It’s been a banner year for Apple. Following the worldwide release of the groundbreaking Vision Pro—the world’s first spatial computer—came the annual fall Keynote at Apple Park earlier this September. Of course, at this time of the year, all eyes looked to the next iteration of its smartphones: the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. Beyond the star of the show, Apple also introduced its most formidable AirPods yet (discounting the Pro), its Series 11 of the Apple Watch as well as new colours for the cult famous AirPods Max.
Given its recent massive strides in innovation that scream ‘turn-of-the-century’ especially with the Vision Pro, we too, harboured the same hopes for this year’s lineup. Given the slow, yet steady evolution of the all-encompassing iPhone, the biggest question on everyone’s lips was: “Is it worth the upgrade?”
Below, Vogue Singapore gives our verdict.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
Those who own the iPhone 15 models should be well ascertained of its prowess. No notes, it’s practically perfect. So what iPhone 16 does is offer more—not in the way that is life-altering but supplementary to how you already use the phone. Safe to say, it carries the A18 chip, brimming with higher intelligence that trickles down to enhancing the phone’s performance, whether it be via visually stunning games or its battery life.
Naturally, both the 16 and 16 Pro boast another leg up on the cameras, with the former holding a 48-megapixel camera with a 2x telephoto function and the latter with a 48-megapixel camera, 5x telephoto lens as well as the ability to unlock 4k 120fps video recording in Dolby Vision. The main new feature that takes over the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models is the Camera Control slider button that runs on the side of the device. It’s a multi-functional switch that works in the same way like a Macbook’s trackpad. A light press or a brief slide over will trigger actions like launching the camera, switching the video, toggling between camera styles, zoom, exposure and more. In the near future, Camera Control can also be used for third-party apps like Snapchat and Instagram. To truly master the 16’s biggest feature, it does admittedly, take some practice to control dexterity when it comes to strength and agility. But once you do, it might or might not be another feature to rely on, almost like the phone’s Action button.
Vogue’s verdict: Go for 16 if you’re using anything past the iPhone 15. And if you do, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be adequately worth the upgrade—especially with its array of brilliant hues of Barbie pink and that beautiful teal.
AirPods 4
Spatial audio might be best thing after Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the Apple auditory space. The experience feels very much surround sound and immersive, one which Apple has cleverly cultivated with its dedicated Spatial Audio playlist in Apple Music. And while the obvious pull for the newest AirPods would be the additional option for ANC as well as the H2 chip, which allows intelligent features like answering or rejecting calls or messages with a head nod or head shake, we’ve found that the most appealing feature lies in the open ear fit after all. Undeniably, the most comfortable AirPods to ever exist, with an in-ear compatibility like no other—one that feels small yet snug all at the same time.
Vogue’s verdict: Call it a personal preference, but we can definitely see AirPods 4 appealing to more folks than the Pro version equipped with silicon tips. Because at the end of the day, comfort wins when you’re plugged in for most of your waking hours.
Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch commemorates its 10th birthday with a whole host of intriguing new features, which includes sleep pattern tracking; a water temperature sensor; as well as a depth gauge for snorkellers. As impressive as the roster sounds, it is surprisingly the revamped design cues that truly differentiates this Apple Watch from its predecessors. Not only is the Series 10 the sleekest, thinnest iteration yet, it also boasts the largest display compared to previous renditions, granting users up to 30 per cent more active screen area. This allows for enhanced readability, especially when paired with a wide-angle OLED screen that ensures the screen is always at an optimal level of brightness no matter which angle you look at the watch from.
Vogue’s verdict: Individuals who are still using the Apple Watch from 3-5 generations back would do well with this upgrade and its enhanced features. But those who are utilising anything after Apple Watch Series 6, can afford to hold off—provided you’re a water sports enthusiast, or particularly conscious about sleep health.
AirPods Max
Sumptuous new colours and a USB-C charging switch up. That’s really all there is when it comes to developments for the AirPods Max. Were we hoping for more auditory upgrades or perhaps a lighter iteration that wouldn’t hurt tender heads for all-day use? We sure did. But here’s hoping with Version 2.
Vogue’s verdict: Only if you don’t already own a pair of AirPods Max yourself.
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