All the biggest announcements from Apple’s big event this week

And all the biggest announcements from Apple’s big event this week.

If you missed it, Apple unveiled all the new iPhones we expected, a new Apple Watch that might steal a lot of the headlines (bigger, thinner, better!) and a surprising new push for its wireless headphones, with three new models and a software update for AirPods Pro that brings the company into a new product category, through software alone.

We’ll chew over those below, but first up: the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro. There’s a surprising parity of new features in the two devices this year. The iPhone 16 gets an action button (left edge, above the volume buttons) and a new camera button, too.

Well, it’s more than just a button. With all sorts of sensors and tech crammed inside, you can adjust controls and settings in the camera — think zoom, exposure and aperture — with gentle slides and presses. Apple is already planning an update for a half-press to focus the camera and a full press to capture.

iPhone 16

Apple
Why did Apple redesign the iPhone 16 camera module? The cynic in me thought this change, with lenses stacked vertically, was just a desperate indicator to show that folks had the newest iPhone, but there’s a reason. Apparently, this arrangement means the cameras can work in tandem to capture spatial video and photos.

The iPhone 16 Pro (and Pro Max) both get an array of upgraded shooting features. There is (thankfully!) parity between the 6.9-inch Pro Max and 6.2-inch Pro, with the smaller Pro getting 5x optical zoom this year. The ultra-wide-angle camera has been upgraded from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels in both Pro models. The iPhone 16 Pro can shoot video in 4K at 120 fps, so you can switch to and from slow-mo footage after the fact — no slow-motion recording mode necessary.

The iPhone 16 Pros have a larger battery, delivering us that perennial line: the “best iPhone battery life ever.” However, on Apple’s own specification cheat sheet, it gets a little more specific, saying it was the “Best iPhone battery life on Pro Max.” That’s something to scrutinize in reviews. But after last year’s shift to USB-C, the lightness of a titanium build and an action button is not quite as convincing an upgrade.

Having said that, what am I doing? I currently juggle an Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and a Pixel 9 Pro XL, which are too big for me. Last year, I leaned on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, instead of the iPhone 15 Pro, for 5x camera zoom… and nothing else.

This time around, like the iPhone 14 series, there are pretty much identical specs across the iPhone 16 Pro duo — which is how it should be — so I’m lining up a pre-order for a black iPhone 16 Pro, with 1TB of storage. I might change my mind.

If you’re a Pro Max kind of iPhone owner, I think you could probably wait a year, but it’s also a great time to upgrade to the base iPhone 16. It gets those new buttons, it’ll work with Apple Intelligence in a few months and it has a pretty gorgeous lineup of colors.

We’ve got hands-on impressions on everything below.

— Mat Smith

Related Posts

Tesla just announced that its brand new motor will destroy the entire electric vehicle industry. What happened to this rumor?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of Elon Musk’s announcement regarding an all-new motor that’s set to disrupt the EV industry: Elon Musk Announces All-New Motor That Will Destroy…

Tesla’s $357 phones are FINALLY on the market, extended through 2025 at unbelievably low prices

Here’s a detailed article draft on Elon Musk’s $357 Phone: Elon Musk’s $357 Phones Finally Hit the Market! 7 Features Worth the Wait in 2025Elon Musk has…

The updated Tesla Highland Model 3 2025 has officially been revealed with great features at the first look

Here’s an article draft detailing the New Tesla Highland Model 3 (2025): 7 Great Features and First Look: The Tesla Highland Model 3 (2025): 7 Features That…

THAT HAPPENED! Tesla’s $10,000 home FINALLY has its first images revealed, who will believe it?

Here’s an essay on Elon Musk’s $10,000 Home: A Revolution in Affordable Housing: THAT HAPPENED! Elon Musk’s $10,000 Home is Finally HereIn a groundbreaking move that could…

Tesla officially revealed the first image of the first $4,999 flying car that changes everything! Verify information

Here’s an essay on Elon Musk Launches the First $4,999 Flying Car: A Revolution in Transportation: Elon Musk Launches the First $4,999 Flying Car: A Revolution in…

The first flying Tesla prototype shocked the world with its extremely cheap price, revealing its first image and interior

Here’s an essay on Elon Musk’s First Flying Tesla Prototype: A Revolutionary Leap in 2025: Elon Musk’s First Flying Tesla Prototype: A Revolutionary Leap in 2025In a…