Apple’s Glowtime event has certainly brought about a lot of noise in the tech world. We’ve seen a few familiar upgrades, definitely some big surprises, and some underwhelming “new” features, so read on to cut through the noise and discover just what you need to know.
TL;DR
The iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 have all been announced at Apple’s Glowtime event, along with a lot of info on Apple Intelligence.
| Highlight | Shortfall | |
| iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus | A18 chip offers a 30% faster CPU compared to iPhone 15 | 60Hz display |
| iPhone 16 Pro & iPhone 16 Pro Max | Scratch-resistant titanium build | 8GB RAM, lower than competitors (Pixel 8 Pro with 16GB) |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Sleep apnea detection | Few real updates for the Apple Watch Ultra |
| AirPods 4 | Smaller charging case | Skepticism about the ANC effectiveness without ear tips |
| AirPods Max | USB-C transition | No major hardware updates |
| Apple Intelligence | On-device processing for quicker responses without relying on external servers | Regional restrictions (EU, etc.) on some features at launch |
iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus
The standard iPhone 16 comes in two sizes: 6.1 inches for the regular model and 6.7 inches for the Plus. Both feature Apple’s new A18 chip, which is
“up to 30% faster than the CPU in iPhone 15, and up to 60% faster than the CPU in iPhone 12” (Apple Event)
as well as a 48MP camera that’s four times the resolution of the iPhone 14. There’s also the new camera control button and action button through which you can customize functions and shortcut access to frequently used features like the flashlight or calendar.
What’s good:
- Performance boost: The A18 chip is set to be one of the most powerful mobile processors out there. It’s got a solid focus on AI (we’ll get into Apple Intelligence later on), which makes it great for multitasking and high-demand apps.
- Custom buttons: The new buttons offer flexibility for users to personalize the experience.
- Sustainability: 85% of the iPhone 16’s aluminum is recycled, and Apple’s packaging is entirely fiber-based, though critics say this is just a marketing ploy.
What’s missing:
- 60Hz display: Disappointing many, Apple has stuck to the old 60Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 16, while many lower-priced Android phones (even budget models) offer 120Hz.
- USB 3: Still no USB 3 port for faster data transfers. For users handling large media files on a regular basis, this may come as a letdown.
- Camera control button: Testers have reported it as being tricky to use, requiring some learning to get the hang of it.
Competition check:
- Google Pixel 8: Google’s upcoming Pixel models are expected to pack more RAM (16GB vs Apple’s 8GB) and superior AI integration.
- Samsung Galaxy S23: Already offers 120Hz displays even on non-premium models.
iPhone 16 Pro & iPhone 16 Pro Max
If you’re willing to cough up a little more, the iPhone 16 Pro (6.3 inches) and Pro Max (6.9 inches) models are:
“Packed with power, designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike.” (Apple Website)
Both devices use the A18 Pro chip with 16-core neural engines which are designed for heavy AI tasks. That’s great for using Apple Intelligence, but keep in mind this won’t be fully available to all at first. The 48MP Ultra-Wide camera pushes camera quality even further, and Apple added 4K video recording at 120fps. According to TechRadar,
“the 5x zoom and enhanced camera features make it a photographer’s dream”
Yet some Android phones still offer superior image quality at higher zoom levels.
What’s good:
- Titanium build: The new Desert Titanium finish is lighter and more scratch-resistant, replacing the heavier stainless steel.
- Camera upgrades: Apple’s is aiming to break the limits of mobile photography and video, bringing features like spatial audio capture and more efficient image processing through the A18 Pro chip.
- Battery life: Apple claims these have the best battery life of any iPhone. Yet, as critics point out, only real-world use will tell us how true this is.
What’s missing:
- RAM still at 8GB: Apple is known for optimizing its hardware well. Even so, the relatively low RAM compared to competitors (like Google Pixel’s 16GB) raises concerns about how future-proof the device will be for heavy-duty AI tasks in comparison with competitors.
- Difficult-to-use Camera Control: The new camera control button offers a load of features, but some reviewers have been finding it overly sensitive and hard to use.
Competition check:
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Higher RAM and superior integration with Google Lens.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Better zoom capabilities and 200MP sensor, but lacks Apple’s seamless ecosystem integration.
Fun fact
The new iPhones wont include stickers in the box, which some on the web are concerned about.
Apple Intelligence
Let’s now take a look at Apple’s new Apple Intelligence itself. In their own words,
“Apple Intelligence draws on the immense power of our silicon to run multiple generative models on the iPhone in your pocket.” (Apple Event)
Though not exclusively announced in Apple’s Glowtime event, Apple Intelligence with its new AI capabilities are a strong asset for the Apple devices announced. Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing to run generative models directly on the iPhone itself, which promises more efficient workflows without relying on external servers.
What’s good:
- On-device automation: For quicker responses and improved privacy, tasks are actually processed on the device itself.
- Personalized assistance: Apple Intelligence integrates with apps like Mail and Calendar.
- Siri improvements: Siri’s language processing has, necessarily, been upgraded, which is especially important for understanding natural language.
What’s missing:
- Regional availability: This is a biggie… Some Apple Intelligence features, such as generative models, will suffer regional restrictions (e.g., in the EU) at launch due to regulatory hurdles which Apple has not overcome. This will affect a very high number of users.
- Still in beta: Key features are expected to roll out gradually, with full functionality only becoming available later in the year.
Competition check:
- Google Assistant: Google already counts on a more mature AI system, particularly with Google Lens and Assistant, integrating with a wider range of devices.
- Samsung Bixby: Samsung’s AI assistant lags behind Apple and Google but is well-integrated into the Samsung ecosystem, particularly for smart home controls.
Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 has seen a design refresh with thinner bezels, larger screen sizes (42mm and 46mm), and new colors. The S10 chip,
“designed for performance, power efficiency, and intelligence,” (Apple Event)
speeds up operations and offers new health features such as sleep apnea detection as well as a depth gauge – a bit of fun for snorkeling or free diving, but we’d stick to a dive computer for deep-sea diving. Another notable feature is that you can now play music directly from the watch without the need for AirPods.
What’s good:
- Sleep apnea detection: This new feature, from the device’s health sensors, is an addition to Apple’s health-tracking suite.
- Thinner, larger display: Bigger screens and better viewing angles make it easier to interact with apps and notifications.
What’s missing:
- Minimal updates to the Ultra: If you were hoping for big improvements to the Apple Watch Ultra, there’s not much new except for a matte black option.
Competition check:
- Garmin Fenix 7: For serious outdoor enthusiasts, Garmin offers better battery life and rugged features for adventurers, while the Series 10 feels more polished but less robust for extreme conditions.
AirPods 4
The new AirPods 4 come in two versions: one with active noise cancellation (ANC) and one without. Both models are powered by the H2 chip for better sound quality and improved spatial audio. The case is the smallest ever, with USB-C charging and wireless compatibility.
What’s good:
- Smaller design: The more compact charging case is handy for less bulky pockets.
The jury’s out:
- ANC without ear tips: Apple’s bold attempt at ANC without in-ear tips sets it apart, though it’ll be interesting to see how effective this is compared to other earbuds that rely on a tight seal.
What’s missing:
- ANC effectiveness: There’s skepticism around how well the ANC will perform without tips for a good seal, taking into account past issues with other brands’ similar designs.
Competition check:
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Excellent noise cancellation, though reliant on in-ear tips for a more effective seal.
- Sony WF-1000XM5: Industry-leading ANC and a great fit, but pricier.
AirPods Max Update
“We’re excited to introduce beautiful new colors in Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight, along with USB-C, making AirPods Max even more convenient to charge.” (Apple Event)
The new colors and USB-C charging seem to be about all there is for the AirPods Max. There are no major hardware updates here, which is somewhat underwhelming for a product that’s now four years old. In their event, Apple highlighted “Personalized Spatial Audio for music, movies, and games” but this is a software feature from iOS 18 rather than any change to core technology.
What’s good:
- USB-C transition: At long last, Apple is aligning with industry standards.
- New colors: Fresh options, but slightly lackluster as a highlight.
What’s missing:
- No weight reduction in design: Competitors such as Sony and Bose have reduced the weight on their own models while improving sound quality, and some are perplexed that Apple has done so little.
The Bottom Line:
Apple’s latest announcements, including the iPhone 16 Pro, Pro Max, and other devices, bring with them promising innovations to enhance automation, and efficiency. We see the potential they may bring to enhance productivity in the modern remote work environment. The A18 Pro chip powers AI-driven functionalities to help streamline tasks. Features like camera control and 48MP Ultra-Wide cameras are great for creative professionals, though somewhat tricky to use and require some learning.
In terms of automation, Apple’s system-wide AI tools, powered by Apple Intelligence, allow users to optimize daily workflows, such as summarizing text or managing tasks, thereby saving time and increasing efficiency. Keep it mind, though, that it won’t all become available immediately, nor for everybody.
As always, for remote work, Apple’s seamless integration between devices (iPhone, Mac, and iPad) does offer a smooth, connected experience that can boost productivity for professionals who depend on a flexible work setup.
However, when comparing Apple’s devices to competitors, there are a few drawbacks. For instance, Google’s Pixel 8 Pro offers more RAM and AI capabilities, which can handle heavier workloads more efficiently, especially in automation tasks. Similarly, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra offers better zoom capabilities and higher camera resolution, which may appeal to users who require more from their devices.
“Per usual,” as stated by Engadget, “raw specs won’t tell the full story — you’d probably buy an iPhone because you want iOS and an Android phone because you prefer Android.”
We tend to agree. Apple is, as ever, a strong contender, but the right choice will depend on specific business (or personal) needs.
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