On the 9th, Apple unveiled the latest model of its flagship smartphone, the iPhone16. The company aims to make its new generative AI (artificial intelligence) platform, “Apple Intelligence,” available across all models. CEO Tim Cook revealed at the event that the design emphasizes leveraging the benefits of AI.
However, Apple’s AI technology is still in its early stages. Development delays have pushed back many of the core functionalities of Apple Intelligence, with their realization expected next year, limiting the impact on iPhone sales. At this point, the focus of the functionalities is on summarizing messages and other features.
The iPhone16 and 16 Plus will feature new colors and will come equipped with a customizable action button that was previously available only on higher-end models. Additionally, a “camera control” button will be added to the side of the device, allowing users to launch the camera and access functions like zoom. Apple held the event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, streaming it worldwide.
iPhone16
Source: Bloomberg
Meanwhile, the new “Pro” models feature slightly larger screen sizes and have undergone bezel reduction around the display. They are equipped with the new “A18 Pro” chip with a neural engine, along with stronger camera components and video features that enable high-resolution photography and high-quality slow-motion recording.
Apple is working to catch up in the field of generative AI, where competitors like Google and Microsoft are currently leading. The presentation on this day aimed to assure consumers and Wall Street that the company is sincerely committed to its AI initiatives.
CEO Tim Cook speaking at the event unveiling the iPhone16 and other products
Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
The prices are set at $799 for the iPhone 16, $899 for the 16 Plus, $999 for the 16 Pro, and starting at $1199 for the Pro Max. Pre-orders will begin on September 13, with a planned release on the 20th.
In Japan, pre-orders will be accepted from 9 PM on the 13th, with the release on the 20th. The prices including tax are ¥124,800 for the iPhone 16 and starting from ¥159,800 for the 16 Pro.
During the event, new products for the smartwatch “Apple Watch” were also announced. The display size has increased, and it will feature a sleep apnea detection function. A software update to use the wireless earphones “AirPods” as hearing aids was also revealed.
The “Series 10” of the Apple Watch features a display area that is 30% larger and the case is thinner. Apple explained that the sleep apnea detection function will be available in over 150 regions.
The Series 10 is about 10% thinner than the “Series 9”. A titanium model, which is lighter than the aluminum counterpart, has also been added. The release date is the 20th, with prices starting from $399. A new model of the higher-end “Ultra” was also unveiled, with the same release date and a starting price of $799.
The event also saw the announcement of the latest model of standard AirPods. A mid-range model with noise-cancelling features will be released as well. Noise-cancelling was previously only available on the higher-end AirPods Pro. New colors for AirPods Max were also announced. Although a new model of AirPods Pro was not unveiled, hearing tests and hearing aid functionality are expected to be provided in a software update this fall.
(The reservation and release dates for Japan will be updated in the seventh paragraph)