezen exclusive.
The timing of the announcement suggests the building will play a part in today’s “It’s Glowtime” event.
Find out the iPhone 16 event live stream time. Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey
Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” happens on Monday, September 9. If you want to know what time the Apple event starts in your local time, you’ve come to the right place. The iPhone 16 lineup, featuring upgraded internals and new AI features, will be the star of the show.
As always, Apple will stream the Glowtime event so you can catch the company unveil its newest products live. Here’s what time you need to tune in to watch Apple’s live stream.
You'll have to wait for "It's Glowtime" event to access Apple's online store. Photo: Apple
Apple’s online store is down ahead of the “It’s Glowtime” event later today. The company should unveil the iPhone 16 lineup and Apple Watch Series X at the scheduled event.
Besides the new hardware, Apple Intelligence should be the star of the show.
But the Apple Watch Ultra lineup could finally get a black titanium shade. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
Apple might not launch the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at its iPhone 16 event Monday. Instead, the company supposedly will simply refresh the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with a new black color option.
The second-gen Apple Watch Ultra packed modest upgrades over its predecessor. But this year, Apple will take an odd approach and not update its Ultra smartwatch at all.
Apple’s iPhone event comes on September 9. Image: Arne Müseler/Wikimedia Commons/Apple
How can you watch Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” iPhone event? You can stream the keynote on YouTube, on the apple.com website or on your smart TV. It starts at 10 a.m. Pacific time on Monday, September 9.
This event is all about the iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple will announce the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, which will bring small tweaks to the design and cameras, with a push in performance for Apple Intelligence. Apple will also announce new models of Apple Watch. The Series 10 models are expected to get larger and thinner, and a new SE model may be redesigned in a colorful plastic case. Two new models of AirPods 4 are also expected to replace the current low-end models. Occasionally, Apple launches new iPads or Macs in September — but they’re expected to be announced later in October.
Here’s how you can watch it all live, whether you’re watching at home or secretly at work.
Who will win the rumor derby this time around? Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event is coming up fast! It’s time for our favorite challenge — matching wits in our Apple event predictions game. Who will win this time?
Also on The CultCast:
Will the iPhone 16 Pro’s new color wow us or make us cringe? We’re on the fence.
The latest rumors about next-gen AirPods have Erfon ready to fork over some cash.
Sounds like the upgraded Mac mini will go all in on USB-C.
And finally, Apple might create a Magic Keyboard for iPad that doesn’t magically empty your wallet.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
iPhone 16 might let you shoot slow-mo videos in 4K resolution. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 Pro can reportedly shoot slow-motion 120fps videos in 4K resolution. The higher frame rate will also come in handy when capturing a lot of motion.
The report also confirms that Apple will upgrade the Ultra Wide camera on the Pro iPhones to a 48MP sensor.
Apple Watch Series 10 could be able to detect a serious sleep problem. Image: concept_central/Cult of Mac
In addition to design changes, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 adds the ability to detect sleep apnea, according to a reliable source. And its heart sensor could be getting an upgrade.
But a legal problem will apparently keep blood oxygen sensing off the new wearable.
