The latest iPhone is here, say goodbye to your bank balance
Apple has officially launched the new iPhone 16 with some exciting brand-new features.
The tech beast held its annual event at Apple Park in California today (9 September), nicknamed ‘It’s Glowtime’.
Here, Apple launches its latest model of the iPhone alongside other potential product upgrades and reveals.
Ahead of the big event, the company’s logo was reimagined into a swirl of vivid colours, reflecting the mysterious name and potentially referencing new artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Apple already confirmed some advancements ahead of the iPhone 16 reveal with Apple Intelligence, including AI writing tools, voice transcribing and the rather bizarre Genmoji.
While we might not all be picking up latest phone from the company following this exciting announcement, many of us will likely be updating our devices to iOS18.
This will include a AI-updated Siri with ‘richer language understanding and awareness of personal context’.
But regardless of how many of us manage to convince ourselves ‘we really do not need the latest iPhone’, plenty of fans will still be longing for this iPhone 16 following today’s launch.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said it’s the first iPhone ‘designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence’ and promises it ‘raises the bar for what an iPhone can do’.
This shiny new device is set to come in various colours including white, black ultra marine, teal and pink.
And it comes in two sizes: 6.1 inches for iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches for iPhone 16 Plus.
Plus, it will feature a special camera button to make taking snaps even easier.
More to follow.
Apple set to launch brand new product alongside iPhone 16 with huge changes expected
It will mark a whole decade since we first got a peak at one of the devices
It’s coming up to that time of year when the ‘maybe I do need a new iPhone’ voice starts yapping in the back of your mind, despite there being literally nothing wrong with your current one.
Yep, Apple will soon be launching its latest smartphone model, the iPhone 16.
As the summer and its months of our phones overheating comes to an end, the tech beast is set to hold its annual event at Apple Park in California.
But while we’re all sat patiently waiting to hear the new features and for our current devices to drop in value (cheaper phone bill come through), it’s not just the new iPhone that will be discussed.
Nicknamed ‘It’s Glowtime’, the event will also see the launch of a band new product with some huge changes expected.
This year will mark a whole decade since we got a peak of the first Apple Watch and it’s reported it will be celebrated with the release of an ‘Apple Watch X’.
It’s a little like how the iPhone X was released back in 2017 for 10 years of the iPhone.
I don’t know about you, but this is all making me feel a little on the old side…
Anyway, this special watch claim comes from the popular leaker Mark Gunman.
The California-based Apple chatter detailed in his weekly newsletter how the company is ‘preparing for a big update’.
“Apple Watch is nearing its 10th birthday and the company has a chance to mark the occasion,” he wrote. “With the X model, Apple designers are working on a thinner watch case and have explored changing the way bands are attached to the device.”
The tipster went on to detail how the new rumoured watch is set to have some dramatic changes including a larger display.
In terms of the real techy stuff, this ‘Apple Watch X’ may feature some ‘enhancements under the hood’ like new AI-capable chips.
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If that does prove to be true, they ‘could lay the groundwork for some AI enhancements down the road’.
Although, don’t start getting your hopes up for the upcoming Apple Intelligence to be running on the watch as it’s apparently ‘only headed to the iPhone, iPad and Mac’ for the time being before the Vision Pro.
The special Apple event will take place on 9 September with it not yet set as to just when the new iPhones (and maybe other devices by the sound of it) will go on sale. Although, experts do seem to be predicting pre-orders could be on 13 September.
I don’t need a new iPhone, I don’t need a new iPhone, I don’t need a new iPhone…
Furious iPhone users braced for incoming iOS 18 ‘downgrade’ that will slow down popular feature
Second-by-second updates will reportedly become a thing of the past
iPhone users are seemingly less than impressed with the notion that Apple is reportedly ‘downgrading’ the functionality of a fan-favourite widget.
Later this month, tech fanatics will finally be able to experience iOS 18 after months of anticipation.
On 16 September, the latest operation system – announced earlier this year at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) – will drop with a plethora of brand-new features.
iOS 18 will introduce Apple Intelligence and a streamlined Siri to iPhones as well as deeper customisation and new ways to connect.
But while many are excited, some fans have been disappointed to hear the Apple Live Activities feature is reportedly being dialled back.
What is the Apple Live Activities feature?
Initially introduced in 2022, Live Activities widgets are essentially interactive and enhanced notifications.
They are designed to show second-by-second updates and surface crucial information from apps on the lock screen or in the Dynamic Island.
Moreover, the iOS-specific feature allows you to stay updated on the status of your Uber, how far away your grocery delivery is, the amount of time remaining on your parking meter and even play-by-play sports scores.
Naturally, iPhone users have been obsessed with Live Activities since iOS 16.
However, it’s been reported that plans are now in place to restrict the widgets once iOS 18 is introduced.
What has Apple said about Live Activities on iOS 18?
According to TechRadar, Apple said its Live Activities were ‘never intended to be used to create real-time experiences’.
“That we allowed this was a hold in the API,” a representative continued to write. “That hole is fixed in iOS 18.”
As per the tech giant, each update from a Live Activities widget writes data to the iPhone’s storage which can lead to battery complications and interfere with other hardware components.
To combat this issue, it’s reported that Live Activities notifications will be restricted to every five to 15 seconds going forward.
It’s important to note that this major update will not affect timers or notifications that don’t need constant refreshing, such as delivery trackers.
Apple tech fans disgruntled by the Live Activities latest news
Following the reported reveal, Apple users have come out in their droves to debate whether or not the iOS 18 ‘downgrade’ will affect them.
One user of X typed: “I used it for speed tracking of my bike. This metric is worthless with iOS 18. I don’t need to know my speed from 10 seconds ago. Apple clearly says ‘real time’ in their user interface guideline.”
A second said: “What was it being used for that needed updates every second? I can definitely see this being annoying lol knowing something updated and just having to wait for it.”
A third penned: “Real reason is the extra load of having to provide live data to watch which prob drastically changes live activities’ overall load causing them to make this tradeoff.”
“Disappointing,” claimed someone else. “You’d think by 2024 our phones would be as powerful as a clock from the 1800s.”
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What iPhones will be compatible with iOS 18?
If you’re looking forward to downloading the latest Apple operating system, then it’s worth checking whether or not your current mobile device is compatible.
According to official Apple guidelines, iOS 18 is compatible with ‘any iPhone that has an A12 Bionic chipset or newer, which is the same requirement as iOS 17’.
However, some features such as Apple Intelligence, will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
iOS 18 is compatible with the following iPhones:
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone XS and XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
LADbible has contacted Apple for further comment.
Apple will launch its most called for feature when new iPhone is announced today
Information on the latest series will be announced this evening
The iPhone 15 series is so nearly with us and its clear that those who love their gadgets and gizmos simply can’t wait any longer for it to finally be released.
Now, not only are Apple fans excited for the brand-new piece of tech to grace their pockets but they’re also buzzing for the launch of the device’s most called for feature when the new iPhone is announced later today (12 September).
The latest phone will mark the 16th generation of a device which changed the smartphone scene forever when it first rocked the world after being first launched back in 2007.
New iPhones are typically announced on a Tuesday with pre-orders then going live on the Apple Store later that same week.
Apple is expected to release two iPhone 15 Pro models – one regular sized iPhone 15 Pro with a 6.1-inch display and a larger iPhone 15 Pro Max model with a 6.7-inch screen.
Along the two Pro models include the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus as well as the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra second-generation, plus Apple AirPods Pro second-generation.
Now, while Apple itself has not yet issued any official previews of the upcoming tech – a lot of speculation of ‘leaks’ online say the new iPhone 15 models will most likely be more lightweight than previous ones with better battery life and a better camera.
One thing that can almost certainly be confirmed about the latest iPhones is that they will have a USB-C charging cable point.
Apple
At the moment, iPhones rely on a proprietary lightning cable, with most other devices – including others made by Apple – opting for a USB-C cable instead.
The new decision follows EU law which has declared that all portable devices need to be compatible with a universal charger by December 2024.
The law is aimed to combat e-waste by bringing about a common standard for chargers.
While we don’t yet know how much the new iPhones will cost – signs suggest it may well could be slightly pricier than its predecessors.
Apple’s 2023 range of iPhones and Watches won’t go on sale until 22 September.
However, fans of the tech won’t have to wait long for all their queries to be answered as the special event, ‘Wonderlust’, will shortly be kicking off at the Steve Jobs Theatre in Apple Park in California with Brits being able to tune in at 6pm.
iPhone models that will have access to new Apple ‘AI’ features as most won’t be compatible
Apple has inked a deal with ChatGPT to bring new AI features to iPhones
Apple has announced a new AI feature for its latest iOS 18 update, but it will only be compatible with newer models.
Chief executive of Apple Tim Cook announced this week the arrival of iOS 18, which is set to be one of Apple’s biggest updates ever.
It’s a new technology called ‘Apple Intelligence’, and the innovative new feature is set to transform what users can do with an iPhone.
The tool was described as a ‘personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant’ by Cook at the launch.
It comes off the back of a deal to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Siri.
It is one of the biggest Apple updates to be launched. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
But Apple has made it clear that they are looking to separate themselves from other, similar tools in the space.
Apple hopes the new feature will hush critics, who have said the tech-giants have been slow to adopt new AI technology features.
One of the main stand out features is their focus on privacy, which will give it a leg up in the battle against their competitors.
They are trying to lean away from the controversies of the tech, which has proven to be dangerous at times.
At the launch, Cook said: “We’re thrilled to introduce a new chapter in Apple innovation.
“Apple Intelligence will transform what users can do with our products – and what our products can do for our users.
“Our unique approach combines generative AI with a user’s personal context to deliver truly helpful intelligence.
“And it can access that information in a completely private and secure way to help users do the things that matter most to them.
“This is AI as only Apple can deliver it, and we can’t wait for users to experience what it can do.”
“Apple Intelligence will transform what users can do.” (Hakan Nural/Anadolu via Getty Images)
However, as great as it all sounds, not every iPhone user will get the luxury of using this new tool.
Apple Intelligence will only work on the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max.
It will also be available on Macs and iPads, so long as they have one of Apple’s M-series chips.
Apple has said the reason for this is due to the phones’ increased processing powers, that earlier models do not have.
And there’s some good news for Siri, as it has received some considerable upgrades.
iOS 18 will mean that Siri comes with a fresh animation that pops up across the whole screen.
Users will be able to chat to it by typing as well as talking.
