In addition to the launches of major products like the Watch Series 10, AirPods, and iPhone 16, several other Apple products also received notable updates.
In addition to the official launches of new products like the Watch Series 10, AirPods, and iPhone 16, some of Apple 's existing products also received software updates and new colors.
AirPods Max updated with new colors and USB-C charging
During Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event, the AirPods Max headphones, instead of having a new version, received some updated features and added new colors.
The first AirPods Max were released in 2020 as the premium over-ear model of the AirPods line. Since then, the AirPods Max have become increasingly popular.
At Apple's event, AirPods Max was updated with new color options to give Apple products a more personal look. The new colors are Starlight, Midnight, Purple, Orange, and Blue.
Apple has also added a USB-C charging port to the AirPods Max, the company's latest move toward a single USB-C charging standard for its entire device lineup.
Apple has mentioned that in iOS 18, AirPods Max will support Personalized Spatial Audio. However, it is unclear whether it will come with the new H2 chip or any other audio features previously only available on AirPods Pro.
Based on Apple’s announcement, it looks like everything about the updated AirPods Max is the same, with the only exceptions being the new color and the USB-C port.
The upgraded AirPods Max, priced at $549, are available for pre-order now and will ship on September 20.
AirPods Pro 2 adds hearing aid feature
Apple announced a number of new hearing health-related features in the form of a software update for its AirPods Pro 2 headphones.
This includes a hearing protection mode that’s turned on by default, providing passive noise cancellation in noisy environments. Apple is also rolling out a “clinical-grade” hearing aid mode as part of a software update coming later this year.
First, users can take a clinically validated hearing test. The hearing test uses AirPods and your iPhone and can be completed by users in less than five tries. Your hearing test results can be recorded in the Health app.
Hearing mode is activated when hearing loss is detected. AirPods make it easier to hear the world around you. Your custom hearing profile is automatically applied when listening to audio, like music or podcasts.
The hearing aid feature is currently cleared by the FDA and other regulatory agencies. Apple says it will be available in more than 100 countries and will be enabled via a free software update later this year for AirPods Pro 2.
Which iPhones will support Apple Intelligence?
Apple just introduced its new iPhone 16 lineup, and AI was a major topic of discussion at the event. Earlier this year, Apple unveiled its foray into AI with Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI features that will be rolled out across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. We’ve known for a while that not all iPhone models will support Apple Intelligence. More specifically, Apple Intelligence will be supported on the following iPhone models:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
The new iPhone models will all have AI features, at least in the US. For now, Apple Intelligence won’t be available on any of these iPhones in Europe, so if you’re in Europe and considering upgrading just for the AI features, you might have to wait a while.
The delay in the European market is due to concerns related to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The regulation, which was introduced to increase competition and interoperability in digital markets, has caused problems for Apple regarding the potential impact on user privacy and data security.
You might be wondering when you’ll actually see the iPhone 16’s AI features on your new device. Apple’s AI release date is a bit complicated, as the features will be rolled out in phases.
For example, the first operating system update with Apple Intelligence features will be released next month in beta, but only in the US and in English. Apple will expand the beta rollout to the UK and Australia in December. French, German and other language versions are expected to come next year.
