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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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
-
6 Champagne Problems Successful Retirees FaceWhat do you do if your biggest financial threat is simply having too much of a good thing — money?
-
Congress is Set for a Busy WinterThe Kiplinger Letter The Letter editors review the bills Congress will decide on this year. The government funding bill is paramount, but other issues vie for lawmakers’ attention.
-
A Portfolio Checklist If You're Planning to Retire in 2027Are you planning on retiring in 2027? This portfolio checklist will help put you on the right path.
-
Does Your Car Insurer Need to Know All Your Kids? Michigan Cases Raise QuestionWho you list on your policy matters more than most drivers realize, especially when it comes to who lives in your home.
-
Is Direct Primary Care Right for Your Health Needs?With the direct primary care model, you pay a membership fee for more personalized medical services.
-
Smart Ways to Share a Credit CardAdding an authorized user has its benefits, but make sure you set the ground rules.
-
Consider These 4 Tweaks to Your 2026 Financial Plan, Courtesy of a Financial PlannerThere's never a bad time to make or review a financial plan. But recent changes to the financial landscape might make it especially important to do so now.
-
We Know You Hate Your Insurance, But Here's Why You Should Show It Some LoveSure, it's pricey, the policies are confusing, and the claims process is slow, but insurance is essentially the friend who shows up during life's worst moments.
-
6 Financially Savvy Power Moves for Women in 2026 (Prepare to Be in Charge!)Don't let the day-to-day get in the way of long-term financial planning. Here's how to get organized — including a reminder to dream big about your future.
-
Countries That Will Pay You to Move: Cash Grants, Incentives and What to KnowExplore real relocation incentives — from cash grants and tax breaks to startup funding — that make moving abroad or to smaller towns more affordable and rewarding.
-
Mortgage Protection Insurance: What It Covers and When It Makes SenseHow mortgage protection insurance works, what it costs, and when it’s actually useful in a financial plan.
