Apple Event Roundup- September 2017 Edition
It’s finally that time of year again- the time where we see what new gadgets Apple has in-store for us. While most of it we could have already predicted (thanks to the many leaks of the iOS 11 GM), we still go the official run down from Apple themselves. So without further ado, lets dig into everything mentioned at today’s event.
Apple opened up it’s event with a sentimental voiceover from Steve Jobs. This of course then led Tim Cook to talk about their brand new Apple Campus/Apple Park. Cook went over some details on the Steve Jobs Theatre, the 100% renewable energy powered HQ, when employees will be making the transition to the new building (which will be later this year in-case you’re curious), and the on-site Apple retail store. Speaking of retail, Angela Ahrendts, made an appearance with a quick recap on how Apple Retail is performing. Long story short, they’re doing very well and we’ll see more from them later this year.
Apple Watch
Moving on to actual products, Apple first kicked off with Apple Watch. To no surprise, the Apple Watch Series 3 was introduced. One of the biggest feature that the Series 3 brought with it is cellular capabilities. This now means that you no longer have to have your iPhone with you all the time to make it work. Apple’s own Jeff Williams shared how engineers have turned the display of the Apple Watch Series 3 into an antenna system, all while keeping case the same size as the Series 2. While the case remained the case size remained the same, it was disclosed the the back crystal that was extended 0.25 millimeters- or the equivalent of two sheets of paper according to Williams. One thing that was emphasized during the debut was that you could now stream over 40 million songs on your wrist from Apple Music due to a cellular connection.
While it was probably the most highlighted feature, cellular wasn’t the only thing introduced today. Apple has also added a dual-core processor which enables Siri to speak for the first time on watchOS. The new W2 chip inside also adds 80 percent faster Wi-Fi, but at the same time remains 50 percent more power efficient. Additionally, the W2 includes an altimeter which will track flights climbed and should improve help apps that track skiing and snowboarding.
The Apple Watch Series 3 will launch with two versions- a WiFi only model and a cellular connected model. The non-cellular model starts at $329, while a cellular enabled model will start at $399. Preorders for the Series 3 will begin this Friday, September 15th, with the product shipping to customers on September 22nd.
Apple TV
Apple toady unveiled a long much anticipated (and much needed) upgrade to its set-top box. The Apple TV is now capable of playing movies and TV shows at 4K Ultra HD resolution. One of the best parts? Apple’s Eddy Cue mentioned during the keynote that customers who’ve already purchased eligible films in HD will automatically be upgraded to 4K HDR at no extra cost. Now that ladies and gentleman is a steal! On the hardware side of things the Apple TV now packs an A10X Fusion processor (the same chip found inside the iPad Pro) as well as 3GB of RAM. This then results in CPU performance doubling from the previous generation. Finally, while it wasn’t mentioned very much during the presentation, it appears that the Siri Remote now has capacitive menu button. Other than the remote, the design of the set-top box remains unchanged.
The new 4K Apple TV will begin pre-orders starting Friday, September 15, with the product shipping to customers on September 22nd.
iPhone 8
Up next, iPhone. Apple took to the stage to release three different models, but for now this section will only focus on iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus closely mimic the design of the previous generation iPhone 7, with Apple introducing a new back glass design, with a polished aluminium band and new silver, space gray, and a “beautiful new gold finish”. Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feature a Retina HD display and improved water resistance, with True Tone displays previously only seen on the iPad Pro. As expected we did see a new processor, although Apple did change up the name scheme a little. Inside the iPhone 8 series we’ll find an A11 Bionic chip. The devices feature a new 12MP camera sensor that is expected produce less noise. While on the subject of cameras, the iPhone 8 Plus has two new sensors and a new feature called Portrait Lighting. Portrait Lighting will ship in beta and create professional lighting effects in portrait shots using depth and machine learning. Last, but certainly not least Apple has finally brought us the gift of wireless charging. Both iPhone 8 models will support the open wireless standard, Qi, allowing users to buy third-party accessories to charge their device.
The iPhone 8 will come in 64GB and 256GB capacities and will start at $699 ($50 over usual starting price), while the 8 Plus starts at $799 also coming in 64GB and 256GB capacities. Pre-orders start on September 15th, with orders shipping to the first wave of pre-order customers on September 22nd.
iPhone X
After months of anticipation, Apple has today revealed the all-new iPhone X which features a stunning all-screen design. The iPhone X, pronounced “iPhone Ten”, features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED edge-to-edge display with 2436 x 1125 resolution and 458ppi, HDR support, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and True Tone. The Home Button has been removed from the iPhone X, with Apple adding a new Tap to Wake feature which works alongside Raise to Wake. Similarly to the iPhone 8, the iPhone X features the new A11 Bionic chip with a special neural engine that helps power Face ID. The new technology unlocks the device by taking a 3D scan of the users face. Apple says Face ID can’t be spoofed by photographs, masks, and makeup, and that changing your actual appearance with a hat, beard ,or makeup won’t prevent Face ID from working. In terms of cameras, the iPhone X is very similar to the iPhone 8/8 Plus except for that the telephoto portrait lens on the iPhone X’s dual-camera has a better aperture than the iPhone 8 Plus. (f/2.4 vs. f/2.8). Another difference you will find is that the iPhone X feature’s Apple’s new Animoji and Portrait mode on the front facing camera. This is thanks to the Face ID scanners located at the top of the device
As previously mentioned with the iPhone 8, the iPhone X will also sport Qi wireless charging.
The new iPhone X will be available in 64GB and 256GB storage capacities, priced from $999 upwards. The iPhone X won’t be available to pre-order until October 27th, with the device arriving in-stores and to the first wave of pre-order customers on November 3rd.
AirPower
Alongside three new iPhones capable of wireless charging, Apple has previewed AirPower, their new wireless charging accessory that allows users to charge their iPhone 8 or iPhone X, Apple Watch Series 3 and AirPods* on one single mat.
The AirPower mat will launch later next year, but Apple failed to mention pricing or availability.
AirPods
AirPods were touched on briefly only to announce that a new wireless charging case would be available next year to make use of the new AirPower charger. As you can see in a picture below, very little has appeared to have changed
And that right here folks is your whole rundown! Granted we did see most of this before hand in previous leaks, but it’s nice to have them officially revealed. It’s worth nothing that rumors speculated that we might see a new iPod Touch at this event, but to no surprise there was no talk of the dying category. Make sure to stay tuned right here for more upcoming news (and possibly a few more rumors).