Apple launches new AirPods and smartwatches

Apple unveiled a new version of its smartwatch with a bigger screen and the ability to detect sleep apnea, as well as a new version of its regular AirPods with a USB-C-equipped charging case and optional noise cancellation.

The announcements formed part of an event on Monday that also included the iPhone 16 smartphone.

The Series 10 version of the watch has 30% more screen area, even with a thinner design, Apple said during a presentation dubbed “It’s Glowtime,” which was streamed from its headquarters in Cupertino, California.

The sleep apnea feature will be available in more than 150 regions, Apple said.

The company has been readying a suite of AI tools called Apple Intelligence that it hopes will entice consumers to buy upgraded devices.

Customers will need a recent iPhone — Apple’s flagship product — to handle the capabilities. 

Apple Intelligence will include an upgraded Siri digital assistant and the ability to create custom emoji with text prompts.

The event’s “Glowtime” theme is a reference to the look of Siri’s new interface.

But much of the technology won’t arrive until the coming months, potentially limiting its impact on iPhone sales.

The new watch is about 10% thinner than the Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9 watches. It also comes in a new titanium model that’s lighter than aluminium models.

Another change with this model is that Apple has integrated the antenna into the housing of the case itself – combining two layers into one in an innovative metal back.

“The back is perfectly matched in material, finish, and colour to the rest of the case, making it appear like the device is made from a single piece of metal,” Apple said.

The new watch features an upgraded chip that supports the thinner profile while offering improved performance, power efficiency, and intelligence.

“The S10 SiP and built-in 4-core Neural Engine allow for intelligent features users rely on every day, including the double tap gesture, on-device Siri, dictation, and automatic workout detection,” Apple said.

It also boasts important safety features such as crash detection and fall detection, the updated Smart Stack, a redesigned Photos face, and a new Translate app in watchOS 11.

The Watch Series 10 starts at $399 in the US and will be released there on 20 September.

A new case colour for the higher-end Ultra version was also announced. This will be on sale on the same day in the US, priced at $799.

Cheaper AirPods get USB-C and optional noise cancellation

The event also included an updated version of the standard $129 AirPods, with a smaller case and USB-C charging port instead of Lightning.

Apple said the AirPods 4 were the best headphones it had ever created with an open-ear design, setting an entirely new benchmark for fit and comfort.

“The new design is built with an unparalleled data set that uses advanced modelling tools, like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, to precisely map and analyse thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million individual data points in total,” Apple said.

“Delivering a massive improvement in sound quality, AirPods 4 feature an entirely new acoustic architecture, low-distortion driver, and high dynamic range amplifier, and add Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for the most immersive media experience.”

A $179 version with notice cancellation will also be available — a new mid-range product between the standard earbuds and Pro models, which used to be the only supporting the feature.

In addition, the company introduced a line of $549 AirPods Max headphones in new colours, also with USB-C charging.

Like the other new products, these will debut on 20 September.

Apple didn’t debut a new version of its AirPods Pro, but introduced new features such as a hearing test and the ability to act as a hearing aid.

Those capabilities will be offered as a software update this fall. 

A change in schedule

Apple doesn’t typically hold its iPhone event on a Monday, but the earlier timing lets the company get out ahead of an eventful Tuesday: A US presidential debate is scheduled for that day, and the European Commission is set to announce whether Apple has to pay $14 billion in taxes. 

Apple is playing catch-up in the world of generative artificial intelligence, where tech peers like Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Microsoft Corp. have made strides.

Monday’s presentation is partly a pitch to consumers — and Wall Street — that Apple should be taken seriously in AI. 

However, the company’s AI technology is still in its infancy.

Apple Intelligence has faced numerous delays, and many key features won’t arrive until next year.

For now, the technology is focused on summarising messages and notifications, rather than matching the “gee-whiz” capabilities of rival systems.

South African availability, pricing, and launch dates for the new Apple smartwatches and AirPods remain to be confirmed by local retailers.

The images below provide summaries of the biggest updates and new features on Apple’s new smartwatches and AirPods.

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch Ultra 2 new colours and features

Apple AirPods 4

Apple AirPods Pro new features

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Reporting with Bloomberg.