On September 9th, Apple held its much-anticipated (and aptly named) Apple Event. These events always bring excitement to the tech world, both from Apple fans and, let’s say, other people. Apple announced several products, including iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. Let’s take a look at the goodies announced at the Apple Event. Is it too early to start my holiday list?
Key Products Announced
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch SE
- AirPods 4
- AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
- AirPods Pro 2
- AirPods Max
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple calls this “the ultimate sports and adventure watch” and backs up its claim with a feature set that any adventurer would envy. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built to last in tough environments, on land, sea, and even up to 100m underwater. Add to that dual-frequency GPS, up to 36 hours of battery life, and optional cellular service, and this watch frees you from the bounds of civilization, at least for a while.
Some other key features include
- Detailed insight into your workouts
- Advanced Metrics runners, swimmers, and cyclists
- Offline Maps
- ECG and other advanced health and safety features
Apple Watch Series 10
I remember getting my first Apple Watch and thinking it was a cool and fun piece of tech. Now, some years later, I can’t imagine going through my day without it. Apple is great at creating devices that not only solve problems but fit seamlessly into our lifestyles. Each new series of Apple Watch brings with it more and more features that enhance the quality of life. Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch to date and also sports Apple’s first wide-angle OLED Display. With the Apple Watch, we’ve moved away from checking our phones every 5 minutes; with the wide-angle display, we can check our watch much more discreetly in that boring meeting. While several new features were unveiled at the Apple Event, what makes the Apple Watch Series 10 a must-have for me is the ability to (almost) go through the day without my phone in my hand.
Features like Check In to notify friends when you reach a destination or finish a meeting are subtle, but on some small level life(style)-changing. The ability to contact emergency services, the option of cellular service, and the translate app keep you in constant contact. Fitness+, Oceanic+, and so much more make the Apple Watch ideal for work and play. Add to this all the health insights, and the Apple Series 10 Watch is a part of your life.
Some Key Features
- The thinnest Apple Watch ever, with our biggest display.
- insights, including new sleep apnea notifications coming this month.
- New depth and water temperature sensors for your aquatic adventures.
- Fastest-charging Apple Watch ever. 80% battery in 30 minutes.
- Fine-tune your fitness experience with Activity rings to match your lifestyle.
Apple Watch SE
Apple offers the Apple Watch SE for those who want the functionality of a smart watch, without every bell and whistle.
- 44mm or 40mm aluminum case
- Retina display Up to 1000 nits
- S8 SiP
- Siri
- Find iPhone
- High and low heart
- rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Low cardio fitness notifications
- Up to 18 hours
- Low Power Mode
AirPods 4 / AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Several new AirPod options were announced at the September 2024 Apple Event, including the updated AirPods 4 with some updates to Siri interactions. The standout for me, though, is the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. As an AirPods Pro user, I can say this was a major feature in my choice to go pro and that it was well worth the upgrade.
Airpods 4 Key Features
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Voice Isolation, Hey Siri, and Siri Interactions
- Up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge
- Up to 30 hours total of listening time
- Charging Case (USB-C)
- Dust, sweat, and water resistant
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Key Features
- Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency mode
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Voice Isolation, Hey Siri, and Siri Interactions
- Up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge (up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled)
- Up to 30 hours of listening time (up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled)
- Wireless Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker for Find My
- Dust, sweat, and water resistant
AirPods Pro 2
The Apple Event promised a major update to the Airpods Pro 2. This fall, a free software update will bring users a Hearing Test, a Hearing Aid Feature, and active Hearing Protection. All this is available with your Airpods Pro 2 and an iPhone or iPad.
AirPods Max
For those who prefer more traditional over-the-ear type headphones, Airpods Max has also received a nice upgrade. With better noise cancellation, new colors, and the high-fidelity Apple sound quality you have come to expect, these new headphones are sure to please.
- The ultimate over-ear personal listening experience – now in fresh new colors
- High-fidelity sound. Exhilarating audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs
- Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation. Removes unwanted noise so you can immerse yourself in the music
- Over-ear design. From canopy to cushion, built for unequaled fit and comfort
- USB-C. Charging is fast and easy with the one-cable convenience of USB-C
- Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation, with Transparency mode
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Up to 20 hours of total listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled
Final Thoughts
Apple continues to innovate with technology that fits into our lifestyle. Whether you are looking for wearable tech like an Apple Watch or versatile earbuds and headphones, this Apple Event announced something to add to your wish list. Also available are the Apple 49mm Alpine Loop, and Apple AirTag FineWoven Key Ring.
