Apple presents the iPhone 16 quartet in Cupertino. Its upcoming AI functions will only be available to a limited extent or not at all in the EU, which is why the devices are particularly interesting in Germany because of their new button features. There are also innovations in the Apple Watch and the Airpods.
Actually, Apple's “new big thing” this year are AI functions, which will be added in an October update. But because the company has problems with EU regulations, the new iPhones with “Apple Intelligence” cannot attract buyers in Germany for the time being. Nevertheless, the 16s are exciting devices, thanks in particular to a new button.
With the new camera arrangement, normal people can record videos for the Vision Pro.
(Photo: kwe)
The button is on the right side under the power switch and is quite clever. Because with it you can not only start the camera directly, which wouldn't be all that special. The button called camera control reacts differently to strong and light pressure. Among other things, you can quickly take a photo and also call up various functions such as aperture size or exposure time. Since the button is also sensitive, it allows you to scroll through the different functions by swiping over them.
In addition, where Apple Intelligence is possible, it is a shortcut to an AI function that allows you to learn information about things you have taken from a photo. These can be buildings, animals or plants, but also posters.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus also received the action button, which was previously reserved for the current Pros. You can use it to quickly access a number of different settings such as focus, translation or shortcuts.
Cameras for Vision Pro
Otherwise, the two normals look very similar to their predecessors. Apart from the new colors, they only differ in the vertical arrangement of their cameras on the back. This makes it possible to record 3D videos for the Apple Vision Pro with these devices.
What you can't see are new microphones that now allow the standard duo to record 3D audio. Users also have the option of bringing voices to the foreground of videos by reducing background noise.
Stronger chip
Finally, in addition to more RAM, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have received a more powerful chip with the A18, which, among other things, enables them to run Apple Intelligence's AI models. Since this is only the case to a very limited extent in Germany, users benefit primarily from the higher efficiency, which, together with a larger battery, helps the devices to run longer. Ultimately, the two standard models should have significantly more robust surfaces than their predecessors.
As before, the cheapest iPhone 16 costs just under 950 euros, for the 16 Max you have to shell out at least around 1100 euros.
Pros with larger displays and better cameras
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have larger displays than their predecessors at 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches. The duo also stands out from the regulars with the even more powerful A18 Pro chip and improved camera sensors.
In combination, 4K videos with 120 frames per second (fps) – even in slow motion – are possible. The playback speed can be adjusted later. If you want a telephoto camera with five times optical magnification, you no longer have to use the Max; the smaller Pro now also has a periscope lens.
The prices for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max start at around 1200 and 1450 euros.
New Airpods with ANC
The stars of the show were clearly the iPhones, but Apple also announced news about its earphones and the Watch. The fourth generation of Airpods not only has a new design, there is now also a version with active noise cancellation and transparency mode. They should also sound better than their predecessors. The new case can be charged inductively and is smaller.
Airpods with ANC are now also available for 200 euros.
(Photo: kwe)
The current Airpods Pro 2 are getting an update that allows users to test their hearing. With an individual profile, it is then possible to use the plugs as a hearing aid or to adjust the sound of music. When there is a lot of noise, the earphones can protect users from harm.
The simple version of the Airpods 4 costs just under 150 euros, with ANC you pay around 200 euros for the earphones.
Watch 10 bigger but thinner
The Apple Watch is celebrating its tenth anniversary by being the Series 10, which has a display that is approximately nine percent larger than its predecessor, but at the same time is thinner and lighter. The tens can also be loaded faster. According to Apple, 15 minutes on the station is enough for up to eight hours of normal use, or eight minutes for up to eight hours of sleep tracking.
The Apple Watch 10 can detect sleep apnea.
(Photo: kwe)
The watch is now able to detect sleep apnea, which is the repeated stopping of breathing during sleep.
The Watch 10 is available with an aluminum and titanium housing, the cheapest model costs around 450 euros. If you want to spend less, you can get the Apple Watch SE for around 250 euros.
