The Occasional Other

On September 9 at Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, the unveiling of the new iPhone 16 with being some changes. This has already generated a lot of buzz 2 weeks before the actual event. Let’s get into what we know.

We’re going to start with the anticipated iPhone 16 Pro. For a week, a new introduction of a new color ‘Desert Titanium’ Gold Color was Leaked along with the traditional silver and black colors. The leaked images also hint at a new capture button designed specifically for the Camera app.

Design Changes

The iPhone 16 Pro’s color lineup will include White Titanium, Black Titanium, and Natural Titanium, replacing last year’s Blue Titanium.

The Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will look almost identical to the iPhone 15 lineup, but Apple’s adding a lot of tricks.

First, let’s talk about The Action Button, which was once exclusive to Pro models. It’s now going to be mainstream. This allows you to customize its function for tasks like launching the camera, activating Focus modes, or opening the flashlight.

Now with iOS 18, the Action Button will be even more powerful, letting you assign Control Center shortcuts and giving third-party apps control.

Another thing Apple is doing is ditching the diagonal camera layout for a vertical dual-lens system, which could support spatial video for Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Nothing is happening too much for the main camera but there will be improvements to the Ultra Wide lens with better low-light performance and the addition of macro mode for the first time on the standard models (excited about this)

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, built on a 3-nanometer process for better performance and efficiency. This chip will pack some serious AI and Neural Engine improvements, especially with Apple Intelligence features baked into iOS 18. Both models are getting an upgrade to 8GB of RAM, which will further improve AI tasks and overall performance.

So what about the battery life? There will be a slight improvement thanks to a rumored battery capacity boost and more efficient OLED displays.

Capture Button

The capture button is located on the same side as a the power button and will be available for all 4 iPhone 16 models. This button is meant to be more mechanical than capacitive, it will be able to respond to pressure and touch, and will have several capabilities.

• Lightly press on the button to autofocus while capturing an image or video.
• Press harder on the button to take a photo.
• Swipe left and right on the button to zoom in and out.
• There may also be a gesture for switching between photo mode and video mode, similar to how you can capture a video with a press and swipe in the iPhone camera app.

Bigger Displays, Sharper Shots

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are having some serious upgrades, with both models getting a mix of display bumps, camera boosts, and performance tweaks that’ll make even the iPhone 15 feel a bit outdated.

Both models will pack a 48MP Ultra Wide lens with 4k and with pixel binning that combines shots down to 12MP for incredible low-light performance and crystal-clear macro photos.

Now we can get that sweet 5x Telephoto zoom? It’s not just for the Max anymore; it’s coming to both Pros this year.

The iPhone 16 Pro models may record 4K video at up to 120fps (double the current limit). Also, we’re finally seeing a size jump. The Pro moves from a 6.1-inch to 6.3-inch display, and the Pro Max from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches. Slimmer bezels (around 33% smaller) will make these displays feel even bigger, with improved OLED tech boosting brightness and contrast.

Both Pros get the A18 Pro chip, with an extra GPU core for extra power. They’ll also use Qualcomm’s X75 5G modem, which is smaller and more efficient, improving 5G speeds and battery life. Oh, and those batteries? Expect a 5-9% increase in capacity, alongside the upgraded modem and new graphene heatsink tech to keep things cool.

Apple’s bringing back black, white, and natural titanium finishes, plus a new gold—possibly leaning more bronze than the usual gold.

The Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to be a aolid update, aligning with the device’s 10th anniversary.

Apple’s giving the Series 10 a size bump: 45mm and 49mm models will replace the 41mm and 45mm sizes. This slight increase is achieved through slimmer bezels and a larger casing. The watch is also expected to have a thinner design, making it more comfortable on the wrist. This is something I need especially having such a small wrist.

On the health front, the Series 10 is getting an upgraded heart rate and ECG sensor, with a focus on sleep apnea detection. However, blood pressure monitoring didn’t make the cut this time around.
Performance Boost.

Other Announcements & Dates

• Friday, Sept. 13: Preorders open for the iPhone 16

• Week of Sept. 16: iOS 18 available for download

• Friday, Sept. 20: New iPhones and other devices in stores

• The S10 chip is set to deliver a noticeable performance boost after several years of minor chip upgrades. While major Apple Intelligence features might not arrive just yet, the new chip sets the stage for future AI-driven health improvements.

• Apple is planning to begin shipping the first M4 Macs in November, says new report.

• The new Mac mini will likely be the most exciting release this fall, given the fact that it’s expected to be redesigned for the first time in 14 years.

• Apple is also expected to start providing a baseline of 16GB of RAM across all new models.

• If you are looking for some new AirPods then Apple’s cooking up two versions of the AirPods 4, both featuring a new design that blends the shorter stem look of the AirPods Pro with the current AirPods. While it’s not clear yet how the fit will be updated, expect a more snug experience.

The higher-end model of the AirPods 4 will come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), previously reserved for the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. While the ANC might not rival the Pro version—since these likely won’t have silicone tips—the addition is a huge step up for non-Pro AirPods. The lower-cost model will be a direct upgrade from the AirPods 3, keeping things simple but modernized.

For me, simple and modernized is my thing.

What are you most excited about? Are you planning to buy a new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, or AirPods 4 this year? Let me know in the comments.

…and stay tuned for more announcements…