Everything Announced at Apple's iPhone 16 Event

Apple’s big September event is airing as I type, with expectations set for it to introduce the world to the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch 10, the AirPods 4, and maybe some Apple Intelligence goodness. I’ll be updating this article live with the latest news throughout the stream, so check back frequently for a breakdown on Apple’s latest mobile tech lineup as it prepares to take on the likes of the Pixel 9 and the next Samsung Galaxy. You can also watch the event live below.

iPhone 16

This is a developing story. More details will be added as they are announced.

Credit: Apple

Apple Watch 10

The Apple Watch is also getting a refresh this year, with the Apple Watch Series X. This year’s watch is slightly larger across available sizes, which means bigger screens, with the largest model even having slightly more screen space than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. 

As someone who prioritizes comfort with my watch, I’m a little concerned about the slightly larger size here, although Apple says the Apple Watch Series X should be thinner to compensate, being 10% less chunky than the Series 9 at 9.7mm. The stainless steel case is also getting swapped out for titanium, which Apple says will let it weigh 20% less.

There’s also a new processor this year, the S10. This should power some machine learning features, including one that’s still being approved by the FDA that will let the watch detect sleep apnea.

Interestingly, the speaker can now play music and podcasts, which should be great if you wear your watch in the shower—it’s still just as waterproof.

The screen is also now a wide-angle OLED, which Apple says is up to 40% brighter when viewed from an angle. And thanks to more efficient power management (Apple promises up to 18 hours of battery life), the always-on screen can now update once per second as opposed to once per minute, which means you’ll be able to see more accurate clocks.

On the software side, fitness users are getting some new swimming apps, for better tracking of depth and tides.

The Apple Watch Series X starts at $399 with pre-orders available now, and will start shipping on September 20.

Premium users will have to wait for a new Apple Watch Ultra, although starting September 20, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will start shipping with a new satin black colorway.

Credit: Apple

AirPods 4

I love me a good pair of noise-canceling earbuds, but until now, you’ve always had to opt for a pair of AirPods Pro to get it. Now, Apple is making active noise cancellation available on its base model, although for a slight upcharge. Plus, your AirPods Pro 2 are about to become hearing aids.

Apple’s new, fourth-generation AirPods come in two varieties, but both have USB-C charging, so you’ll finally be able to use the same chargers you use for everything else with them. More exciting is that the slightly more expensive model will have ANC, which given that it costs $179, means that you’ll save $71 compared to the most recent AirPods Pro ($250). For your trouble, you’ll also get a speaker in your case, which will make it easier to find if you lose it, plus the case will have wireless charging.

You’ll still lose out on some niceties—ANC doesn’t always work well without silicone eartips, which the AirPods 4 still don’t have—but if you’re planning to get a new pair of AirPods, it’s worth waiting until these come out, if only so you’re not getting one of the older 2nd-gen or 3rd-gen models, which these will be replacing.

Models with ANC will also have existing software features developed for the Pro, like conversation awareness.

Speaking of the AirPods Pro, they’re getting some new health features, pending FDA approval. These will include a clinical hearing test and the ability to use the AirPods as “professional grade” hearing aids, which will be tuned based on your hearing test results. Apple expects these features to come sometime in the fall.

What you won’t have to wait for is hearing protection, which aims to help the AirPods Pro slightly mute the noise around you while maintaining its quality.

AirPods Max are also getting a few new colors, plus USB-C, although you’ll have to wait until later for a proper upgrade.

The AirPods 4 cost $129 while the AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation cost $179. Pre-orders are available right now, and shipping starts on September 20. The refreshed AirPods Max will also hit shelves on September 20 as well, with pre-orders available now. They still cost $549.