Apple Just Announced a New 'Reengineered' Watch and Next-Gen iPhones
Tim Cook stepped up on stage in Apple's Cupertino, California HQ to announce the latest and greatest hardware and software on the way from the tech giant in its annual September event. Like just about every other year in recent memory, that means new iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches (minus 2020, when the iPhones were dropped later in the year).
While the event was once again streamed virtually in place of the previously standard in-person bash for tech world notables, celebrities, and journalists due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the presentation was quick and to the point, a welcome change for anyone who just wants the fast facts about the new releases.
While just about everyone who uses technology might find reason to be excited about the new Apple releases, fans of fitness and health might be particularly hyped about the new Watch. The wearable continues to emphasize active lifestyles with fitness and health tracking, and the "reengineered" Series 7 features a bigger display and fast charging for even easier wear.
Let's take a look at all the new announcements. If you were hoping for new AirPods, you'll just have to keep waiting.
Apple Watch Series 7
The first big update came with the next Apple Watch. The Series 7 has a reengineered display and shape, making it one of the most dramatic changes for the wearable since it was first introduced in 2015.
The display is bigger than any other Apple Watch, even though its housed within casing that is almost identical to that of previous generations (don't worry—all your old Watch bands will still work with the new design). That's partly possible thanks to the new shape, which has slightly more rounded corners than the old design. The display is improved, too, and up to 70 percent brighter with a new user interface.
The larger screen will also allow users to do more with their wearable. There's now a full keyboard for quick messaging, which uses predictive text tech to help you jot out responses to your contacts right on your wrist. New watch faces take advantage of the larger screen, too, pushing to the very edge of the display.
The Series 7 also features improved durability with new crack resistant screen, IP6X resistance for dust, and WR50 water resistance. Cyclists will see a whole round of improvements for that type of tracking, and watchOS 8 includes new Tai Chi and Pilates activity types and a Mindfulness app.
The battery life estimate remains the same as the previous generation, at about 18 hours per charge. But the Series 7 will be easier and quicker to power up, with a new fast charging system that can reach 80 percent capacity in 45 minutes, or 8 minutes to track 8 hours of sleep.
The Apple Watch Series 7 will be available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium casings, starting at $399 later this fall.
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
4 finishes, including new Sierra Blue
Smaller TrueDepth front camera
Ceramic Shield glass
IP68 water resistance
A15 Bionic chip for improved performance
Super Retina XDR Display for brighter screen
ProMotion Display
New camera system for improved photography
Cinematic Mode video for improved focus control
Pro video features for end-to-end workflow
Improved battery life from previous generation
New 1 terabyte storage option
Starts at $999 for Pro, $1099 for Pro Max
Pre-order Friday, available September 24
iPhone 13 and 13 mini
5 new colors
TrueDepth front facing camera
A15 bionic chip for improved performance
12MP camera
Cinematic Mode video for improved focus control
5G improvements
Battery improvements from the previous generation
New 512GB storage option
Starting at $699 for mini, $799 for standard model
Pre-order Friday, available September 24
Apple Fitness+
Expands to 15 new countries with captions in 6 languages
New Pilates workouts
Guided meditations
Snow season sport prep workouts
Group Workouts for up to 32 friends launching later this fall
iPad
A13 Bionic chip for 20 percent faster performance
12MP ultrawide front camera
Center Stage autodetection for video calls
True Tone display adjustments
iPad OS15
Starts at $329, with discounts for education. Available next week.
iPad mini
New colors
8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display
TouchID in top button
USB-C port for faster data transfer
12MP back camera
12MP ultrawide front camera
Center Stage autodetection for video calls
New speakers for stereo in landscape
Starts at $499, available next week
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