Hidden Details Apple Didn’t Mention at the “It’s Glowtime” Event
Apple’s recent “It’s Glowtime” event unveiled a range of new gadgets and accessories, but there were several important details that the company failed to mention. Whether these omissions are good, bad, or ambiguous, they are crucial for consumers considering purchasing the new Apple products showcased at the event.
FineWoven Cases Out, FineWoven Wallets Still Available
One detail that Apple glossed over is the discontinuation of FineWoven cases for iPhones. Rumors had circulated prior to the event that Apple was unhappy with user complaints about the FineWoven accessories. While Apple did remove the FineWoven cases from its store, it chose to keep the FineWoven wallets available. The reason behind this decision is unclear, but it is possible that the cases, being the more expensive option, received more negative feedback from users as they wore down. Apple’s replacement for the FineWoven cases is limited to clear cases and silicone cases for iPhones. The absence of a new, leather-like alternative is disappointing for those hoping for an upgrade.
Verdict: Mixed
The Mystery of iPhone 16’s Battery Life
Throughout the event, Apple touted improved battery life for the new iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models, but the company did not provide specific figures. Instead, Apple released the battery life details later in the form of spec sheets. These figures indicate roughly a 15 percent improvement in battery life across the board. While Apple’s decision to withhold precise numbers may have been a deliberate choice to avoid overwhelming the audience with technical details, it could also be a strategy to allow independent reviewers to be pleasantly surprised when they test the phones themselves. Based on the official specs, the battery life improvements appear promising.
Verdict: Probably good
AirPods Max Still Don’t Support Lossless Audio
One disappointment for consumers is that the updated version of AirPods Max showcased at the event still does not support Apple Music Lossless. This limitation was present in the original release of AirPods Max four years ago and remains unchanged. While it may not have been expected for Apple to add lossless support, it is still a letdown for those hoping for this feature.
Verdict: Bad
Cushions in New Colors for Existing AirPods Max
Although the new AirPods Max do not offer significant upgrades compared to the previous version, they do come in new colors and feature a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port. However, for users who already own the older version of AirPods Max, upgrading may not be necessary. Instead, Apple offers official ear cushions in the new colors. Priced at $69, these cushions can be a worthwhile upgrade if the old cushions are worn out, providing a more affordable option than purchasing the entire headphones again.
Verdict: Good
New Trick for iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Displays
While the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models lack support for ProMotion, limiting their displays to 60Hz, they do offer a 1 nit minimum brightness. This feature is beneficial when paired with Always-On and StandBy, as it saves battery life and improves visibility in near-total darkness. However, these features remain exclusive to the Pro models for now. The inclusion of the 1 nit minimum brightness in the regular iPhones may be an indication that Apple plans to bring these features to all models in the future.
Verdict: Mixed
In conclusion, Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event may have showcased exciting new gadgets and accessories, but there were several hidden details that consumers should be aware of. The discontinuation of FineWoven cases, the omission of precise battery life figures, the lack of lossless audio support in AirPods Max, the availability of new colored cushions for existing AirPods Max, and the exclusive display features for the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models all contribute to a more nuanced understanding of Apple’s latest offerings. As consumers evaluate their options, considering these hidden details will help them make informed decisions.
