The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max include support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, according to the technical specifications for the devices.
Wi-Fi 7 was a rumored feature, but the pre-launch rumors that we heard had suggested that the new standard would be limited to the Pro models. That's not the case, with all four iPhones supporting the 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 standard with 2x2 MIMO.
With Wi-Fi 7, the new iPhones can send and receive data over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously for faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 offers peak theoretical download speeds of more than 40Gb/s, 4x more than the prior Wi-Fi 6E standard.
iPhone 16 users should see improved latency and better performance in dense environments with the Wi-Fi 7 standard.
The new iPhone 16 models will be available for pre-order this Friday, and are set to launch on September 20.
The new iPhone 16 Pro models are slightly heavier compared to the iPhone 15 Pro models, according to Apple's tech specs for the devices.
Here are the listed weights for all of the devices:
iPhone 15 Pro: 6.60 ounces (187 grams)
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 7.81 ounces (221 grams)
iPhone 16 Pro: 7.03 ounces (199 grams)
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 7.99 ounces (227 grams)
This means the iPhone 16 Pro is 6% heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 2.5% heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
These increases mean that iPhone 16 Pro models are now nearly as heavily as iPhone 14 Pro models, but the titanium frame on iPhone 16 Pro models should still make the devices feel lighter in the hand if you are upgrading from an iPhone 14 Pro model. If you are upgrading from an iPhone 15 Pro model, expect a bit heavier device.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are equipped with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, which are larger than the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. To learn more about the devices, which are available to pre-order starting Friday, read our coverage of Apple's announcement.
Apple's Beats brand today announced the launch of new iPhone 16 cases that have MagSafe and Camera Control support. This is the first time that Beats has designed iPhone cases, with the company typically focusing on headphones.
The new cases come in four colors that match the standard iPhone 16 colors, including Midnight Black, Summit Stone, Riptide Blue and Sunset Purple.
The Beats cases are made from a hard polycarbonate material with flexible sidewalls to optimize shock absorption, along with a soft microfiber lining to keep the iPhone inside safe from scratches. Apple says that the case is thin, light, and easy to grip.
On the outside of the case, there is a glossy, scratch-resistant coating that adds extra protection. The cases are designed to work with the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models, and they are designed with a sapphire crystal coupled with a conductive layer that can communicate finger movements to the button.
These are MagSafe-compatible cases with built-in magnets that align with the iPhone 16 models for wireless charging purposes. Apple's latest iPhones can charge at up to 25W using new MagSafe chargers.
"We're delighted to introduce the first iPhone case designed by Beats," said Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president of Apple Music and Beats. "Beats has always been synonymous with distinctive style and vibrant colors and our new cases are the perfect way to accessorize the new iPhone 16 lineup."
Apple today discontinued its ill-received FineWoven material, introducing no new cases that use the leather replacement. The company has also removed existing FineWoven iPhone cases for older devices from its website, though FineWoven versions of the MagSafe Wallet and AirTag Key Ring continue to be available.
FineWoven has been heavily criticized for its poor performance in comparison to the former leather cases that Apple used to offer. Apple replaced leather last year in order to be more environmentally friendly, but people quickly found that the FineWoven cases are quick to get dirty and begin to fray.
There is no replacement for the FineWoven material, and Apple does not have leather cases or any kind of equivalent for purchase. For the iPhone 16 lineup, customers can choose a Silicone Case or a Clear Case.
Silicone Cases are available in several new colors like fuchsia, ultramarine, star fruit, and lake green, in sizes that fit each of the new iPhone models.
Apple's Beats brand has also introduced a series of new cases for the iPhone 16 lineup, marking the first time that we've seen iPhone accessories from Beats in some time.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life ever offered in an iPhone with a total of 33 hours during video playback, according to Apple.
This is an increase of four hours over the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which offered 29 hours of battery life during video playback. This is an increase of 14%. On the other hand, The iPhone 16 Pro offers a 27-hour battery life, up from 23 hours on the iPhone 15 Pro, for an increase of 17%.
Apple says this increase has been achieved thanks to larger, optimized batteries, a new internal design, and advanced power management in iOS 18. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max also offer the all-new Camera Control button, the A18 Pro chip, and a new 48-megapixel ultra wide camera. They are available for pre-order on Friday and launch on September 20.
Apple today seeded the release candidate version of macOS 15 Sequoia update to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the eighth beta.
Registered developers can opt-in to the macOS Sequoia beta through the Software Update section of the System Settings app. An Apple ID associated with an Apple Developer account is required to get the beta.
macOS Sequoia includes iPhone Mirroring, which allows you to control your locked iPhone from your Mac. You can open and use iPhone apps, interact with notifications, and drag and drop files between your iPhone and Mac and vice versa.
There are new options for window tiling, and dragging a window to the edge of the display will suggest a tiled location to make it easier to use multiple apps at once. Apple is adding a Passwords app for managing passwords, Safari can summarize websites, surface key information, and Notes has support for live audio transcription and math equations.
All of the Apple Intelligence features coming to iOS 18 will also be available in macOS Sequoia, but Apple does not plan to add these until later in the beta testing process. Apple Intelligence includes Writing Tools for editing, proofreading, and summarizing text in apps, and an Image Playground allows for AI images to be created from prompts.
Custom emoji or "Genmoji" can be created for any situation and used just like emoji, and Siri is getting much smarter. Siri will be able to do more in apps and will better understand requests, especially those made in regard to on-screen content.
Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the eighth betas.
Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggling on the iOS 18/iPadOS 18 Developer Beta setting. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta. The iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 beta track is now separate from the iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 beta track, with the .1 betas adding support for Apple Intelligence on devices that are able to run the features.
iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, a set of AI features that are built deeply into the operating system. Apple Intelligence won't be coming until later in the beta testing process, but it includes features for refining and editing writing, generating images and emoji, and most notably, improving Siri and search. Siri is gaining a better understanding of natural language, improved contextual awareness, and the personal assistant will integrate with ChatGPT to answer more complex queries.
Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads with an M-series chip, but there are a number of other features that are coming. Apple is allowing users to rearrange Home screen apps to have open spaces, plus there's a dark mode for app icons and tinting options.
The Control Center is customizable and third-party developers can add controls for their apps, with the Lock Screen Flashlight and Camera icons able to be replaced or removed. Messages is gaining Rich Communication Services support to improve conversations with Android users, the option to schedule texts to be sent later, new text effects, messages over satellite when there's no cellular, and the option to use any emoji for Tapback responses.
There's a dedicated Passwords app for logins, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes, and there's now an option to lock and hide apps, which means they can't be opened without secondary Face ID or Touch ID authentication even when your phone is unlocked.
Safari has a highlights feature that summarizes articles and surfaces key information on websites, the Photos app interface has been overhauled, and there's a new Tap to Cash feature for privately and securely transferring money using Apple Cash. Other features include equation solving and voice memo transcription in Notes, a game mode for improving game performance, and an option to respond to Siri on AirPods with head gestures.
The new iPhone 16 models that Apple introduced today support upgraded MagSafe charging. With a 30W charger, the iPhones can charge at up to 25W, an improvement over the prior 15W limit.
For the first time, the iPhone 16 models support fast charging over MagSafe. Users can expect up to a 50 percent charge in 30 minutes when using a 30W or higher adapter paired with one of the new MagSafe Chargers. Fast charging is also available with a 20W or higher adapter paired with a standard USB-C cable.
Qi2 wireless charging is supported as well, but that is limited to 15W charging, so iPhone 16 users will get faster charging speeds with official MagSafe chargers.
A 30W power adapter will need to be purchased separately, as Apple does not include power adapters with the purchase of an iPhone anymore. Apple does, however, include a USB-C cable.
The new iPhone 16 models will be available for pre-order starting on Friday, September 13, with a launch to follow on Friday, September 20. There are two new MagSafe chargers in 1-meter and 2-meter sizes.
Apple today seeded the release candidate version of an upcoming watchOS 11 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming a week after the seventh beta was released.
To install the watchOS 11 update, developers need to open the Apple Watch app, go to the Software Update section under "General" in Settings, and toggle on the watchOS 11 Developer Beta. An Apple ID linked to a developer account is required.
Once beta updates have been activated, watchOS 11 can be downloaded under the same Software Update section. To install software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life and it must be placed on an Apple Watch charger.
watchOS 11 introduces a new Vitals app that aggregates health metrics collected during sleep like heart rate and respiratory rate, providing day-to-day health insights to track whether something has changed. There's also a Training Load feature for monitoring the intensity of workouts and how that impacts the body over time.
The Smart Stack has been updated with new widgets and support for Live Activities and Translate, plus it is better able to suggest widgets based on time and daily routine. The Photos watch face includes suggestions for the best images to use, and the Check In safety feature now works with Workouts.
Activity Rings can be customized to change the goals for each day, and there is an option to pause for rest days or when ill without losing an activity streak. Double Tap now works for navigating through apps with one hand, and Apple Maps lets users create their own walking and hiking routes.
Apple today released the release candidate version of an upcoming visionOS 2 update to developers, with the beta coming a week after the ninth beta.
Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app on their device, going to the Software Update Section, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggling on the Developer Beta. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta.
visionOS 2 is able to take the depth information from 2D photos and turn them into 3D photos using advanced machine learning. Apple says that the feature is meant to add depth to photos to make memories more immersive.
There are new hand gestures for activating the Home View and Control Center, and the Home View is also now customizable with apps able to be rearranged. Travel Mode now includes support for trains, and Guest User profiles are now saved for 30 days so guests don't have to do the setup process every time they try out the headset.
Later in the year, Mac Virtual Display will support higher resolution and larger sized virtual displays, which Apple says will be equivalent to two 4K monitors side by side. With an AirPlay update, the Vision Pro can serve as an AirPlay receiver, so content from the iPhone, iPad, or Mac can be shared to the headset.
The Mindfulness app can track and respond to breathing patterns using the camera for an improved meditation experience, and the Vision Pro supports Bluetooth mice with visionOS 2.
Apple today seeded the release candidate version of the upcoming tvOS 18 refresh to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming a week after the eighth beta came out.
Registered developers are able to download the tvOS 18 update by opting in to the beta through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A registered developer account is required.
tvOS 18 adds an InSight feature to the TV app, and it is able to provide real-time information about actors, music, and more in Apple TV+ shows and music. Enhanced Dialogue has been refined with machine learning and computational audio so it is better able to boost vocal clarity over background noise and music, plus it is now available on built-in TV speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth devices.
Subtitles will now show up automatically when relevant, such as when the TV's volume is muted, a show or movie is rewound, or when the language of a show doesn't match the device language.
Other new features include 21:9 aspect ratio support for projectors, new screen savers and improved controls for swapping screen savers, and support for Live Captions during FaceTime calls through an iPhone or iPad.
The iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18 updates will launch on Monday, September 16, Apple said today during the "It's Glowtime" Apple event.
Apple's operating system updates will come out five days ahead of when the new devices are set to be available on Friday, September 20. The release versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia will not include Apple Intelligence features, with Apple set to introduce the first Apple Intelligence capabilities in an update coming next month.
We are expecting to see final release candidate versions for all of the new software today.
Apple today announced that iOS 18.1 will be released to the public at some point in October. The software update will add the first Apple Intelligence features to the iPhone 15 Pro models and all four new iPhone 16 models.
iOS 18.1 is already available in beta for developers, and it includes Apple Intelligence features such as writing tools for proofreading text, notification summaries, suggested replies in the Messages app, the ability to record and transcribe phone calls, and a new "Clean Up" tool in the Photos app that can quickly remove objects from a photo.
Apple Intelligence will initially be available with device and Siri language set to English only, and the features will have a "beta" label even on the publicly released version of iOS 18.1 that is coming out next month. Apple said support for additional languages, including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish, will be added next year.
Apple today announced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max—its latest flagship smartphones—featuring larger displays, an all-new Camera Control button, and the A18 Pro chip.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display—the biggest iPhone display ever. The borders around the display are the thinnest of any Apple device. The titanium frame now features a new blasted finish and comes in a refreshed selection of color options: a darker Black Titanium, brighter White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and a new Desert Titanium.
The devices are powered by the new A18 Pro chip, made using 2nd-generation 3nm technology. It offers a 16-core Neural Engine with 17% more memory bandwidth, making Apple Intelligence tasks up to 15% faster compared to the previous generation. The 6-core CPU features two performance cores and four efficiency cores, providing 15% faster performance and 20% more efficiency. Additionally, the 6-core GPU is up to 20% faster than the A17 Pro, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting in games. Faster USB-C speeds and twice the data processing for video encoding are also supported.
The iPhone 16 Pro features a new "Fusion" 48-megapixel camera with a 2nd-generation quad-pixel sensor, enabling zero shutter lag for 48-megapixel ProRAW and HEIF photos. The ultra-wide camera has a 48-megapixel quad-pixel sensor with autofocus for the first time, and the 5x tetraprism telephoto camera is now available on both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Apple has overhauled Photographic Styles to allow real-time adjustments to colors and shadows, adapting specific tones in the image. Styles can be personalized more deeply, with new black-and-white and natural options, and can be applied during live previews or after capturing the photo.
The 48-megapixel Fusion camera on the iPhone 16 Pro also supports 4K120 fps video capture in full HDR, which can be used in slo-mo or regular video mode. Playback options include 120, 60, 30, or 24 fps, with intelligent audio treatment for wind noise reduction. The ability to capture spatial audio allows for more immersive recordings, particularly when paired with AirPods or Apple Vision Pro.
The Camera Control is a dedicated, flush sapphire crystal button with haptic feedback dedicated to camera app functions. Clicking the Camera Control launches the camera app. Clicking again takes a picture, while clicking to hold records video. The Camera Control also offers touch gestures, allowing it to distinguish between a click and a lighter press. A light press reveals a new clean preview to help users focus on framing the shot, while a new overlay allows for quick access to camera functions like zoom and switching between lenses. Users can press lightly twice to see other controls and slide to the preferred one. Camera Control will be updated later this year to lock focus and exposure with a half-press.
The Camera Control also gains Visual Intelligence, a new Apple Intelligence feature exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup. Visual Intelligence is invoked by the Camera Control, allowing users to point their iPhone's camera at something and pull up contextual details such as information about a restaurant, as well as take actions like filling out a calendar event.
With improved microphones, the iPhone 16 Pro supports Spatial Audio capture during video recording, for a more immersive experience when using AirPods or Apple Vision Pro. A new Audio Mix feature uses machine learning to identify and separate background audio and speech. For example, "In-Frame Mix" isolates the voice of the person on camera. "Cinematic Mix" handles audio like a movie, with on-screen audio in front and environmental noises in the surroundings. There are also updates coming to the Voice Memos, allowing you to layer a track on top of existing recordings.
Battery life is improved with up to 33 hours on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, enhanced by a new mechanical architecture and advanced power management, with 20% better sustained performance due to improved heat dissipation.
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 for 128GB and $1,199 for iPhone 16 Pro Max for 256GB. They are available for pre-order on Friday and launch on September 20.
Apple today announced the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 and 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus, with a key new feature being the Camera Control on the side of the devices.
As rumored, the Camera Control is positioned below the power button, and you can control various features in the Camera app by pressing or swiping on it. The control sits flush on the iPhone's frame and delivers haptic feedback. Clicking the Camera Control launches the Camera app, and holding it starts a video recording. You can also use the Camera Control to quickly access zoom and other capabilities through a new on-screen overlay.
Other features include the Action button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models last year, a "big boost" in battery life, brighter and more durable screens, Wi-Fi 7 support, and an A18 chip with up to a twice as fast 16-core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence. The devices have color-infused back glass, with vibrant Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black finishes available.
Apple says the A18 chip offers up to 30% faster CPU performance compared to the A16 Bionic chip in the previous-generation iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. The chip supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved graphics rendering in games.
Apple Intelligence is available on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, meaning that the generative AI features will be supported across the entire iPhone 16 lineup, after previously being limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The new Camera Control on the devices will work with a new Visual Intelligence feature that lets you get details about things in your camera's viewfinder, be it a restaurant, a bicycle, a document, or a pet.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have vertically-aligned rear cameras, including a 48-megapixel Main camera that doubles as a 12-megapixel Telephoto camera, and a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera. The vertically-aligned cameras can combine to capture spatial photos and videos for playback on the Apple Vision Pro headset.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899 in the U.S., respectively, with 128GB of base storage. The devices are available to pre-order this Friday, September 13 and launch on Friday, September 20.
Apple today introduced the AirPods 4, which will come in two models: a base model for $129 and a model with Active Noise Cancellation for $179.
AirPods 4 feature a big improvement in sound quality with dynamic head tracking for a more immersive media experience. Both models include the H2 chip and support features like Voice Isolation and Siri Interactions, the latter of which lets users nod or shake their head to respond to Siri announcements.
For more controls, AirPods 4 feature a force sensor on the stem to play or pause media and mute or end phone calls. The case for the AirPods 4 is the smallest case yet on any AirPods model, and it features USB-C charging with up to 30 hours of total battery life.
In regards to the second AirPods 4 model, it features Active Noise Cancellation with upgraded microphones and advanced computational audio helping to reduce environmental noise. This model also has a Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness.
Users can also use an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger to refuel the AirPods 4 charging case on the higher-end model, and it includes a speaker for Find My capabilities.
For both AirPods 4 models, Apple has refined the design of the AirPods to create the most comfortable AirPods ever, resulting in a shape that "naturally fits even more users around the world."
Both AirPods 4 models are available to pre-order now in the United States, and will be available starting September 20.
Apple today announced that the AirPods Max are being updated with a USB-C charging port and new color options, including Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight.
In addition, Apple said the AirPods Max are gaining support for Personalized Spatial Audio with the upcoming iOS 18 software update.
The updated AirPods Max will be available to pre-order for $549 starting today, and the headphones launch on Friday, September 20.
Apple did not announce any other changes for the AirPods Max during its event.
Apple first released the AirPods Max with a Lightning port in December 2020, and the changes announced today are very minor, to the point that Apple does not appear to be referring to the new headphones as AirPods Max 2.
Apple today introduced some updates to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, including a new titanium band and a dark color optiond.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now available in an all-new Satin Black finish, alongside the existing Natural titanium casing. The new black titanium finish is achieved through a custom blasting process, and it features a diamond-like carbon coating that enhances its scratch resistance and durability. The back crystal is made from dark zirconia to match the striking new look.
In addition to the new finish, Apple has introduced a new Titanium Milanese Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra, designed for both water activities and stylish everyday wear. The lightweight, corrosion-resistant band is woven from aerospace-grade titanium, featuring a dual-button parachute-style buckle. It is available in both Natural and Satin Black finishes.
Apple is also extending its collaboration with Hermès to the Apple Watch Ultra, introducing a new Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 2. This edition features a titanium buckle and a specially designed Hermès Maritime watch face. The Hermès Ultra 2 includes a new En Mer band made from high-density textured knit, providing durability for water sports while retaining a premium feel.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with a suite of new features in watchOS 11, including sleep apnea notifications, a Vitals app for key overnight health metrics, and a new Tides app for open water activity tracking. The Action button now offers expanded customization options, allowing users to switch actions with a long press, including options like Voice Memos, Shazam, and Stopwatch.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 2, and the new Titanium Milanese Loop are available for pre-order today, starting at $799, with launch on September 20.
