Apple’s Glowtime event was less interesting than the rumors predicted: We thought we’d see a completely redesigned Apple Watch Ultra or Apple Watch FE, but instead the 2024 refresh of iPhones, wearables, and AirPods was a somewhat muted affair. The big headline was the promise of Apple Intelligence AI features, which are still in the “coming soon” category. If there was one phrase uttered more often today than “our ___ ever,” it was “coming later this year.”

Nevertheless, there are some exciting things waiting for Apple fans. The new, slimmed down Apple Watch Series 10 is said to be lighter but offer more screen space. If you like big phones, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are bigger than ever. And if you were hoping to use your iPhone like a DSLR with a half-open shutter button, you will eventually. These and many more features are coming later this year.

The iPhone 16 series adds a button specifically for your camera

The normal old iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus looks very similar to the iPhone 15, but with a redesigned camera bump and two new buttons protruding from the side. The base model gets the programmable action button from the iPhone 15 Pro, but the big new addition is the “tactics” button for camera control. The iPhone 16s’ new control button can be used to open the camera app and take photos; it also lets the user swipe through some simplified photo controls without having to tap the screen.

All new iPhone 16 models use a version of the A18 Bionic CPU. The A18 Pro in the Pro and Pro Max phones has a better GPU and NPU and also enables ProMotion display support and Always-On Display. The Pro models also have several other camera optimizations. The promised AI features won’t be available until iOS 18 launches alongside the iPhone 16 on September 20.

Apple Watch Series 10 is thinner and has a larger screen

Unfortunately, it is not the alleged “Apple Watch Series X”, even though it is the first major redesign of the Apple Watch in several years. Apple Watch Series 10 has 30% more screen area thanks to reduced bezels and a beveled dial design. It is thinner and lighter than previous models and is now finally available in anodized black in aluminum or titanium.

The new watch charges faster than before, from 0% to 80% in 30 minutes. Plus, a new sleep apnea detection mode monitors your movements and breathing for signs of stress while you sleep. The new Apple Watch is set to be available on September 20, with pre-orders starting today.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 now available in black

Here in Apple land, it’s all black. There’s no Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year, but if you didn’t like the silver look of the original model, you can grab a scratch-resistant black version instead. For sports stars who want to look stylish, there’s a new titanium Milanese strap, but the coolest feature for nerds like me is the Tides app. It tells you when the tide is coming in and even shows you the tide level in a simple graph.

The AirPods 4 offer options for ANC or without

Apple offers a few more options if you don’t want to shell out for the AirPods Pro just to get ANC with your Apple-branded headphones. The big touted new features of the new AirPods 4 models are a new acoustic architecture, drivers, and an integrated M2 chip. But other than that, there are actually two different versions, and the one with better noise cancellation is the one you really want. The open-back design, which retails for $180, features active noise cancellation and a “premium charging case.” The lower-end versions come without ANC, but both are said to feature nod-based gestures to respond to Siri announcements like incoming calls.

The lower-end $130 versions also don’t have the Qi-certified wireless charger, while the $180 version does. All in all, the more expensive version seems like a much better investment unless you can’t stand ANC for some reason.

The AirPods Max are back, somehow

It’s been four years since Apple last updated its AirPods Max headphones. Well, they’ve finally offered them an update. Unfortunately, it’s mostly an attempt to switch the headphones from Lightning to USB-C chargers. That’s all well and good, but nowhere near as dramatic as we’d hoped. They still cost $550 and come in a few new color options, like light purple. They’ll retail for $550 and be available on September 20.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 can now function as pseudo hearing aids

The tech giant finally showcased its long-awaited work of turning its earbuds into hearing aids. Apple’s Health app now has a hearing section that can perform a simple hearing test in case you’re worried all the loud jams are damaging your hearing.

More important is the hearing aid included with the AirPods Pro 2. Apple calls this an “over-the-counter hearing aid feature” that turns the earbuds into “clinical-grade hearing aids.” Simply put, the AirPods should allow users to hear sounds like speech or music amplified, all of which can be customized in the settings.

Apple says the product will receive approval from global health authorities “soon” and will be available in the US and elsewhere later this year.