Inside Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ 2024 Event: New iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 Announced

A look at New Apple Products 2024, including the New iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4

Inside Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ 2024 Event: New iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 Announced
Apple just held its annual iPhone launch event and here are all the products it announced. Source: Apple.

Apple’s It’s Glowtime event, held on September 9, 2024, wowed tech enthusiasts and loyal fans alike with exciting new product launches and updates. From the iPhone 16 series with AI-powered features to an environmentally conscious Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4, Apple’s focus on enhancing performance, design, and sustainability is evident. In this article, we take a deep dive into all the announcements and innovations made in the September 9 Apple event.

New iPhone 16 Series: Smarter, Bigger, Better

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: Fresh Design and Powerful Upgrades

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus usher in a new era for Apple’s standard smartphones, blending sleek designs with advanced technology. Both models feature a refreshed look, and vibrant new colors while maintaining the same screen sizes—6.1 inches for the iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches for the Plus— which are immersive for media consumption and gaming.

The new iPhone 16 | Inside Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ 2024 Event: New iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 Announced | Mania Tech
The new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come with a redesigned pill-shaped camera, which apple says will improve the phone's ability to capture spatial media. Source: Apple.

Under the hood, the devices are powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, built on a 3nm process, which delivers enhanced performance and energy efficiency. This chip enables advanced AI capabilities, supporting Apple Intelligence, a suite of generative AI features that significantly enhance how users interact with their phones.

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One of the most exciting features coming to iPhone 16 is the Camera Control button, which allows users to quickly capture photos and videos. This new tactile button is similar to a shutter button on professional cameras. It responds to different levels of pressure, enabling previews with light taps and full captures with harder presses. It’s not just for snapping photos — Apple Intelligence allows users to perform real-time visual searches using the camera, identifying objects, landmarks, and more.

The new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Series | New iPhone 16 Series: Smarter, Bigger, Better | New Apple Products 2024 | Mania Gadgets
The new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Series allows photographer to launch the camera quickly and capture shots, with the ability to preview. The button is touch sensitive and acts as a shutter button on a hard press. Source: Apple.

Another feature that makes the iPhone 16 stand out is the Action Button, inherited from the iPhone 15 Pro. This customizable button allows for personalized shortcuts to launch apps, control settings, or even trigger different modes without unlocking the phone.

Battery life sees improvements thanks to the A18 chip, offering longer usage on a single charge, even with demanding tasks. Water and dust resistance remain standard, and Wi-Fi 7 support ensures faster wireless speeds.

What Makes the New iPhone 16 Special?

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus bring fresh updates with a new Camera Control button for easier photo and video adjustments, alongside a redesigned vertical camera bump that enhances spatial video capture for Apple Vision Pro. Available in vibrant new colors like ultramarine, teal, and pink; on top of black and white.

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Powered by the A18 chip, which boosts performance by 30%, the iPhone 16 series is more rugged and durable. Starting at $799, these phones promise enhanced functionality, with future AI integration through Apple Intelligence expected in 2025.


iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: Photography Mastery and Pro-Level Performance

For those seeking the ultimate smartphone experience, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are packed with even more impressive features. These models come with larger displays—6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max—both boasting thinner bezels for an edge-to-edge viewing experience.

The A18 Pro chip powers the Pro models, offering next-level performance. With hardware-accelerated ray tracing, also in the base models, mobile gaming reaches console-level quality, while multitasking becomes smoother. For photography enthusiasts, the 48MP camera with zero shutter lag captures stunning images with incredible detail, even in low light.

The Camera Control button on the Pro models offers enhanced functionality, giving users greater control over photography. Coupled with the ability to shoot in Apple ProRAW and ProRes video, the iPhone 16 Pro models turn users into professional content creators.

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max Features | Inside Apple’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ 2024 Event: New iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and Airpods 4 Announced | Tech Updates and News on Mania Africa
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will come with native support for Apple Intelligence via the Camera Control button. Source: Apple.

A new Desert Titanium color gives the Pro models a sleek, modern look, adding to the premium feel. Battery life is also improved, keeping up with the more demanding hardware and features.


Apple Watch Series 10: Celebrating a Decade of Wearable Innovation

Apple’s Watch Series 10 represents the company’s most advanced wearable yet, with major upgrades that enhance both health tracking and usability. The Series 10 marks Apple Watch’s 10th anniversary and showcases a thinner design, brighter display, and expanded health features.

A Brighter, Thinner Design

The Series 10 has been redesigned to be Apple’s thinnest watch yet, while still offering a 40% brighter display than its predecessor, making it easier to read outdoors. Available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, it provides a larger screen for interacting with apps, notifications, and more.

The Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Series 10: Celebrating a Decade of Wearable Innovation | Mania Tech
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes with a bigger, brighter display and support for Sleep Apnea Detection. Source: Apple.

Sleep Apnea Detection

A standout feature of the Series 10 is its ability to detect sleep apnea, using the watch’s accelerometer to monitor breathing disturbances throughout the night. This feature will also be available on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9, bringing critical health tracking to a broader audience.

Apple has also made the Series 10 available in carbon-neutral versions when paired with specific bands like the Sport Loop or Braided Solo Loop, in line with the company’s ongoing push for environmental sustainability.


Apple Watch Ultra 2 Upgrades: A New Color and Health Enhancements

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retains its rugged, outdoor-focused design but introduces a sophisticated new Black Titanium finish, giving users more style options.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has been upgraded | Apple Watch Ultra 2 Upgrades: A New Color and Health Enhancements | Mania Gadgets: Gadget Reviews on Mania Africa
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has been upgraded and will now support Sleep Apnea Detection and come in a new Black Titanium finish. Source: Apple.

Enhanced Display and Health Features

The 3000-nit display makes the Ultra 2 one of the brightest smartwatches available, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Like the Series 10, it now supports sleep apnea detection, ensuring users can monitor their health even during outdoor adventures. New Milanese Ultra bands were also introduced to complement the Ultra 2’s premium design.


AirPods 4: Noise Cancellation and Better Audio for All

Apple didn’t forget about its audio lineup. The AirPods 4 received two new models, making premium features accessible to more users.

Two Versions, One Goal: Better Sound

The AirPods 4 come in two versions: a base model priced at $129 and a higher-end version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) priced at $179. The ANC model marks the first time Apple has brought noise-canceling technology to its entry-level AirPods, making it a game-changer for commuters, travelers, or anyone in noisy environments. Both versions also include USB-C charging and an updated Find My feature. The ANC Airpods 4 comes with a built-in speaker for locating the case.

The new Apple AirPods 4 will come in two versions | AirPods 4: Noise Cancellation and Better Audio for All | Mania Gadgets
The new Apple AirPods 4 will come in two versions, with the more expensive one featuring active noise cancellation. Source: Apple.

The Transparency Mode allows users to hear the world around them while still listening to their music or taking calls, and Adaptive Audio adjusts noise-cancellation levels based on the environment.


AirPods Max Upgrade: New Colors and USB-C

While the AirPods Max didn’t get a major redesign, Apple introduced several new colors—Midnight, Starlight, Orange, and Purple—to spice up the lineup. The shift to USB-C for charging brings the Max in line with Apple’s other products.


MagSafe Gets Faster: 25W Wireless Charging

Apple also unveiled a new 25W MagSafe charger, offering faster wireless charging for the iPhone 16 models. This makes Apple’s wireless charging solution one of the fastest in the market, surpassing competitors like Samsung and Google. The charger is compatible with all MagSafe-enabled devices, but iPhone 16 users will benefit most from the faster charging speeds.


iOS 18: Smarter, More Customizable, and AI-Driven

Apple’s iOS 18, which will officially launch on September 16, 2024, brings a host of exciting new features to the iPhone experience. With an emphasis on Apple Intelligence, iOS 18 introduces smarter AI features that enhance customization and day-to-day use.

Visual Intelligence: The Power of AI in Your Pocket

One of the most significant updates is Visual Intelligence, part of the broader Apple Intelligence suite. Visual Intelligence enables users to point their camera at any object, text, or landmark and instantly learn about it using AI. This feature is deeply integrated with the Camera Control button, making it more intuitive to capture and interact with the world around you.

iOS 18 Features | iOS 18: Smarter, More Customizable, and AI-Driven | Mania Tech
iOS 18, which is dropping next week on the 16th, is slated to bring a visual redesign and also integration for new AI features on the iPhone 16 lineup. Source: Apple.

Customizable Home Screen and Control Center

iOS 18 also brings more customization options to the home screen and lock screen. Users can rearrange widgets, apps, and icons freely, allowing for a more personalized iPhone experience. The Control Center has also been redesigned; to offer quicker access to key functions and settings.


AirPods Pro 2: Enhanced Hearing and Health Features

The AirPods Pro 2 are also getting a significant update. Later this year, Apple will introduce new hearing health features, turning the Pro 2 into clinical-grade hearing aids for users with mild to moderate hearing loss.

The AirPods Pro 2 now support new hearing features | AirPods Pro 2: Enhanced Hearing and Health Features | Mania Gadgets
The AirPods Pro 2 now support new health features where users with hearing problems can use it as a hearing aid. Source: Apple.

A five-minute hearing test feature will allow users to assess their hearing and share the results with their healthcare providers via the Health app. Other updates include hearing protection, which adjusts volume to prevent hearing damage in noisy environments.

Watch Apple's September 8, 2024 event below. Source: Apple/YT.

Apple's Focus: Innovation and Sustainability

Apple’s It’s Glowtime event demonstrated the company’s commitment to innovation across multiple product lines, from smartphones to wearables and beyond. The iPhone 16 series represents a leap forward in mobile technology, with AI-powered features that make it more than just a phone. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 enhance health tracking while staying true to Apple’s sustainability goals. Meanwhile, the AirPods 4 and Max updates ensure Apple remains a leader in personal audio.

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All our Technology articles. We look into various upcoming technologies, report on developments in the Tech scene, and feature Tech products we feel encapsulate effective solutions to modern problems.

With a focus on AI, health, and environmental responsibility, Apple is paving the way for a future where technology is not just smarter but more sustainable and personalized. Whether you’re an avid iPhone photographer, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking for better sound on the go, Apple’s latest lineup has something for everyone.

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This article has been written with the help of A.I. for topic research and formulation.