Apple iPhone 16 Launch Event 2024 Live Updates: Apple is hosting its annual iPhone event in San Francisco tonight at 10:30PM IST. The company will likely introduce iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
It is that time of the year again. Apple is hosting its annual iPhone launch event. Called “It’s Glowtime”, the event will mark the debut of Apple Intelligence on iPhones. However, the launch will be hardware-heavy with the announcement of the new iPhone 16 series, the new Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4. We also expect upgrades to the HomePod and the AirPods Max.
The event is scheduled to kick off at 10:30PM IST and will be hosted at Apple’s headquarters in Apple Park in San Francisco, California.
At tonight’s launch event, Apple will continue its approach of offering four models in the iPhone lineup: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. All models will feature the new A18 Pro chipset for enhanced performance. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are expected to bring a fresh design, with a vertical camera setup similar to the iPhone X, featuring a 48-megapixel primary sensor and 2x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger display, making it ideal for those who enjoy streaming and gaming.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will see the most significant upgrades, especially in the camera department. The ultra-wide lens will be upgraded to 48 megapixels, and improvements in battery life are expected to provide extended usage time.
Apple Watch Series 10 is rumored to have a slimmer design with thinner bezels, and the screen sizes could increase from 41mm to 45mm and from 45mm to 49mm. Enhanced health features, including potential blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection, are anticipated.
Apple’s AirPods 4 will reportedly replace the AirPods 2 and 3, offering two models. The budget-friendly version will lack active noise cancellation, while the mid-range version will include this feature. Both models are expected to adopt USB-C charging, with the lower-priced model offering wired charging only, and the higher-tier version supporting wireless charging.
And that’s a wrap!
Apple announced some big upgrades today with the “thinnest and lightest” Apple Watch, and the “best display ever” on the new iPhones. Apple also revealed some interesting features, like the sleep apnea detection on the Apple Watch and the hearing aid feature on the AirPods Pro. The sales for most of the products announced today will begin on September 20.
For more details, you can read our coverage of iPhone 16 series, and the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple AirPods 4.
iPhone 16 series India pricing
iPhone 16 series India pricing has been revealed on the company’s official website.
The iPhone 16 is priced starting Rs 79,900, while the iPhone 17 Plus starts at Rs 89,900. As for the iPhone 16 Pro, it is priced starting at Rs 1,19,900, and the Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900.
The pre-order for the iPhone 16 series starts on September 13, at 5:30PM in India. The first sale will take place on September 20.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max pricing
The iPhone 16 Pro announced at a starting price of $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max at a starting price of $1199. The 16 Pro comes in a 128GB base model, while the 16 Pro Max offers 256GB storage in its base model.
Apple has updated its MagSafe ecosystem
MagSafe ecosystem updated with new cases that have camera controls in them, support faster charging and Qi2 wireless support.
Big upgrades to video capabilities on iPhone 16 Pro models
The new iPhone 16 Pro models support 4K120 video recording, allowing for frame-by-frame color grading. Users can capture 4K120 footage in ProRes directly to an external storage device, and HDR recording is available with the camera control. The devices feature four studio-quality microphones with reduced background noise, and spatial audio capture enhances the experience, integrating with your own theater setup. Additionally, the audio mix feature enables users to isolate and adjust individual voices in recordings.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max cameras
The main camera on the iPhone 16 Pro models is a 48MP Fusion camera, featuring a second-gen quad-pixel sensor that eliminates shutter lag in ProRaw and HEIF photos. The new 48MP ultrawide camera also includes a quad-pixel autofocus sensor, enhancing its performance. Additionally, the 5x telephoto camera now uses a tetraprism design, which is available on the regular Pro model as well as the Pro Max.
The camera control interface allows users to seamlessly switch between lenses. However, a planned software update later this year will introduce a two-stage shutter feature that enables users to lock exposure and focus. It’s interesting that this feature, which was expected to be a major aspect of camera control, isn’t available at launch and will require a software update.
iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max run A18 Pro chip
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro max are powered by the new A18 Pro chip.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are powered by the new A18 Pro chip, which offers notable enhancements over the standard A18. Built on a second-generation 3nm process, this chip features a 16-core neural engine that excels at handling generative AI tasks. Memory bandwidth has been increased by 17 per cent, and Apple Intelligence operates 15 per cent faster compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
The A18 Pro also delivers twice the ray tracing performance of the A17 Pro, thanks to its improved processing power. It includes two performance cores and four efficiency cores, making it 15 per cent faster overall than the previous generation.
Exclusive to the Pro models, the A18 Pro supports advanced media capabilities such as ProRes video recording and faster USB 3 transfer speeds. The camera system benefits from a combination of advanced hardware, software, and intelligence, further enhancing the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max’s capabilities.
Cooling chambers on the iPhones
The iPhonen 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have an “advanced cooling chamber” so that with Apple Intelligence working on the phone, the device does not heat up.
Now, it’s time for the Pros
iPhone 16 Pros have an upgraded display with 6.3-inch for the Pro and 6.9-inch for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. “These are by far our best iPhone displays ever,” says Apple.
iPhone 16 pricing
iPhone 16 is priced starting $799, and iPhone 16 Plus is priced starting $899. Both the devices have a base model of 128 GB.
iPhone 16 recap
“Big boost to battery life”
Apple says there is a “big boost to battery life,” but no details on the updates battery size or how the battery performance is being boosted.
iPhone 16 will play AAA game
iPhone 16 will now play AAA games, which were earlier limited to Pro models.
iPhone 16 spatial capture
The new ultrawide camera is designed to capture 2.6 times more light than previous models and supports macro photography. Apple claims that this camera’s capabilities are equivalent to having four separate lenses. It can be used to capture spatial videos and photos, offering enhanced versatility. Additionally, the iPhone 16 includes technology to reduce wind noise in videos, improving audio clarity.
Now about the Camera Control on iPhone 16
The camera control is designed to be flush with the surface and covered in sapphire glass. To activate the camera, a simple click will launch it, and clicking again will take a photo. Holding down the control will start video recording. This interface features a tactile click with haptic feedback from the Taptic Engine, distinguishing between a full press and a lighter touch.
A light press allows for a cleaner preview or brings up an overlay for adjusting settings like zoom and depth, which can be fine-tuned with a double tap. The main camera is 48MP with a 26mm focal length. It combines a high-resolution 48MP image with a 12MP pixel-binned photo to produce a 24MP image with enhanced light capture. Additionally, there is a 12MP telephoto lens with a f/1.6 aperture for 2x optical zoom.
Apple Intelligence is giving Google Gemini!
The “visual intelligence” feature on iPhone 16 with Apple Intelligence is giving Google Gemini! You can point your phone’s camera at things to ask your phone queries about what you see.
Siri is now smarter with Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is now more natural, intuitive, and smarter, says Apple.
Siri is gaining on-screen awareness. Apple says it will be able to take hundreds of new actions in your apps.
The first set of features in beta will launch in US English next month. Support for Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish coming next year. Nothing about Indian languages announced.
Apple Intelligence on iPhone 16
Apple is using multiple generative models directly on the iPhone for various tasks. For more demanding operations, the company relies on its “private cloud compute,” which operates on dedicated servers Apple has developed. Importantly, user data is not stored or shared with Apple; it is only used to process your specific requests, and independent audits of the system are possible. The data centers supporting this service run entirely on renewable energy.
One exciting feature is Genmoji, which allows users to create new emojis by simply typing a description. However, it’s worth noting that these features are not expected to be introduced with the launch of the iPhone 16.
iPhone 16 runs on new A18 chip
The new A18 chip, introduced with the iPhone 16, brings significant performance improvements across the board. This chip features a Neural Engine that is twice as fast, and an upgraded memory subsystem with 17 percent more bandwidth. Notably, the A18 chip is included in both the standard iPhone 16 and the Pro models, which is a significant step forward.
Built on a second-generation 3nm process, the A18 chip includes a six-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, making it 30 percent faster than the CPU in the iPhone 15. It is also more energy-efficient, delivering the same performance as the A16 Bionic while using 30 percent less power. Additionally, the chip boasts a five-core “desktop-class” GPU, which is 40 percent faster than the GPU in the iPhone 15 and operates with 35 percent less power compared to the A16.
iPhone 16 display
iPhone 16 comes in a 6.1-inch display for the vanilla variant and a 6.7-inch for the iPhone 16 Plus.
Capture button is real!
Apple iPhone 16 series has an action button and a “Camera control” button that works as a shortcut for your camera app.
Also, that lilac colour is beautiful!
Apple iPhone 16 announced
Apple iPhone 16 is made with aerospace grade aluminium. Apple claims its body is 2x more durable than any other glass-back phone.
Now, iPhones!
“The next generation of iPhones have been designed from Apple Intelligence from the ground up”, says Apple CEO Tim Cook
Everything announced about Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4
Here is everything announced about Apple Watch Series 10, Watch Ultra 2, AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro gains a Hearing Aid feature
AirPods Pro get a new Hearing Aid feature so that anyone with hearing impairment will be able to use it to hear their environment better. Here are all the updates coming to AirPods 4.
AirPods Max gets new colours
AirPods Max has no big upgrades, but it now comes in new colors, Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange and Starlight. The headphone have also gained USB-C, and with iOS 18, you get personalised Spatial Audio. The headphones are priced at $549. Pre-orders start today, shipping begins on September 20.
AirPods 4 announced at $129
The new AirPods will now charge with your Apple Watch chargers!
The AirPods 4 will now support wireless charging. You can charge them with your Apple Watch chargers or any other Qi wireless chargers.
Time for the new AirPods now
The new AirPods 4 bring out favourite Siri feature: nodding yes and no will answer or decline your call!
Additionally, AirPods 4 promises 30 hours of battery life, sports Type-C charging on the case, and FINALLY brings active noise cancellation to the non-Pro AirPods. AirPods 4 also get AirPods Pro’s transparency mode.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 priced at $799
There is only a “stunning new finish” coming to Ultra
Rumours were right! There is no Ultra 3. Apple has just announced a “stunning new finish” for the Ultra 2. It uses dark zirconia back crystal and has a new titanium Milanese Loop band
“It’s the thinnest Apple Watch ever”
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in both aluminium and polished titanium finish. Apple also claims it is its “fastest charging Apple Watch yet”. It is priced starting $399 for GPS and $499 for GPS + Cellular version.
Apple Watch Series 10 brings features like Sleep apnea detection
Apple’s watchOS 10 introduces several new features, including enhanced Smart Stacks, an improved Photos app, and a revamped Translate app. The Series 10 Apple Watch is powered by the new S10 chip, which comes with a four-core neural engine, designed to deliver a range of intelligent features for everyday use. Additionally, the new Titanium Series 10 model is Apple’s first 100% carbon-neutral Apple Watch.
One of the standout features of the Series 10 is its sleep apnea detection capability. With 80% of sleep apnea cases going undiagnosed, the Apple Watch aims to address this issue by using advanced motion detection to monitor breathing disturbances during sleep, potentially offering users early insights into their condition.
Watch Series 10 Polished Titanium finish
The Apple Watch Series 10 now also comes in a new Polished Titanium finish. Apple says, because of that, the watch is not only thinner, but also lighter.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs Watch Ultra vs Watch Series 9
Apple says not only is the Watch Series 10’s display larger than Watch Ultra’s, it is also thinner than the Watch series 9.
Tim Cook kicks off the event with Apple Watch announcement
Apple Watch Series 10 announced. The new Apple Watch is getting “the largest, most advanced” Watch screen Apple has ever created. Apple says its display is even bigger than Apple Watch Ultra’s. The display and the case have rounded corners. It’s also the first time Apple is using a wide-angle OLED display on an Apple Watch. Apple claims the Watch Series 10 is 10 per cent brighter.
Apple CEO Tim Cook is on stage!
Apple CEO Tim Cook has taken the stage to kick off the Apple iPhone event
iPhone 16 launch event tonight: All you need to know about Apple Intelligence
Here is a quick recap of everything about Apple Intelligence that has already been announced:
No Apple Watch Ultra 3 today, but a fresh look of Ultra 2
Earlier rumours suggested that Apple might unveil a new Apple Watch Ultra 3 at the event. However, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the absence of an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year could be because Apple needs more time to develop “innovative health management features.” Meanwhile, reports offer a different perspective. He believes it is unlikely that Apple will launch the Ultra 3 today. Instead, reports speculates that the company will refresh the Apple Watch Ultra 2, introducing a new variant with a black titanium colour option at the event.
As iPhone 16 launches tonight, Apple will discontinue several existing products
As the iPhone 16 launch event takes place today, Apple will discontinue several existing products in India. These would include the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 13, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE 2, AirPods 2, iPad 10, and iPad Mini 6.
Let’s not forget about Apple accessories
Apple is reportedly planning to discontinue its FineWoven material, introduced just last year, in favor of a new, possibly “vegan leather” alternative. FineWoven debuted alongside the iPhone 15 series as a luxurious, eco-friendly substitute for leather, aligning with Apple’s environmental goals. However, shortly after its release, the material faced widespread criticism for its vulnerability to scratches, stains, and its lack of durability, especially given its premium price. This backlash has led to speculation that Apple may be reconsidering its choice of materials for its accessories.
With the upcoming launch of the iPhone 16 series, reports suggest that Apple will officially move away from FineWoven. Notably, leaker Majin Bu recently shared images of what are believed to be new iPhone 16 cases, retaining the same colour options as the FineWoven line, including black, blue, dark purple, green, and taupe, with the addition of a new light grey variant. While these images are not yet confirmed by Apple, they suggest a significant shift in the company’s accessory offerings.
Apple Intelligence features on iPhone 16 series
At WWDC, Apple revealed plans to introduce Apple Intelligence alongside the official launch of iOS 18. Based on Apple’s history of pairing new iPhone releases with the latest OS, it’s expected that the iPhone 16 lineup — comprising the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max — will debut with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence promises to deliver more personalised assistance, enhanced Siri functionality, and creative tools across all four models. However, while Apple Intelligence will make its way to the iPhone 16 series, not all features may be available right away, with some possibly rolling out gradually over time.
You can get partial refund on iPhone 15 after iPhone 16 launch
If you recently bought an iPhone 15, there’s good news on the horizon. With Apple set to unveil the iPhone 16 today at 10:30 PM IST, there’s a possibility that prices for older models, including the iPhone 15, may drop. Thanks to Apple’s price protection policy, you might be eligible for a partial refund if the price of your iPhone 15 decreases after the iPhone 16 launch.
To take advantage of this, you’ll need to visit an Apple store or contact Apple’s customer service at 000800 040 1966 within 14 days of the price change. Be prepared to provide proof of your purchase, and in some cases, demonstrate that you still have the device.
This policy applies only to iPhones purchased directly from Apple, whether through an Apple Retail Store or its online store. Unfortunately, if your iPhone was bought from third-party sellers like Amazon or Flipkart, this protection won’t be available.
Not just iPhone 16, AirPods Max second generation are also expected tonight
Besides the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch Series 10, and the AirPods 4, Apple is also expected to announce the AirPods Max second generation at the event tonight.
Will Apple discontinue iPhone 15 Pro after iPhone 16 series launch?
With the upcoming release of the iPhone 16 series, Apple is expected to follow its usual practice of discontinuing the previous year’s premium models, including the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This strategy allows Apple to streamline its product lineup and focus on promoting the latest generation of devices.
While the iPhone 15 Pro models are likely to be phased out, these devices will continue to receive software updates and support from Apple. Moreover, customers can still purchase the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max through third-party retailers, e-commerce platforms, and stores while inventory lasts.
iPhone 15 Pro gets a price drop ahead of iPhone 16 launch event
As we wait for the iPhone 16 series to be launched, the iPhone 15 Pro price has dropped.
On Flipkart, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro (128 GB, Black Titanium) is priced at Rs 1,39,900. However, users with a Flipkart Axis Credit Card can enjoy an additional discount of Rs 6,990, reducing the price to Rs 1,32,810. Exchange offers are also available, with potential cashback of up to Rs 46,350 depending on the device being traded in.
Amazon lists the same iPhone 15 Pro (128 GB, Black Titanium) at a lower price of Rs 1,24,200, along with additional bank offers and exchange deals.
Vijay Sales offers the iPhone 15 Pro (128 GB, White Titanium) for Rs 1,21,490. HDFC Bank Credit and Debit cardholders can get an instant discount of up to Rs 4,500, making it an attractive deal for HDFC customers.
At Croma, the iPhone 15 Pro (128 GB, Natural Titanium) is available for Rs 1,29,800. Buyers can also take advantage of exchange offers worth up to Rs 1,10,330, depending on the value of the device they wish to exchange.
iPhone 16 sale demand could be lower than iPhone 15, Ming Chi Kuo hints
Supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that demand for the iPhone 16 series may fall slightly below that of the iPhone 15. Kuo estimates Apple could ship around 89 million iPhone 16 units in 2024, down from the 91 million units of the iPhone 15 sold in the same period last year. This suggests Apple isn’t expecting a significant surge in demand for the new lineup.
Kuo also noted that iPhone 16 shipments will be more concentrated in the early months, with a larger volume expected in August and September. For the initial preorder phase, Apple is preparing 15-17 million units, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max predicted to be the most popular model, accounting for 38 per cent of shipments. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to follow at 30 per cent, while the base iPhone 16 will capture 26 per cent. The iPhone 16 Plus could see lower demand, holding just 6 per cent of the market share.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus said to get minor upgrades
The non-Pro iPhone 16 models are tipped to receive minor changes. Bloomberg reported that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will likely retain the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays with aluminum bodies. Upgrades will include faster processors, likely the A18 chipset, and an increase in memory from 6GB to 8GB, improving performance for features like Apple Intelligence. Battery capacities are rumoured to be slightly bigger, with the iPhone 16 expected to feature a 3,561mAh battery, while the 16 Plus could offer a 4,006mAh unit.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max likely to get big upgrades
Hours before Apple’s event, rumours suggest the iPhone 16 Pro will feature a larger 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max may offer a 6.9-inch screen. Both models are said to be slimmer than the iPhone 15 Pro lineup.
A triple-camera setup is expected on the Pro models, including a 5x telephoto lens, previously exclusive to the Pro Max. The Ultra Wide camera could also see a major upgrade, jumping from 12-megapixel to 48-megapixel.
Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to have improved battery life, with faster 40W wired and 20W wireless charging. All details remain unconfirmed until Apple’s event.
Apple India website down?
Apple is preparing its India website for all the new launches, and for the time being the website is out of action. It reads “Be Right Back”. The website also reads that some updates are being made to the Apple Store.
Apple iPhone 16 price leak ahead of launch
Ahead of the official launch, the pricing of the iPhone 16 series has leaked. As per reports, Apple could maintain the starting price of the iPhone 16 Pro at $999, quashing earlier rumours of a price hike for the entry-level Pro model.
That said, a previous leak by Apple Hub suggested a potential price hike for the Pro models, with the iPhone 16 Pro possibly starting at $1,099 (around Rs 92,300) for the 256GB variant. The iPhone 16 Pro Max could be priced from $1,199 (approximately Rs 1,00,700).
Apple iPhone 16 Series Launch Event: Why is it called Glowtime?
Wondering why the Apple event tonight is called “It’s Glowtime”?
Until a few years ago, Apple used to hide much more in the creative names it would give to its product launch events. Now, the names have become more vague and yet less puzzling. But as Apple holds its iPhone 16 launch event tonight — it will start at 10.30pm India time — do remember the name Apple has given to this particular event. It’s called “Glowtime.”
And like always, the name, along with the image that accompanied the launch event, does hint at something.
While it is certain that Apple will be launching the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro tonight, along with the new Apple Watch Series 10 — or will it be called Watch X — the highlight of the event is likely to be not the hardware but the software. And it is this software that Glowtime’s moniker for the event is hinting at.
