Apple's Launch Event 2024: Next-Generation Apple Watches and New AirPods 4
Apple’s September 9th big event showcases the new iPhone 16, along with next-generation Apple Watch models and new AirPods 4.

This Monday, September 9, Apple (AAPL) hosted the “It’s Glowtime” special event which was streamed online and took place at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. EDT) at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park.
Apart from the unveiling of the new iPhone 16, the event revealed the next-generation Apple Watch models and the new AirPods 4, along with a light upgrade to the AirPods Max and updates to the AirPods Pro 2 that include a hearing protection and hearing aid feature.
Here’s an overview of several of the best products debuted by Apple this Monday.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Apple Watch models
Along with all the excitement brewing over the new iPhone 16, Apple also announced its new Apple Watch series, including the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Apple has released a new Apple Watch every year since the original was unveiled in 2015, and for good reason. The Apple Watch accounted for over 34% of all smartwatch shipments in 2022, and 60% of the revenue for the entire market, globally, according to data from Counterpoint.
Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 is now the thinnest Apple Watch ever, at just 9.7mm thick. It also features a larger and brighter screen — 30% bigger and 40% brighter than the Series 9. The new model also charges faster, but battery life still only lasts 18 hours.
New, notable features include a sleep apnea detector, improved background noise suppression and water temperature and depth sensors. The starting cost is $399.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, called the "ultimate sports watch" by Apple, now comes in a “satin black” color and boasts several new features.
Along with the sleep apnea detector available on the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra now offers a Training Load feature that measures the intensity and duration of workouts, automatic stroke detection and lap count for pool swims, an advanced compass app and support for offline maps. The starting cost is $799.
Apple has tweaked the Smart Stack interface, added better communication and safety features and other exclusive features via the announcement of WatchOS 11 during WWDC 2024 this past June, which you can download for now.
Apple AirPods 4
The fourth generation of Apple AirPods was also showcased at the event, with two versions announced — the standard model and a model featuring noise cancellation. AirPods 4 costs $129, while the active noise cancellation model costs $179.
Both models will look identical but with a new design that combines the best of AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, with a shorter stem and a better fit for all users. Notable features include a new A2 chip, personalized spatial audio and the ability to nod your head yes and shake your head no in response to Siri, making them completely hands-free.
Other features include USB-C for charging, up to 30 hours battery life and a charging case with a built-in speaker for improved Find My support.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

For the past 18+ years, Kathryn has highlighted the humanity in personal finance by shaping stories that identify the opportunities and obstacles in managing a person's finances. All the same, she’ll jump on other equally important topics if needed. Kathryn graduated with a degree in Journalism and lives in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Kiplinger in 2023 as a contributor.
-
The Trump GOP Tax Bill Could Worsen California Cost of Living
State Tax Energy bills in the Golden State may shock you if Republican lawmakers in Congress remove certain energy tax credits through Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.'
-
The Best Covered-Call ETFs to Buy
Covered-call ETFs can provide consistent, above-average income generation, but they can also cap potential upside. Here's what to look for.
-
Stood Up by a Radio Show: But Was It a Breach of Contract?
A conscientious financial planner reschedules his clients after being invited onto a talk show and ends up losing one of them at a cost of $5,000. What does the radio show owe him, if anything?
-
Over 50 and Still Paying Student Loans? Here's Some Help
It's the club no one wants to join. But if you are over 50 and still paying student loans, there are ways to tackle both debt and retirement savings.
-
The Three C's to Financial Success: A Financial Planner's Guide to Build Wealth
Consistency, commitment and confidence in your chosen strategy are more critical to your financial success than finding the 'perfect' financial plan.
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?
Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and Friends
What starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement Savings
Thinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions in the current market? Here are six reasons why you may want to reconsider.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: Yes, You Need Life Insurance Even if the Kids Are Grown and the House Is Paid Off
Life insurance isn't about you. It's about providing for loved ones and covering expenses after you're gone. Here are five key reasons to have it.
-
7 Rules Frequent Flyers Swear By
From dodging long lines to avoiding bad coffee, these clever travel rules can help you save time, stay healthy and reduce stress every time you fly.