He brought Apple’s hardware design to new heights — could Jony Ive do the same for the burgeoning market for AI-focussed hardware?

That’s the hope for Ive’s next project, which will see the veteran designer team up with ChatGPT developer OpenAI for a new hardware device leveraging the company’s fast-growing artificial intelligence products.

The partnership — rumored earlier this year — has now been confirmed in a New York Times profile which explores Ive’s post-Apple independence, including discussions with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. 

The pair have agreed to partner on a new “artificial intelligence device company” for a product “that uses AI to create a computing experience that is less socially disruptive than the iPhone,” according to the article. Not that Apple itself is averse to AI integrations — the latest iOS 18 release is set to get an update that will include baked-in access to ChatGPT and OpenAI tech. 

But iPhones, including the brand new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, still make use of AI as a feature rather than a product unto itself, and that will be the differentiating factor for this new device. OpenAI will be at the core. What industrial design form that will take is “still being determined”, but Ive’s team has exemplary pedigree — some of his new crew worked alongside him on iPhone designs over the years.

A device revolution to come?

Ive’s project won’t be the first to try to make a bespoke, built-for-purpose AI hardware design. But early forays into the market have been mixed at best.

The Rabbit R1 released earlier this year, and charmed with its cutesy phone-like design. But its actual usefulness, swapping out traditional apps for generative AI responses, proved clunky. Likewise, the Humane AI pin launched to great hype, but soon fell flat of the limitations its wearable form factor presented.

But if anyone can create an AI device form factor that actually works, it’s Ive. His meticulous attention to detail has been hugely influential in the world of tech, revolutionizing computing device design. If his focus was ever in question, take this secondary snippet from the article: he’s just spent five years working on a book about the history of buttons.

More from iMore

• After Jony Ive left Apple, here's what's changed
• Jony Ive killed skeuomorphic design with iOS 7
• Jony Ive leaving Apple, starting LoveFrom, working... for Apple

If you’re about to upgrade to a new iPhone 16 or Apple Watch Series 10, you're going to need a power bank to keep them charged, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

Earlier this month, Anker launched several accessories for its new MagGo range. This is the company’s effort to offer products that quickly charge multiple devices at once, wherever you are. These include:

• Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad)
• Anker MagGo Wireless Charger (Stand)
• Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, 35W, For Apple Watch)
• Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) out October 5
• Anker MagGo Magnetic Case with Stand (360° Ring Stand, For iPhone)

A Foldable Winner

While the power banks explain themselves, the 3-in-1 Wireless Foldable Charging Station looks to be the highlight of the new MagGo range. When folded, the 3-in-1 is the size of an Apple Watch — but when unfolded, three Qi chargers appear, each with a respective label to help you tell which device to place on them.

I've been able to try out the 3-in-1 foldable, and I've already found it to be incredibly useful and compact. I've had it in the back pocket of my jeans when I was on a commute at the weekend that required me to be on multiple trains. Plugging the foldable into the mains with its USB-C port, followed by placing my iPhone and AirPods Pro 2 on them for a quick charge was very useful.

However, while the 3-in-1 foldable has already helped me on my travels, there are some other products in the new MagGo range that are also worth mentioning, available now:

More from iMore

• Best stands to charge both iPhone and Apple Watch
• Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station Review
• Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe review

Rejoice! iOS 18, the latest software update for compatible iPhones arrived on September 16. Along with it comes a wave of updated third-party apps that take advantage of iOS 18's new features.

Since this latest version of iOS was made available to developers after it was announced at WWDC in June — Apple's yearly developer conference — many developers have been working on new features for their apps. For example, Control Center, a menu that you can swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone's display, has been redesigned, which now allows third-party controls.

As you update your iPhone to iOS 18, you may notice a slew of app updates ready for you to download from the App Store. With so many changes, you might find yourself at a loss to see what's new in your everyday apps. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of apps that have been updated to take full advantage of iOS 18, including some that make use of the exclusive features on iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models.

Focus

Developed by Kerstin Schmidtmann, Focus is designed to help you structure your day with 25-minute work sprints, followed by five-minute breaks to keep you fresh and productive.

In a new update for iOS 18, Focus now supports widgets in the redesigned Control Center, giving you quick access to its features. In addition, you can use tinted App Icons on your home screen, and new App Intents have been added for deeper use with Apple Shortcuts.

Things 3

We've featured Things 3 on our 101 best iPhone apps list, and for good reason. Developed by Cultured Code, Things 3 is a fantastic to-do list app that offers a lot of power in an easy-to-use user interface.

You can create projects with lists, create more lists within lists, fantastic interactive widgets to help tick off any completed tasks, and so much more.

For iOS 18, Things 3 gets a slight glow-up, starting with tinted and dark app icons, as well as support for the redesigned Control Center, where you can add two controls:

• Create a new to-do
• Jump into a list. (Flip it over to choose which list)

The latest update also lays the groundwork for Apple Intelligence, the company's suite of AI tools coming to iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 later this year. Once released, users can choose between 4 different actions when talking to Siri, as well as integrating Writing Tools into Things 3.

You can buy the app for a one-time fee of $9.99.

Dark Noise

Dark Noise lets you set a range of background sounds to help you focus on something, or go to sleep with. From heavy rain sounds to the inside of a plane - it’s a great app to use if you’re struggling to concentrate.

Developed by Charlie Chapman, the latest update to Dark Noise features tinted app icons for the home screen, and the ability to place widgets in the redesigned Control Center to easily play background sounds whenever you need them.

Available from today, you can also purchase a ‘Pro’ subscription for $2.99 a month, $19.99 a year with a three-day trial, or a one-time purchase for $49.99. This offers the ability to add custom sounds, alternate app icons, and exclusive themes.

TV Remote

Developed by Adam Foot, TV Remote is a fully customizable remote app for iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. You can change the look of the app through themes, as well as change its layouts and much more. The app can also change sources and lets you enter text via a keyboard.

TV Remote supports televisions from LG, Samsung, Sony, and more manufacturers around the world, meaning you don't have to launch the required app every time.

Available on the App Store for free but with an optional subscription that starts at $1.99 a month, it’s very useful for cord-cutters around the world. For iOS 18, TV Remote has had its layout refreshed, as well as the ability to manage a TV through the redesigned Control Center, and the option to choose from dark and tinted app icons for your iPhone's Home Screen.

It should be mentioned that Foot has a lot of apps that he's been working on that all take advantage of iOS 18. Be sure to check them out if you need ways to help watch TV on your Apple devices.

Sticky Widgets

If you're someone who likes to place a bunch of sticky notes around your home or place of work, Sticky Widgets could help reduce that.

It's a simple app but it does one thing incredibly well — you can create a sticky note as a widget, and place it on your iPhone's (or iPad's) Home Screen. If you need to add or remove anything, you simply tap it to update the note.

For iOS 18, you can now customize these notes with 'Super Gradients', allowing you to choose from up to 16 different colors to make them pop. You can also place a favorite note in the new Control Center, making it easier for you to reach them.

Sticky Widgets is a free download from the App Store, but there are a variety of prices to unlock even more features, starting from $1.49 a month.

Vinyl Fetish

No, it's not the kind of app you may be thinking from its name. Instead, Vinyl Fetish is a fantastic app that transforms your music library into a record player, with support for 7-inch 45s with standard or large spindle holes, as well as 10-inch 78 RPM records.

You can browse albums in 'crate mode', seamlessly simulating flicking through records in a box like you usually would, and you can even create labels from Discogs or generate automatic labels.

For iOS 18, Vinyl Fetish has been refreshed with new dark App icons and more. The app is free to download but does have an optional subscription or one-time fee to unlock features like more customization options and last.fm support. 

Bills to Budget

Balancing a family budget every week can be a stressful time, especially as you try to manage everyone's outgoings and any sudden changes due to rising prices of a product, or a job change.

With Bills to Budget, developed by Matt Corey, you can easily view detailed overviews of what's been spent in a month so far with elegant graphs and lists to help you keep track.

For iOS 18, there are a few new features to note. Account Insights lets you link your Apple Card, Apple Cash, or Apple Savings Account in the Wallet app. This way, you can discover how your spending and saving habits can help help manage your finances more effectively — all done privately and securely. Shopping Spree is a very useful feature that lets you keep track of your spending in real time while shopping. Powered by Live Activities, you can see how much is left in your budget as well as allowing you to quickly log purchases with one tap. Alongside these new features, Bills to Budgets adds support for the new Control Center, as well as the Action button.

Bills to Budget can be downloaded for free from the App Store, but there are a variety of paid subscription options, as well as a one-off fee to unlock all of the app's features.

Söka

If you've ever created a bucket list but not followed through with it, or you've lost it, this is where the brilliant Söka comes in. Not only can you create and manage bucket lists with this app, but features AI that can help give you ideas of a location you've picked within Söka.

For iOS 18, the app has been redesigned, adding controls to the redesigned Control Center to quickly reach your lists, as well as a new "Our Recommendations" section. This can help you browse a wide selection of activities that you can add to your lists, which is constantly added to help with current real-world events, such as sports and more.

Söka can be downloaded for free from the App Store, which includes a 'Söka+' tier that unlocks features such as unlimited bucket lists, the ability to archive them, and more that costs from $1.99 a month.

Mango Baby

Mango Baby is a fantastic app for new parents ( such as this very writer). You can log your newborn's activities in a variety of ways, from their last sleep, diaper change, and more.

For iOS 18, keeping track is even easier. In the new Control Center, you can quickly log new diaper changes as well as being able to switch on and off timers for things like tummy time and bath time. These timers also work seamlessly with live activities, so you can have this display on your iPhone's Lock Screen. In addition, there are plenty of tinted app icons you can choose from for your iPhone's Home Screen.

You can download Mango Baby for free on the App Store, but you can also purchase Mango Baby Premium for a one-time fee of $9.99 which unlocks exclusive features like iCloud Sharing, Growth Charts, and Data Import/Export.

Obscura

At iMore, we've long considered Obscura as the best third-party camera app you can use for your iPhone. Obscura 4, released in 2023, features a clean aesthetic with powerful controls, ensuring you to capture photos in the best light.

With iOS 18, developer Ben McCarthy has updated Obscura to support the new Lock Screen Camera Extension. This means, instead of having the Flashlight and Camera icons, found at the bottom of an iPhone's Lock Screen for years, these can now be replaced with whatever supported app you wish — including Obscura. McCarthy also confirmed to iMore that a further update will enable iPhone 16 and 16 Pro users to assign the Capture Control button to Obscura.

Slopes

If you're a lifelong skier, you've likely heard of Slopes, one of the best apps on iPhone for tracking your adventures. Slopes offers official trail maps for thousands of resorts worldwide, and the app can learn about every ski you take — tracking details like your top speed, elevation, season totals, and lifetime stats.

One standout feature is the ability to find your friends who also use Slopes. The app's detailed maps make it easy to find where they are, measured in feet.

With iOS 18, Slopes delivers its biggest update yet, and it's not just about the new tinted and dark app icons. First off, the app now features elegant data cards in key sections, providing you with important details about your activities, your record of what you've been doing since you arrived at a ski resort, and much more. A new Resorts Section allows you to navigate and explore nearby resorts or search for your favorite locations. This section provides quick access to resort information, ski maps, current conditions, and snow forecasts.

You can download Slopes from the App Store for free, but there are several in-app purchases and subscriptions available that unlock every feature. These include the ability to search for Trails & Lifts information, find out where you hit top speeds, identify your best run, and much more.

Email Me

At first glance, Email Me may seem like a normal note-taking app, but it offers a twist that may evoke nostalgia for some. Developed by Manuel Escrig, the app lets you jot down any quick thoughts that may come to you much like any other notes app, but instead of saving them within Email Me, you can send them to an email of your choice. This way, you have a record of your notes, wherever you use your email account. But Email Me doesn't stop there — it also uses the share extension in iOS to send a post in X or a link to an article, right to your email inbox.

With iOS 18, the app has been updated to include App Intents, tinted App icons, and Apple Intelligence once iOS 18.1 arrives later this year. Email Me is free to download from the App Store, but there is a subscription that starts at $2.99 a month, which unlocks unlimited email sending.

Noir

Dark Mode has been available since iOS 13 in 2019, transforming the entire operating system into a dark shade. iOS 18 expands this to include dark App icons on the home screen — but what about websites?

This is where Noir comes in. Available to download from the App Store for $2.99, the app works as an extension for the Safari web browser. If you're on a website that doesn't offer a dark mode option, simply press the aA button in Safari's address bar, tap Noir, and voila!

For iOS 18, Noia is adding support for the new Control Center, allowing users to quickly enable or disable Noir from there. Additionally, the update adds support for the new dark and tinted App icons to use for your Home Screen.

OmniFocus 4

Since its debut in 2008 for the Mac, OmniFocus has become one of the best go-to task manager apps to use on iPhone. It allows users to easily create tasks and organize them with projects, tags, and dates — all within a redesigned user interface introduced with OmniFocus 4 in December 2023.

Now, with the release of version 4.4 to coincide with iOS 18, OmniFocus brings new Controls that allow users to access features such as Quick Entry, Quick Open, and Open Perspective on the Lock Screen and Control Center. These Controls can also be configured for the iPhone's Action Button, supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and the entire iPhone 16 lineup.

In addition, OmniFocus' widgets and App Icon support iOS 18's tinted Home Screen feature.

OmniFocus 4 is free to download on the App Store, but unlocking all of its features requires a subscription, starting at $9.99 per month. There's a 14-day free trial to try out its features, but there are one-time-purchase options available (if you don't want a subscription) starting at $74.99.

Please Don’t Rain

Created by Chris Wu, Please Don’t Rain gets to the point by letting you know whether it will rain or not, getting rid of that anxious morning thought.

The design of it is simple, but fun. If there’s a good chance that it will rain, a photo of a sad animal, such as a cat, will appear when you load the app up. But if it’s not looking likely, a photo of a happy fox will appear instead.

For iOS 18, the user interface has been redesigned, enabling users to view sections for different types of weather for the month, such as rain, snow, and temperatures. 

Please Don’t Rain is free to download, but these new features and more are available as a ‘Pro’ subscription feature. You can either pay $0.99 for three months, or $2.99 for a year.

Orbit

Orbit is a new task manager app designed to help you keep track of your daily errands. Built from the ground up for iOS 18, Orbit features interactive widgets for your iPhone's Home Screen, Lock Screen, and the revamped Control Center.

The app has a simple yet attractive design which makes it easy for users to add and complete tasks quickly. You can download Orbit for free, but there is a premium subscription available that allows you to change the user interface, as well as the ability to view past tasks. To celebrate Orbit's launch, developer Rob Owen has the following offers:

- ORBITLAUNCH - 30% discount on individual annual subscription which includes a seven-day free trial

- ORBITLAUNCHFAMILY - 30% discount on family annual subscription which includes a seven-day free trial

Chronicling

While you can use Apple’s Journal app on your iPhone, Rebecca Owen has a fantastic alternative called Chronicling.

Available for free or as a subscription for $0.99 a month or $9.99 for a year, you can track anything you want. From meals to fitness, or to help keep track of a book you're reading, Chronicling makes it easy but fun to journal all of these.

The app features a great design that takes no time at all to learn the ins and outs of. Its widgets and Apple Shortcuts support can help you refine how you want to track certain projects each week. Owen makes this part fun as well, making you want to keep going in whatever you're trying to accomplish.

In Chronicling's update for iOS 18, you can add events and open the app within the new Control Center, as well as dark/tinted App Icons and support for new journal suggestion types. These include reflection, state of mind, generic media, and motion activity.

Flyleaf

Have you ever been on a website to read an article, but left it soon after because of its poor design and over-reliance on ads? Flyleaf, developed by Max Melzer, endeavors to solve this by transforming any web page into a sleek magazine-style article.

Once converted, articles appear in a layout similar to an eBook that you can buy from Apple's Book Store, allowing you to easily swipe through pages, depending on how the length of the article. Flyleaf's latest update for iOS 18 includes tinted and dark App Icons, along with some bug fixes.

The app can be downloaded from the App Store for free, but there is a monthly or yearly subscription at $2.00 and $17.00 respectively, offering the ability to customize the app with themes, and to use tags to better sort the articles you've saved.

Rain Viewer

If you're a fan of weather radar maps, Rain Viewer could be the perfect app for you. Developed by MeteoLab, it provides detailed radar views of severe weather conditions such as rain, snow, and hurricanes. Unlike apps like CARROT Weather, which offers a huge range of weather-related features, Rain Viewer focuses on weather conditions through detailed radar maps and nothing else. If you live in an area that's prone to conditions like heavy wind, rain, and snow, Rain Viewer could be the ideal app to use.

With its iOS 18 update, the app now supports widgets in the redesigned Control Center, allowing for quick access to weather radar maps, as well as App Intents, letting users ask Siri questions like chance of rain.

Rain Viewer is free to download on the App Store, but there is a subscription starting at $4.99 per month, which unlocks features like the removal of ads, extended daily and hourly forecasts,  48-hour map archives, and lots more.

NowPlaying

At first glance, NowPlaying seems like a different take on Shazam, another music recognition app. But this offers so much more when you start to look at the details. NowPlaying gathers info from various public sources, giving you a list of all music trivia related to the track. You can find out everything about any song, artist, or record easily by scanning the barcode of an album, or by facing your iPhone to a track.

For iOS 18, users can ask Siri to tell you more about the song that’s currently playing, as well as the ability to find more info about a song by pressing a new button in the redesigned Control Center. NowPlaying is also dipping its toe into editorial content with 'Album of the Day'. By checking the app daily, you'll be able to discover info about a new album.

NowPlaying is free to download but you can upgrade to its 'Gold' subscription with the following price points:

$1.99 / month

$11.95 / year

$49.99 / one-time-fee

Countdowns

Countdowns is exactly what you think it is. The app lets users count down to something that they're looking forward to, such as a birthday, an anniversary, or the launch of a new game. The app has a simple yet colorful design, featuring useful widgets, tinted icons for your iPhone's home screen, and plenty of customization options.

Version 10 is available now for free, but there is a subscription option that enables your countdowns to sync across your devices, lists, custom notifications, and more. You can buy this for $0.99 a month, $7.99 yearly, or $19.99 for a lifetime pass.

Control Mark

Control Mark is a brand new app for iOS 18 that offers one simple function — to let you bookmark any web page from the redesigned Control Center or the Lock Screen as a widget.

It sounds very simple, and you'd be right. The ease of use here will be very appealing to those who use their iPhones to browse the web — Control Mark simply makes adding a bookmark an easier experience.

Control Mark can be downloaded from the App Store for $0.99.

Ambre

If you're passionate about cooking, Ambre is the perfect app for organizing any recipes you find. You can import them from anywhere, including Instagram, and store them in one place.

With its update for iOS 18, Ambre now offers widgets for the revamped Control Center, allowing you to scan cookbooks, schedule a dinner, and more. If you've spotted a recipe in a different language, Ambre can now translate it directly on your device. Additionally, tinted and dark mode app icons can be used for your iPhone's Home Screen.

Ambre can be downloaded for free but a premium subscription at $1.99 a month, unlocks additional features like widgets, meal plans, unit conversions, and more.

Timelines

Timelines, a powerful time-tracking app, has been updated for iOS 18 to enable Control Center widgets, enabling users to quickly start and stop specific timers. Like other apps in this list, Timelines supports tinted app icons and the ability to change its app icon to a darker gradient on the home screen.

Zenitizer

Developed by Manuel Kehl, Zenitizer is a powerful app designed to help you create and manage meditation routines. These can be viewed through widgets on your iPhone's Home Screen, as well as being able to choose from a bunch of calming background sounds to help you meditate.

With the iOS 18 update, Zenitizer adds support for your favorite meditation routines on the media playback pages of the redesigned Control Center. Additionally, you can pick tinted app icons and widgets to customize your iPhone's Home Screen further.

Zenitizer is free to download, but there is a subscription that has access to a full selection of bell sounds, the ability to log mindful minutes, and much more, starting at $2.99 a month.

Pockity

With the cost of living still enduring, budgeting your income and expenses is more important than ever. Budgeting apps can help manage all of this, without relying on a table you've created in Apple's Notes app.

This is where Pockity comes in, free to download with an optional $10.99 one-time fee to unlock all features, the app lets you set up automatic expenses and income tracking. Additionally, notification reminders can be set for anything that might impact your budget, all within an elegant interface.

In an update for iOS 18, there are tinted and dark app icons to choose from, as well as Lock Screen and Control Center widgets to create a new budget entry or scan receipts quickly.

MusicHarbor

Popular music tracking and discovery app MusicHarbor has been updated for iOS 18, which includes a new method to quickly launch the app from the new Control Center, as well as the Lock Screen or Action button. New App Shortcuts now enable users to view upcoming releases. This means you can ask Siri the following: “Siri, show upcoming releases in MusicHarbor”, and Apple's assistant will display what's coming up.

Saturn

If you've recently switched from X to Mastodon and you've been searching for a dedicated iOS app, Saturn, developed by Shihab Mehboob, might be just what you need.

This is an app tailor-made for both Mastodon and iOS 18. You can use App Intents (Shortcuts), Control Center widgets, Translations, and more. Its interface is reminiscent of X's own iOS app but with an orange color scheme.

You download Saturn for free from the App Store, but there is a yearly subscription of $12.99 or a one-time unlock fee of $39.99.

Dumb Phone

Do you just want to use your iPhone with minimal distractions? Dumb Phone, developed by Michael Tigas, aims to help with that. This is a simple app launcher that allows you to display a curated list of apps.

Available to download for free with an optional $2.99 monthly subscription to start with, Dumb Phone does exactly what it promises. With the iOS 18 update, you can launch the app from the redesigned Control Center and choose between a light or dark app icon.

Snbd

Snbd (short for Soundboard) lets you create custom soundboards by adding sounds from your Photos, Music, and Voice Memo recordings. It's a simple yet powerful app that might inspire you to create music you hadn't previously considered.

In a new update to mark iOS 18's arrival, users can add their soundboards to the redesigned Control Center, making them a swipe away from the top-right of your iPhone's screen. Additionally, Snbd's Home Screen widgets now match the new tint themes available in iOS 18.

Snbd is free to download, but there is a $3.99 Pro option that unlocks a bunch of extra features. This includes live sound recording and the power to add them to your soundboard, as well as the ability to change the speed, pitch, and looping of your audio.

It's important to note that submitting a review of an app in the App Store is a great way to give awareness to new users. If you've downloaded any of the apps mentioned above and you want to rave all about it, follow these steps:

• Find the app on the App Store
• Open its details page
• Tap on 'Reviews'
• Tap on 'Write a Review'

Of course, this is only a small slice of the apps that have been updated to take advantage of iOS 18. If there's an app you'd like us to feature, do get in touch.

Apple announced iOS 18 at its WWDC developers conference on June 10, releasing the first developer beta of the update immediately after the opening keynote. After several months of beta releases, Apple is today finally rolling out iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to everyone – just in time for the new iPhone 16 release.

Aside from the focus of Apple Intelligence, there's a redesigned Photos app, there are more customization options for your Home Screen (begone, grid!) and icons can be tinted. RCS messaging is also now available, too. 

To update to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 head into the Settings app on your device. Go to General and then Software Update. If you don't see iOS 18 immediately, select the option at the top of your screen where you can pick between iOS 17 and iOS 18. Note that updates may take a while to install while the update is so new, as many users will be scrambling to download it.

We recommend making an iCloud backup of all your important content. From photos to videos, it's always a good idea to prepare your iPhone before updating its software.

No Apple Intelligence features just yet

As you might expect, the headline feature of iOS 18 is the new Apple Intelligence suite of AI features – but you won't find it in the first release of iOS 18. Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro later this year, offering features like live transcribing, Writing Tools, generative image creation, and more. 

It also features new emergency features like Messages Via Satellite and Emergency SOS Live Video, as well as Roadside Assistance via Satellite. 

Apple Intelligence will debut as part of iOS 18.1 and beyond in October. The first rollouts will be U.S. English only, with localizations for English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. coming in December. There's support for Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish coming next year, too. 

More from iMore

• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro preorders are now live
• Apple hints that the iPhone SE 4 is closer than ever
• This gaming case could be the perfect accessory for your iPhone 16

Apple has added a new 'Repair Assistant' to iOS 18, the latest update for compatible iPhones, to better help users manage used genuine parts when repairing their handset.

First announced in a back in April, MacRumors has since uncovered more details about the tool. With 'Repair Assistant', users can now pair genuine parts, such as a display, battery, camera module, and more, with an iPhone themselves, or by a third-party repair provider. Previously, this step of the repair process was handled by Apple, but iOS 18 enables users to complete the step solo. Apple says that 'Repair Assistant' only works with iPhone 12 models and later.

In addition, iOS 18 allows users to check any replacement parts by going to Settings > About > Parts and Service. 

This update is packed with new features, including the ability to customize your Home Screen with dark app icons, as well as the ability to place your apps anywhere. iOS 18 is set to be released later today for compatible iPhones.

A win for everyone, especially for retail workers

In what feels like a previous life, I used to work as tech support for a phone store, fixing software issues on countless smartphones and tablets. Often, customers would bring in iPhones that couldn't be fixed on-site.  In these cases, we had to send the handset off for diagnosis through the store's repair program. Once a technician looked at the iPhone, we'd receive a quote for the repair. If the customer accepted it, the device would be fixed — but the whole process would take at least three weeks.

Being without a device like an iPhone for that long is frustrating, especially if it's used for work. From experience, I can say that retail staff often bore the brunt of frustrations from customers with these long turnaround times.

Now, with 'Repair Assistant' in iOS 18, that frustration will mostly become a thing of the past. Customers will have greater flexibility to repair their iPhones as third-party repair shops will be able to pair a used genuine part without having to send the device off to Apple. This reduces the risk of compatibility issues with parts and saves valuable time for the customer.

Ultimately, this new change benefits everyone. Customers will enjoy faster repairs, and retail staff can guide them to local repair services — or, if they're comfortable, customers can buy a part and attempt a repair themselves.

More from iMore

• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro preorders are now live
• Apple hints that the iPhone SE 4 is closer than ever
• This gaming case could be the perfect accessory for your iPhone 16

If you're excited about Apple Intelligence on your iPhone and were hoping for a way to get in a little cheaper, you'll need to stick to the iPhone 16.

Apple has discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, meaning that iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models are the only way to get access to the new AI features.

That's thanks to the new phones having enough RAM (8GB, as it turns out) and means that anyone looking to leverage Apple's clever new features on a Pro phone may have to spend a little more than they anticipated.

Apple discontinues multiple products after Glowtime event

It's not just the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max that got the axe this week, as the company also finally removed 2021's iPhone 13.

Apple Watch Series 9 was removed from sale, with the Apple Watch Series 10 taking its place, while AirPods 2 and 3 have been superseded by AirPods 4 and the original AirPods Max are finally gone, too - after almost 4 years. A new USB-C version replaces them.

One thing not entirely gone is FineWoven, however. The controversial material isn't used for iPhone cases anymore, but can still be seen in a number of accessories.

More from iMore

• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro preorders are now live — as well as Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more
• iPhone 16 has a secret charging upgrade Apple didn't even mention
• Apple hints that the iPhone SE 4 is closer than ever

This year's iPhone 16 Pro models could outperform an M1 chip, a new Geekbench result has suggested.

The Geekbench score, uploaded earlier this week, is tied to iPhone 17,1, which is the designation for this year's 'Pro' models with the A18 Pro chip.

Offering a Single-Core Score of 3429 and a Multi-Core Score of 8790, that marks an increase from last year's Pro phones in line with Apple's own keynote numbers from the Glowtime event.

Aside from comparing it to last year's iPhone, however, the A18 Pro seemingly stacks up favourably compared to the M1 that made its debut in Mac systems with the advent of Apple Silicon.

Could your iPhone outperform your laptop?

While the caveat of this being a benchmark and not real-world testing naturally applies, it's interesting that the A18 Pro, found in a device you can carry in your pocket, is now starting to compete with Apple's laptop and desktop chips (albeit those from a few years ago).

With M1 benchmarking around 8300 for multi-core performance, the A18 Pro is seemingly a hair more impressive, and while the comparison may seem like apples to oranges to some, it shows just how far Apple has come in just a few years - let alone the rest of the industry which is keeping pace or following closely behind.

In case you missed it, Apple's Johny Srouji confirmed Apple's latest iPhone models have 8GB of RAM, too - the same as the base M1 chip.

More from iMore

• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro preorders are now live — as well as Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more
• iPhone 16 has a secret charging upgrade Apple didn't even mention
• Apple hints that the iPhone SE 4 is closer than ever

When you pick up your new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, you may feel like the box is missing something.

After removing power bricks some time ago, and earbuds, too, Apple has seemingly decided to finally remove the classic white Apple stickers from their device packaging, too.

That's via a report from 9to5Mac, who reported that you'll be able to request the stickers when buying your phone but that carriers won't have them, and neither will third-party retailers.

The end of an era

As 9to5Mac points out, it seems Apple won't be offering stickers across any products soon.

The company didn't include them in the M4 iPad Air, M2 iPad Air, or the Vision Pro, but it's still a little bit of whimsy the company has seemingly left behind in its understandable pursuit of environmental goals. 

Apple still aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, with this year marking the removal of additional plastic from iPhone packaging.

What did you do with your old Apple stickers? I'm pretty sure I have a bundle of them somewhere - who knows, they might be worth something one day!

More from iMore

• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro preorders are now live — as well as Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more
• iPhone 16 has a secret charging upgrade Apple didn't even mention
• Apple hints that the iPhone SE 4 is closer than ever

We're almost a week out from the Apple Glowtime event that finally lifted the lid on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, and many have been curious about how much RAM is in each device.

It's perhaps more interesting this year because Apple has previously mentioned a certain RAM threshold is why iPhone 16 can run Apple Intelligence features while the iPhone 15 can't, but a new interview with Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, Johny Srouji, has confirmed the amount in each of the new phones.

Geekerwan spoke with Srouji (thanks 9to5Mac), who explained the rationale behind packing 8GB of RAM into all iPhone 16 models.

Johny Srouji on 8GB of iPhone RAM

“Our goal is to build the best products, delivering the absolute best user experience. As it relates to Apple Intelligence, DRAM is one aspect. And when we look at what we’re building, whether it’s silicon, hardware, or software, we don’t want to be wasteful in many ways," Srouji explains.

"We have lots of data that tells us what is going to enable a certain feature, and Apple Intelligence is one of those very, very important features that we want to enable."

"And we look at different configurations, both for computation and memory bandwidth and memory capacity. And then we make the right trade-off and balance of what actually makes the most sense. So, Apple Intelligence was a major feature that led us to believe that we need to get to 8GB."

Srouji also notes how 8GB of RAM will help other facets of the iPhone experience, including "high-end, AAA-titled games".

He also extolled the virtues of Apple's efficiency cores, pointing to single-thread performance throughout the Apple lineup.

“When you look at the single-thread of performance core across all of our silicon, it’s the absolute best in the industry. We’re leading the industry. If you look at the efficiency cores, same, we’re at the absolute best. We’re leading in a big way."

More from iMore

• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro preorders are now live — as well as Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more
• iPhone 16 has a secret charging upgrade Apple didn't even mention
• Apple hints that the iPhone SE 4 is closer than ever

The wait is over! After the Apple Store went down earlier today, you can now pre-order the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max.

After being announced at Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event on September 9, plenty are looking forward to what the new handsets offer. This includes a new 'Camera Control' button on both models, enabling users to quickly access a camera app and camera functions, as well as a faster A18 and A18 Pro chip respectively.

With these new phones now available to pre-order, Apple has also brought down the price of other iPhones in the lineup, such as the iPhone 15, last year's flagship — now available for $699.

However, if you've decided to hold off on upgrading, you can also pre-order the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Satin Black, AirPods Max USB-C, and AirPods 4.

How do you pre-order?

Pre-ordering is a simple affair, much like in previous years. Your best option is to do it through the Apple Store and the Apple Store app. Once you've selected your iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, you can choose whether to have AppleCare Plus, which extends the handset's warranty to three years and includes accidental damage protection.

If you're on a carrier plan, these companies likely have some enticing deals to tempt you to upgrade to the new iPhones. In the U.S., carriers like AT&T and Verizon are already offering some great trade-in deals. Meanwhile, in the UK, O2 is offering double data on new and upgraded contracts. In addition, Three is offering up to £747 when trading an older iPhone for a new handset. If you're also looking at an Apple Watch Series 10, Three is offering the wearable for a £25 upfront cost, followed by £18.17 per month, with six months of free smartwatch pairing when a customer takes a 24-month smartwatch pairing plan on its network. As you can see, there are already plenty of appealing deals out there if you want the phones and other products on a monthly plan.

However, we recommend acting fast if you want a certain color — the new Desert Titanium shade, exclusive to iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, is likely to sell out fast, potentially delaying its shipping date from September 20 to October.

If you've decided which iPhone you're getting, let us know in the iMore Forums!

More from iMore

• Apple hints that the iPhone SE 4 is closer than ever
• Apple Intelligence will arrive in beta next month, and iPhone 16 owners get something special
• Apple releases new firmware for AirPods Pro 2 with features for iOS 18

The Apple Store has gone down ahead of iPhone 16 pre-orders, which begin at 5 am PDT on Friday. 

Apple unveiled its new best iPhones earlier this week. As is customary, there's a one-week pre-order window before the phones go on sale next Friday. With demand expected to be just as high as most other years, customers who want to get their iPhone on day one should look to pre-order as soon as the website comes back online to be in with a shot. 

The launch time of 8 am ET, or 1 pm in the UK, will also apply to carriers for those who want to get their iPhones attached to their contracts. 

iPhone 16 pre-orders, but that's not all

The launch today will also signal the start of pre-orders for Apple's new Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4. The former is a larger Apple Watch with a more advanced display, faster charging, and more. AirPods 4 iterate on the design of Apple's popular in-ear headphones and the for the first time bring noise cancelling to the masses without a rubber tip. 

Friday will also see pre-orders of the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 color, but there are no other changes to speak of. 

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro delivers a hefty upgrade to the internal processor of both models thanks to the A18 lineup. There are also significant camera upgrades including a new 48MP Ultra Wide lens and a new Camera Control button for tactile pointing and shooting. 

Apple's new iPhone 16 lineup boasts a big charging upgrade that Apple didn't even mention when it unveiled its new flagship lineup earlier this week. 

Apple's iPhone 16 was unveiled on Tuesday, replete with a new series of A18 processors, a new Camera Control button, new colors, big camera upgrades, and Wi-Fi 7 across the board. 

Apple has also introduced significant battery life increases across the entire lineup, but one charging upgrade it didn't mention comes by way of speedier wired juice. Turns out the iPhone 16 lineup supports 45W charging via USB-C across the board. That's a big increase on the 29W supported by the previous generation. 

iPhone 16's big charging upgrade

The news, spotted by ShrimpApplePro on X, is exciting for prospective iPhone owners for two reasons. Not only is this a big jump on the current wired charging speeds, letting you power up your phone faster than ever before, but it's also rare to see hefty upgrades like this applied to the entire lineup. We'd expected iPhone 16 Pro to support faster charging, so the revelation that all four phones are getting the upgrade is great news. 

Likewise, Apple has also beefed up MagSafe charging with iPhone 16. Each model now supports charging up to 25W via MagSafe, compared to 15W in the previous generation models. Coupled with big battery life gains, iPhone 16 users can expect their phones to last for longer day-to-day, and for charging to take less time when that juice does run out. 

Another major reason for the more power-efficient performance is the advent of the new A18 chip, which uses much less energy at similar speeds compared to the previous A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro, and the A16 in the iPhone 15. 

iPhone 16 pre-orders begin Friday, with pricing across the lineup identical to last year's models. 

If you were wondering when a new iPhone SE model may drop, Apple may have just given its biggest hint yet that it could be soon.

Michael Tigas, the developer of Focused Work and Dumb Phone, spotted that developers no longer need to upload screenshots of their apps running on an iPhone SE. When submitting an app to Apple's App Store, developers have to follow specific guidelines in order for Apple to approve their app. The company has a page all about this process, but it's the change in requirements at the 'Product Page' stage that Tigas noticed.

This could suggest that Apple's budget iPhone SE handset could be refreshed soon. Rumors point to an iPhone SE 4 that may finally get rid of the Home Button in favor of a 6.1-inch LTPS OLED 60Hz display, similar to the iPhone 14. As the upcoming iPhone 16, out on September 20, also features a 6.1-inch screen, this would make it easier for developers to submit screenshots to Apple, as they would be showcasing their app on two iPhone models.

In the meantime, if you don't want to wait for the iPhone SE 4, we've created a guide on where to pre-order the iPhone 16 from September 13.

What else is rumored for iPhone SE 4?

If you're holding out for an iPhone SE 4, there are plenty more features rumored to be in store. A USB-C port will allegedly replace the Lightning port, and the cheaper iPhone will finally get 5G, something the best iPhones have had since 2020.

On the camera front, a report from 2023 suggests the iPhone SE 4 will still have one lens, featuring an IMX503 sensor, a 1/2.55 sensor size, and f/1.8 aperture. It's also rumored to support Cinematic Mode and Portrait Mode, allowing for photos and videos to have the smooth 'bokeh' effect.

Finally, the same report hints that the Action button, featured on iPhone 15 Pro and all iPhone 16 models, will be coming to the iPhone SE 4. However, there's no word if it will also include the Camera Control button as well.

While we still don't know when this upcoming iPhone SE handset will arrive, this update could be its biggest yet if many of these rumors come true.

More from iMore

• AT&T reveals its iPhone 16 deals — get up to $1,000 off with an eligible trade-in
• Apple Intelligence will arrive in beta next month, and iPhone 16 owners get something special
• Apple releases new firmware for AirPods Pro 2 with features for iOS 18

AT&T has revealed the slate of deals, offers, and incentives its offering to customers trying to get their hands on Apple's brand-new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. 

Apple unveiled its new flagship lineup earlier this week. Headline upgrades for the iPhone 16 include the new Camera Control button and a powerful A18 chip that delivers hefty performance gains over the iPhone 15, powering gaming and AI features through Apple Intelligence. Likewise, the iPhone 16 Pro gets a boost thanks to new screen sizes, an A18 Pro chip, and better battery life across the board. 

AT&T is offering its usual suite of trade-in deals and discounts, with iPhone 16 pre-orders opening on Friday, September 13.

AT&T's iPhone 16 deals

At a glance, AT&T is offering the following iPhone 16 deals:

• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: On us, guaranteed with eligible trade-in 
• iPhone 16 Plus: Up to $830 OFF, guaranteed with eligible trade-in 
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to $1000 OFF, guaranteed with eligible trade-in + NEW AT&T Fiber customers are eligible to get the iPhone 16 Pro Max on us.    

If you buy the new iPhone 16 on one of AT&T's installment plans, you can add Next Up Anytime, which lets you upgrade to the new iPhone every year. 

Of course, the amount of trade-in value you'll get for a new device depends on its age and condition, so it pays to check your specific model before trying to turn it in. AT&T is also offering customers the new Apple Watch Series 10 and the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 color. 

Other highlights from the event include new AirPods 4 (both with and without noise canceling) and some big health upgrades to AirPods Pro 2. 

Apple just hosted its September event, announcing the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more. But there was a surprise new product from Beats that didn't get mentioned in the keynote: iPhone 16 cases.

These Beats-branded cases are meant to protect your precious new device, naturally. They’re rocking a hardshell polycarbonate back,” which is essentially tough plastic that’ll probably survive a decent drop. The real kicker, though? They’re compatible with Camera Control, which is a huge plus.

Of course, Apple didn’t forget MagSafe – these cases are fully kitted out with that too. Plus, Apple wants you to know they’re “precisely crafted” for the iPhone 16. So, they should hug your phone like a second skin, caressing its buttons and edges with the utmost care.

If you fancy a bit of choice, you’ve got four colourways to pick from: Midnight Black, Summit Stone, Riptide Blue, and Sunset Purple. At $49 a pop (that’s about £39 or €46), they’re right in line with Apple’s other offerings, but with that Beats flavour sprinkled in. If you’re quick on the draw, you might even get one in hand as soon as Wednesday.

What else is new from Apple?

The iPhone 16 launch event saw plenty of announcements from Apple. There's a new Camera Control on the new iPhones, which gives better access to taking photos and videos. The screens across the line-up are better than ever, and more durable. Apple is showing a fondness for new colors this year, with plenty of options to pick from.

Apple Watch Series 10 was a big upgrade, with a bigger screen than ever before. The body is the slimmest it's ever been, things are faster on the inside, and moves the antennas to the backside of the case. Apple Watch Ultra 2 got a new colour option, and a third-gen Apple Watch SE never materialized.

AirPods also saw some big changes. AirPods 4 gain active noise cancellation, and launch an even cheaper $129 model without ANC. AirPods Max get a minor refresh with USB-C and new colours, while AirPods Pro 2 got a third iteration with new hearing tech added.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

Apple just hosted its September event, announcing the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more. In the iPhone 16 keynote, Apple said the new devices have bigger batteries, but didn't go into the specifics. Now, we can see the battery life stats offer hours of extra battery.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max now gives you up to 33 hours of video playback, while its smaller sibling, the 16 Pro, stretches to 27 hours. The iPhone 16 Plus also clocks in at 27 hours for video, and even the regular iPhone 16 can handle up to 22 hours.

If you’re all about audio, the Pro Max takes the lead again with a staggering 105 hours of playback, with the others offering anywhere from 80 to 100 hours, depending on the model.

The iPhone 16 series doesn’t just settle for battery life improvements, either; it’s also packing faster charging, thanks to a new MagSafe charger that supports Qi2 wireless charging. If you were tired of watching your battery percentage crawl up slowly, this is the fix you've been waiting for with 25W speeds.

How does the iPhone 16 battery compare to iPhone 15?

The biggest leap in battery life comes with the Pro models. The iPhone 16 Pro Max gets 4 extra hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, taking it from 29 to 33 hours. Audio playback also jumps by 10 hours, from 95 to 105.

The iPhone 16 Pro follows a similar trend, with video playback climbing from 23 to 27 hours and audio playback ticking up from 75 to 85 hours.

For the iPhone 16 Plus, the difference is more subtle. Video playback goes from 26 to 27 hours, while audio remains steady at 100 hours, just like the iPhone 15 and 14 Plus.

The standard iPhone 16 offers more noticeable improvements over its predecessors, with video playback increasing to 22 hours – 2 more than the iPhone 15 and 14, and 3 more than the iPhone 13. Audio playback stays the same as the iPhone 15 and 14 at 80 hours, but it still surpasses the iPhone 13’s 75 hours.

Whichever of the new best iPhones you get, you can be sure that your shiny new iPhone 15 will give you a good few extra hours of battery.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

If you're buying a new iPhone 16 model in the US, it'll come without a SIM card tray, and you'll need to switch to an eSIM – as is the new Apple norm. But if you're picking one up anywhere else, you'll still get a device with the tray.

Ever since the iPhone 14, Apple has been nudging the US toward a SIM-free existence. The latest best iPhone doesn't come with a SIM card tray, but that isn't the case anywhere else. In fact, the US iPhone 16 models have different model numbers, indicating that they're the odd ones out. It still seems weird, as eSIMs are used all over the world. I've been using an eSIM since 2020 in the UK, even on devices with a SIM card tray.

But the SIM card tray isn't the only difference to US and non-US iPhone 16s. All iPhone 16 models outside of the US lack support for 5G mmWave. This tech promises blistering download speeds, but only if you're standing on top of a 5G tower in the middle of an open field. 5G mmWave has been a mixed bag, so this isn't a particular loss for anyone. But, it still seems odd for Apple to continue to only add it to US iPhone models.

eSIMs are still supported

While it sounds inconvenient at face value, removing the SIM card tray and switching to eSIM can actually be highly beneficial to iPhone users. Notably, you can use up to eight eSIMs on your device, so you can have multiple numbers and networks support on one device. This is particularly useful if you travel frequently to different countries, or you are Walter White. You can swap your number and network without removing your SIM card, and gone are the days of losing that pesky SIM pin you need to pop the tray open. 

Removing the SIM card tray also makes manufacturing the iPhone easier for Apple, saving time and money, and it's one less port for water and dust ingress, keeping your iPhone's internals safer and sounder.

Fortunately, you can still use eSIMs on any recent iPhone model with a SIM tray. So, you've got the option to go fully digital if you wish.

I've been a "Pro" iPhone person for years — all the years, almost. Other than a short stint as an iPhone 13 mini user, I've chosen the iPhone Pro option every year the company has offered one.

And it wasn't just for the iPhone. I also used to be the person that owned the MacBook Pro, Apple Watch Ultra (not technically Pro but you know what I mean), the AirPods Pro, the iPad Pro — if Apple slapped a Pro on the name, that was the one I was buying.

However, over the years, the regular versions of Apple's products started to gain a lot of the features of the Pro versions. First came the 6th generation iPad mini, which won me over as a reading device. Then came the M2 MacBook Air, which pulled me away from my Intel MacBook Pro.

Today, after announcing the iPhone 16, I think Apple is getting me to admit that I'm no longer what the company would consider a "Pro" user.

I'm downgrading in name only

After seeing all of the features announced with the iPhone 16 — Apple Intelligence, the Camera Capture button, the Action Button, and the camera features — I realized that the features offered in the iPhone 16 Pro like Pro Motion, the Always On display, and the even more insane camera features weren't things I would actually use or feel justified in spending the extra $200.

The iPhone 16 is great. I actually prefer how Aluminum holds up to smudges to Titanium as my iPhone 15 Pro has gotten smudgy all over the sides. The regular iPhone is also smaller and lighter, two things I appreciate having loved the iPhone 13 mini. I'm also not a photographer or videographer who is ever going to come close to using the features that the iPhone 16 Pro camera system packs in.

So, while I plan to downgrade in name and features, switching from a Pro iPhone to a regular iPhone is actually going to feel like a bit of an upgrade to me. I'll save money and get a phone that is better tailored for what I use it for. I'll also feel less anxious about smashing it to bits since it is slightly less premium.

The iPhone 16 isn't the only place I'm thinking of downgrading from a Pro. I'm also considering downgrading from the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to the Apple Watch Series 10. It's once again a case of getting almost all of the features that matter to me in a more affordable and lighter option — things that I appreciate.

After next week, it could be that the only Pro Apple product I retain are the AirPods Pro. While Apple did come out with AirPods 4 and bring noise cancellation to the regular earbuds, it appears that the noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro 2 are still much better. As someone who uses my AirPods Pro 2 on the plane to cut out engine noise (and boy are they good at it), I think I'll stick with them for now.

Other than that, however, I think it's time to admit that I'm no longer a Pro user, and that's just fine.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

Apple's "It's Glowtime" just took place at Apple Park, featuring a bunch of announcements that could tempt a lot of fans to upgrade devices across the board.

Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team revealed the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 10, and a line of new and refreshed AirPods, all launching on September 20. iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia will also be available on September 16.

We've covered every device that was launched individually, and also rounded up everything that was announced in case you missed the event. But was the new Apple clobber any good? Here are my thoughts on each of the new Apple devices unveiled at the iPhone 16 launch event.

iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and AirPods 4 impressions

The Apple Watch Series 10 is an impressive new device, but it's a little bitter-sweet. My expectations were high, with years of Apple Watch X rumors. While I'm a fan of the device we got, I'm yearning for what could have been.

Apple's latest smartwatch comes packing the new S10 chipset and a larger wide-angle OLED display for brighter off-angle viewing. We always get a new chipset, so that's nothing special, but I like the better viewing angles. Apple also says that the display on the Series 10 is bigger than the one on the Apple Watch Ultra 2. I'm a huge fan of that, seeing as I've currently got the Apple Watch Ultra on my wrist. Like previous devices, it's available in two sizes: 42MM and 46MM.

You can now play media out of the speaker, and there's all-new Sleep Apnea detection. A new Titanium model replaces Stainless Steel, offered in natural, gold, or dark slate. Unfortunately, there's no brushed titanium option for the Series 10 – so I still prefer the design of the Apple Watch Ultra better.

Speaking of the Apple Watch Ultra, we didn't gen a new third-gen model. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is staying, but now comes in a Satin Black finish. While I've been excited about this new color since we first heard rumors about it, I've grown more fondly of titanium recently. I'll be sticking with the original color option, but am still glad to see the Black edition make its debut.

There's also a new range of Milanese bands to compliment this new shade. I instantly fell in love with these, and will be getting one immediately. Having always been a fan of titanium bands and Milanese straps, this option is perfect for me.

The iPhone 16 line introduces several upgrades over the iPhone 15, such as the Action Button and a new "Camera Control" button that enables users to take photos and videos instantly. It can determine between a light and a hard press, as it's a haptic button. For example, a light press will show you a preview; or you can press harder for additional controls.

I'm a little torn over this button. On the one hand, it'll make controlling the camera easier, and I've been missing the quick camera launch after mapping my Action Button to Arc Search. But on the other, it's yet another button to get used to, and doesn't do anything the Camera app doesn't already offer. I think that I'll have to wait until my new iPhone arrives to make my mind up on this one.

New camera updates add a 48MP snapper here, with the promise of better aperture and snappier photos. The ability to record Spatial Video or take Spatial Photos is impressive for a non-Pro device, but I have no use for this without an Apple Vision Pro headset. Also, the new camera bump layout gives me major WALL-E vibes.

iPhone 16 also comes with 8GB of memory and an A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence when it's made available later this year in iOS 18.1. The decision to continue offering 128GB base storage is infuriating, but to be expected as a way to differentiate from the Pro models.

This year's selection of colors certainly makes a statement. The new iPhone 16 is certainly a lot bolder than the iPhone 15's muted pastel colors – something many fans criticised. The new flagship Ultramarine blue color is my personal favorite, and the option I'd pick

But the iPhone 16 Pro Max (and smaller sibling) is where my particular focus is, being the device I'm going to buy this year – upgrading from the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Screen sizes have seen an increase from 6.1 and 6.7 inches to 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. Wider bezels mean that the devices aren't actually any bigger than before. Since I've always opted for the Pro Max for the extra screen real estate, this move is something I'm very fond of – I'm getting more iPhone screen without the device starting to get too big.

There's also a new Desert Titanium color, replacing Blue Titanium from last year. I initially ordered my iPhone 15 Pro Max in Blue Titanium, but quickly switched to the Natural Titanium to match my Apple Watch Ultra – a decision I'm glad I made. But the new Desert Titanium is tempting me, which is a hot take. Most are criticising the color, but I'm actually rather fond. I said what I said.

The fact that both main cameras are now 48MP is better, as I take thousands of photos on my iPhone each month. I'm excited to see the faster aperture speed for snappier shots, and how much brighter photos are. While I've been using the 5x tetraprism camera for a year now, I am glad it's now available on the smaller iPhone 16 Pro – it should have been from the beginning. Also, 4K Slo-Mo at 120fps is technically very impressive, but I don't think I've ever recorded in slow motion. Ever.

I won't rehash my thoughts on the Camera Control button or any other features that are identical to the regular iPhone 16 devices. Although I will say that I'm glad pricing has remained where it is.

As for the new AirPods, my feelings are a little mixed. The new AirPods 4 offer a more comfortable design, new case Find My features, and wireless charging. And (plot twist) there are two variants: one with ANC and one without.

I'm very glad to see the new $129 AirPods 4, and I think this model makes sense (in theory). $179 is still a little steep for the cheapest AirPods in a world where decent wireless earbuds can be had for around $50. While $129 is still pricier, it makes AirPods much more accessible for those that don't care about the latest and greatest features.

But (and this is a big but), the AirPods line-up is now far too confusing. AirPods 4 have the same name, but one has ANC and is $179 while the other has no noise cancellation and is $129. AirPods Pro 2 can now be had in three configurations: Lightning case, MagSafe and USB-C case, and USB-C case with the new hearing features. And then there's AirPods Max at the high end. Try explaining all that to your grandma or in less than 20 words.

Apple is using the same name for too many devices at once. The $129 AirPods 4 should be AirPods SE, while the $179 AirPods 4 should maintain their 4th-gen name. As for the Pros, Apple should just slap a 3 on there already, as a third minor upgrade is dragging on a little. As for AirPods Max keeping their name, I'll allow it since the only changes are USB-C and colors – but next time must add a number on there.

Rant over. I like the fact that Find My is now on AirPods 4 – a must-have feature that's come to my rescue a fair few times. I like the new AirPods Max colors, and I'm sure many fans will too. Although I'm disappointed, there aren't any audio improvements to Apple's expensive and premium over-ear cans. AirPods Pro 2 (v3)'s new hearing features look really useful, and I'm excited to try them out. But. Call. Them. AirPods. Pro. 3. For. The. Love. Of. God. Please.

My thoughts on the newest Apple devices summarised

The Apple Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 line bring solid upgrades like a larger OLED display and the anticipated S10 chip for the watch, and enhanced camera systems for the iPhones. But across the board, Apple's newest devices are somewhat bittersweet.

The Apple Watch Series didn't quite live up to the buzz of Apple Watch X rumors, leaving a sense of "what could have been," and the confusing AirPods line-up with identical names, but different features adds unnecessary complexity. Still, some new features like Find My for AirPods and sleep apnea detection for the Watch stand out.

All in all, I'm a happy camper. The new releases bring a mix of excitement and mild frustration, but overall offer compelling new features that are welcoming to see.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

Earlier today, Apple hosted its "It's Glowtime" special event. At the event, Tim Cook and the team announced the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more.

If you are on the edge of your seat to pre-order the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple has a way to lock in that pre-order configuration ahead of time to make things even faster when preorders go live on Friday, September 13th.

Tonight, the company launched its pre-approval process for those who want to pre-order an iPhone 16. The process allows you to check your eligibility, choose the iPhone model and configuration you want, confirm your upgrade with your carrier, and get pre-approved for the iPhone Upgrade Program.

Going through this process gives you a noticeable advantage over others who try to complete all of these steps when the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro goes live for preorders at 5:00 AM PDT on Friday, September 13th (spooky). Those who complete this process are able to log in at that time, confirm their order, and keep moving about their day.

Should I get pre-approved?

Trying to complete all of these steps when preorders go live could set you up for delayed shipping if enough people get their preorders in before you. It's always a mad dash to grab the exact iPhone you want and you are competing with potentially millions of other people, so make sure to give yourself every advantage.

The nice thing about this program is that you can still change up your iPhone up to the point of preorders going live — you'll just need to go through the pre-approval process for the loan again. You can also still choose to either ship your iPhone to your home or pick it up from your local Apple Store.

You can get pre-approved for your iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro on the iPhone Upgrade Program through the Apple Store app or on the Apple Store website.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event has wrapped up at Apple Park, featuring a bunch of announcements that could tempt a lot of fans to upgrade devices across the board.

In just under two hours, Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team revealed the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, the Apple Watch Series 10, and a line of new and refreshed AirPods, all launching on September 20. iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia will also be available on September 16.

If you missed the event, we've rounded all the announcements up below in bite-sized chunks.

Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 features a new S10 chip and a larger wide-angle OLED display, available in two sizes: 42MM and 46MM. You can now play media out of the speaker, and there's all-new Sleep Apnea detection. A new Titanium model replaces Stainless Steel, offered in natural, gold, or dark slate. The watch can be pre-ordered right now for $399 for the GPS model or $499 for the cellular model. Both versions will be available on September 20.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (in black!)

If you were expecting the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — surprise! The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is staying but now comes in a Satin Black finish. There's also a new range of 'Ultra' Milanese bands to compliment this new shade. Additionally, a new band by Hermes will be made available too, complete with an exclusive watch face for the Ultra model. Otherwise, the watch still features the S9 chip and a bright display that can reach 3000 nits, as well as the same 36-hour battery life, or 72 hours on Low Power mode.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 line introduces several upgrades over the iPhone 15, such as the Action Button and a new 'Camera Control' button that enables users to take photos and videos instantly. It can determine between a light and a hard press, as it's a haptic button. For example, a light press will show you a preview; or you can press harder for additional controls. iPhone 16 also comes with 8GB of memory and an A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence when it's made available later this year. Pre-orders for iPhone 16 and 16 Plus begin on September 13, with a September 20 release date.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro line is mostly the same as the iPhone 15 Pro but with a few worthwhile differences. First off, screen sizes have seen an increase from 6.1 and 6.7 inches to 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively. There's also a new 'Desert Titanium' color, replacing Blue Titanium from last year. Like the iPhone 16, a new 'Camera Control' button can be found below the Power button, with the same tactile and gesture features when taking photos and videos. Pricing starts at $999 for the 128GB Pro or $1,199 for the 256GB Pro Max version. 

AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2

The entire AirPods line saw a big update at Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event. First off, AirPods 4 now comes in two versions — one with and one without Active Noise Cancellation. The case now features a USB-C port and Find My support, as well as a speaker that can emit a loud chime when you can't find your new AirPods.

AirPods Max have been refreshed with Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight color options, and a USB-C port, which finally replaces its Lightning port. Both AirPods 4 and AirPods Max are available for pre-order today, shipping on September 20.

Finally, AirPods Pro 2 will get three new software features later this year designed to help with your hearing. The first is Hearing Protection, which ensures that your audio isn't so loud that you cause permanent damage to your ears. The second is a hearing test that anyone can take for no more than five minutes. You'll be able to view the results in the Health app on your iPhone running iOS 18, which can then be shared with your health provider. Lastly, the third feature allows you to use AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. They will be able to isolate speech and other important audio around your surroundings. Apple says these three updates will arrive later this year in over 100 countries.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements from earlier today. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iOS 18, and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

Apple just announced the new iPhone 16 series. While the latest iPhones are the biggest focus, Apple saved a surprise MagSafe announcement until the end.

MagSafe is faster than ever, perfectly complementing the new iPhone 16 Pro and ready to compete with the best charging stands. A new puck gives even faster charging speeds – up from 15W to 25W. It also supports the new Qi2 charging standard, which is being rolled out across lots of new smartphones.

Plugging in your iPhone and leaving it to charge on your nightstand is so last decade. Why have it laying flat, useless while it charges, when you can have it standing up, acting like a bedside clock? MagSafe only makes the whole thing easier even, as you can use an arm to keep that iPhone suspended for an even better look at the clock while it is in Standby mode.

What was announced at the iPhone 16 event?

The iPhone 16 launch event saw plenty of announcements from Apple. There's a new Camera Control on the new iPhones, which gives better access to taking photos and videos. The screens across the line-up are better than ever, and more durable. Apple is showing a fondness to new colors this year, with plenty of options to pick from.

Apple Watch Series 10 was a big upgrade, with a bigger screen than ever before. The body is the slimmest it's ever been, things are faster on the inside, and moves the antennas to the backside of the case. Apple Watch Ultra 2 got a new colour option, and a third-gen Apple Watch SE never materialized.

AirPods also saw some big changes. AirPods 4 gain active noise cancellation, and launch an even cheaper $129 model without ANC. AirPods Max get a minor refresh with USB-C and new colours, while AirPods Pro 2 got a third iteration with new hearing tech added.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

Update: Apple's new Voice Memos update appears to be restricted to iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models. We're not sure why, but it's likely tied to the improved microphone array and A18 Pro chip.

As part of Apple's Glowtime event, we got to see the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, and the company revealed how it'd be leveraging Apple Intelligence on its latest and greatest devices.

While things like the Visual Intelligence feature look great, one particular feature struck a literal chord with me - the update to Voice Memos.

You see, I was a professional musician up until COVID hit. You can hear me singing the theme for a documentary, and I have been playing shows regularly for over a decade. Now that I'm a homeowner, I have a full-time job, and I freelance for the likes of iMore, and I'm a parent, I just don't have time to go through the rigamarole of finding backing tracks to sing to since I can't get to practices regularly.

Voice Memos update could inspire a whole new generation of musicians

Now, iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will offer what Apple dubs "studio quality mics", with the option to edit sound within videos.

It'll also let you layer tracks onto an existing recording, potentially taking a lot of the time-intensive components of recording a quick vocal track of a pop song I enjoy.

More importantly, it could inspire new singers and musicians to mix things up a little bit and help them shape their own sound in a way expensive multitrack recorders did back when I was younger.

It feels like there's a very high ceiling for new musicians now, and Apple could really help inspire those just starting out.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 10, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

It wouldn't be an Apple September event without an iPhone Pro. This year, the company has unveiled the iPhone 16 Pro.

The first big improvement to the iPhone 16 Pro is a boost to the screen size with a 6.3-inch display for the regular Pro and a 6.9-inch display for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The bezels are also thinner — in fact, they are the thinnest borders on any iPhone product ever made. They also get the latest generation of Ceramic Shield and a new microblasted texture.

The iPhone 16 Pro comes in four colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and a new Desert Titanium which features a warmer hue on the band. The phone also features a new machined chassis with better thermal performance. It features larger batteries and better power management for a boost in battery life. Apple says it results in the best battery performance they've ever achieved for an iPhone.

The new phone also comes with a new chip: the A18 Pro. This new chip features 2nd generation 3nm transistors — the first phone in the world to use the technology. It's packed with a 16-core neural engine and is capable of reaching 35 TOPS or a trillion operations per second. It also features more memory than the previous generation.

The company says that the A18 Pro is 15% faster with Apple Intelligence operations compared to the A17 Pro. With its 6-core GPU, it's also 20% faster graphically than the iPhone 15 Pro. For example, Death Stranding is capable of 2x faster ray tracing on the iPhone 16 Pro.

The A18 Pro features 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. The CPU is 15% faster than the A17 Pro chip which results in the same performance at 20% less power usage. Apple has added a new display engine to power its Pro Motion and Always On technologies with faster USB-C 3 performance and a new video encoder and image signal processor.

For the camera, the iPhone 16 Pro packs a new 48MP Fusion Camera so the new iPhone has 2 48MP cameras now (main and Ultra-Wide). It features a Quad Pixel Sensor. The 12MP telephoto lens is now capable of 5X telephoto zoom on both the Pro and Pro Max. Later this year, the Camera Control button is getting a two-stage shutter control (just like a DSLR).

With video, Apple is bringing its Cinematic feature to Slow-Motion video. The camera is capable of recording 4K in 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision. You can even do Slow Motion after the fact to switch between frame rates. You can even record in Pro Res and have it stored directly on an external storage device.

The iPhone 16 Pro features 4 studio-quality microphones that feature a lower noise floor and support Spatial Audio Capture. The new audio mix feature lets you edit the sound from a scene using artificial intelligence. It lets you separate sounds in a video and adjust them. The Voice Memos app will now let you layer a track on top of a previous one without the original recording bleeding into the new one.

The company has announced an update to its MagSafe lineup as well. The new MagSafe charger is faster and comes in a 2 meter cable for the first time (thank you, Apple). It is also releasing new Clear and Silicone cases for the iPhone 16 lineup. The iPhone 16 Pro also features Wi-Fi 7 like the regular.

The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 with the Max version coming in at a starting price of $1199. It is available to preorder on Friday with a September 20th release date.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

As part of Apple's Glowtime event, the company dug deep into Apple Intelligence features.

While there wasn't a great deal that's new after its big WWDC unveiling, we did learn that Apple Intelligence will arrive in beta next month.

It'll debut in US English and then move to most regions around the world. In December, Apple will bring localized English versions to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK.

It'll be released in Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish next year - and if you're in the market for an iPhone 16, you'll get a unique feature.

iPhone 16 adds Visual Intelligence

iPhone 16 owners will have access to a visual lookup feature called Visual Intelligence that will let users leverage AI to find restaurant reviews, event details, and even, um, dog breeds using the camera.

It can work with third-party options, too, letting you tap into Google or ChatGPT for assistance or information. It's coming later this year, but is only available for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 10, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

At today’s Apple event, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus made their grand entrance, sticking with the classic 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes, but now faster, thanks to the A18 chip, and packed with more buttons than you can shake a stick at. The customisable Action Button is brought in from the iPhone 15 Prs. Apple’s thrown in a new Capture Button for camera controls – just swipe and tap, because apparently pressing buttons is old school now.

The device is built for Apple Intelligence, and has been redesigned from the ground up. Colors on this device are more vivid than ever. You can pick from a total of five colors, including three new options: ultra marine, teal, and pink, white and black.

The latest iPhone has inherited the customisable Action Button from last year’s iPhone 15 Pro line-up. You can pretty much make this button do whatever you fancy—keep it as a ringer switch, like the old days, or reassign it to something more exciting. But Apple’s also introduced a new Camera Control button. It’s not a physical button you press, though; instead, you can tap, double tap, and slide your way through camera functions like it’s a touchscreen mini-game.

Clicking the Camera Control button opens the camera, and if you hold it, you'll launch into taking a video. It can distinguish between a light and hard press, as it's not a physical button. A light press, for example, will show you a cleaner preview; or you can press twice for additional controls.

The Camera Control button also enables an iPhone 16-exclusive Visual Intelligence feature. You can use it to snap instant photos that Apple Intelligence will analyse. It'll give you more information on what you're looking at, or let you interact with events. For example, you can add the event on a poster to your calendar. Images aren't stored on your device, however. It's very similar to Google Lens. You can even ask ChatGPT for guidance on what you're looking at.

Officially dubbed the 48MP Fusion Camera, the main sensor is still 48MP, but it now merges 12MP shots for brighter, crisper images. You’ve got dual telephoto options and a faster aperture to boot. On the video front, you can now shoot in 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision HDR, so your videos are looking top-notch.

The 12MP ultrawide camera gets a nice bump too, with autofocus and a larger aperture that lets in 2.6x more light. Macro photography has finally made its way to this device, and you can even capture Spatial Photos or Videos for that extra depth. Oh, and there’s a slick new AI feature that scrubs out wind noise from your videos—so no more battling the elements when you’re trying to get that perfect shot.

Under the hood, things get a proper speed boost with Apple’s new A18 chip. It’s had a bit of a workout, making it perfect for all the AI Apple Intelligence magic coming in iOS 18. The A18 packs a 16-core neural engine built to handle large generative models with ease. Crafted with 2nd-gen 3nm tech, it’s all about smaller transistors, which means it’s faster and more energy efficient. It uses 35% less power than A16 for battery improvements, and Apple says it's better than any competitors.

We’re talking a 6-core CPU that’s 30% faster than the iPhone 15’s, and a GPU that’s a whopping 40% quicker. So, yeah, it’s safe to say this thing’s a performance beast. There's a new thermal design to improve gaming performance, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing has been added.

New this year, iPhone 16 has Wi-Fi 7 support built-in – up from the previous Wi-Fi 6E. Apple says its emergency satellite connectivity is even more reliable in this device.

You can pre-order iPhone 16 from Friday, and the device will be available from September 20. The standard size goes for $799, while the 16 Plus will set you back $899. Storage starts at 128GB, just like last year.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

Just like before any Apple event, the Apple Store has been taken down. You won't be able to order anything from Apple online until later today. With today's "It's Glowtime" event kicking off at 10am PST/1pm EST/6pm BST, expect the store to go back up 90-120 minutes afterwards.

We're expecting to see an iPhone 16 reveal event in just a few hours, and that's not all. Expect a first look at new Apple Watch models, too, and potentially even new Apple Intelligence features.

There's plenty to look forward to this year with the iPhone lineup. Between the arrival of AI features under the Apple Intelligence banner, to the usual camera and chip improvements and the potential for a new Capture button, it could be another solid iPhone year.

As for the Apple Watch, the long-anticipated Apple Watch X could offer a drastic change, while we're also expecting an Apple Watch Ultra 3, too!

How to watch Apple's iPhone 16 event

The iPhone 16 event will take place today (September 9), at 10 am PT/ 1 pm ET/ 6 pm BST.

The easiest way to watch the iPhone 16 keynote on Monday is through YouTube, with the stream likely to go live 15 minutes before kick-off time. We've also got a page where you can find the stream, and we'll be bringing you all the announcements.

If you already have an Apple device, you can watch the Glowtime event on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad through Apple's website, and it'll be streaming on tvOS' Watch Now section, too.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 16 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple Watch X, Apple Watch Ultra 3, iOS 18 and watchOS 11 coverage so far.

More from iMore

• Where to pre-order iPhone 16 – when and where we think you'll be ...
• iPhone 16: Release date rumors, news, and more
• iPhone 16's new button leaks again ahead of September 9 event ...

Apple is set to announce the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro handsets at its event on September 9. So it's only a matter of time until we see what the company has been working on since the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro a year ago.

But the Cupertino tech giant has a lot more up its sleeve, apparently. While we've expected the event (dubbed "It's Glowtime") to feature the announcement of the AirPods 4 and Apple Watch X, we're more confident about this than before. That's because Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has seemingly just revealed every announcement we can expect next week.

So, here's everything you can allegedly expect to appear at the iPhone 16 launch event next week, including Apple Watch X, Apple Watch SE, and budget AirPods:

What to expect at the iPhone 16 event

Naturally, the iPhone 16 will be the biggest announcement. Expect Apple to drop four iPhone 16 models: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will look practically the same as their 2023 siblings, rocking 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screens with the same aluminium design. They will, however, come with a faster processor, 8GB of memory, and the Action button from the Pro models (finally). Vertical cameras for fancy spatial video recording are also a thing now.

The Pro and Pro Max are where things get interesting. The screen sizes are inching up to 6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Max, with thinner bezels for that slightly sleeker feel. The real action is happening in the camera department: a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, 5x optical zoom for the smaller Pro, and a new DSLR-style Capture button. Oh, and new colours too: the Pro models trade in blue for gold titanium.

It’s a big year for the Apple Watch too, with new versions across the board: the SE, Series 10, and Ultra 3.

The Series 10 gets the most attention as it marks the 10th anniversary of Apple’s smartwatch line. There's some debate as to whether or not this will be named the Apple Watch Series X. Most rumors seem to suggest so, but Gurman's report calls in the Series 10. Watch this space.

We’re talking a thinner case and bigger screens for the flagship model, though not much else in terms of AI. It's disappointing, as we were hoping for Apple Intelligence features. I'm still holding out hope.

The Ultra 3? Just some internal tweaks. Expect sleep apnea detection to be a major new feature, even if blood-oxygen sensing doesn’t return. The new Apple Watch SE is the first update in two years. Expect slightly improved performance under the hood and the usual focus on fitness tracking and basic health features, but don’t hold your breath for any of the high-end features like blood-oxygen sensing or advanced AI tech.

Prepare for new entry-level and mid-tier AirPods. Both will have a look inspired by the AirPods Pro and bring USB-C charging (about time, right?). The mid-tier version steps things up with a speaker on the case, Find My support, and noise cancellation. There’s also a growing focus on hearing health, with future updates turning AirPods into makeshift hearing aids, but those features are probably delayed.

Some rumors suggested we'd see new AirPods Max, but no word from Gurman on this. It could be a surprise reveal next week.

Mac fans will have to wait a bit longer. The M4 chip transition for Macs and MacBooks is expected to debut in October, not at this event. An updated iPhone SE and a fresh AirTag are also in the works for next year. Meanwhile, there’s no sign of a new Apple TV model, and the iPad lineup is saving its upgrades for a launch next year.

More from iMore

• Where to pre-order iPhone 16 – when and where we think you'll be ...
• iPhone 16: Release date rumors, news, and more
• iPhone 16's new button leaks again ahead of September 9 event ...

With just days to go before Apple is expected to announce its iPhone 16 lineup, a popular accessory maker has announced a new line of charging devices.

UGREEN is launching a new charging lineup called Uno, designed specifically for iPhone users. This collection stands out by telling users when their devices are charged through a friendly robot aesthetic. Some of the products can be bought right now, while some will be available to buy later this month. This new lineup includes the following:

• Uno Charger 100W
• Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10000mAh 15W
• Uno 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger 15W
• Uno Power Bank 10000mAh 30W
• Uno 6-in-1 USB-C Hub
• Uno USB-C to USB-C Cable 100W

While many of the above are self-explanatory, the one that intrigues us the most is the Uno Charger 100W. Together with the 6-in-1 USB-C Hub, they adapt a mini-robot that can show off different emojis.

UGREEN calls this 'The Groovy', showcasing different expressions to tell you when it's charging your iPhone. "The Groovy, unique robot appearance can be both cool and cute, serving as an attractive figurine on the desk even when not charging. During the charging process, as the charging status changes, the TFT Screen could support the display of more cute emojis."

The Uno Charger 100W will be available from September 16 priced at $59.99 — which puts it just before the rumored release date of September 20, when the iPhone 16 lineup is expected to launch.

Getting ready for the next vacation — iMore's take

You've likely returned from a vacation and you're about to get ready for the Back to School season, which means plenty of moments involving battery packs and wires to keep you and your family's devices charged up. I found myself in a similar situation a few weeks ago, grateful to keep my iPhone 15 Pro Max and Nintendo Switch powered on thanks to some accessories.

Much like Anker, I've always been a fan of UGREEN and its innovative products, especially how the company makes a concerted effort to make it fun to charge up your devices. I'm intrigued by the Uno Charger 100W with its 'Groovy' emoji. So much so, that I'm considering it as a Christmas present for my niece. UGREEN proves with its new Uno series that charging doesn't have to be a chore.

More from iMore

• iPhone 16's new button leaks again ahead of September 9 event
• FineWoven cases have been selling so poorly that it looks like Apple will discontinue them
• This gaming case could be the perfect accessory for your iPhone 16

Apple is notorious for keeping leaks under control. Even in today's world where almost every detail of the upcoming Pixel phone from Google leaks, most of the rumors surrounding the next iPhone are just that: rumors.

If something does leak, it's usually ultra-rare and comes from a reliable source like Mark Gurman or...Mark Gurman. Even rarer is for Apple to leak something about its own products. That pretty much never happens...unless you're trying to open an Apple Store in time for an iPhone launch.

Apple Mall of Scandinavia is opening soon in Sweden. According to the store page, "Our brand new Stockholm store here in the Mall of Scandinavia will open its doors soon. We look forward to welcoming you and helping your ideas grow and thrive."

The opening date gives it away

The most interesting thing about the Mall of Scandinavia opening is its opening day: September 20th. While that might not mean anything in and of itself, it means a lot when you consider when Apple is holding its iPhone 16 event.

Apple is set to host its iPhone 16 event on Monday, September 9th. The company usually opens preorders for the iPhone that Friday, so we should expect preorders to open on Friday, September 13th. It also usually then launches the iPhone a week later, so we should expect the iPhone 16 to officially go on sale on Friday, September 20th.

With Apple making sure that its new store in Sweden is opening on September 20th, it's not hard to guess when the iPhone 16 is launching. It would be weird for the company to miss such an opportunity, so Apple itself is basically confirming to everyone (before Tim Cook officially announces it on stage next week) that the iPhone 16 is launching on the 20th.

In addition to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, Apple's "It's Glowtime" event is also expected to feature the announcement of the AirPods 4 and Apple Watch X.

More from iMore

• Where to pre-order iPhone 16 – when and where we think you'll be ...
• iPhone 16: Release date rumors, news, and more
• iPhone 16's new button leaks again ahead of September 9 event ...

Despite only being announced last September with the new best iPhones and Apple Watches, Apple’s environmentally friendly alternative to leather, FineWoven, could be discontinued.

FineWoven – which was marketed as a faux leather alternative – has apparently fallen flat with consumers. The latest reports show that sales have been less than stellar. In fact, hardly anyone has been buying the new cases.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's retail stores are running low on inventory of FineWoven cases and Apple Watch bands, which usually means one of two things: Apple is either prepping to launch a new lineup (potentially with better taste this time), or they’re discreetly pulling the plug on the whole thing. I’m rooting for the latter.

This isn't the first we've heard about FineWoven cases going away. According to an X Post by known leaker Kosutami earlier this year, FineWoven cases were set to be discontinued due to quality issues. And it looks like that leak has come to fruition.

What's so bad about FineWoven?

As for why the products are supposedly being discontinued, Kosutami says that it’s “since its durability [was] bad”. We can attest to that; in our FineWoven review, we found that the case was “easily scratched”, “gets dirty quickly”, and that the “FineWoven design is so prone to scratches and stains, and the USB-C cutout so narrow, that it’s simply impossible to recommend.” We gave the case two and a half stars, and it did not find a place on our list of best iPhone cases.

There’s no official news from Apple as to the state of its latest case material, and the company wasn’t immediately available for comment. In fact, if you still want to buy a FineWoven case or Apple Watch strap, then you can find them listed on the Apple Store (just maybe not in one). An iPhone 15 Pro case costs $59, while an Apple Watch band will cost as much as $149.

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• Did you buy an Apple FineWoven iPhone 15 case
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If you've been wanting to play the best iPhone games without carrying a gaming controller around, this new case could be the answer to your woes.

Made by BitmoLab, GameBaby is a unique case that not only protects the best iPhones from drops and scratches but lets you play a bunch of games thanks to its built-in physical buttons. Simply slide out and flip the bottom half of the case, and after loading up retro gaming emulators such as Delta, you can use the physical buttons to play games — just as you would on a Nintendo Game Boy handheld.

The first 1,000 GameBaby cases are currently available for $19.99 each as an 'Early Bird' special, but once these are gone, the price will rise to $39.99. BitmoLab also notes that the GameBaby should work with iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max handsets. However, with no confirmation on the upcoming iPhone yet, we may have to wait and see if the controller case works with the new iPhone once it's made available later this month.

What's rumored for iPhone 16?

With Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event days away, where the company is expected to announce the iPhone 16 lineup, there could be plenty of reasons to upgrade from your iPhone 13 or earlier handsets.

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro’s display will be 6.3 inches, an increase of 6.1 inches from previous models — thanks to a thinner bezel this time. In addition, a new Capture button is rumored to feature on the right-hand side of every iPhone 16 device, making it easier to take photos and videos. This button might be pressure-sensitive too, which may enable users to focus on an object or take a series of photos in burst mode — depending on how hard the button is pressed.

The ultrawide lens is rumored to be getting a big 48MP upgrade, which could result in better-quality images. The 5x 120mm telephoto lens, currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, is also expected to be coming to the iPhone 16 Pro as well as the 16 Pro Max later this month.

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• iPhone 16's new button leaks again ahead of September 9 event
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Apple's iPhone 16 Capture button has once again leaked ahead of the September iPhone event on Monday, revealing its placement and a novel solution Apple has found for its official iPhone cases. 

Apple is expected to reveal a new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max on September 9 alongside a new Apple Watch, AirPods, and more. 

Numerous upgrades are expected, but perhaps the most noteworthy hardware change will be the advent of a new Capture button dedicated to taking photos and videos, replete with pressure sensitivity to control focus, just like a DSLR camera. A new case leak now seems to confirm the button's inclusion in the lineup, its placement, and the solution Apple will adopt for its official iPhone cases. 

iPhone 16 Capture button

An image shared by notable leaker DuanRui on X reveals unspecified iPhone 16 cases that include a slot for the rumored Capture button on the right-hand side, below the iPhone's Power/Lock button. While these cases include a gap for the button, a translated caption from the leaker indicates that "the official protective case of Apple’s iPhone 16 series will not have this opening and will be made into an integrated design, which will not affect the normal use of this capacitive button." 

Whether or not this is true remains to be seen, but with just a few days left to go, we can definitely file the new Capture button in the 'certain' category when it comes to iPhone leaks. 

Apple always releases its own official line of iPhone cases to complement its flagship smartphone, and it could be that support for the Capture button in those is delivered by way of a covered button, just like the other physical controls on the iPhone currently. With the iPhone event just days away, we don't have long to find out. 

Apple's upcoming iPhone SE 4 might be the most interesting iPhone coming out in the next year. A new report provides details on what to expect with the display and, if true, I'm seriously considering dropping my Pro iPhone for the cheapest model.

As reported by Nikkei Asia, Apple plans to drop the LCD display for the 4th generation iPhone SE. Instead of LCD, the next-generation iPhone SE will get a huge upgrade and enjoy the same OLED technology that has powered the company's flagship iPhone models for the last few years.

According to the report, "Apple has begun placing orders for OLED displays for the upcoming iPhone SE from China's BOE Technology Group and South Korea's LG Display. This change marks the end of LCDs in iPhones, with the SE model scheduled for release in next year also featuring an OLED display, along with standard-priced iPhone models and premium Pro models."

If true, this will mean that the next iPhone SE, which is expected to be released in 2025, will mark the end of LCD displays on the iPhone. The regular iPhone and Pro models have sported OLED displays for years, leaving the iPhone SE as the only iPhone model to stick with the inferior LCD technology.

If the company does make the switch, it will effectively end the company's iPhone production relationship with Japan Display (JDI) and Sharp, two companies that have been part of the iPhone supply chain and supplied the LCD displays for the company.

This sounds more interesting than the iPhone 16

Call me crazy, but the next iPhone SE is sounding more and more like the most interesting iPhone to be coming out over the next couple of years. While we'll certainly see upgrades to the regular and Pro model iPhones, we can likely expect all of those to be relatively incremental.

In comparison, the iPhone SE is ready to jump to the company's more modern industrial design, get an OLED display, pack in new cameras, finally upgrade to Face ID over Touch ID, and join us in 2024 with a USB-C port. That gets the average buyer a heck of a lot of the features that we currently enjoy in the flagship iPhone models.

Things get really interesting, however, when you compare the price. While the flagship iPhone models start at $799, the next iPhone SE is expected to come in at around $500 — almost half of the cost. For a lot of people who don't need the latest and greatest, the iPhone SE might start to make a heck of a lot of sense and even eat into sales of the company's non-Plus sized regular iPhone.

If I didn't need safety features like Emergency SOS via Satellite while I am backpacking in the backcountry, I would really consider stepping down from my iPhone 15 Pro to the iPhone SE. I rocked the iPhone mini until Apple discontinued it and was just fine with a non-Pro iPhone feature set and a non-Pro iPhone cost.

For people who will be just fine without those additional features, the iPhone SE is about to become the most enticing option than it ever has been. This thing is no longer an afterthought.

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Earlier this year, Apple changed a rule that allowed emulators to be made available on the App Store on all of the best iPhones. This means that apps can mimic consoles and systems from years ago. And one YouTuber figured out how to install Windows XP on an iPhone.

Michael MJD, a brave soul on YouTube, decided to tackle this Frankensteinian challenge using the UTM SE emulator. It let him install Windows XP on his iPhone. iMore's Daryl Baxter tried something similar with his iPad back in July.

Now, in case you’re wondering why anyone would want to run a 20-year-old operating system on an iPhone, the answer is probably the same reason people try to bake cakes in air fryers – because they can. But before you get too excited about playing Minesweeper on your iPhone, there are still hoops to jump through, thanks to security concerns and a little something called piracy laws.

How you can run Windows XP on an iPhone

After wrangling with UTM SE, which, mind you, doesn’t have Just-in-Time (JIT) compilation like its older sibling, Michael managed to install Windows XP on an iPhone. But with great power comes great loading times – two hours to install, and then another 30 minutes just to boot up.

Frustrated but undeterred, Michael decided to up the ante by using AltStore to install the original UTM for better performance. And, lo and behold, things did speed up a bit – though not enough to make you forget that this is all wildly impractical.

Once Windows XP was finally chugging along, Michael installed and played Half-Life 1, an old first-person shooter on a pocket-sized touchscreen. Running Half-Life 1 wasn’t without its hiccups. There were compatibility issues, frame drops, and overall, the game ran about as smoothly as a 90s dial-up connection. But credit where it’s due, Michael managed to get it to work.

Michael then decided to install a VirtualBox on his emulated Windows XP, aiming to run Windows 98. Windows 98 did boot up, but predictably, it was a hot mess of crashes and glitches. Undeterred by the carnage, Michael attempted to go even further back in time to install Windows 95. Unfortunately, that ended in disaster as well, with the system crashing before it could fully come to life.

In the end, Michael’s experiment was a bizarre yet fascinating experiment into what you can do with iPhone emulators. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to turn your sleek, modern iPhone into a sluggish relic of the past, now you know. You probably won’t want to, but at least you know it’s possible.

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Apple announced the iPhone 16 series handsets at its event on September 9. 

You can pre-order the iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro/iPhone 16 Pro Max starting this Friday, September 13. We suggest you do so if you want to get your hands on the very latest iPhone on launch day, September 20.

When do iPhone 16 pre-orders open?

Pre-orders start at 1 pm BST/8 am EST/5 am PST, so you'll need to set your alarm, particularly if you live over on the West Coast.

Sure, you can take your time and order later, but history has shown us that the delivery times for the more popular models tend to slip pretty quickly past the September 20 release day. So if you want your new iPhone as soon as possible, order right on time.

Where will you be able to pre-order from?

As for where you can actually get your hands on the iPhone 16 series, Apple’s own website is going to be your best bet, as always. Apple's Apple Store app is an easy and smooth option as well, if you prefer to do your shopping on the smaller screen. In fact, Apple recommends that you use the app rather than their website.

But if you fancy shopping around (or you’re hoping to squeeze a slightly better deal out of your carrier) you’ll likely find the usual suspects ready and waiting. Think of your local mobile network stores like EE, Vodafone, and O2 in the UK, or Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile if you’re stateside. 

This year Apple has made it easier than ever to shop around your carrier options directly within Apple's website and app. So you can actually shop around without having to jump around to different around websites.

If you'd rather buy the handset outright, you can look at other retail stores. Amazon usually offers the device for pre-order, but doesn't have it up yet. Amazon also has a middling history when it comes to availability. In the US, Best Buy has the iPhone 16 available for pre-order already; and B&H Photo will probably follow soon. While in the UK, try looking at Argos, Currys, John Lewis, or even Very.

How much does the iPhone 16 series cost?

The iPhone 16 lineup has the same starting prices as in recent years. That's $799/£799/AU$1,499 for the base model iPhone 16. The Pro devices start at $999/£999/AU$1,849. 

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• Official: Apple unveils iPhone 16, which is designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence
• Apple's iPhone 16 Pro is here with a new Desert Titanium color

With Apple set to announce the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models at an event on September 9, all eyes are already on what the company will unveil. We've seen plenty of rumors detailing what could be in the offing, and a return of the gold iPhone is one rumor that just won't go away.

We've seen multiple rumors as to what the new gold iPhone 16 Pro will actually look like, some nicer than others. We've seen colors that are more brown than gold, but a new leak might be a winner for people who want a gold that actually looks gold.

The leak, via X user Majin Bu, appears to show a dummy unit finished in a gold titanium finish the likes of which we've yet to see leak. And it's undoubtedly the nicest of all the examples we've seen to date.

Pick a color, any color

Notably, this color also closely matches one that has almost simultaneously been reported by 9to5Mac based on information from a previously accurate source. That could add credence to the claim that the dummy unit shown in the X post embedded below is the real deal.

Regardless, we won't have to wait too much longer to find out. In a little more than a week, Apple will show off the new iPhone colors for real, including the mystery gold we're all so keen to see.

Alongside the new iPhones Apple is also expected to take the wraps off the rumored Apple Watch X and an updated version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during its September 9 event.

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We all know that an Apple patent does not a product or feature make, but that doesn't mean that we can't look at what the company has been working on and extrapolate what that could one day mean. And in the case of the latest patent, it means that a future iPhone case could have Touch ID and support for capacitive buttons built right in.

Amid ongoing rumors that the iPhone 16 lineup will feature a capacitive Capture Button, a new Apple patent suggests the company has plans for a case that will work with such a button. What's more, there's support for essentially passing a Touch ID signal through the case and onto the iPhone button beneath it, too.

Such a feature has obvious implications, not least the fact that any future Touch ID-powered iPhone would still be protected from iPhone droppers everywhere while still providing support for what is still one of the best biometric security systems we've ever seen.

Getting all touchy-feely

The patent in question, first spied by Patently Apple, relates to both the iPhone and the iPad.

Currently, putting a case on a button that has Touch ID built in renders it useless. A similar issue can befall capacitive buttons that need to sense a user's touch — and the pressure with which it's being touched — which is likely to be an issue for the rumored Capture Button.

The patent understands that cases could accidentally trigger actions and has a solution to that — by building new capacitive buttons into the case itself. Such buttons could theoretically also support swipes and other gestures for adjusting media playback volume and more, too.

It is, as ever, important to remember that Apple patents almost everything its engineers come up with which means there is no guarantee these case ideas will ever see the light of an Apple Store. But it doesn't hurt to wonder, right?

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Spotify and Apple are no stranger to a conflict. The two tech giants have butted heads over many topics, including European law. Now, Spotify claims that Apple has taken away a beloved feature from iPhone users –  the ability to control the volume on Spotify Connect devices using the physical volume buttons on their phones.

Spotify Connect, if you're not already familiar, is the nifty feature that lets you control Spotify playback on devices like speakers, game consoles, and smart TVs from the best iPhones and other devices. But as of September 3, iPhone users will be left jabbing at an in-app slider instead of their trusty volume buttons, and let’s just say people aren’t thrilled.

According to Spotify, this whole mess started because Apple decided to "discontinue" the technology that allowed physical volume buttons to control the audio levels on connected devices.

Now, instead of simply pressing the volume buttons, iPhone users will have to tap a notification that pops up when they try to change the volume, guiding them to an in-app slider. Spotify is trying to sell this as a "persistent, high-quality" alternative, though the extra steps are likely to annoy just about everyone who’s used to the simplicity of button control. Some users have already started seeing this change, expressing concern on Reddit.

Spotify has supposedly been asking Apple to give them the same treatment Apple Music enjoys on HomePods and Apple TV to enable this feature, but no dice. Apple insists that apps need to integrate with HomePod to get that kind of volume control tech.

Whose fault is this mess, then?

It's tempting to point the finger squarely at Apple, as many often do. The Cupertino tech giant is no stranger to accusations of being a bit too protective of its walled garden. If Spotify is to be believed, Apple’s insistence on making third-party apps jump through hoops to access key features might not be in good spirits. But let's not let Spotify off the hook too quickly.

The truth is, Apple does provide an API that allows third-party music services to stream directly to HomePods, but Spotify has yet to implement it. Why? Well, that’s the million-dollar question. If Spotify is truly concerned about providing the best possible experience for its users, you’d think they would’ve jumped on that API as soon as it became available. Yet here we are, with Spotify more interested in pointing fingers than offering a solution.

So, both companies could have done more to avoid this drama. Apple might be playing hard ball, but Spotify’s reluctance to adopt available technology doesn’t exactly paint them as the hero of the story, either. The easiest thing to do? I'd suggest switching to Apple Music. But that's a whole other debate.

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Apple is in talks to invest big bucks into OpenAI as part of an upcoming funding round.

According to sources at the Wall Street Journal, OpenAI — known for its AI assistant ChatGPT — has been in talks with Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft about a funding round that could value the company at $100 billion. The article also highlights how Microsoft, already a major partner of OpenAI, is looking to invest even more in the company. 'It couldn’t be learned how much Apple or Microsoft will invest into OpenAI this round. To date, Microsoft has been the primary strategic investor in OpenAI. It owns a 49% share of the AI startup’s profits after investing $13 billion since 2019."

The timing of this impending funding round is curious. ChatGPT is set to be integrated into Apple's assistant, Siri, as part of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 when these are released as part of Apple Intelligence later this year. Once available, Siri will prompt the user if they want to use ChatGPT to help answer a query.

If Apple goes ahead with this investment into OpenAI, we could see ChatGPT be part of Siri for the foreseeable future, potentially leading to new features in the coming years.

How will ChatGPT work in iOS 18?

Showcased at WWDC in June, Apple's yearly developer conference, ChatGPT won't require users to create an account in order to use it with Siri. Instead, OpenAI's assistant will appear when Siri needs help with answering a query.

But that's not all that this integration will offer. Apple Intelligence will include Writing Tools, enabling users to rewrite an email or a report into distinct styles, such as casual or professional. ChatGPT will help with this through an overlay that will let you choose between these styles.

Although the latest betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 come with Apple Intelligence to test, ChatGPT integration is not yet available. However, it's expected to arrive with these updates later this year.

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Following recent reports that the entire iPhone 17 lineup would benefit from a RAM upgrade to 12GB per device, a new report by supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that things might not be quite that simple.

Writing in a post on the X social network Kuo says that the 12GB of RAM boost will only be available on Apple's best iPhone, leaving people with the option of buying the iPhone 17 Pro Max or settling for less RAM in their handset.

If this turns out to be accurate, those buying an iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Slim/Air, or iPhone 17 Pro will receive handsets with 8GB of RAM inside. That'll be enough to handle Apple Intelligence, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have 50% more RAM to aid performance.

All the RAM

Kuo's X post says that it "can be expected that stronger device-side AI will be the main selling point of iPhone 17 Pro Max." He also confirmed that the other iPhones, including the rumored iPhone SE 4, will have just 8GB of RAM.

Apple Intelligence requires at least 8GB of RAM so there is no doubt all of the new handsets will support the technology, but it's possible that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will offer even more advanced AI capabilities thanks to the additional RAM on offer. However, it's also possible that the RAM could be used elsewhere including more advanced photography and videography features.

The report also claims that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will sport a new heat dissipation solution, while the other models will make do with a less-capable graphite sheet solution.

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In order to work properly, generative AI (like Apple Intelligence) needs to pull from 'training information'. That can be gained from a range of sources, although if you want to make sure that as few people as possible are cross about your artificial intelligence model, then you'll need to make sure that the date used is 'ethical'.

That means you need permission from those range of sources so that you can use the data without concern. Otherwise, you end up in a mire of copyright infringement issues and legal trouble — as many are doing. Or, if you're Google, then you petition governments so that copyright law doesn't apply to you, and you can use whatever data you want to train your AI without needing permission, or to pay.

Because you're special. 

Apple reckons, however, that it does need to pay for the data it uses to train Apple Intelligence, although it's finding its own issues — namely, that a whole bunch of some of the largest publishers on the internet want nothing to do with the AI that it has created.

Publishers give a resounding 'No'

According to Wired, lots of publishers such as the New York Times and even Facebook have used a feature that stops Apple from scraping their content when training Apple Intelligence. It's called, imaginatively, 'Robot.txt', a text file that tells Apple's scraping bot to avoid the content at hand.

Apple's offer to pay for the data hasn't stopped 25% of websites from blocking the scraper, a number which could rise as the official launch of Apple Intelligence gets ever closer. AI is something that the publishing world is becoming increasingly aware and wary of — particularly when you remember that the New York Times is currently suing the largest generative AI model, ChatGPT, over its use of NYT content to train itself.

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With Apple set to announce the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro handsets on September 9, it's now only a matter of time until we see what the company has been working on since the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro a year ago. But while we know Apple normally sticks to a familiar cadence, it seems things might change slightly this time around.

With Apple's "It's Glowtime" event taking place on September 9, we'd have expected that the new iPhones would then be made available for preorder the following Friday, September 13. But a new report suggests that Apple might break from tradition and make preorders available a day sooner.

If accurate, that will mean that iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro preorders will be made available for preorder on Thursday, September 12.

It's (almost) preorder time

This suggestion comes via German website Macerkopf which claims that Thursday will be the big day.

"Before Apple unveils the new models on September 9th, we heard that the pre-sales start this year could take place on a Thursday rather than a Friday," the report explains via machine translation. "Specifically, we are talking about September 12th, 2024. The actual sales start could then be on September 19th."

Right now, it's unclear whether this will actually turn out to be the case or not but we won't have to wait too much longer to find out for sure. Apple's September 9 event will include preorder and availability dates for everything the company announces including new iPhones, any new Apple Watches, and more.

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Apple Music subscribers can now transfer their playlists to Google's YouTube Music service free of charge.

According to a new support document, users can log in with their Apple Account to a Data and Privacy page, where a new 'Transfer a copy of my Data' option allows users to move playlists from Apple Music to YouTube Music. However, Apple has made it clear that only playlists will be transferred, not the actual music tracks. This limitation is likely due to rights agreements that Apple and Google have with record companies. In addition, Google is also offering a tool to transfer playlists on YouTube Music back to Apple Music if you feel like you've made a mistake.

At present, there are no options to transfer playlists from Apple Music to other music services, such as Spotify and TIDAL. For now, YouTube Music is the only choice. Nevertheless, it's a handy feature for those who have been using YouTube's music service instead of Apple Music and want to save time by transferring a bunch of playlists over.

How to switch

Transferring your Apple Music playlists to YouTube is a simple affair. All you need to do is the following:

• Go to Apple's Data and Privacy page, then sign in to your Apple ID account.
• Select 'Transfer a copy of your data'.
• Follow the onscreen instructions to complete your transfer request. To start the transfer, you’ll need to sign in to your YouTube Music account.
• If done correctly, you'll receive a confirmation email from Apple, and your playlists will appear in YouTube Music in the Library tab.

And voila! All of your playlists will now appear on YouTube Music. You'll have to re-download the songs for offline play, remember. YouTube Music will try to match up any songs that are on its service, but if there's a track in a playlist that's not there but is available on Apple Music, it won't be included.

Once the transfer is complete, you'll be able to browse and edit your playlists in no time.

However, it's important to mention again that, if you want to go back to Apple Music with your playlists (mostly) intact, Google offers its own tool to do just that.

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When you're on a trip, space is often at a premium. You need the space for your clothes, your laptop, and all your charging accessories. Often, even just reducing your packing load by a charging plug is enough to free up more space for other useful stuff, so an all-in-one charging solution like Twelve South's new ButterFly 2-in-1 Qi2 charger is a godsend.

This folding charger has a Qi2 charger that slaps onto the MagSafe magnets on the back of your compatible iPhone, and charges your device at 30W. There's also an Apple Watch charging puck on board as well, so you only need to take this and its small wall adapter to make sure your devices are juiced up while you're out of the house.

You can even charge your AirPods

Thanks to that MagSafe charger, you can charge your AirPods Pro 2 when they run out of battery as well. It's a great solution for charging on the go, and perfect if you frequently find yourself in different hotels when travelling. The charger is made up of two round pucks, attached together with a leather strap. You can also use the charger as a kind of stand for your Apple Watch or your iPhone, so it's even useful when its not connected to your iPhone, your Apple Watch, or your AirPods.

The Butterfly SE comes in at $99, $30 less than the old ButterFly charger. It comes in a new color as well, in the form of a rather fetching pink. You can order the ButterFly SE today at the Twelve South website, where it will start shipping out at the beginning of September.

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Game developer Capcom released a new patch on August 27 for several Resident Evil games for Apple devices, requiring them all to be connected to the internet in order to be played.

The patch doesn’t explain why this requirement has been added. Capcom’s website only states the following: “Due to changes to the startup process, an internet connection is now required when starting this app.“ When you next start up Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and Resident Evil Village on the best iPhones, iPads, and Macs, you must ensure your device has an active internet connection. 

It’s a baffling move, as these single-player games don’t need to be online — they never needed to be when they were all originally released on gaming consoles, starting with Resident Evil 7 in 2016. Indeed, users on social media site X are expressing many frustrations about the patch. One example is AppleGamingCat, making the good point that this will limit users from playing the games in places that don’t allow an internet connection, such as airplanes.

iMore has reached out to Capcom for further comment as to why this requirement has been rolled out.

Expect this to be the norm for future releases from Capcom

Let’s not forget that Capcom is planning on bringing another entry in the Resident Evil series to Apple devices soon. Originally released in 2019, the Resident Evil 2 Remake is coming to compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs later this year. It’s a fantastic game that honors the original sequel from 1998 in a modern way. But with this remake likely to have this internet requirement in order to play, it could spoil the experience before users reach the title screen.

With Capcom blaming ‘changes to the startup process’ for this patch, perhaps it’s something involving Apple’s upcoming software updates of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, all rumored to arrive next month. If this is the case, then it’s something that Apple should look into. It’s patches like these that go against recent efforts to bring games like Resident Evil to its products. Hopefully, we can soon see a reversal of this patch to let users play these games wherever they want, without an internet connection.

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Social media camera app Snapchat has come to Apple’s best iPads in a new update, but it’s locked in Portrait orientation for now.

Released on August 26, the new update explains that, “Snapchat now offers native support for iPad! This means that Snapchat will fill an iPad’s full screen, providing a larger canvas when capturing Snaps and allowing you to see more friends on the 2nd and 4th tabs.” This means that whether you own an M4 iPad Pro or an iPad mini, you can now take advantage of the bigger screen to flick through snaps, play with filters, and watch different Stories from friends and family.

Since its debut in 2011, Snapchat has found a niche in sending and receiving photos and videos, known as Snaps, to other users with the best iPhones. But it was in 2013 when the app introduced a new feature called ‘My Story’, enabling users to share snaps into a chronological timeline as if to tell a story to their followers. This feature eventually ‘inspired’ other apps like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to roll out their own ‘Story’ feature. While Snapchat was previously available on iPads anyway thanks to the app running in compatibility mode, using the app on an iPad’s full screen with the updated native app will be massively appealing to those who use the app daily. 

You can download Snapchat for compatible iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 13 and above.

The best iPads to use Snapchat on

With Snapchat now updated to take advantage of compatible iPads, we’ve found some great deals on iPads that you can buy right now to use Snapchat with.

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Apple today announced that it will hold its annual iPhone event on September 9, and there is plenty to look forward to. Whether it's Apple Intelligence or the speedy new A18 chip that you're most excited about, photographers might have something else that makes them giddy — a big camera upgrade.

Rumors had already suggested that the iPhone 16 Pro would gain a new tetraprism 5x camera lens for the first time, borrowing it from the iPhone 15 Pro. The same lens will also be used in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, too. Now, a new report claims that the same company will be used for both lenses.

What's more, the lens will be provided by the same company that has already produced them for the iPhone 15 Pro, suggesting that it shouldn't have too many issues this time around.

Zooming in on LG Innotek

The company in question is LG Innotek, The Elec reports, adding that it will be the sole supplier for the tetraprism lenses this year.

Tetraprism lenses, or folded lenses, use prisms to be redirected within the lens to artificially distance the lens from the camera's sensor. That allows for increased levels of zoom without the need for an increased camera module thickness — a feature that allows phones to be made thinner without impacting camera performance.

However, LG Innotek will only provide the lenses for the initial run of iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. The report claims that the fourth quarter will see Apple switch to Foxconn and Cowell in an attempt to reduce manufacturing costs.

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Apple has just sent out invites for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro launch event called “It's Glowtime.” It’ll take place on September 9, 2024 live from Apple Park.

Things will kick off at 10am PST/1pm EST/6pm BST on the day. While the live event will be held exclusively for the media and other invited attendees, you’ll be able to watch a live stream at home. Apple will broadcast everything on YouTube and the Apple TV app.

As always, the iPhone 16 event invite doesn’t give much away. All we know is when the event is taking place, and what Apple is calling it this year. But, based on the design of the invite, there are a few hints we can try to decipher. It's very obviously the new colors and design from the new Siri in Apple Intelligence. This is going to be a big focus at the event.

What to expect from the iPhone 16 launch event

We’re expecting four iPhone 16 models to launch at the event. All signs point to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus handsets, and a choice of iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max at the high end. An iPhone 16 mini will again be absent, unfortunately.

These new smartphones will see a slate of changes to the cameras on both the front and rear, new sizes, slimmer bezels, and even faster performance. Expect to hear a lot more about Apple Intelligence, and perhaps some iPhone 16-exclusive new AI features.

We also expect a new Apple Watch 10 and maybe a Watch Ultra 3, too. We may also get the AirPods Max 2 and cheaper AirPods Lite (or AirPods 4). It’s possible we could get new iPads, too, but this is much less likely. Gurman clarified in his report that M4 Macs are not expected until later in the year, likely October.

There will, of course, also be the announcement of the availability of the new version of the iPhone’s software – iOS 18. Expect to hear about iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS Sequoia at the same time, since all will be released in September.

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iPhone 16 and its siblings are likely to be revealed on September 10, but it sounds like Apple already has a pretty good idea of which models you'll be buying.

That's according to a report from The Elec. It suggests that LG Innotech, the exclusive supplier of the iPhone 15 Pro Max's Periscope Lens which is expected to come to the smaller iPhone 16 Pro is gearing up for a big year for Pro phones.

The Elec's report says "The initial volume is estimated to reach 70% of the iPhone 16 series production by the end of this year."

The component only being found in the iPhone 16 Pro models, and being ordered in quantities to cover 70% of the iPhone 16 production size, suggests Apple expects the Pro and Pro Max to be big sellers.

The big question

The report continues "The parts industry estimated that Apple’s production plan for four finished iPhone 16 series by the end of this year was 90.1 million units."

"By model, 24.5 million units (27%) of the general type, 5.8 million units (6%) 26.6 million units of Pro (30%), 33.2 million units of Pro Max (37%), etc. The proportion of two types of professional line-up is 67%."

The report also suggests that while LG Innotech will be the exclusive supplier for now, Cowell or Foxxcon will likely be considered in time.

Which iPhone are you likely to pick up? Let us know in the comments.

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