Apple introduces “new chip” in iPhone 16.

Apple on Monday unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup, featuring artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements and improvements to its Siri personal assistant. 

The company also announced new software, Apple Intelligence, which will roll out in test mode next month. 

CEO Tim Cook described this as the start of an “exciting new era” for the iPhone, which has been redesigned with AI capabilities from the ground up.

“The next generation of iPhone has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up. It marks the beginning of an exciting new era,” Chief Executive Tim Cook said at a product launch.

Apple Intelligence will enhance Siri’s performance and introduce new features, such as the ability to understand and identify objects captured by the phone camera. 

A test version will be available in U.S. English next month, with other languages, including Chinese and French, to follow in 2025. Apple did not specify when these features would move beyond the testing phase.

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus retain the same pricing as their predecessors, with notable upgrades like a new chip and a customizable button for controlling the camera. 

The higher-end 16 Pro and Pro Max, made from titanium, offer advanced AI features, such as professional-level audio editing and photography suggestions. 

The new iPhone chips utilize the latest Arm architecture, optimized for AI applications.

While some analysts expect these features to entice users to upgrade, others believe delays in rolling out certain functions might cause potential buyers to wait. 

In contrast, Huawei has already secured over 3 million pre-orders for its tri-fold phone, demonstrating strong competition, especially in China.

In addition to iPhones, Apple introduced new Watches and AirPods with health-focused capabilities. 

The Watch can detect long-term health conditions like sleep apnea, while the updated AirPods include hearing-aid features.

With iPhones accounting for over half of Apple’s $383 billion revenue last year, the company hopes AI will drive upgrades, especially as it faces increased competition from rivals like Google.

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