Apple launches the all-new iPhone 16 series: designed around AI and equipped with the new A18 processor

According to the Zhitong Finance APP, on Monday, September 9th, Apple (AAPL.US) held its most important annual product launch event, unveiling the all-new iPhone 16 series and a range of other new products.

Apple typically does not choose to hold events on Mondays, but this year, several events on Tuesday may have diverted attention from the launch event, including the U.S. presidential debate and the European Commission's ruling on whether Apple needs to pay a $14 billion tax bill.

The theme of this launch event was "It’s Glowtime". The most anticipated new product this year is the iPhone 16 series smartphones. Apple also made significant updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods, and introduced the all-new Apple Intelligence, an upgraded version based on Siri.

This event is significant for Apple. The company is gradually emerging from its longest sales slump in recent years and hopes to inject new vitality into its core business through new products, which account for about 60% of Apple's annual revenue. At the same time, Apple is also increasing efforts to drive consumer spending on its services, which has become an increasingly important source of revenue for the company.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said, "Today, we will discuss Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPhone, and their profound impact on our lives."

Apple unveiled four new iPhone 16 models at the event, namely Pro, Pro Max, Plus, and the base iPhone 16. The new models have been upgraded in terms of hardware and software, with a thinner and lighter design, a new camera button, 8GB of standard memory, an added periscope telephoto lens, and are powered by the A18 or A18 Pro chip.

Through the enhancement of AI technology, Apple hopes the new iPhone will provide users with a more personalized experience and accelerate the replacement cycle for iPhones.

Here is a detailed introduction to Apple's new products:

iPhone 16

The all-new iPhone 16 released by Apple is designed around Apple Intelligence, featuring a vertical camera layout and a larger battery for improved battery life.

The new iPhone is made of aerospace-grade aluminum, with the shell made of 85% recycled materials, offering two sizes: the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus. It features a new camera button, allowing users to quickly adjust camera functions with simple swipe gestures.

The iPhone 16 is powered by the all-new A18 processor, using second-generation 3-nanometer technology, with four efficiency cores, significantly improved performance, running 60% faster than the iPhone 12, and a 40% increase in GPU performance.

In addition, the iPhone 16 also supports satellite communication functions, with Apple expanding more satellite features in the U.S. and Canada, and emergency SOS and satellite positioning functions now extended to 17 countries and regions worldwide

The color options for the iPhone 16 include black, beige, pink, green, and blue, with a starting price of $799. The iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899, while the Chinese version starts at 5999 yuan and the Plus version starts at 6999 yuan. It will be officially launched on September 20th.

iPhone 16 Pro

The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max represent Apple's high-end models, equipped with the A18 Pro chip for enhanced performance and superior display and camera effects. The Pro series models feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, making them the thinnest iPhones from Apple to date.

These models use fifth-generation titanium material, weighing only half as much as stainless steel and being more scratch-resistant. The four color options are white, black, natural, and desert.

The iPhone 16 Pro series offers longer battery life, with the Pro Max having the most powerful battery life in Apple's history. The new models support 4K 120fps video recording, come with a 48-megapixel fusion camera, and feature intelligent noise reduction.

The starting price for the iPhone 16 Pro is $999, while the Pro Max starts at $1199, with both models launching on September 20th. The Chinese version of the Pro starts at 7999 yuan, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at 13999 yuan.

AirPods

Apple has released two new AirPods 4 earphones, with a design similar to the AirPods Pro, using advanced 3D modeling and laser technology for unprecedented comfort. These earphones feature the H2 chip for significantly improved sound quality and personalized spatial audio function to reduce environmental noise effectively.

The AirPods 4 charging case supports a USB-C interface and wireless charging, with a starting price of $129, while the version with active noise cancellation is priced at $179. The Chinese version of AirPods 4 starts at 999 yuan.

Apple Watch Ultra

Apple has introduced the new satin black Apple Watch Ultra 2, which includes a sleep apnea detection feature. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799 and will be available on September 20th Apple Watch Series 10

The all-new Apple Watch Series 10 features the largest display ever in Apple history, and is thinner than its predecessors. It comes with faster charging capabilities and advanced health tracking functions, starting at $399, and will be available for sale on September 20th.

This launch event showcased how Apple continues to lead the market through technological innovation. The range of new products undoubtedly will provide users with a superior experience and further solidify Apple's leading position in the tech industry