September 17, 2024, 8:38 am | Read time: 9 minutes
The Apple Keynote 2024 is history. On September 9, the company unveiled the iPhone 16, the next Apple Watch, and new AirPods. Although several innovations and practical features were shown, the big highlight did not materialize or did not come to Europe. The TECHBOOK editorial team sums up the event.
On Monday evening, September 9, Apple held its most important event of the year. This is because the manufacturer traditionally presents the next generation of iPhones at the September keynote. In 2024, this will be grouped around the iPhone 16, which will once again be launched on the market in four variants: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. A new Apple Watch was also expected, which was then presented as the Series 10 – an anniversary edition. The rumors about the AirPods 4 also came true. As always, the TECHBOOK editorial team followed the Apple Event 2024 live. The (almost) unanimous opinion is that the new products fell short of expectations.
Overview
Apple Watch 10 is particularly powerful, but important feature is missing
The Apple event was opened by the smartwatch division – Apple presented its 2024 Watch Series 10. As the differences between the 8th and 9th generation were marginal, there was much speculation in advance as to whether Apple would save major adjustments for its anniversary device. And there is a noticeable cut in the design, at least.
Smartwatch is particularly thin and light
The Apple 10 is the company’s thinnest and lightest model to date. This is due to the revised technology and, above all, the material used. Instead of stainless steel as before, titanium and aluminum are now used. It also features the largest Apple Watch display to date, with rounded edges and a high-performance OLED screen.
As usual, the new S10 chip is a little more powerful than its predecessor. Apple has also added or adapted the speakers and microphone. Many will also be pleased with the high charging speed. According to Apple, the Watch 10 reaches 80 percent of its battery capacity in just 30 minutes.
Detect sleep apnea, yes; measure blood pressure, no
The most significant new feature, however, is the detection of sleep apnea. With this condition, breathing stops briefly during sleep, which, among other things, makes sleep less restful. Other health problems can follow. The function was developed with experts and draws findings from a 30-day data collection.
However, many had also hoped that the Apple Watch 10 would finally offer a function for measuring blood pressure. Yet, there was no mention of this at the Apple Event 2024. Other new functions are more likely to come via the watchOS 11 operating system and are therefore not limited to the Watch 10.
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 with many exciting features
As expected in the run-up to the Apple Event 2024, the company also unveiled some exciting new features for the AirPods at this year’s keynote. With the AirPods 4, the company is ushering in the next generation of basic models and distributing some new features, including accepting or rejecting calls with just a nod of the head.
The more expensive of the two variants also has additional options such as ANC or “Adaptive Audio”. And, of course, everything should simply sound better than ever before. However, the AirPods Pro 2 and even the AirPods Max are not completely left out. The latter are getting a USB-C connection and some new colors, while the former are set to benefit from new health features in particular.
More than iPhone 16 The event has officially been announced! Apple could show these products in September
In the live ticker From iPhone 16 to Apple Watch 10 – all the news from the Apple keynote
Due to new product launches Apple could soon remove several devices from its store
The big iPhone 16 innovation is not coming to us
Apple reserved the end of its September 2024 event for the presentation of its stars: the models in the iPhone 16 series. In their presentation, the company focused on two features in particular. The first was Apple Intelligence, which has a range of really practical, AI-supported new functions and possibilities. Apple should be rightly proud of this development, but we in Germany have nothing to gain from it (for the time being?). This is because Apple Intelligence will not be coming to Europe due to requirements relating to the DMA, the Digital Markets Act. This means that we won’t have access to the advertised highlight for the iPhone 16.
“Camera Control” – one button should do the trick
All the more reason to focus on the second major innovation – the new button called “Camera Control.” It is located on the side of the frame of all four new iPhones and is integrated into it. You can both press the button and slide on it to start various camera-oriented functions. This is practical and an added value when using the iPhone. However, Apple has not reinvented the wheel with this button.
In the context of the entire Apple Event 2024, the new features are, therefore, somewhat meager overall. Yes, Apple presented its best smartphone to date with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Yes, with the new A18 Pro chip inside, it is the most powerful processor. But is this surprising? Of course, the latest smartphone and the new chip are more powerful and better than their respective predecessors. It would be strange if that were not the case.
Embellished comparison?
But what about the rest? Are there any other innovations that haven’t been seen before and for which Apple was celebrated at previous presentations? Unfortunately not. It was noticeable at the 2024 event that Apple frequently compared its iPhone 16 series with previous models. Comparisons were made not with the immediate predecessors of the iPhone 15 family but more frequently with the iPhone 14 and even the iPhone 12. For example, the camera has hardly changed in terms of basic models’ features. A comparison with the iPhone 14 is more likely to mask this fact than with the iPhone 15, which has almost the same features. However, Apple’s approach does reveal to close observers that there is a lack of real upgrades.
A new design would be an incentive for many users to switch from earlier to newer products. Apple is at least delivering something here: a newly arranged camera on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. There are also new colors for all four models. Whether that’s enough, everyone has to decide for themselves. Personally, I would have expected more innovation from Apple with regard to the iPhones. Resting on already-known functions and hardware features is not enough for me.