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This is a retrospective event recap: dates, specifications, and prices below describe Apple’s 2024 announcements, not current offers or availability. Apple’s launch materials said the main product lineups would be available beginning September 20, 2024. [c001]
Apple event September 9, 2024: announcements at a glance
| Product | What Apple announced | Launch timing |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus | A18 chip, Camera Control, Action button, 48MP Fusion camera, new Ultra Wide camera with macro support; 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays | Preorders September 13; availability began September 20, 2024 |
| iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max | A18 Pro, 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, titanium construction, upgraded cameras including 5x Telephoto on both sizes | Preorders September 13; availability began September 20, 2024 |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Thinner design, largest Apple Watch display to date, faster charging, depth and temperature sensing, sleep-apnea notifications | Availability began September 20, 2024 |
| AirPods 4 | Two open-ear versions, with Active Noise Cancellation available on one | Availability began September 20, 2024 |
| AirPods Max | Five new colors and USB-C charging | Availability began September 20, 2024 |
| AirPods Pro 2 | Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, and Hearing Aid features planned for a software update, subject to requirements and regional availability | Planned for fall 2024 |
Apple’s event also announced a black titanium finish for Apple Watch Ultra 2. The keynote and product details are an account of Apple’s announcements, not independent performance testing. [c001] [c007]
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus use Apple’s A18 chip and add Camera Control and the Action button. Apple announced a 48MP Fusion camera, a new Ultra Wide camera supporting macro photography, and spatial photo and video capture. The displays measure 6.1 inches on iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches on iPhone 16 Plus. Apple listed black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine finishes. [c003]
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- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Standard and Pro iPhone comparison
| Feature | iPhone 16 / 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A18 | A18 Pro |
| Display sizes | 6.1 inches / 6.7 inches | 6.3 inches / 6.9 inches |
| Camera highlights | 48MP Fusion, new Ultra Wide with macro support | 48MP Fusion, 48MP Ultra Wide, 5x Telephoto on both sizes |
| U.S. launch price stated in dossier | Not specified here | $999 Pro / $1,199 Pro Max |
Camera Control is a dedicated way to access and operate camera functions. Apple also described a visual-intelligence capability for it that would arrive later, rather than being available in full at the event. Apple’s event update said visual intelligence would unlock later in 2024. [c001] [c002]
Apple described a big boost in battery life for the standard models; that is an Apple claim, not an independent battery-test result. Preorders began September 13, 2024, with availability beginning September 20. [c003]
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
The Pro models pair the A18 Pro chip with titanium construction and larger displays: 6.3 inches for iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for Pro Max. Apple said the Pro Max had the best battery life on iPhone at launch; this is Apple’s claim, not an independent test. [c002]
The Pro camera system includes a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP Ultra Wide camera, and a 5x Telephoto camera on both sizes. Apple highlighted 4K video at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision, studio-quality microphones, and spatial photo and video capture. Apple listed 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities across the Pro line. [c002]
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![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31caPPnRysL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Original U.S. starting prices were $999 for iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for iPhone 16 Pro Max. These are historical launch prices, not current prices. [c002]
Apple Intelligence: planned software rollout
Apple positioned Apple Intelligence as a software rollout, not a complete set of features available on event day or at the iPhone 16 release. The September announcement said the rollout would begin in October 2024 with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, with capabilities arriving over time. The initial announced language was U.S. English, with more languages planned. [c006]
Apple described forthcoming features including Writing Tools, notification and Mail summaries, an updated Siri, and Clean Up in Photos. The event’s software timeline and language plan are historical; current availability depends on Apple’s later releases and support information. [c006]
Apple Watch Series 10
For watch buyers, Apple Watch Series 10 was the event’s central wearable announcement. Apple described it as the thinnest Apple Watch to date and said it had the largest and most advanced display in the lineup. Apple said it was nearly 10 percent thinner than Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9, while retaining “all-day 18-hour” battery life; both figures are Apple’s announcement claims. [c005]
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![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Cud2WnszL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 — Bigger display with up to 30 percent more screen area.* A thinner, lighter, and more comfortable design.* Advanced health and fitness features provide invaluable insights.* Safety features connect you to help when you need it.* Faster charging gives you 80 percent battery in about 30 minutes.*
- ADVANCED HEALTH INSIGHTS — Take an ECG anytime.* Get notifications if you have high or low heart rate or an irregular heart rhythm.* Understand your menstrual cycle and get retrospective ovulation estimates.* See overnight health metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, and more with the Vitals app.* Track sleep and get notifications if Apple Watch detects signs of sleep apnea.*
- A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — Measure all the ways you move with Activity Rings, which are customizable to match your lifestyle. Get advanced metrics for a range of workouts with the Workout app. Track the intensity of your workouts with training load. Use depth and water temperature sensors for your aquatic adventures. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.*
- STAY CONNECTED — Send a text, take a call, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri, and get notifications on the go. Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS) works with your iPhone or Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
- INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Fall Detection and Crash Detection can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button.* Check In automatically notifies a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.*
Announced features included faster charging, water-depth and water-temperature sensing, and sleep-apnea notifications. At launch, Apple said sleep-apnea notifications were pending FDA clearance and intended to identify signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults without an existing diagnosis. They are not a diagnosis. [c001]
Series 10 was offered in aluminum and titanium finishes, including jet black aluminum and natural, gold, and slate titanium. watchOS 11 was scheduled for September 16, 2024. [c005]
AirPods 4 and AirPods Max
Apple introduced AirPods 4 in standard and Active Noise Cancellation versions. Both use a new open-ear design, H2 chip, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Voice Isolation, and a force sensor on the stem. The ANC version adds Active Noise Cancellation; do not assume other features are exclusive to it unless specified. [c004]
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Open-ear design | Yes | Yes |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| U.S. launch price | $129 | $179 |
Apple also announced AirPods Max in five new colors—midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange—and with USB-C charging. AirPods 4 and AirPods Max availability began September 20, 2024. The stated U.S. AirPods Max launch price was $549. These are historical prices, not current retail guidance. [c001] [c004]
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![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS, 46mm] - Silver Aluminum Case with Denim Sport Band, S/M (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QK6T8A0yL._SL160_.jpg)
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
AirPods Pro 2 hearing-health features
Apple announced three AirPods Pro 2 features planned for a software update: Hearing Protection, a Hearing Test, and an over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature for people with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Apple said availability was subject to geographic availability and applicable requirements. These regulated health features should not be presented as a universal substitute for professional medical care. [c001] [c004]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Launch chronology
- September 9, 2024: Apple held the event and opened AirPods 4 and AirPods Max preorders.
- September 13, 2024: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro family preorders began.
- September 16, 2024: Apple scheduled iOS 18 and watchOS 11 releases.
- September 20, 2024: Apple said the iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2, and new AirPods Max colors would be available. [c001]
What this recap can and cannot tell you
The event materials establish what Apple announced, the original U.S. launch prices listed above, and its stated launch schedule. They do not establish independent performance, real-world battery life, current prices or stock, or present-day regional availability of software and health features. Check current Apple and retailer information before making a purchase or relying on feature availability.
FAQ
What did Apple announce at the “It’s Glowtime” event?
Apple announced the iPhone 16 family, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, new AirPods Max colors with USB-C charging, and AirPods Pro 2 hearing-health features. It also announced a black titanium finish for Apple Watch Ultra 2. [c001] [c007]
What is the difference between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro?
The standard models use A18 and have 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays. The Pro models use A18 Pro, have 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, and add a 48MP Ultra Wide camera and 5x Telephoto camera on both sizes. [c002] [c003]
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- STAY CLOSER TO YOUR HEART HEALTH—The most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable,* Series 12 now measures HRV as often as every five minutes for insights on stress and recovery, and takes background heart rate readings every five seconds.
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Better understand your body with invaluable health insights. View your overnight health metrics with the Vitals app and get a daily sleep score,* track your menstrual cycle,5 and take readings of your blood oxygen.*
- CHECK YOUR READINESS FOR THE DAY—Know when to rest or put yourself to the test. The readiness experience can help you determine your capacity to take on the day by analyzing your recent activity, vitals, and sleep.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone8—Series 12 helps you stay active, from running to hiking to strength training.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 12 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.*
What is the difference between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC?
Both have an open-ear design and share features such as Personalized Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, and a stem force sensor. The ANC version adds Active Noise Cancellation and had a $179 U.S. launch price, compared with $129 for standard AirPods 4. [c004]
When did the iPhone 16 go on sale?
Preorders began September 13, 2024, and availability began September 20, 2024. These dates describe the original launch schedule. [c001] [c003]
Was Apple Intelligence available when the iPhone 16 was announced?
No. Apple said Apple Intelligence would begin rolling out in October 2024 through software updates, with features arriving over time. The initial announced language was U.S. English. [c006]
Were Apple Watch Series 10 sleep-apnea notifications a diagnosis?
No. At launch Apple described notifications intended to identify signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults without an existing diagnosis, and said the feature was pending FDA clearance. [c001]
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
