Let’s be super clear about something: the iPhone 16’s “Camera Control” is very much a button. It’s a cool multipurpose button that has a lot to say about how Apple views cameras and AI and the future of how we interact with technology and the world, but a button just the same. And the new button may be the most interesting thing about the new slate of iPhones.

On this episode of The Vergecast, we gather a few hours after Apple’s latest iPhone launch to talk through all the new devices. We dig into the differences between the iPhone 16 and the 16 Pro and why fans of the regular iPhone might be in for a good year. We talk about the new cameras, the new colors, and the button. We talk a lot about the button.

After that, we talk about the new AirPods — either four new models or two, depending on how you measure — and whether Apple’s new hearing aid capabilities are truly going to be a big deal. We also talk about the new Apple Watches, which... well, they come in black now. That’s most of the story. But they look pretty great.

We also talk a lot about what isn’t shipping on these new devices: Apple Intelligence, the AI-powered overhaul that Apple hopes will convince you to upgrade and change your relationship with your devices. None of that is here yet. So why is Apple shipping its AI phones without AI? And when can we expect to see whether the upgrade is really worth it? We have some thoughts.

If you want to know more about everything we discuss in this episode, here are some links to get you started:

• iPhone 16 event: all the news from Apple’s keynote
• Apple announces the iPhone 16 with a faster processor and Camera Control button
• Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger screen, a new chip, and better battery life
• iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max hands-on: don’t call it a shutter button
• Apple’s Visual Intelligence is a built-in take on Google Lens
• Apple Watch Series 10 announced with bigger screen and thinner design
• Apple announces AirPods 4 with noise cancellation and better sound 
• AirPods 4 hands-on: noise cancellation for people who hate ear tips
• The AirPods Pro 2 will soon double as hearing aids
• iOS 18 will launch next week with new ways to customize your homescreen
• Apple has a faster MagSafe charger to go with the new iPhone 16 phones 
• It sure looks like FineWoven is dead
• Beats’ new iPhone 16 cases work with the Camera Control button