What a day! There have been rumblings and rumors for weeks, but today Apple held their keynote presentation and it didn't disappoint. So let me catch you up on the highlights from today's presentation, because you know that I was watching it live and doing all kinds of nerdy note taking!
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (Photo: Apple)
Unlike Apple's order of events today, I'm going to start with why you're here lol....the iPhone 7. We all knew it was coming but let's really get into how awesome this new iPhone is. First off it's waterproof and dustproof. Not so much wowed by the dust repelling capability but waterproof??? That's a big one! There's some nice design modifications too; The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will bring back the black finish, which is a glossy black, it will be available in a Jet Black finish (which is kind of a matte black), Rose Gold, Gold, and Silver as well.
Apple also improved the camera, with optical image stabilization on the 12 megapixel camera as well as a 7 megapixel front (Facetime) camera..you can have the best selfies ever or it'll bring out every pore on your face. But Apple went a step further and put TWO cameras iPhone 7 Plus! It has the same wide angle camera that is on the iPhone 7 but also has a 12 megapixel telephoto camera that has greater zoom capabilities. Essentially Apple is putting a very tiny DSLR camera in the palm of your hand. Can you imagine the amazing photos that you can take with your phone? As a blogger, getting high quality photos is big, but for me remembering to carry my fancy camera everywhere is a job.
The rumors are true...Apple did away with the headphone jack on the iPhone 7...but before you melt into mass hysteria, you will be able to connect your headphones via the lighting connector (There is a pair of lightning connector ear phones included). Now of course if you have a great pair of headphones now, or a set of earbuds that are completely mangled or lost, you will be able to connect them via the included 3.5mm to lightning connector that will be included with the iPhone 7. Say goodbye to charging and listening to music or taking a call at the same time on your earbuds, I do this often so I am sad. On the heels of this reveal it was the perfect segway into revealing their new Airpods, Apple's wireless earbuds. *pull up the lost and found bucket* I can barely keep up with the regular earbuds, or keep them in my ear so I honestly don't see how this is going to work. Apple sees wireless as the future which while innovative doesn't seem functional to me when I'm in the middle of a gym workout..but what do I know? The Airpods can detect when they are in your ear, and pause when they aren't..but can they not fall out of my ear or beep so I can find them? laughing but serious lol. Did I mention that the AirPods are $159??
AirPods (Photo: Apple)The iPhone 7 pricing will start at $649 and the iPhone 7 Plus will start at $769. You can pre-order starting September 9th. They will come in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacity. Jet Black finish is only available in 128GB and 256GB. 16GB has been done away with, but honestly how much could you really store on it after you install some apps, a couple dozen photos and sync your music?
iOS 10
iOS 10 (Photo: Apple.com)
Apple kind of breezed through this with a few bullet points, saying there are tons of new features and it's the biggest iOS update yet. This is probably because they previewed it back in June at the WWDC. There have been improvements for Messages, your messages have more functionality, with the ability to write in iMessage, your message bubbles can even look different if you are trying to express excitement, so they shake a little if you're it's supposed to be perceived as loud. Third party integration for Siri, so she can really be more of the personal assistant you want her to be..now if they can get her to sound like Jarvis from Iron Man that would be cool! iOS 10 will be available for download September 13th.
Apple Watch 2
Apple announced the 2 series of the wildly popular Apple Watch, the Apple Watch 2. Like the new iPhone it will be waterproof...so it can be submerged up to 50 meters and still work fine. It will also come in a new ceramic finish (I think of fragile and shatter when I hear ceramic). It will use GPS and Wi-Fi to help the wearer track their location and of course this helps improve the incorporation into your workout. Apple also announced that Pokemon Go will be available on the Apple Watch..but you will still need your phone to catch them. But if you're out getting active hey, more power to you! watchOS 3 has improvements to make getting to your apps easier, as well a new Breathe app. This is to encourage the wearer to take a minute and a deep breathe, so a little stress reliever in your day.
Apple Watch series 2 (Photo: Apple)
Apple also announced there will be a Nike edition of the Apple Watch, which to me this makes perfect sense. If you're touting fitness, then the Apple Watch and Nike being partners is a perfect match. The Nike Edition will feature a Nike Sport Band, that is breathable and flexible, and since you have the Nike Edition you will automatically be apart of the Nike Run Club. It will even send encouraging reminders to ask you "Are we running today?" Uhmmm, I need this functionality to motivate me to go to the gym period. Now while the Apple Watch series 2, as well as the Nike Edition will start at $369. The Ceramic Apple Watch starts at $1249. You can begin pre-ordering September 9.
Oh and lastly but most certainly not least..Nintendo announced that Super Mario will be coming to the App Store! It will be in a game called Super Mario Run! You can sign up to be notified in the App Store when it's available. I've already hit the button...who doesn't like Mario?
~ChicDivaGeek