This week on AppleInsider: New iPhones, new iPads, new Apple TV, new everything
There was of course one overriding theme this week: Apple's Sept. 9 press event, where it unveiled new iPhones, the iPad Pro, and a fourth-generation Apple TV. There was far more to unpack than just those devices, however.
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AppleInsider was at Apple's event and had a chance to try the Pro and its accessories first-hand.
Surprisingly, Apple did not choose to the upgrade the iPad Air line. The only other new iPad was the iPad mini 4, shrinking the specifications of the iPad Air 2 into a 7.9-inch format.
The Watch was a secondary focus on Wednesday, but did get new case and band options, such as gold and rose gold colors for the Sport, a Product RED sport band, and an Hermes leather band. The latter will actually come with custom Hermes watch faces.
Apple also revealed that watchOS 2 will be available on Sept. 16, the same day as iOS 9. The update will bring important features such as native apps, third-party complications, new faces, and a Nightstand mode.
No longer just a "hobby" project, the Apple TV was reborn with a touch- and motion-sensitive remote, Siri-enabled search and playback controls, and most importantly, an App Store. Underlying it all is an iOS-based operating system, tvOS.
32- and 64-gigabyte versions will be available sometime in October for $149 and $199, respectively. The third-generation Apple TV will remain on sale for $69.
The centerpiece of the event was of course the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. The new devices have A9 processors, 12-megapixel iSight and 5-megapixel FaceTime HD cameras, and tougher 7000 series aluminum, among other upgrades. The biggest addition is likely 3D Touch, enabling pressure-sensitive commands such as previews and shortcuts.
Preorders have already begun, and the devices will ship on Sept. 25. Apple simultaneously announced an iPhone Upgrade Program for people who always want the latest Phone, but jacked up AppleCare+ prices.
Reporting directly from Apple's event, AppleInsider had the opportunity to go hands on with the updated iPhones and Apple TV, the latest Apple Watch gear, and the iPad Pro, including the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
To keep up on the latest in the Apple world, download the official AppleInsider app, and subscribe to our email newsletter.
iPad Pro, new accessories & iPad mini 4
The iPad Pro was officially unveiled as a 12.9-inch tablet with an A9X processor, four speakers, and new accessories including the $99 Apple Pencil and the $169 Smart Keyboard case. Tablet prices will range between $799 and $1,079 once the product ships in November.AppleInsider was at Apple's event and had a chance to try the Pro and its accessories first-hand.
Surprisingly, Apple did not choose to the upgrade the iPad Air line. The only other new iPad was the iPad mini 4, shrinking the specifications of the iPad Air 2 into a 7.9-inch format.
Apple Watch gets new bands and finishes, watchOS 2
The Watch was a secondary focus on Wednesday, but did get new case and band options, such as gold and rose gold colors for the Sport, a Product RED sport band, and an Hermes leather band. The latter will actually come with custom Hermes watch faces.
Apple also revealed that watchOS 2 will be available on Sept. 16, the same day as iOS 9. The update will bring important features such as native apps, third-party complications, new faces, and a Nightstand mode.
Apple TV leaps ahead with Siri, App Store, new remote
No longer just a "hobby" project, the Apple TV was reborn with a touch- and motion-sensitive remote, Siri-enabled search and playback controls, and most importantly, an App Store. Underlying it all is an iOS-based operating system, tvOS.
32- and 64-gigabyte versions will be available sometime in October for $149 and $199, respectively. The third-generation Apple TV will remain on sale for $69.
iPhone 6s, 6s Plus announced with A9 chips, 3D Touch & more
The centerpiece of the event was of course the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. The new devices have A9 processors, 12-megapixel iSight and 5-megapixel FaceTime HD cameras, and tougher 7000 series aluminum, among other upgrades. The biggest addition is likely 3D Touch, enabling pressure-sensitive commands such as previews and shortcuts.
Preorders have already begun, and the devices will ship on Sept. 25. Apple simultaneously announced an iPhone Upgrade Program for people who always want the latest Phone, but jacked up AppleCare+ prices.
First look: Apple's iPhone 6s, iPad Pro with Apple Pencil, Apple TV & more
Reporting directly from Apple's event, AppleInsider had the opportunity to go hands on with the updated iPhones and Apple TV, the latest Apple Watch gear, and the iPad Pro, including the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
Comments
"New everything." Except, you know, new Macs.
I'm sure it's the same as it is now, which means those point to the iTunes Store. You can hid those two apps in Settings. I just hope the new setup at least makes it easier to access your Home Sharing devices.
New Intel processors and oxide TFT displays don't grow on trees.
The movie was a set up for feeding Applephobia. Who does he interview? Joe Nocera! Haunted Empress Kane! Sorry, the movie review was limp-wristed.
"New everything." Except, you know, new Macs.
There is an interesting implication that Apple has with iOS; they have a pretty solid roadmap for A series processors and so can integrate them well into their product lines. Even with that roadmap bumping up to the limits of the fab processes, Apple still has options to improve performance.
Intel, with a near monopoly in desktop/laptop processors, has pricing power, and as such can set, delay or even eliminate processor releases. This is certainly a problem for the PC industry, enough so that MS is rumored to be interested in purchasing AMD, likely with an eye towards Xbox, but also Surface.
Apple wins big if Adobe, Autodesk and other major companies tailor some of their full desktop applications for the iPad Pro, eliminating an advantage that Surface has, but also maintaining the advantage of ARM with its lower cost structure over Intel. This isn't to imply that Apple is abandoning Intel, only that it is shifting capability as it can to "other than PC".
Regarding the comment made early on, about the new iPhone, that rose gold color is "for the ladies", I can't tell you how many men that I follow on Twitter, tech guys who were at the Event, have stated they bought rose gold. So, you might want to reconsider your stereotypes or perceptions.
Who said it's "for the ladies?" That wasn't in the article. Was it in the podcast?
No, it was in the Podcast; I commented in the wrong area.
New Intel processors and oxide TFT displays don't grow on trees.
Quite true. I'm not objecting to the Apple event. I'm objecting to the misuse of the word "everything", when such an important "something" wasn't part of it.
According to Cook, the iPad is their vision of the future of computing. Mac? What Mac?
According to Cook, the iPad is their vision of the future of computing. Mac? What Mac?
As soon as I can run Xcode, Modo, and ZBrush on it, I might go along with that. Until then, I need a new Mac. Mine's getting kinda long in the tooth.