Here are 9 travel-centric enhancements arriving with Apple's iPhone 16, AirPods, and Watch series.

Each autumn, Apple reveals its eagerly awaited updates for its key products, including the iPhone, AirPods, and Watch series.

This year followed suit, with the tech giant hosting a special press event titled "It's Glowtime" on Monday at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where TPG was present.

The event not only introduced new phones (the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro) and watches (the Apple Watch Series 10), but it also represented the first occasion where Apple updated its entire AirPods lineup in one go. (All new devices are set to launch on Friday, September 20.)

Every device received multiple enhancements, and nine of these upgrades are significant enough for travelers to take note. Here they are.

Largest screens ever on iPhone and Watch

This year, Apple appears to embrace the philosophy that bigger is better.

The latest iPhone and Apple Watch models showcase the largest screens yet. The Apple Watch Series 10 features a display roughly 10% larger than the previous version, while the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max boast 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively.

The increased screen size on the iPhones was largely achieved by reducing the device borders. Besides the bigger displays, the overall design has remained mostly the same. In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 10 is now the slimmest watch Apple has released, measuring just 9.7 millimeters thick.

The larger displays keep a slim design without adding any extra weight or bulk, which will surely please travelers.

Most affordable noise-canceling AirPods

Apple refreshed its entire AirPods lineup on Monday, with the most significant upgrade being for the entry-level models.

The newly redesigned AirPods 4 have undergone a significant transformation, making them arguably more attractive to travelers than ever. They now feature an Active Noise Cancellation option, which Apple claims will eliminate most ambient noise while on the go. (The noise-canceling AirPods 4 are priced at $179, while the standard model is available for $129.)

While $179 is still on the expensive side, the AirPods 4 will be Apple's most affordable headphones with this important feature, likely appealing to those within the Apple ecosystem.

Easier AirPods tracking

"Where did I leave my AirPods?" That’s the question my wife asks me about once a week. (Most of the time, they end up in her purse.)

With the new noise-canceling AirPods 4, there's no need to stress about misplacing them, as the charging case now includes a built-in speaker compatible with Find My. You can track your AirPods just like an AirTag, and if you lose them, you can play a sound to help locate them.

This is a much-appreciated enhancement for travelers who often misplace items during their trips.

Best battery life for iPhone and AirPods

Extended battery life results in happier travelers, especially when stuck on a plane with a faulty power outlet. This year, Apple promises significant battery improvements across the entire iPhone lineup and the new AirPods 4.

The iPhone gains a battery increase ranging from one to four hours, depending on the model. The iPhone 16 Pro Max — Apple's flagship phone — boasts the longest battery life ever in an iPhone, according to the company. Additionally, all iPhone 16 models feature faster wireless charging up to 25 watts, allowing for a 50% charge in just 30 minutes.

In addition, the new wireless charging case for the AirPods 4 boasts up to 30 hours of battery life — a significant achievement for the smallest charging case in the headphone industry.

If these figures hold true in real-world use, this battery enhancement would be a valuable upgrade for frequent travelers, particularly those who depend on their devices for long journeys.

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Durability sees an upgrade

Cracking your phone screen is never enjoyable (or inexpensive), especially while traveling.

Thankfully, the likelihood of that occurring should decrease with the new iPhone 16 models. This is due to what Apple claims is a reinforced "Ceramic Shield" display that is 50% tougher than its predecessor. This durability enhancement could be particularly beneficial for travelers, as drops and bumps are always a possibility. While it may not safeguard against severe falls, it should ideally reduce the number of cracked screens from minor accidents.

People can hear you more clearly

When I’m traveling, I often make calls from busy places like airports, airplanes, and hotel lobbies. These environments can be quite noisy.

To help the person on the other end hear you better, Apple has introduced an upgraded "Voice Isolation" feature in the new iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10 models.

With improved microphones and sophisticated algorithms, Apple claims this technology will effectively minimize background noise, ensuring clearer calls even in loud settings. If this holds true, I’m sure the person on the other end will appreciate this feature, especially when I'm at the airport.

Discovering new places is easier

When I’m exploring a new city, I often upload photos to third-party apps to translate and gain context about what I’m seeing. This process can be cumbersome and drain the battery quickly.

However, the new iPhone 16 models will include a convenient built-in feature. Called "Visual Intelligence," this AI-powered tool allows you to point your camera at any object to learn more about it. For instance, Apple showcased this feature by pointing the phone at a dog, which instantly identified the breed and provided detailed information.

Personally, I can't wait to try this out the next time I’m traveling.

Significant camera enhancements

Capturing your travels through photos and videos is an essential part of many travelers' experiences. This year, Apple devoted a substantial portion of its keynote to the camera upgrades coming to its smartphone lineup.

One of the most prominent upgrades is the new Camera Control button positioned on the right side of every iPhone 16 model. This button allows for quick access to the camera, acts as the shutter, and can also be used to swiftly adjust zoom and other camera settings.

Additionally, each iPhone now features upgraded camera systems. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with a new ultrawide lens, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or detailed macro shots during your journeys. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have also received enhancements to their ultrawide lens, along with other significant camera updates.

One of the standout features is the ability to record 4K video at 120 frames per second. While most travelers will notice the improved picture and video quality on these devices, tech-savvy flyers will particularly appreciate this new video recording option, which is ideal for capturing sharp details in slow-motion videos.

The underlying Apple Intelligence

The tech giant dedicated a significant portion of its 95-minute keynote to "Apple Intelligence" — an integrated artificial intelligence assistant that works seamlessly across all apps on your devices. (Apple Intelligence will launch in October with its initial set of beta features.)

Given the current excitement surrounding artificial intelligence, it's no surprise that Apple emphasized this new feature, which is expected to be a major selling point for the iPhone 16 lineup. (Last year's iPhone 15 Pro models will also support Apple Intelligence, but they won't process requests as quickly.)

If the feature performs as Apple anticipates, travelers may find Apple Intelligence to be a significant time saver. For instance, when you ask Siri about your upcoming flight or hotel information, Apple Intelligence will automatically scan your email or calendar to provide the latest updates, saving you the hassle of searching yourself. And when you're on the move, quickly replying to an email or summarizing your notes should only require a single tap on your phone, and just like that, it’s done.

Looking ahead, I expect the company to keep promoting Apple Intelligence.

Overall, Apple’s latest lineup features designs and functionalities that travelers are likely to value. With larger displays and improved durability, these new devices could become the most appealing options yet for those who are always on the move.