Technology (DT) – Apple has unveiled its eagerly awaited iPhone 16 series, along with new Apple Watches and AirPods. While the event showcased the innovative “Apple Intelligence” features, the anticipated artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities won’t be available until October.
READ MORE : Apple Event Live Updates: iPhone 16 News as It Unfolds
The iPhone 16 series, set for release on September 20, introduces cutting-edge technology, but the initial models will not include the full suite of AI tools. These advanced AI features will be introduced through a software update next month. According to software chief Craig Federighi, the initial AI capabilities are just the start, with more advanced functionalities expected to be rolled out over the coming months.
Apple’s Share Price Drops During iPhone Launch Event
The annual September iPhone launch is typically one of Apple’s most important events, expected to boost sales in the final quarter. However, this year’s AI-focused announcements failed to excite investors, as many of the new features were already unveiled during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) in May, when “Apple Intelligence” was first introduced.
As a result, Apple’s shares fell by 1.5% during the event but managed to recover by the end of Monday’s trading. It’s important to note that iPhone launches often come with few surprises for investors, given the advance details shared at WWDC.
Apple Intelligence at the Core of the New iPhone 16 Series
CEO Tim Cook announced that the iPhone 16 series was engineered from the ground up to integrate “Apple Intelligence.” The new models feature a customizable action button and a dedicated camera control button for quick access. They are powered by the A18 chip, designed specifically to support advanced generative AI capabilities.
The premium iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models come equipped with the advanced A18 Pro chip, which offers a 17% boost in system memory bandwidth and improved efficiency compared to the standard A18 chip. These Pro models also feature larger displays with thinner bezels and a titanium frame that is nearly half the weight of stainless steel and more resistant to scratches.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 series will begin this Friday, with the official release set for September 20. Pricing starts at $799 for the iPhone 16, $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro, and $1,999 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Previously, Apple introduced “Apple Intelligence,” which includes an upgraded AI-powered Siri. This new version, driven by a Large Language Model (LLM) and integrated with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, offers enhanced contextual awareness and improved app interactions. These features will be visually indicated by a pulsating light on the side of the screen. However, they will not be fully available until October, with further updates expected in the following months.
There are concerns about whether the iPhone 16 series will significantly boost sales in the final quarter due to the delayed rollout of its AI features. Since iPhone sales constitute nearly half of Apple’s revenue, the impact of “Apple Intelligence” on the company’s growth is anticipated to be substantial. Apple will report its September quarter earnings at the end of October or early November, but the effects of the new iPhone sales may not be fully reflected in these results.
New Apple Watch and AirPods introduce enhanced health features
The new Apple Watch Series 10 will feature advanced health capabilities, including the ability to detect sleep apnea, a condition affecting over one billion people globally, according to Apple. Alongside this, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which boasts improved functionality for sports enthusiasts, featuring “the most accurate GPS in a sports watch.”
Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 have been marketed with “incredible health capabilities,” including a clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing aid function. Apple announced that these health features are expected to receive FDA approval soon. The new AirPods 4 and AirPods Max, both powered by H2 chips, also come with a USB-C compatible charging case.
