Apple Reveals iPhone 13, iPad Updates and More During September Keynote

Jon Bitner
·5 min read

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After months of speculation, Apple has officially revealed the iPhone 13. Headlined by the A15 Bionic chipset and 120Hz refresh rates on Pro and Pro Max, the upcoming iPhone will once again put more power into the palm of your hand than ever before. New smartphones weren’t the only thing on display, as Apple also announced a redesigned iPad, iPad mini and Apple Watch Series 7.

If you’re looking to pick up any of the exciting new products, here’s when you’ll be able to sign up for pre-orders and get your hands on Apple’s latest innovations.

apple iPad
Credit: Apple

iPad Gets a Long-Overdue Upgrade

  • iPad (64GB) – Price: $329

  • Release Date: September 24th

Apple kicked things off with big announcements for the ever-popular iPad. Now boasting the A13 Bionic chip, you can expect 20% faster performance compared to the last generation of iPads – and speeds that are six times faster than the best-selling Android tablet.

Big camera improvements are also coming to the iPad lineup, with a 12MP ultra-wide camera that’s compatible with Center Stage – Apple’s fancy tech that keeps you in the frame during video chats.

The upgraded iPadOS 15 software supports a variety of new features, including the ability to place Widgets alongside your apps, new multitasking controls and the option to quickly take notes without closing your programs. It’s a significant upgrade, and starting at $329.99 makes it an enticing option in the tablet marketplace.

Apple iPad mini
Credit: Apple

iPad mini May Have Stolen the Show

The updated Apple iPad mini was arguably one of the most exciting of the show. In fact, Tim Cook called this the “biggest upgrade ever” in the history of the iPad mini. That’s largely due to its surprisingly massive 8.3-inch screen (but same slim footprint), its reworked Liquid Retina Display and a 40% increase in CPU performance compared to the last generation – thanks to the A15 Bionic.

iPad mini will also feature Apple Pencil support, 5G compatibility, Touch ID for easy access and a new set of cameras that can record video in 4K. Best of all, it now features a USB-C port, allowing you to easily connect to third-party electronics and quickly transfer data.

Apple iPhone 13
Credit: Apple

iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini Upgraded With A15 Bionic

Every new installment in the iPhone family brings a massive power bump and camera enhancements, and the iPhone 13 is no different. New diagonally oriented rear cameras, a reworked display that’s brighter than iPhone 12 and the lightning-fast A15 Bionic chipset are the stars of the show – and they don’t look to disappoint.

The custom OLED screen is compatible with Dolby Vision for crystal clear images, the new A15 Bionic is said to be the “fastest CPU in any smartphone” and the new 12MP camera suite offers an impressive feature called Cinematic Mode, which will change focus automatically based on where your subject is looking.

Despite all the power-hungry tech, both iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini offer more battery life than their predecessors. iPhone 13 should last about 2.5 hours longer than iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 mini will get an extra 1.5 hours compared to the iPhone 12 mini.

Value-conscious shoppers will notice that the starting capacity of both phones has been increased to 128GB, although their price tags are the same as they were last year.

Pre-orders open on Friday, and you’ll want to check out trade-in incentives at your provider of choice – Apple said it’s hoping to offer some enticing promotions to get the new products into the hands of consumers at reasonably affordable prices. For now, Apple has only announced that you can save between $110 and $790 with eligible trades.

Apple iPhone 13 Pro video capabilities
Credit: Slickdeals/Apple

iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max Get Dynamic Refresh Rates

The new iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max offer everything on the standard iPhone 13, plus larger screens (6.1-inches and 6.7-inches, respectively), a more robust set of cameras and the best battery life ever seen in an iPhone. Arguably the most significant upgrade, however, is ProMotion. This will dynamically adjust the refresh rate of your screen from 10Hz to 120Hz depending on the activity, providing a responsiveness to touch not seen in the rest of the iPhone 13 lineup.

For budding filmmakers, there’s a new ProRes Video option that lets you record in 4K at 30fps. If photography is more your thing, you can take advantage of a macro photography option that lets you capture images of small objects just a few inches away from the lens.

You’ll also have the option to pick up a 1TB version of the iPhone 13 Pro Max – meaning there’s almost no chance you’ll run out of storage before your next smartphone upgrade rolls around.

apple watch 7
Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Series 7 Cuts Down On Bezels, Increases Display Size

Although it’s not as exciting as a new iPhone or iPad, the Apple Watch Series 7 might be the most practical item in the new lineup. Offering a larger display with smaller bezels, the Series 7 is hoping to be easier to use than ever before. Its larger screen makes it easier to tap virtual buttons, it can show more words on screen than ever before and it lets you reply to messages using a full keyboard with QuickPath.

It also comes with the same 18-hour battery life as its predecessor but charges 33% faster. Apple rounds out the new Watch with IP6X dust resistance certification and a variety of cool colors and bands to choose from.

To go along with the Apple Watch Series 7 reveal, we’ll also be getting a reworked Fitness+ in the coming weeks. This will introduce Pilates workouts, guided meditations and a series of exercises aimed at getting you ready for “Snow Season” before hitting the slopes this winter.

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