Apple plans to begin accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max on Friday, September 13 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time, or 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A launch is set to follow on Friday, September 20.
Pricing on the iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199. These are all the same prices as the iPhone 15 lineup.
The iPhone 16 models have a dual-lens camera, A18 chip, Action Button, and Camera Control button, while the iPhone 16 Pro models have the same Camera Control button along with a triple-lens camera that has an upgraded 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens, and a new A18 Pro chip. The Pro models are also equipped with larger 6.3 and 6.9-inch displays.
While Apple won't begin accepting pre-orders for new iPhone models until Friday, the new Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 models can be pre-ordered starting today.
Apple never publicly advertises the amount of RAM included in iPhones, but MacRumors has confirmed that all four iPhone 16 models are equipped with 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence. We uncovered this information in the latest version of Apple's developer tool Xcode 16, with assistance from @iSWUpdates.
This means that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have an additional 2GB of RAM compared to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have the same amount of RAM as the equivalent iPhone 15 Pro models.
New RAM amounts:
iPhone 16: 8GB
iPhone 16 Plus: 8GB
iPhone 16 Pro: 8GB
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 8GB
Previous RAM amounts:
iPhone 15: 6GB
iPhone 15 Plus: 6GB
iPhone 15 Pro: 8GB
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 8GB
The same Xcode files accurately revealed RAM amounts for the iPhone 15 models last year and in several previous iPhone generations.
All four iPhone 16 models will be available to pre-order starting Friday, September 13 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time in the U.S. and nearly 60 other countries and regions. The devices are set to launch one week later, on Friday, September 20.
Apple today introduced six all-new Apple Watch bands and almost 40 new band color options, refreshing its smartwatch accessory lineup.
The six brand new Apple Watch bands are as follows:
Titanium Milanese Loop in Natural Titanium and Black Titanium ($199, Apple Watch Ultra only): "The Titanium Milanese Loop features aerospace-grade titanium mesh with a secure parachute-style buckle. Inspired by stainless steel mesh historically used by divers and designed for ocean activities. Made of lightweight titanium, it's perfect for any occasion."
Hermès Twill Jump Attelage Single Tour in Noir/Gold and Rouge Grenat/Vermillon ($349, 42mm only): "A time-honored design, reimagined with new textiles. The most delicate band available for Series 10, the Twill Jump Attelage Single Tour is an ethereal wisp of form. With a nod to the precise edge painting used throughout Hermès, colorful contrasting borders enliven this elegantly thin band."
Hermès Torsade Single Tour in Navy and Rouge Grenat ($349, 46mm only): "Torsade references nautical chains brought to life as a continuous knit band in rich, saturated hues. Lightweight and comfortable, Torsade is available in a Single Tour or Double Tour that wraps twice around the wrist."
Hermès Torsade Double Tour in Vert Moyen and Rouge Grenat ($449, 42mm only): "The sportiest Hermès band yet. Made from soft, waterproof molded rubber with an "H" motif, Kilim has a convenient deployment buckle that opens with a click."
Hermès En Mer in Bleu Nuit ($449, Apple Watch Ultra only): "The first Hermès Ultra pairs with the sporty En Mer band, made of water-resistant textured knit in Bleu Nuit, that echoes the pattern of ocean waves, featuring a subtle "H" motif and custom matching titanium buckle."
Hermès Grand H in Satiné ($999): "Grand H interprets a classic watchmaking style for the modern day, juxtaposing engineered precision with the fluidity of metal for an elevated look. Adjustable links in satiné stainless steel are bookended by the iconic "H" motif, locking into place with a butterfly clasp."
The new Titanium Milanese Loop is the first metal band designed for Apple Watch Ultra, inspired by lightweight and corrosion-resistant mesh historically used by divers. It is woven from the same aerospace-grade titanium used to make the Apple Watch Ultra's case. Apple says "a custom process of weaving, flattening, laser-welding, grinding, and finely polishing the titanium wire results in precise, interlinking lozenge shapes that provide a luxurious drape, complete with a dual-button, parachute-style buckle secure enough for all water sports."
The Hermès Grand H is the first all-stainless steel Apple Watch band from Hermès, while the Hermès En Mer is exclusive to the Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 2, which also features a matching Hermès Maritime watch face that features graphic Cape Cod numerals, a bezel second display, and a Regatta countdown timer for sailing triggered by the Action Button.
Apple also introduced 33 new color options to 13 of its existing Apple Watch bands, including:
Sport Band ($49): Plum, Lake Green, Denim, Starlight, Light Blush, Stone Gray, and Black.
Solo Loop ($49): Star Fruit, Ultramarine, Lake Green, Light Blush, and Black.
Sport Loop ($49): Blue Cloud, Lake Green, Plum, Ink, and Ultramarine.
Nike Sport Band ($49): Volt Splash.
Nike Sport Loop ($49): Black/Blue, Starlight/Pink, Grey/Blue, Green/Grey, and Blue/Red.
Braided Solo Loop ($99): Denim, Magenta, Lake Green, and Chartreuse.
FineWoven Magnetic Link ($99): Blackberry, Black, and Dark Taupe.
FineWoven Modern Buckle ($99): Deep Blue, Chartreuse, and Dark Taupe.
Milanese Loop ($99): Natural, Gold, and Slate.
Alpine Loop ($99): Tan, Navy, Dark Green, Green, Blue, and Black.
Ocean Band ($99): Navy, Black, and Ice.
Link Bracelet ($349): Natural, Gold, and Slate.
Hermès Kilim Single Tour ($349): Bleu de France, Vert Moyen, and Béton.
The FineWoven Modern Buckle, Milanese Loop, Link Bracelet continue to feature stainless steel hardware, but with tweaked finishes that match the new Natural, Gold, and Slate titanium color options of the Apple Watch Series 10.
The new color options for the Hermès Kilim Single Tour are now available for 46mm Apple Watches only, unlike earlier color options which continue to be available for both casing sizes.
All of the new Apple Watch bands are available to order today, but the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 do not launch until Friday, September 20.
Apple earlier this month teased new Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones that are set to come out next year, and MacRumors has found more information on the new earbuds tucked away in Apple's latest software updates.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 will be able to measure heart rate, sending the information to the Apple Health app on the iPhone. You will need to wear both earbuds during a workout to get this functionality. You will also be able to connect the earbuds to gym equipment to measure heart rate while using a machine like a treadmill.
It sounds like heart rate will only be measured when a workout is started in a compatible fitness app, but this is not functionality offered in any other earbuds that Apple or Beats makes. The earbuds are also set to support Active Noise Cancellation, Spatial Audio, and Adaptive Audio.
Based on images found in the software, the Powerbeats Pro 2 will come in orange, purple, black, and a beige color, and they will have matching colored charging cases. While the new earbuds look similar to the current Powerbeats Pro, the updated version has a slimmer design.
Apple's Beats brand has not yet provided a specific release date for the new wireless headphones, but they are set to launch in 2025.
Apple's new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models all remain equipped with a physical SIM card tray outside of the United States.
Tech specs on Apple's website confirm that all four iPhone 16 models remain compatible with nano-SIM cards in countries such as the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Singapore, and everywhere else they are sold. In most countries, the devices also continue to support eSIM as well, allowing for dual-SIM functionality with cellular networks.
Apple removed the SIM card tray from all iPhone 14 models in the U.S. two years ago, forcing customers to use an eSIM, a digital SIM that allows users to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical nano-SIM card. Apple has a support document with a list of carriers that support eSIM technology around the world.
When the iPhone 14 series launched in the U.S., Apple promoted eSIMs as being more secure than a physical SIM since they cannot be removed from an iPhone that is lost or stolen. Apple added that up to eight eSIMs can be managed in the iPhone's Settings app, eliminating the need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards while traveling. iPhone 13 and newer models can have two eSIMs active at the same time.
With eSIM availability expanding, the SIM card tray might eventually be removed from iPhones sold outside of the U.S., but for now it lives another year.
Despite rumors that we would see storage upgrades for the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, the new models continue to have the same starting and maximum storage as the prior-generation iPhone 15 Pro models.
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at 128GB of storage for the $999 model, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256GB of storage for the $1,199 model.
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max can be upgraded with a maximum of 1TB of storage, with Apple not offering a 2TB storage option.
There was speculation that Apple would adopt Quad-Level Cell QLC NAND flash memory that would allow Apple to add more storage in a smaller space at a lower cost, hence the support for 2TB. That didn't happen.
It is worth noting that we have seen 2TB storage rumors for the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and now, the iPhone 16 Pro, without Apple upgrading the storage space.
The standard iPhone 16 models have 128GB of storage for the entry-level models, with a maximum of 512GB, similar to the iPhone 15 lineup.
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max include support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, according to the technical specifications for the devices.
Wi-Fi 7 was a rumored feature, but the pre-launch rumors that we heard had suggested that the new standard would be limited to the Pro models. That's not the case, with all four iPhones supporting the 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 standard with 2x2 MIMO.
With Wi-Fi 7, the new iPhones can send and receive data over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously for faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 offers peak theoretical download speeds of more than 40Gb/s, 4x more than the prior Wi-Fi 6E standard.
iPhone 16 users should see improved latency and better performance in dense environments with the Wi-Fi 7 standard.
The new iPhone 16 models will be available for pre-order this Friday, and are set to launch on September 20.
The new iPhone 16 Pro models are slightly heavier compared to the iPhone 15 Pro models, according to Apple's tech specs for the devices.
Here are the listed weights for all of the devices:
iPhone 15 Pro: 6.60 ounces (187 grams)
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 7.81 ounces (221 grams)
iPhone 16 Pro: 7.03 ounces (199 grams)
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 7.99 ounces (227 grams)
This means the iPhone 16 Pro is 6% heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 2.5% heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
These increases mean that iPhone 16 Pro models are now nearly as heavily as iPhone 14 Pro models, but the titanium frame on iPhone 16 Pro models should still make the devices feel lighter in the hand if you are upgrading from an iPhone 14 Pro model. If you are upgrading from an iPhone 15 Pro model, expect a bit heavier device.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are equipped with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, which are larger than the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. To learn more about the devices, which are available to pre-order starting Friday, read our coverage of Apple's announcement.
Apple's Beats brand today announced the launch of new iPhone 16 cases that have MagSafe and Camera Control support. This is the first time that Beats has designed iPhone cases, with the company typically focusing on headphones.
The new cases come in four colors that match the standard iPhone 16 colors, including Midnight Black, Summit Stone, Riptide Blue and Sunset Purple.
The Beats cases are made from a hard polycarbonate material with flexible sidewalls to optimize shock absorption, along with a soft microfiber lining to keep the iPhone inside safe from scratches. Apple says that the case is thin, light, and easy to grip.
On the outside of the case, there is a glossy, scratch-resistant coating that adds extra protection. The cases are designed to work with the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models, and they are designed with a sapphire crystal coupled with a conductive layer that can communicate finger movements to the button.
These are MagSafe-compatible cases with built-in magnets that align with the iPhone 16 models for wireless charging purposes. Apple's latest iPhones can charge at up to 25W using new MagSafe chargers.
"We're delighted to introduce the first iPhone case designed by Beats," said Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president of Apple Music and Beats. "Beats has always been synonymous with distinctive style and vibrant colors and our new cases are the perfect way to accessorize the new iPhone 16 lineup."
Apple today discontinued its ill-received FineWoven material, introducing no new cases that use the leather replacement. The company has also removed existing FineWoven iPhone cases for older devices from its website, though FineWoven versions of the MagSafe Wallet and AirTag Key Ring continue to be available.
FineWoven has been heavily criticized for its poor performance in comparison to the former leather cases that Apple used to offer. Apple replaced leather last year in order to be more environmentally friendly, but people quickly found that the FineWoven cases are quick to get dirty and begin to fray.
There is no replacement for the FineWoven material, and Apple does not have leather cases or any kind of equivalent for purchase. For the iPhone 16 lineup, customers can choose a Silicone Case or a Clear Case.
Silicone Cases are available in several new colors like fuchsia, ultramarine, star fruit, and lake green, in sizes that fit each of the new iPhone models.
Apple's Beats brand has also introduced a series of new cases for the iPhone 16 lineup, marking the first time that we've seen iPhone accessories from Beats in some time.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life ever offered in an iPhone with a total of 33 hours during video playback, according to Apple.
This is an increase of four hours over the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which offered 29 hours of battery life during video playback. This is an increase of 14%. On the other hand, The iPhone 16 Pro offers a 27-hour battery life, up from 23 hours on the iPhone 15 Pro, for an increase of 17%.
Apple says this increase has been achieved thanks to larger, optimized batteries, a new internal design, and advanced power management in iOS 18. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max also offer the all-new Camera Control button, the A18 Pro chip, and a new 48-megapixel ultra wide camera. They are available for pre-order on Friday and launch on September 20.
Apple today seeded the release candidate version of macOS 15 Sequoia update to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the eighth beta.
Registered developers can opt-in to the macOS Sequoia beta through the Software Update section of the System Settings app. An Apple ID associated with an Apple Developer account is required to get the beta.
macOS Sequoia includes iPhone Mirroring, which allows you to control your locked iPhone from your Mac. You can open and use iPhone apps, interact with notifications, and drag and drop files between your iPhone and Mac and vice versa.
There are new options for window tiling, and dragging a window to the edge of the display will suggest a tiled location to make it easier to use multiple apps at once. Apple is adding a Passwords app for managing passwords, Safari can summarize websites, surface key information, and Notes has support for live audio transcription and math equations.
All of the Apple Intelligence features coming to iOS 18 will also be available in macOS Sequoia, but Apple does not plan to add these until later in the beta testing process. Apple Intelligence includes Writing Tools for editing, proofreading, and summarizing text in apps, and an Image Playground allows for AI images to be created from prompts.
Custom emoji or "Genmoji" can be created for any situation and used just like emoji, and Siri is getting much smarter. Siri will be able to do more in apps and will better understand requests, especially those made in regard to on-screen content.
Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the eighth betas.
Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggling on the iOS 18/iPadOS 18 Developer Beta setting. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta. The iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 beta track is now separate from the iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 beta track, with the .1 betas adding support for Apple Intelligence on devices that are able to run the features.
iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, a set of AI features that are built deeply into the operating system. Apple Intelligence won't be coming until later in the beta testing process, but it includes features for refining and editing writing, generating images and emoji, and most notably, improving Siri and search. Siri is gaining a better understanding of natural language, improved contextual awareness, and the personal assistant will integrate with ChatGPT to answer more complex queries.
Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads with an M-series chip, but there are a number of other features that are coming. Apple is allowing users to rearrange Home screen apps to have open spaces, plus there's a dark mode for app icons and tinting options.
The Control Center is customizable and third-party developers can add controls for their apps, with the Lock Screen Flashlight and Camera icons able to be replaced or removed. Messages is gaining Rich Communication Services support to improve conversations with Android users, the option to schedule texts to be sent later, new text effects, messages over satellite when there's no cellular, and the option to use any emoji for Tapback responses.
There's a dedicated Passwords app for logins, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes, and there's now an option to lock and hide apps, which means they can't be opened without secondary Face ID or Touch ID authentication even when your phone is unlocked.
Safari has a highlights feature that summarizes articles and surfaces key information on websites, the Photos app interface has been overhauled, and there's a new Tap to Cash feature for privately and securely transferring money using Apple Cash. Other features include equation solving and voice memo transcription in Notes, a game mode for improving game performance, and an option to respond to Siri on AirPods with head gestures.
The new iPhone 16 models that Apple introduced today support upgraded MagSafe charging. With a 30W charger, the iPhones can charge at up to 25W, an improvement over the prior 15W limit.
For the first time, the iPhone 16 models support fast charging over MagSafe. Users can expect up to a 50 percent charge in 30 minutes when using a 30W or higher adapter paired with one of the new MagSafe Chargers. Fast charging is also available with a 20W or higher adapter paired with a standard USB-C cable.
Qi2 wireless charging is supported as well, but that is limited to 15W charging, so iPhone 16 users will get faster charging speeds with official MagSafe chargers.
A 30W power adapter will need to be purchased separately, as Apple does not include power adapters with the purchase of an iPhone anymore. Apple does, however, include a USB-C cable.
The new iPhone 16 models will be available for pre-order starting on Friday, September 13, with a launch to follow on Friday, September 20. There are two new MagSafe chargers in 1-meter and 2-meter sizes.
Apple today seeded the release candidate version of an upcoming watchOS 11 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming a week after the seventh beta was released.
To install the watchOS 11 update, developers need to open the Apple Watch app, go to the Software Update section under "General" in Settings, and toggle on the watchOS 11 Developer Beta. An Apple ID linked to a developer account is required.
Once beta updates have been activated, watchOS 11 can be downloaded under the same Software Update section. To install software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life and it must be placed on an Apple Watch charger.
watchOS 11 introduces a new Vitals app that aggregates health metrics collected during sleep like heart rate and respiratory rate, providing day-to-day health insights to track whether something has changed. There's also a Training Load feature for monitoring the intensity of workouts and how that impacts the body over time.
The Smart Stack has been updated with new widgets and support for Live Activities and Translate, plus it is better able to suggest widgets based on time and daily routine. The Photos watch face includes suggestions for the best images to use, and the Check In safety feature now works with Workouts.
Activity Rings can be customized to change the goals for each day, and there is an option to pause for rest days or when ill without losing an activity streak. Double Tap now works for navigating through apps with one hand, and Apple Maps lets users create their own walking and hiking routes.
Apple today released the release candidate version of an upcoming visionOS 2 update to developers, with the beta coming a week after the ninth beta.
Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app on their device, going to the Software Update Section, tapping on the "Beta Updates" option, and toggling on the Developer Beta. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta.
visionOS 2 is able to take the depth information from 2D photos and turn them into 3D photos using advanced machine learning. Apple says that the feature is meant to add depth to photos to make memories more immersive.
There are new hand gestures for activating the Home View and Control Center, and the Home View is also now customizable with apps able to be rearranged. Travel Mode now includes support for trains, and Guest User profiles are now saved for 30 days so guests don't have to do the setup process every time they try out the headset.
Later in the year, Mac Virtual Display will support higher resolution and larger sized virtual displays, which Apple says will be equivalent to two 4K monitors side by side. With an AirPlay update, the Vision Pro can serve as an AirPlay receiver, so content from the iPhone, iPad, or Mac can be shared to the headset.
The Mindfulness app can track and respond to breathing patterns using the camera for an improved meditation experience, and the Vision Pro supports Bluetooth mice with visionOS 2.
Apple today seeded the release candidate version of the upcoming tvOS 18 refresh to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming a week after the eighth beta came out.
Registered developers are able to download the tvOS 18 update by opting in to the beta through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A registered developer account is required.
tvOS 18 adds an InSight feature to the TV app, and it is able to provide real-time information about actors, music, and more in Apple TV+ shows and music. Enhanced Dialogue has been refined with machine learning and computational audio so it is better able to boost vocal clarity over background noise and music, plus it is now available on built-in TV speakers, AirPods, and other Bluetooth devices.
Subtitles will now show up automatically when relevant, such as when the TV's volume is muted, a show or movie is rewound, or when the language of a show doesn't match the device language.
Other new features include 21:9 aspect ratio support for projectors, new screen savers and improved controls for swapping screen savers, and support for Live Captions during FaceTime calls through an iPhone or iPad.
The iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18 updates will launch on Monday, September 16, Apple said today during the "It's Glowtime" Apple event.
Apple's operating system updates will come out five days ahead of when the new devices are set to be available on Friday, September 20. The release versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia will not include Apple Intelligence features, with Apple set to introduce the first Apple Intelligence capabilities in an update coming next month.
We are expecting to see final release candidate versions for all of the new software today.
