Photo credit: Apple

The wait is almost over for UAE residents eager to get their hands on the latest iPhone as Apple officially unveiled its latest range of models on Monday evening. 

The iPhone 16 models were revealed alongside the Apple Watch 10 and AirPods 4. The UAE will be among the first 58 countries to receive delivery of the gadgets, with orders accepted from Friday and the new iPhones hitting the shelves on September 20. 

Amid the flurry of activity at the "Glowtime" launch event in Cupertino, California, the main talking point was Apple's statement of intent to place artificial intelligence (AI) at the center of its new iPhone as it attempts to keep up with the likes of Samsung and Google, who have already embraced the new technology — and emerge from a rare slump in sales. 

Four iPhone 16 models were launched and will feature state-of-the-art chips to power its various AI tools, aiming to provide users with a smarter Siri, the ability to complete simple or time-consuming tasks easily, and create customized features instantly.

While the new models will be available this month, the first AI software roll-outs will begin as part of a free update to iOS 18 from October to December. On Monday, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the AI features will provide “innovations that will make a true difference in people’s lives.”

The iPhone 16 models range in price from $800 to $1,200, and the company hopes its belated arrival on the AI scene, named "Apple Intelligence," will help halt flagging sales, with many features similar to those on the already-released Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 9. 

The chip needed to run the AI features is only available on the iPhone 16 and high-end iPhone 15. 

On Monday, Apple also introduced its latest smartwatch that will, among other things, help detect sleep apnea, plus the AirPods Pro, with an upcoming hearing aid function.

At a glance

Apple iPhone 16 Series

The new models starting at $799 are available in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes, featuring the A18 chip for AI tasks and Apple Intelligence. It has a customizable action button for functions such as recording voice memos, identifying songs and translating phrases, plus an external Camera Control button that allows easier access to camera functions.

Apple Watch Series 10

The Watch Series 10, starting at $399, is the thinnest and fastest-charging model so far, with a new S10 chip that aids machine learning, Siri dictation and features crash and fall detection. The health monitoring now includes sleep apnea detection by tracking breathing disturbances.

Apple AirPods 4 Series

The AirPods have a starting price of $129 with the H2 chip providing improved audio quality, hearing aid function and spatial audio. In a cool development, Siri will also now comprehend head nods and shakes for "yes" and "no" responses.