Everything you need to know from Apple’s big ‘Time Flies’ event
Apple’s yearly September event has just wrapped up, and it was full of surprises. Chief among them was the fact that for the first time in years, there were no new iPhones revealed.
We already knew that pandemic-related production delays meant iPhone 12 would hit the shelves a little later than usual this year, but we weren’t alone in expecting Apple to reveal the new models today anyway.
Instead, we got a snappy one-hour presentation – pre-recorded from Apple Park to comply with the ban on mass gatherings – that focused on Apple Watch, iPad, and even some unexpected new services.
We’ve watched the keynote, devoured roughly 10,000 words of press releases, and plucked out the most important details straight from the horse’s mouth. All Apple’s key announcements, summarized in five minutes rather than 60.
We’ll be digging into all the juicy details in more depth throughout the week, with more of our own analysis – but for the moment, consider this your water cooler cheat sheet to the biggest talking points of Apple’s latest event.
Apple Watch S6
As expected, we got a yearly upgrade to the Apple Watch with impressive new capabilities like blood oxygen monitoring and a brighter always-on display.
“Apple today announced Apple Watch Series 6, introducing a revolutionary Blood Oxygen feature that offers users even more insight into their overall wellness. Apple Watch Series 6 delivers many notable hardware improvements, including a faster S6 System in Package (SiP) and next-generation always-on altimeter, along with its most colorful lineup yet, featuring a beautiful palette of new case finishes and bands. watchOS 7 brings Family Setup, sleep tracking, automatic handwashing detection, new workout types, and the ability to curate and share watch faces, encouraging customers to be more active, stay connected, and better manage their health in new ways.
Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) starts at $399 and Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) starts at $499. Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and 27 other countries and regions.”
Apple Watch SE
The rumors were true: Apple has been planning a new lower-priced Watch. If Apple’s promo videos are anything to go by, it’s aimed squarely at kids and elderly parents, with a new Family Setup feature to make it practical even for those without iPhones.
“Apple today announced Apple Watch SE, packing the essential features of Apple Watch into a modern design customers love — all at a more affordable price. The largest and most advanced Retina display allows customers to easily see more details and the information that matters most, right on their wrist. Apple Watch SE features the same accelerometer, gyroscope, and always-on altimeter as Apple Watch Series 6, and with the latest motion sensors and microphone, it offers robust health and safety capabilities including fall detection, Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, and the Noise app.
Apple Watch SE (GPS) starts at $279 and Apple Watch SE (GPS + Cellular) starts at $329. Apple Watch SE (GPS) is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 18, in the US, Puerto Rico, and 27 other countries and regions.”
iPad 8th-gen
Apple’s cheapest iPad was refreshed, continuing its dominance as perhaps the best-value product Apple has ever made.
“Apple today introduced the eighth-generation iPad, featuring the powerful A12 Bionic chip that brings the Neural Engine to the entry iPad for the first time. Starting at just $329, the upgrade packs even more value into the most popular and affordable iPad, featuring a stunning 10.2-inch Retina display, advanced cameras, and great all-day battery life.1 Customers can order iPad today, with availability beginning Friday, September 18.
The new iPad (8th generation) is available to order starting today on apple.com and in the Apple Store app in more than 25 countries and regions, including the US. iPad will be available beginning Friday, September 18, with a starting price of $329 (US) for the Wi-Fi model and $459 (US) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, and comes in silver, space gray, and gold finishes in 32GB and 128GB configurations.”
iPad Air
There was also a big redesign for the iPad Air, including a design that looks very similar to iPad Pro and Touch ID capabilities hidden in the power button.
“Apple today introduced an all-new iPad Air — the most powerful, versatile, and colorful iPad Air ever. Now available in five gorgeous finishes, iPad Air features an all-screen design with a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, camera and audio upgrades, a new integrated Touch ID sensor in the top button, and the powerful A14 Bionic for a massive boost in performance, making this by far the most powerful and capable iPad Air ever made. The new iPad Air will be available starting next month.
The new iPad Air will be available starting next month on apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 30 countries and regions, including the US. Wi-Fi models of iPad Air will be available with a starting price of $599 (US) and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $729 (US). The new iPad Air, in 64GB and 256GB configurations, will be available in five beautiful finishes including silver, space gray, rose gold, green, and sky blue.”
Fitness+
Apple really is leaning into services these days, eh? Fitness+ is an all-new subscription service offering video workouts that integrate with your Apple Watch.
“Apple today unveiled Fitness+, the first fitness experience built for Apple Watch, arriving later this year. Apple Fitness+ intelligently incorporates metrics from Apple Watch for users to visualize right on their iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, offering a first-of-its-kind personalized workout experience. Everyone from beginners to committed exercisers can access studio-style workouts delivered by inspiring world-class trainers and underscored by motivating music from renowned artists, making it easier and more rewarding for customers to exercise, whenever and wherever they like.
At launch, Apple Fitness+ will be available in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. Fitness+ will be available to Apple Watch customers as a subscription service before the end of 2020 for $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Everyone can try Fitness+ free for one month.”
Apple One
With all these services, our long-time prayers for an Apple bundle have been answered. You can now grab all (or most) of Apple’s various subscriptions for a reduced fee.
“Apple today announced Apple One, the easiest way to get all of Apple’s subscription services in one simple plan, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and iCloud. With a single subscription, customers in over 100 countries and regions can enjoy their favorite Apple services across their favorite devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, and Mac.
Individual includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage for $14.95 per month. Family includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 200GB of iCloud storage for $19.95 per month, and can be shared among up to six family members. Premier, where available, includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and 2TB of iCloud storage for $29.95 per month, and can be shared among up to six family members.
Starting this fall, the Apple One Individual and Family plans will be available in over 100 countries and regions. The Premier plan will be available in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, where Apple News+ is available, and Apple Fitness+ will join later this year.”
Software Releases
Apple also quietly announced that all its new software updates – including iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and watchOS 7 – will be released to the public almost immediately: Wednesday, September 16.
Keep an eye on Settings > General > Software Update for the new release, and keep an eye on our Tips & Tricks app for a big content update with all-new iOS 14 tips coming soon!