After months of rumors, Apple delivered a packed Keynote address to an audience at the Flint Center in Cupertino, and around the world via live streaming on September 9, 2014.
At the event Apple announced, revealed, and showed off the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus alongside the long-rumored wearable; Apple Watch. Apple Pay was also announced, and the release date for iOS 8 was also revealed.
Tim Cook on stage using Steve Jobs’ famous line
The event was attended by 2,300 members of the press at the same location that Apple had previously launched the original Macintosh 30 years earlier, and the iMac more recently in 1998.
Apple also live streamed the event, but this was beset with problems. Users reported choppy video and poor audio quality. The full video of the keynote has since been uploaded to Apple’s website for those that want to view the whole spectacle, post-event.
iPhone 6
Unlike previous events, Apple got straight down to business and unveiled the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, both with larger screens than the previous version. The iPhone 6 measures in at 4.7-inches, while the Plus has a 5.5-inch screen. Both feature the new Retina HD screens with the iPhone 6 having a resolution of 1334 x 750 and the Plus having a resolution of 1920 x 1080.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus side-by-side
Both versions will be released on September 19 in stores across nine countries, while pre-order is possible via the Apple website from September 12. The iPhone 6 starts at $199 for a 16GB model on a two-year contract, while the 6 Plus starts at $299 for the same configuration.
For more on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus check out our report from yesterday’s Keynote.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch was also previewed at the event, but fewer details were revealed. What we do know is that it will be available in two sizes – 38mm and 42mm – along with six different strap types to suit all wearers and situations. The watch will be available in three distinct varieties; Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition.
The Apple Edition is made with 18-karat gold
The Watch features a brand-new interface unlike iOS and uses a digital crown to help you navigate. The Watch only works with the iPhone and is seen more as an accessory to the main device.
Apple only revealed that the Apple Watch will start at $349 and be available in early 2015.
For more on the Apple Watch, check out our instant reaction after the Keynote ended.
Apple Pay
Alongside the hardware announcements, Apple also showed off Apple Pay, its new payment system. It will use near field communication (NFC) in the new iPhone 6 models along with Touch ID to verify payments when the device is held near compatible, contactless readers. The iPhone stores your card details in a secure enclave on the device that can never be accessed.
Apple Pay does not store card numbers on your device
Apple Pay will also be possible in apps using Touch ID for verification, meaning users will no longer have to enter card details multiple times. When the Apple Watch is released it will also let owners purchase items by holding the wrist by the readers. Apple Pay will initially be compatible with MasterCard, Visa, and American Express from major banks in the U.S. at around 222,000 stores.
iOS 8
As an aside almost, Apple announced that iOS 8, the next version of the iPhone and iPad software, will be available to the public on September 17. Make sure you’re ready for the update by reading out recent how-to on how to prepare for iOS 8.
In Cupertino, Apple set the bar extremely high for any future announcements by packing so much into one Keynote. Make sure to stay locked to TapSmart for even more analysis and reviews of the new devices.
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