Table of Contents
Apple fans were in for a pleasant surprise today as the tech giant unveiled a range of new devices.
The iPhone 16 lineup includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, while Apple also introduced the Apple Watch 10 and AirPods 4.
Unfortunately, eager buyers will have to wait a few weeks until the new devices hit the shelves.
However, Shivali Best, MailOnline’s executive science and technology editor, was at the launch event at Apple’s headquarters in California and was one of the first people to get their hands on the new iPhones and Apple Watch.
So is it worth upgrading? Here are Shivali’s first impressions.
Shivali Best, executive science and technology editor at MailOnline, was at the launch event at Apple’s headquarters in California and was one of the first people to get her hands on them.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were the first two smartphones unveiled at the event, with Apple saying they “mark the dawn of a new era for iPhone.”
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were the first two smartphones unveiled at the event, with Apple saying they “mark the dawn of a new era for iPhone.”
The first thing that caught my eye when I saw them in person was the colors: they are undeniably stunning.
While last year’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus came in a range of pastel shades, Apple has opted for brighter jewel tones this year, which I think are much more exciting.
I had my time with an Ultramarine phone, but buyers can also opt for pink, green, white or black.
While last year’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus came in a range of pastel shades, Apple has opted for brighter jewel tones this year, which I think are much more exciting.
The tinted glass back feels nice in your hand, though admittedly most people put a case on their iPhone.
Apple has stuck with the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays we saw on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, while the camera system is also identical to its predecessors.
This might be disappointing to many fans, who were hoping for improvements to the cameras.
While the action button was only included on Pro smartphones last year, Apple has included this button on the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus this year.
The biggest change, however, is the addition of a new camera control button.
Located below the power button on the side of the phones, this allows you to take photos and videos with the touch of a button.
It is true that this takes some getting used to.
A solid push immediately raises the camera, while a second push takes a photo.
The biggest change is the addition of a new camera control button. Located below the power button on the side of the phones, this button lets you take photos and videos with the touch of a button.
What was more difficult to master, however, was the softer push option, which activates zoom.
I’m sure this is the kind of thing you’d learn to do over time, but it wasn’t the most instinctive action for me.
In addition to the hardware changes, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have a number of impressive artificial intelligence features, thanks to Apple Intelligence.
During my brief hands-on experience, I was able to correct a large block of text with the touch of a button, summarize an email chain, and even write to Siri.
Unfortunately, several of the features I’ve been looking forward to most won’t be available until December, most notably Genmoji, which lets you create custom emojis.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
At 6.3 and 6.9 inches, the iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max are Apple’s largest iPhones yet (and, in my opinion, border on being too big).
The iPhone 16 Pro Max feels huge in the hand and will have a hard time fitting into any regular pocket!
Despite being massive, these new iPhone Pros are impressive, with the thinnest bezels on any Apple product yet.
As usual, Apple has opted for more subtle colors compared to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Users can choose between black, white, natural or a new shade called Desert Titanium, which is a sandy gold.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max feels huge in the hand and will have a hard time fitting into any regular pocket!
Like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the Pro models have the new camera control button, as well as the action button we saw last year.
If you’re a big fan of photography, the 48MP Fusion camera will probably excite you, but beyond that, the cameras are very similar to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Apple Watch 10
I finally managed to get my hands on the Apple Watch 10.
At 30 percent larger than last year’s Apple Watch 9, it’s quite large and takes up most of my wrist.
I finally got my hands on the Apple Watch 10 (pictured next to the Apple Watch 9). It’s 30 percent larger than last year’s Apple Watch 9, is quite bulky, and takes up most of my wrist.
That said, the subtle design changes are lovely.
Apple has introduced more rounded corners, giving the Apple Watch a softer look and feel.
It also measures just 9.7mm thick (10 percent thinner than its predecessor) and feels remarkably light on the wrist.
Users can choose from three colors: rose gold, silver or a new jet black, which is particularly elegant.
Beyond the design changes, there aren’t many new features unfortunately.
The speaker can play music out loud, although I’m not sure why you would need or want to do that.
Meanwhile, a new sleep apnea tracking tool may be welcomed by people who snore, but it probably won’t be useful for most people who don’t.
Considering it’s the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, I think I had slightly higher expectations for new features.
So is it worth pre-ordering?
I wouldn’t say that any of Apple’s new devices are innovative and that you should rush out and buy them.
The new camera control button is a fun addition to the new iPhones that could come in handy for selfie lovers, while the larger display on the Apple Watch could appeal to people who prefer less subtle designs.
However, Apple has kept the prices the same as last year’s devices: £799 for the iPhone 16, £899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, £999 for the iPhone 16 Pro, £1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and £399 for the Apple Watch 10.
So if you’re in the market for a new phone or smartwatch, it’s definitely worth picking up these new devices over their predecessors.