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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Apple ‘Glowtime’ event 2024 took place on September 9, 2024, and announced the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro families, black-titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, refreshed AirPods Max colors, and AirPods Pro 2 hearing-health features; these are historical announcements, not a guide to Apple’s newest 2026 lineup.
Apple said the new iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, black-titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2, and AirPods 4 lineup would reach stores beginning Friday, September 20, 2024. The date is useful for understanding the original launch sequence, but it should not be read as a current availability statement.
Key takeaways
- Apple’s Glowtime event took place on September 9, 2024, with the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch, and AirPods families as its main announcements.
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus introduced Apple’s A18 chip, Camera Control, the Action button, a 48MP Fusion camera, 2x Telephoto capability, and macro photography through a new Ultra Wide camera.
- iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max added the A18 Pro chip, 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, 5x Telephoto cameras on both models, and 4K120 Dolby Vision video recording.
- Apple Watch Series 10 was nearly 10 percent thinner than Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9 while retaining Apple’s stated all-day 18-hour battery life.
- AirPods 4 launched in standard and Active Noise Cancellation versions, while AirPods Pro 2 gained Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, and Hearing Aid features.
- These were September 2024 announcements; current pricing, availability, software support, and regional health-feature authorization require a fresh check rather than assumptions based on launch coverage.
What did Apple announce at the Glowtime event in 2024?
Apple’s Glowtime event in 2024 focused on four product families: iPhone 16, Apple Watch, AirPods, and new hearing-health capabilities. Apple’s official event listing and recording identify September 9, 2024 as the event date, while the company’s launch update said the new iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods products would begin appearing in stores on Friday, September 20, 2024.
The September 20 date was a historical launch date, not a statement about current stock or current-generation status. The official Apple event listing and Apple’s September 2024 launch update are the appropriate references for the original announcement timing.
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The event did not introduce a new Mac, iPad, or Apple TV hardware product according to the official event materials used for this roundup. “Everything else” therefore means the additional Apple Watch, AirPods, band, color, software, and hearing-health announcements connected to the event—not products that were absent from the presentation.
What was new in iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus?
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were the mainstream iPhone announcements, built around Apple’s custom A18 chip, Camera Control, the Action button, improved battery life, and a 48MP Fusion camera system. Apple also added a 2x Telephoto option and a new Ultra Wide camera capable of macro photography.
| Comparison point | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Position in the lineup | Standard iPhone 16 model | Larger standard iPhone 16 model |
| Chip | Apple A18 | Apple A18 |
| Controls | Camera Control and Action button | Camera Control and Action button |
| Main camera system | 48MP Fusion camera | 48MP Fusion camera |
| Zoom and close-up photography | 2x Telephoto option and Ultra Wide macro photography | 2x Telephoto option and Ultra Wide macro photography |
| Battery positioning | Improved battery life, according to Apple | Improved battery life, according to Apple |
Apple’s iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus announcement supports the shared specifications in the table. The main decision between the two standard models was size: iPhone 16 was the regular-format choice, while iPhone 16 Plus was the larger-format choice. The supplied launch material does not provide a price table that should be treated as current in 2026.
For someone comparing ownership costs rather than only the phone itself, compatibility matters. A buyer should check the fit of a model-specific iPhone 16 case, screen protector, USB-C cable, or charger before purchasing, because accessories are practical follow-on needs and are not interchangeable across every Apple device or generation.
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What is the difference between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro?
The central difference between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro is that the standard models use A18 and a simpler camera system, while the Pro models use A18 Pro, titanium construction, larger displays, more advanced cameras, professional video recording, and studio-quality microphones.
| Feature | iPhone 16 family | iPhone 16 Pro family |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A18 | A18 Pro |
| Display sizes announced by Apple | Standard and Plus sizes; the supplied release does not specify the diagonal measurements | 6.3 inches for iPhone 16 Pro; 6.9 inches for iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Materials and design | Standard-family iPhone design | Titanium design |
| Main camera | 48MP Fusion camera | 48MP Fusion camera with a faster quad-pixel sensor |
| Ultra Wide camera | New Ultra Wide camera with macro photography | 48MP Ultra Wide camera |
| Telephoto | 2x Telephoto option | 5x Telephoto camera on both Pro models |
| Video | The standard announcement highlights the camera system but does not specify 4K120 Dolby Vision | 4K video at 120 frames per second in Dolby Vision |
| Audio capture | Not specified in the supplied standard-model announcement | Studio-quality microphones |
Apple described the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max as the largest iPhone display available at the time of announcement. The official iPhone 16 Pro announcement also highlighted new camera and audio capabilities and improved battery life.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
The Pro camera system was the more substantial upgrade for people recording video, shooting at longer focal lengths, or needing a higher-resolution Ultra Wide camera. Apple said iPhone 16 Pro Max offered the best battery life ever offered on an iPhone at launch. That is an Apple launch claim, not an independent battery test; the supplied dossier contains no hands-on testing or benchmark evidence.
What did Apple Watch Series 10 add?
Apple Watch Series 10 introduced a thinner body, a larger display, faster charging, sleep-apnea notifications, water-depth sensing, water-temperature sensing, and additional health and fitness insights through watchOS 11.
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| Series 10 launch feature | What Apple announced | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Nearly 10 percent thinner than Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9 | Apple’s published comparison, not an independent measurement in this article |
| Battery | All-day 18-hour battery life | Apple’s stated figure; actual endurance varies with use |
| Charging | Faster charging | The dossier does not provide a charging-time figure |
| Health | Sleep-apnea notifications and additional watchOS 11 health insights | Notifications are intended to detect signs, not provide a medical diagnosis |
| Water-related sensing | Water-depth and water-temperature sensing | Useful for water and fitness activities; the dossier does not define every operating limit |
| Construction choices | Aluminum and titanium options were part of the comparison | Material choice affects styling and positioning within the range |
Sleep-apnea notifications should not be confused with a diagnosis. Apple described the feature as intended to detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults who had not received a diagnosis. Availability also depended on compatible hardware, current firmware, and authorization by health authorities in the relevant region.
“Apple Watch Series 10 builds on a decade of breakthrough innovations to offer the most advanced version yet, with even more intelligence, our biggest wearable display, and a design that’s slimmer and sleeker than ever before.” — Jeff Williams, Apple chief operating officer, 2024
Was Apple Watch Ultra 3 announced at Glowtime?
No. Apple did not introduce an entirely new Ultra generation at Glowtime; Apple announced Apple Watch Ultra 2 in a new black-titanium finish, with new bands and watchOS 11 features.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
The black finish used a custom blasting process and a diamond-like carbon coating over grade 5 titanium. Apple said the result was scratch-resistant and durable. Updated Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band options added black hardware, and Apple introduced a Titanium Milanese Loop designed for water activities.
| Decision point | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 in black titanium |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Everyday smartwatch with a thin design | Rugged sports and outdoor smartwatch |
| Design emphasis | Thinness, display size, and daily comfort | Durability, outdoor use, and black grade 5 titanium |
| Battery claim | All-day 18-hour battery life | Up to 36 hours with regular use; up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Water features | Water-depth and water-temperature sensing | Outdoor and water-focused features, including the Titanium Milanese Loop option |
| watchOS 11 highlights | Health and fitness insights, including sleep-apnea notifications | Training load, Vitals app, sleep-apnea notifications, Tides app, and new Action button customization |
| Special edition | Not identified as an Ultra special edition | Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 2 variant also announced |
Apple said in 2024 that Apple Watch Ultra 2 offered up to 36 hours of battery life with regular use or up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Those are Apple’s stated endurance figures. The black-titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2 announcement supports the finish, band, software, battery, and Hermès details.
“Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ultimate sports watch, with features that support athletes at every level of their training and performance — and throughout their day and night.” — Jeff Williams, Apple chief operating officer, 2024
The practical choice was not simply whether one watch was “better.” Series 10 emphasized slimness and everyday wear, while Ultra 2 emphasized endurance, durability, navigation, water use, and training-oriented tools.
What is the difference between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC?
Apple launched two AirPods 4 versions: standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Both used a new open-ear design and the H2 chip, but the ANC model added Active Noise Cancellation and more charging options.
| Feature | AirPods 4 | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| Design | New open-ear design | New open-ear design |
| Chip | H2 | H2 |
| Noise control | Standard listening configuration | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Audio features | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Voice Isolation, and Siri Interactions | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Voice Isolation, and Siri Interactions |
| Charging case | USB-C case | USB-C case, with charging through USB-C, an Apple Watch charger, or a Qi-certified charger |
| Case battery claim | Up to 30 hours, according to Apple | Up to 30 hours, according to Apple |
Apple said in 2024 that the new charging case was more than 10 percent smaller by volume than its predecessor and provided up to 30 hours of battery life. The official AirPods 4 announcement also highlighted a new acoustic architecture, low-distortion driver, and high-dynamic-range amplifier.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
The AirPods 4 ANC version was therefore more than a cosmetic or storage variant. Active Noise Cancellation and support for an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger were the main practical differences called out at launch.
What changed for AirPods Max?
AirPods Max received new colors and USB-C charging convenience, but Apple did not announce a new AirPods Max generation at Glowtime. The announced colors were midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange. Apple’s event follow-up lists the color update, while the AirPods announcement covers USB-C charging.
What hearing-health features did AirPods Pro 2 receive?
AirPods Pro 2 gained a hearing-health system built around Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, and Hearing Aid features. Apple presented the Hearing Test as scientifically validated and described Hearing Aid as a clinical-grade, over-the-counter feature for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
| Feature | What Apple announced | What users should understand |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing Protection | Hearing protection as part of the AirPods Pro 2 health system | Intended to help address exposure to loud sound; the dossier does not establish that it prevents every form of hearing damage |
| Hearing Test | A scientifically validated hearing test | Apple’s description of the feature; it does not replace professional care in every situation |
| Hearing Aid | A clinical-grade, over-the-counter hearing-aid feature for mild to moderate hearing loss | Requires compatible hardware, current firmware, health-authority authorization, and regional availability |
Apple’s Sumbul Desai, M.D., vice president of Health, connected the announcement to the company’s hearing research:
“Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked — in fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated.” — Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple vice president of Health, 2024
According to the Apple Hearing Study, as cited by Apple in 2024, 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss went untreated. Apple also reported in 2024 that one in three people were regularly exposed to loud environmental noise levels that could affect their hearing. These are Apple-reported study figures, not an independent estimate supplied by this article.
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At the 2024 announcement, Apple expected sleep-apnea notifications to be available in more than 150 countries and regions, while Apple expected the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features to be available in more than 100 countries and regions. The official health-features announcement made clear that authorization and regional availability applied. The 2024 expectations should not be treated as a current global availability statement in 2026.
How did the Glowtime lineup compare at launch?
The Glowtime lineup divided cleanly by use case: standard iPhone 16 models for mainstream phone buyers, Pro iPhones for advanced cameras and video, Series 10 for a thinner everyday watch, Ultra 2 for rugged sports and outdoor use, and AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 2 for different audio and hearing-health needs.
| If the priority was… | The most relevant Glowtime announcement was… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A mainstream new iPhone | iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus | A18, Camera Control, Action button, 48MP Fusion camera, 2x Telephoto, and macro photography |
| Advanced phone photography and video | iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max | A18 Pro, 5x Telephoto on both Pro models, 48MP Ultra Wide, and 4K120 Dolby Vision |
| A thin everyday smartwatch | Apple Watch Series 10 | Nearly 10 percent thinner than Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9, with a larger display and faster charging |
| Endurance and outdoor activities | Apple Watch Ultra 2 in black titanium | Up to 36 hours of regular-use battery life, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, and training, water, and navigation-oriented features |
| Open-ear AirPods with a choice of noise control | AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC | The two versions share the H2 platform but differ mainly in Active Noise Cancellation and charging options |
| Hearing-health tools | AirPods Pro 2 | Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, and Hearing Aid features, subject to hardware, firmware, authorization, and location |
For a current purchase decision, treat this as a record of what Apple announced in September 2024. Do not assume a 2024 launch product is still Apple’s newest option, available at its original price, supported by the latest software, or eligible for the same health features in every region. Check the current product page, operating-system requirements, stock, and local health authorization before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Apple Watch Ultra 3 announced at the Glowtime event?
No. Apple announced Apple Watch Ultra 2 in a new black-titanium finish at Glowtime, along with new bands and watchOS 11 features; it did not announce an entirely new Ultra generation. Apple’s 2024 Ultra 2 announcement describes the finish and updates.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDid Apple announce a new Mac, iPad, or Apple TV at Glowtime?
No new Mac, iPad, or Apple TV hardware announcement is supported by the official event materials for Apple’s September 9, 2024 Glowtime event. The event focused on iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and related health features.
Are the AirPods Pro 2 hearing-health features available in every country?
No. Apple’s 2024 launch expectations said sleep-apnea notifications were expected in more than 150 countries and regions, while AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features were expected in more than 100 countries and regions. Availability depended on compatible hardware, firmware, health-authority authorization, and location, so those figures are not a current global guarantee. Apple’s health-features announcement contains the launch caveats.
What is the difference between AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC?
AirPods 4 came in two versions: standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Both used the H2 chip and open-ear design, but the ANC version added Active Noise Cancellation and support for charging with an Apple Watch charger or Qi-certified charger.
The Bottom Line
Apple’s September 9, 2024 Glowtime event was a hardware-and-health update centered on iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2 in black titanium, AirPods 4, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro 2 hearing features. The most important distinctions were standard versus Pro iPhone cameras, Series 10 versus Ultra 2 watch design, and standard versus ANC AirPods 4. Because the event is historical, current prices, availability, support, and regional health permissions need separate verification.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
