Anticipated iPhone 16 Features That Won't Be Available at Initial Release
At Apple's much-anticipated Glowtime event, the tech giant unveiled some long-awaited updates, including the iPhone 16, the fourth iteration of the AirPods, and the new Watch Series 10. Tim Cook led the presentation with a chirpy demeanor, despite revealing small hardware updates and features that wouldn't be available at the September 20 release date.
The New York subway commuters' common sentiment of "We thank you for your patience" rang true during this event. While Apple fans could grumble and curse, their resignation likely stemmed from their inability to influence the tech giant's product timeline. Fortunately for iPhone users, they didn't have to rush into the new launch just yet.
Unlike rumors suggested, there was no new Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch Ultra now boasted an addition of a black color option, further solidifying its place in Apple's lineup. The AirPods Max received little attention, as they underwent a simple transition to USB-C connections in compliance with EU regulations.
A Dash of Patience for Apple Intelligence and Camera Control Features
Apple chose to thank its customers for their patience on Monday, urging them to buy a product before all its features were ready. The iPhone 16's new Camera Control feature, enabling quick access to the camera app or photo-taking without touching the screen, seemed promising. However, users found disappointment in its lack of a half-press feature to lock focus and reframe the subject, which was to be introduced later this year.
Physical buttons have always appealed to me more than sleeker devices, so I found even the smallest changes to be intriguing. Yet, it felt like Apple was hastily pushing a sale-driven software feature, barely out of the iPhone 16's infancy. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro installed an A18 Bionic chip and more RAM, making them the first-ever phones designed for Apple Intelligence.
Promised Apple Intelligence features, such as ChatGPT integration, wouldn't be available at the September 20 launch. This new functionality could potentially be available by October, with AI-generated images arriving "in the following months." The highly anticipated Siri improvements were set for release in 2025.
The Apple Watch Series 10 was touted as lighter and thinner, but it failed to stand out from its Series 9 counterpart. The sleep apnea feature—highlighted at the event—still required U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance, which could potentially see its release in 2024.
Apple promised significant hardware and software changes within six months of the product launch. Our initial review would invariably review devices lacking half of their advertised features, making it unadvisable to purchase a device in progress.
Doubting Apple's Greenwashing Advertising
The Glowtime event showcased a new thinner Apple Watch Series 10, mid-range AirPods with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and long-awaited hearing aid support for Apple's AirPods Pro. The hearing aid feature, which could potentially help those with hearing issues, had me intrigued. However, the iPhone 16 generation raised questions of whether it was worthy of its stylish A18 Bionic chip, or if the iPhone 17 would offer a better choice.
The event was filled with Silicon Valley's typical hyperbole. Apple's pledge to use recycled titanium in the latest Apple Watches was a laudable initiative. However, the company's claim to use fewer planes for product shipping was misleading. Environmental groups regularly criticize Apple for its greenwashing messaging. Furthermore, the Congo has accused Apple of sourcing rare earth materials from conflict areas, which has yet to spark a legal dispute.
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/14/ios-18-4-beta/[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-14/apple-airs-new-airpods-pro-hearing-aid-features-as-adoption-timebomb[3] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/14/apple-watch-series-10-specs-features-rumors/[4] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/13/apple-iphone-16-airpods-watch-series-10-specs-rumors/[5] https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-intelligence-ai-features-iphone-16-airpods-4-watch-10-2024-9
- The iPhone 16's tech upgrade includes a new Camera Control feature, allowing users quick access to the camera app or photo-taking, but it lacks the promised half-press feature for focus and reframing, which is expected later this year.
- Apple's efficacy in delivering promised features was questionable, as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro install the A18 Bionic chip and more RAM, but some anticipated features, like ChatGPT integration and Siri improvements, won't be available at the September 20 launch.
- In the future, Apple users might enjoy the ChatGPT integration and AI-generated images on their devices, but these features are scheduled for release later this year or in the following months.
- Apple's interest in technology extends beyond smartphones; they're planning to incorporate the Apple ChatGPT feature into other products, like the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10, but the exact timeline for availability remains unclear.
