Apple Tech Launch 2024

The wait is finally over, as the tech community’s most anticipated product launch returns for another year. Since its inception in 2007, the iPhone has been remodeled and upgraded as Apple brings its customers new innovative technology. In the 16th edition of the product launch there are 8 new pieces of technology. These include:

• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• Apple Watch Series 10
• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• Air Pods 4
• Air Pods Max

Apple’s newest gear includes impressive features, but most exciting of them all is their addition to the growing AI space.

Meet Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence, as the name suggests, is Apple’s brand new artifical intelligence system. AI is being released in a Beta version later this year and will be available across a range of devices. The software is built into their most recent releases including the iPhone 16s.

Apple Intelligence was created with productivity in mind; much of the tool’s functions relate to streamlining the use of “writing apps” like Notes, Mail, iMessage and 3rd party apps. AI users can summarise long email or iMessage chains, get prioritised notifications and even create transcripts of phone calls.

Siri has also been optimised for artificial intelligence. Users can access a more personalised Siri experience, as the tool can gather information from across your device to create helpful answers. Beyond this, you can now talk to Siri more naturally. Its language processing abilities have been enhanced, to understand fluid speech. Finally, users can type to converse with Siri, if speaking out loud is not an option.

Beyond its more practical uses, Apple Intelligence has some great creative features. Generate images in Image Wand and Image Playground, videos and even emojis at the touch of a button using Genmoji.

Check out the full description of Apple Intelligence here.

iPhone 16/Plus & iPhone 16 Pro/Max

The iPhone 16 range functions as both a high tech digital camera and mobile phone. Apple has included new camera systems that deviate between models, but allow for extremely high quality photography and videography overall. Devices have a 48mp Fusion camera, studio quality microphones, 4K video capabilities and macro/ultra wide lenses. Next, Pro/Pro Max models are able to capture 3D photos and videos with spatial capture.

An extra button has been added to help utilise the new camera features, as well as streamline every day phone use. The Action Button can be used for silent mode, focus modes, camera, torch, translate and more.

All 16s include vital accessibility and safety features in their iOS 18 software. Users can employ eye-tracking and vocal shortcuts software, for accesssibility purposes. This means people can use their devices with their eyes or with their voice, no touch required.

Simultaneously, the devices detect crashes and call authorities if severe, and can make emergency SOS calls via satellite connection.

Finally, all 16s have Apple Intelligence built in which makes up the bulk of the new specifications. For a more detailed description of all AI features included in the iPhone 16s, visit the iPhone 16 page.

Apple Watch Series 10 & Apple Watch Ultra 2

Both new Apple Watches were created for optimised health tracking and high impact sports. The Series 10 consists of a range of tracking capabilities so users can watch their vitals in real time. Track your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep, respiratory rate and more. The watch acts as a one-lead ECG, so you can listen to your heart and be notified of high, low, and irregular heart rates/rhythms.

The Ultra 2 consists of more sophisticated sports functions, including different specifications for a range of sports including running, hiking, cycling, diving and swimming. Apps are available for skiing, snowboarding, rowing and golf sports functions.

The watches have broken away from their attachment to the iPhone, letting people use their watch for communication without their phone nearby. Concurrently you can contact emergency services and employ crash and fall detection.

For the full list of Series 10 and Ultra 2 features, visit the Apple Watch page.

Air Pods 4 & Air Pods Max

Pushing past the Air Pods hacking incident earlier in 2024, the newest iteration of Apple’s popular headphones boast powerful noise-cancelling and music boosting capabilities.

These Air Pods Max are a more high-powered version of the original, particularly in battery life and sound manipulation. The device employs 2 times more active noise cancellation, adaptive EQ, and personalised spatial audio with head tracking. (Meaning your headphones act like a mini surround sound system). Also, the new transparency mode enables you to hear the world around you just as clearly as your music.

The headphones have a 20 hour battery life with noise cancellation enabled, and utilise the universal USB-C charging cable. Furthermore, the coinciding smart case helps preserve battery life.

Other useful features include: share audio between 2 devices and take calls through the headphones with audio that connects automatically. Next, the device will pause and play sound as you take the headphones off and put them on.

The Air Pods 4 have many similar features as their Max counterpart, like strong audio capabilities. Beyond these features, the 4s have nuanced elements like an “acoustic architecture” made to enhance sound quality, and conversation detection. Battery life ranges from 5-20 hours, depending on the specifications of your device. With the case the Air Pods will last for up to 30 hours overall.

Down to the core

Overall the new technology is extremely exciting, but the devices themselves come at quite the cost.

iPhone 16s range from $1399 AUD to $2849 AUD, Series 10 watch from $649, Ultra 2 from $1399, and Air Pods 4 range from $219 to $299 depending on noise cancellation features. Finally the Air Pods Maxs will set you back $899.

Before purchasing devices you should always research the best product for your needs based on specifications and price. If you are considering new devices for your business, contact Synapse IT for expert advice on what devices would fit your organisation best.