Apple fans were in for a treat today, as the tech giant unveiled a range of new gadgets.
The iPhone 16 range includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, while Apple also unveiled the Apple Watch 10, and the AirPods 4.
Unfortunately, eager buyers will have to wait a few weeks for the new devices to hit shelves.
However, Shivali Best, Executive Science and Technology Editor at MailOnline, was at the launch event at Apple’s headquarters in California and was one of the first people to get her hands on the new iPhones and Apple Watch.
So, is it worth upgrading? Here are Shivali’s first impressions.
Shivali Best, Executive Science and Technology Editor at MailOnline, was at the launch event at Apple’s headquarters in California and was one of the first people to get her hands on them
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were the first two smartphones unveiled at the event, with Apple claiming they ‘mark the beginning of a new era for iPhone’
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were the first two smartphones unveiled at the event, with Apple claiming they ‘mark the beginning of a new era for iPhone.’
The first thing that caught my eye when I saw them in person was the colours – they’re undeniably stunning.
While last year’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus came in a range of pastel tones, Apple has opted for brighter jewel tones this year, which I think are much more exciting.
I got time with an Ultramarine phone, but buyers can also opt for Pink, Green, White or Black.
While last year’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus came in a range of pastel tones, Apple has opted for brighter jewel tones this year, which I think are much more exciting
The colour-infused back glass feels lovely in the hand, although admittedly, most people will place a case on their iPhone.
Apple has stuck with the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays we saw in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, while the camera system is also identical to the predecessors.
This might come as a disappointment for many fans, who have come to expect upgrades to the cameras.
While the Action Button was only included in the Pro smartphones last year, Apple has included this button on the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus this year.
The biggest change, however, is the addition of an all-new Camera Control button.
Located under the Power Button on side of the phones, this allows you to snap photos and videos with the tap of a button.
Admittedly, this takes some getting used to.
A solid push immediately brings up your camera, while a second push snaps a photo.
The biggest change is the addition of an all-new Camera Control button. Located under the Power Button on side of the phones, this allows you to snap photos and videos with the tap of a button
However, what was trickier to master was the option for a lighter push, which brings up the zoom.
I’m sure this is the kind of thing you’d get the knack of with time, but wasn’t the most instinctive action for me.
Aside from the hardware changes, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have a host of impressive AI features, thanks to Apple Intelligence.
During my brief hands-on, I was able to proofread a huge block of text with the tap of a button, summarise a chain of emails, and even type to Siri.
Rather disappointingly, several of the features I was most excited to try aren’t available until December – most notably Genmoji, which will allow you to create custom emoji.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
At 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch, the iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max are Apple’s biggest iPhones yet – and are verging on too big in my opinion.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max feels huge in the hand, and you’d struggle to fit it into any normal pocket!
Despite being huge, these new Pro iPhones are stunning, with the thinnest borders on any Apple product yet.
As usual, Apple has opted for more subtle colours compared to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Users can choose between for Black, White, Natural, or a brand new shade called Desert Titanium, which is a sandy gold.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max feels huge in the hand, and you’d struggle to fit it into any normal pocket!
Like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the Pro models have the new Camera Control button, as well as the Action Button we were introduced to last year.
If you’re seriously into your photography, the 48MP Fusion camera will likely excite you, but beyond that, the cameras are very similar to those in last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Apple Watch 10
Finally, I managed to get my hands on the Apple Watch 10.
Coming in at 30 per cent larger than last year’s Apple Watch 9, it’s pretty huge and takes up most of my wrist.
Finally, I managed to get my hands on the Apple Watch 10 (pictured right next to the Apple Watch 9). Coming in at 30 per cent larger than last year’s Apple Watch 9, it’s pretty huge and takes up most of my wrist
That being said, the subtle design changes are lovely.
Apple has introduced more rounded corners, which give the Apple Watch a softer look and feel.
It also measures just 9.7mm thick – 10 per cent thinner than its predecessor – and feels noticeably light on the wrist.
Users can choose between three colours – Rose Gold, Silver, or a new Jet Black, which is particularly slick.
Beyond the design changes, unfortunately there’s not a whole lot of new features.
The speaker can play music out loud, although I’m not really sure why you’d ever need or want to do that.
Meanwhile, a new sleep apnoea tracking tool might be welcomed by people who snore, but probably won’t come in handy for the majority of people who do not.
Considering this is the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, I think I had slightly higher expectations for new features.
So, is it worth pre-ordering?
I wouldn’t say any of Apple’s new devices are ground-breaking and you need to rush out and buy them.
The new Camera Control button is a fun addition to the new iPhones, which could prove handy for selfie-lovers, while the larger display on the Apple Watch might appeal to people who prefer less subtle designs.
However, Apple has kept the prices the same as last year’s devices – £799 for the iPhone 16, £899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, £999 for the iPhone 16 Pro, £1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and £399 for the Apple Watch 10.
So, if you’re in the market for a new phone or smartwatch, these new devices are definitely worth choosing over their predecessors.
