Apple is relying on better cameras and artificial intelligence in its new iPhones. However, users in the European Union will not experience many of the new AI functions at first. The company justifies this with legal uncertainties due to the new digital law DMA. With new software for the AirPods earphones, Apple could simultaneously shake up the hearing aid market, including in Germany.

Overall, the iPhone 16 and the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro largely retain the design of their predecessors. However, the two cameras on the standard model are again arranged in a line next to each other, as was once the case with the iPhone X. With the new camera system, the phones can now also record three-dimensional videos for Apple’s Vision Pro computer glasses.

New languages ​​for “Apple Intelligence” on iPhone 16 – German not mentioned

These new AI features are intended to make it possible to provide short summaries in the preview of emails and text messages, create individual emoji symbols from text inputs and fish out information on demand. The photo library search is intended to be significantly improved by analyzing the image content. However, it is unclear when this advanced Apple AI will come to Germany.

So far, “Apple Intelligence” only works in English. At the event, Apple announced several other languages ​​for next year, “including” French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese. German was not explicitly mentioned.

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iPhone 16 includes new button

A new button is the most noticeable change to the iPhone design in years. It is used to control the camera and can do more than just trigger the camera. Apple wants to encourage users to learn more about their surroundings with the help of AI.

The button on the iPhone 16 works in a similar way to a camera: when you press it down, a picture is taken, and a light press activates a slider on the screen. This allows you to control the zoom or color effects, for example, without having to tap the screen as before. You can also use the button to quickly switch between photo and video mode.

The camera button also provides access to AI functions. For example, you can use it to take a photo of a concert poster or an animal to find out more about it.

Will interest in AI boost sales?

The EU law for digital markets, the Digital Markets Act (DMA), sets out rules for large platforms. Apple is particularly concerned that the DMA requirements for opening up to other manufacturers and service providers could endanger user data and is initially demanding assurances that the advanced functions can be offered exclusively.

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The iPhone is Apple’s most important product. In the first nine months of the current financial year, it generated more than half of the company’s revenue. The iPhone also forms the basis for the lucrative business with subscription services, apps and accessories such as the AirPods earphones.

Some market observers expect interest in the new AI features to drive higher demand for the iPhone 16. Since the new features will be introduced gradually over several software updates, it is unclear whether they will play a role in this iPhone generation.

AirPods Pro should also be able to be used as a hearing aid

Industry expert Carolina Milanesi from the analysis firm Creative Strategies is convinced that Apple wants to encourage as many users as possible to upgrade to new devices that are suitable for “Apple Intelligence” – AI is also expected to play a role in iOS 18.

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In terms of units sold, Apple is in second place in the smartphone market behind Samsung. In the important Chinese market, however, domestic manufacturers such as Huawei are increasingly competing with the iPhone group. Samsung and Google, developers of the competing Android operating system and the Pixel smartphones, are also increasingly relying on artificial intelligence.

The AirPods Pro, previously known for their noise cancellation, will in future also be able to be used as a hearing aid and will be suitable for hearing tests. After approval by the regulatory authorities, this function will be available in Germany and other countries by the end of the year. If the function proves successful, Apple could shake up the hearing aid market, where devices often cost several thousand euros. Apple sells the AirPods Pro for 279 euros. At the same time, the basic model of the AirPods will also be equipped with noise cancellation.

Apple Watch gets bigger and thinner

Ten years after its first announcement, Apple’s computer watch is undergoing a comprehensive update. The Apple Watch is becoming significantly thinner and has larger displays. A more powerful new chip will enable the Apple Watch Series 10 to automatically display selected information as soon as it is needed. One new function is the detection of sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing can stop for a short time.

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To ensure that the watch can be worn for longer, 30 minutes of charging time should charge the battery to 80 percent – eight minutes on the charger should be enough for eight hours of sleep tracking. So far, many users charge the watch overnight. The new Apple Watch will also be able to detect water temperature and depth.

The Apple Watch was first introduced in September 2014 and came onto the market in spring 2015. Since then, Apple has been the leader in the smartwatch market – although recently it was mainly Chinese manufacturers who were able to catch up. In recent years, Apple has slightly enlarged the display of the watch. The starting price remains at 449 euros.

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