I like Apple. I wish to make that clear upfront. Other than an iPod again within the 2000s, I’ve by no means used another Apple gadgets, however I nonetheless admire what the corporate creates. So, this isn’t coming from an Apple hater however from somebody who’s been writing about expertise for a very long time and is commonly amazed by Apple’s spectacular merchandise.
Right here I’m, simply days after the iPhone 16 presentation and proper earlier than the brand new fashions hit the cabinets. I’m nonetheless processing what I noticed throughout the September 9 livestream. Apple occasions from Cupertino normally spark various ranges of pleasure, however this time felt totally different. I’d prefer to share my ideas with you and listen to what you suppose. Let’s dive in!
The New iPhone 16 (Professional) {Hardware}
I used to be considerably ambivalent concerning the presentation of the brand new iPhones. There have been some cool new options for the assorted gadgets. Nevertheless, there have been additionally a number of factors that I could not comprehend.
To begin with, Apple geared up all fashions with the brand new “Camera Control”. I might have sworn prematurely that Apple would solely embody the button within the Professional fashions and comply with go well with with the essential gadgets subsequent 12 months. This implies consumers of the iPhone 16 (Plus) will be capable of take pleasure in two new controls in comparison with final 12 months, because the Motion Button is now additionally out there.
There was additionally a leap within the processor for the essential fashions, an improved digicam, supposedly higher battery life, and after all, the announcement of Apple Intelligence. Appears like a strong replace, would not it? Sure, it really does, however one way or the other it simply would not really feel as well-rounded the extra I give it some thought.
Is it actually okay to supply a smartphone in 2024 that has solely 128 GB of reminiscence for $799 (and even $899 for the Plus) with solely a 60 Hz refresh fee? Firms like Xiaomi provide smartphones for lower than $300 that may do much better. Positive, I perceive that Apple would quite promote extra Professional fashions and due to this fact has to distinguish the 2 product strains a bit. However critically, 60 Hz? Come on, Apple!
Why am I packing a robust A18 chipset into a tool that enables me to play the good video games, which is then proven in a buttery clean method like a flipbook? Simply what number of nice high-resolution movies can I movie earlier than the 128 GB reminiscence is maxed out?
Since we simply talked about how the essential and Professional fashions differ from one another: For the primary time in years, the RAM rely is equivalent throughout all 4 fashions at 8 GB. Digicam Management as I already talked about, can also be out there for all 4 gadgets, and Wi-Fi 7 can also be supported by all 4 smartphones.
Primarily based on their lineup, I do not fairly get the message Apple is making an attempt to ship. How does Apple resolve which parts and capabilities make the distinction? Even when that is in all probability not essential in your buy determination: Why is Apple nonetheless caught with Bluetooth 5.3 for the reason that iPhone 14 Professional? Oh, and what about USB?
Why are we nonetheless counting on the 24-year-old USB 2.0 for the essential fashions and USB 3 just for the Professional? Is that this actually the best level at which to attract the road between normal and Professional, Apple? I will depart the query open-ended right here, however there are not less than some preliminary voices suggesting consumers are nonetheless discovering it troublesome to purchase the brand new Professional fashions, not less than proper now.
Yet one more phrase about Digicam Management, which maybe is aimed extra at you who recurrently take photographs with the iPhone and are excited for this new trackpad-like management ingredient: Will the operation be dramatically improved if I adjusted the settings there as a substitute of on the show? To be trustworthy, I do not fairly see the purpose—but.
That is particularly in order I’ve seen varied hands-on movies during which individuals quietly criticize the considerably unlucky placement of the button in each portrait and panorama orientation.
Apple Intelligence is Rolling Out… in Levels
Now we come to the large AI elephant within the room: Sure, Apple Intelligence is coming. It is arriving later, it is solely headed for the US for the time being, and it is coming little by little, nevertheless it’s coming. Apple spent numerous time on the launch occasion explaining the AI capabilities to the viewers.
That is okay as a result of no matter all of the {hardware} modifications, Apple Intelligence is undoubtedly essentially the most thrilling factor Apple pulled out of its hat this 12 months.
For all non-People, nonetheless, it’s a little bit of a downer: Nope, Apple Intelligence will not be in your brand-new smartphone this 12 months for those who do not stay within the USA. Apple Intelligence will not even be launched within the USA immediately, however as everyone knows, will solely be out there with iOS 18.1. Even then, it’s a beta model and solely with a number of options.
That is the place we’ll see Apple Intelligence with the Writing Instruments, as an example, or the clean-up perform in your photographs. Nevertheless, many of the different extensively marketed options will arrive with later updates and due to this fact, won’t be out there within the USA till the top of the 12 months on the earliest with a few of them arriving subsequent 12 months. This additionally applies to Siri, by the way in which. Sure, Siri is getting a elaborate new look, however Siri will not study all these AI tips till a later replace.
At the very least one thing is occurring in the US. Apple confirmed on the occasion that different English-speaking Apple followers can anticipate Apple Intelligence not less than by the top of the 12 months, equivalent to the UK, Canada, and Australia. Different languages equivalent to French, Spanish, Chinese language, and Japanese had been introduced for 2025. Solely has Apple now adopted up and promised us assist for the German language within the coming 12 months.
That is silly as a result of it implies that we might have to attend one other 12 months for these further languages. What’s even sillier is we’ve got no assure that the French, Spanish, and German variations can be out there in France, Spain, and Germany. As is so typically the case with Apple Intelligence, Apple is as soon as once more messing with the EU and so there’s a chance that these languages can be supported, however solely in international locations that talk these languages exterior the EU.
I used to be extremely euphoric about Apple Intelligence at WWDC. This was as a result of it appeared so well-thought-out, with a lot give attention to privateness. A number of months later, I’ve a unique view of this most essential characteristic. It is arriving too late, it is arriving as a beta, it is coming to the iPhone little by little, and it is solely headed for sure iPhone customers.
A Have a look at the Apple Occasion: What’s Going On, Apple?
Sure, you possibly can inform: I’ve simply talked myself into a very unhealthy temper. Simply the best time to take one other take a look at the iPhone occasion as an entire. What do we’ve got thus far? An iPhone 16 with a bang-average replace that also left me with extra questions than solutions, and Apple Intelligence with all its criticisms and unanswered questions.
As soon as I am in a complaining temper, I carry on complaining: Why am I being proven the AirPods Max, that are on the identical technical stage as its predecessor from 4 years in the past and whose solely replace is a USB port and fancy new colours?
When Tim Cook dinner talked up so many new merchandise after which offered me with a pair of historic headphones together with an historic, technically outdated H1 chip, I felt like I am being taken for a trip, to place it mildly. Do not forget: These beasts nonetheless value a whopping $549! Even the most affordable new AirPods, the AirPods 4 with out ANC for $129, characteristic a greater chip than this ‘premium’ product.
By the way, the battery lifetime of the AirPods 4 has deteriorated noticeably. In fact, Apple didn’t talk this on the occasion, nor the truth that the cable has been omitted from the packaging for the very first time.
Sure, Apple has all the time been not solely the king of product bulletins, but in addition unbeatable in the case of data omitted to be on the secure aspect. Oh, talking of omission: Did you discover how the hated fine-woven covers not exist, proper?
Anyway, the criticism practice rambles alongside. Apple additionally confirmed off its new watches, with the Apple Watch 10 and the Apple Watch Extremely 2. It is as soon as once more thrusting one other previous trick on us. In different phrases, though we’re being proven a brand-new Apple smartwatch, the flagship has barely improved.
This irritated me for a number of causes: First, I discover it to be quite cringeworthy that we’re reminded of the nice capabilities of the Apple Watch Extremely for over six minutes earlier than it claims: “Aww, not a new model, but here, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (review) is now also available in black and with a new wristband.”
I feel that is outrageous when it comes to advertising, however there’s one other level that bothered me much more: the Apple Watch Extremely did not get its identify for enjoyable! For me, “Ultra” means one thing like this: You get the whole lot right here that you simply already know and love about our product—and we’re including one thing on prime and making it even higher!
That is the place we’re at now with an “old” Extremely Watch and an everyday Watch 10, which has the brighter, higher, larger show and the newer processor. That is not the way it works, Apple!
To be trustworthy, I’d quite not say rather more about the entire occasion, however this complete “significant updates across the entire lineup” angle actually received on my nerves. No, Apple, a brand new coloration and a USB port with a brand new wristband aren’t important updates! Sure, you have to be on the ball within the keynote, you wish to wow us and throw superlatives round, however you actually do not must bullshit us within the hope that we can’t perceive what is going on on.
Has Apple Misplaced Its Spark?
… and that brings me to the final level: Has Apple presumably misplaced its luster and magic, and even its mojo? What makes Apple totally different from another smartphone or tech firm on the market in the present day? Sure, I actually do not suppose anybody who buys a brand new iPhone, Watch, or AirPods is getting a poor and even common product. It is nonetheless the best premium product popping out of Cupertino.
Nevertheless, its opponents have been constructing such premium merchandise for a very long time. I simply do not perceive the place Apple goes. I just like the shows, however this time I sat in entrance of them feeling quite perplexed. Moreover, I do not perceive sure {hardware} choices, I do not perceive the communication and the way in which it is offered anymore, and I certainly do not perceive what is going on on with Apple Intelligence.
Apple has all the time been a promise: the perfect merchandise, essentially the most intuitive expertise, and flawless presentation. With each new launch, the software program and {hardware} work seamlessly collectively. However now, I’m taking a look at a multitude.
An important new characteristic received’t arrive till a month later, and even then, it is going to solely be in beta and restricted to the USA. Many individuals are disenchanted, and that’s the important thing concern right here—this isn’t simply my opinion as somebody who doesn’t even use Apple merchandise; it is the response from loyal customers.
As an alternative, it is about my observations. In fact, anecdotal proof typically doesn’t do a lot good. Nonetheless, I’ve come throughout so many articles and movies from individuals who love Apple and but had been merely underwhelmed by what Apple offered on September ninth. The “special” magic is gone, not less than for me for the time being. Proper now, I take a look at Apple and see simply one other tech firm as a substitute of the tech wonderland I used to ogle and drool over.
Is Apple being pushed so onerous by corporations like OpenAI and Google in the case of AI that Apple could not assist however current a half-baked product? Is that this complete AI concern so essential to Apple that different merchandise in different sectors had been uncared for?
That is the place you are available in. Am I simply making a mountain out of a molehill right here and taking a far too adverse view of the matter? You’re welcome to inform me what you suppose within the feedback, however please remember: Be good! I am not an Apple fanboy, however I am definitely not a hater, both.