Apple Announces New Phones, Watches and Services

Apple+sent+out+invitations+to+the+event+two+weeks+before+via+the+%E2%80%9CBy+innovation+only%E2%80%9D+image.

William Hsieh

Apple sent out invitations to the event two weeks before via the “By innovation only” image.

William Hsieh, Front Page Editor

Apple held an event at the Apple Park campus on Sept. 10 announcing new iPhones, a watch, an iPad and more. There were many improvements, including the arrival of new services.

The main announcement was for three new phones: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Similar to the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max respectively, the iPhone 11 will most likely be the most popular option starting at just under $700. It now features dual cameras, a new A13 chip that boosts performance by 20% and new colors: green, yellow and purple according to Apple.

The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max have triple cameras: one regular, one wide and one telephoto, which now supports 4K recording at 60 frames per second with extended dynamic range.

iOS 13 improves speed significantly, update the user interface, and give an option for dark mode.

“Dark mode helps protects your eyes from the traditionally blinding whiteness of computer and phone screens,” CNET Contributor Amanda Capritto said. It also improves battery life for users.

“[My favorite thing about iOS 13 is] the new swipe keyboard,” Shivank Gupta said. “For Apple to be able to listen to the consumer’s [requests] is a good sign for future things to come.”

Another big announcement was the Apple Watch Series 5, which will retail starting from $399. It is the very first Apple Watch to have a built-in compass, special electrical heart sensor and an always-on display. Instead of having to turn a wrist or tap the watch for the screen to show the time, the watch face is now always on. This feature can also be turned off to improve battery life.

“You can get [the new Apple Watch] in the standard aluminum and steel, but you can also spend more for titanium or ceramic now,” Verge Executive Editor Dieter Bohn said. The new titanium and ceramic frames are more durable than aluminum and steel.

The new 10.2 inch iPad now has a larger screen and an upgraded processor, Apple Smart Connector for keyboards and accessories, Apple Pencil support and more. Starting at $329, it is the most inexpensive iPad and the best value for money. With iPadOS – an operating system with features specifically for the larger display of the iPad – rolling out later this month, according to MacRumors, this may be a viable alternative to using a computer for notetaking in class.

Apple will also launch a video streaming service on Nov. 1: Apple TV+. At $4.99 per month, it will have exclusive content and compete against popular streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Another service, Apple Arcade, is available now with iOS 13. It is a video game subscription service that will have games that are exclusive to the service. It is also $4.99 per month.