Guess what today is, Guess what to-day is? Apple Event Day!! (please please say you read this in the Camel from the Geico commercial voice, that's how it was intended lol). Seriously this is one of the highlights of the year for me as a tech enthusiast and all around nerd lol. But enough about me and my excitement, let's get into everything that was announced today!
First up Apple Arcade...
Apple Arcade (Photo: Apple)
While games on your phone aren't new, the way Apple is bringing them to your iPhone is! Apple Arcade is a subscription service that grants you access to over 100 hundred games for just, get this $4.99/month! Apple Arcade is going to be playable across AppleTV, iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Oh and did I mention that these games can be played offline annnd the monthly fee covers, up to 6 family members! Games on Apple Arcade are exclusive to Apple Arcade.
The catalog of games ranges from puzzles, simple games to full blown RPGs. In my gaming day (I just don't have time anymore because adulting lol) I LIVED for a good RPG! This is a great deal if you're into games on your phone, considering most decent games on the App store are about $5 each! It launches on September 19th and comes with a 1-month free trial.
Just some of the games in Apple Arcade
Next...Apple TV+
Everyone's got a streaming service now...seriously, there's tons of options/alternatives to traditional cable out there. So of course this tech juggernaut threw their hat in the ring with Apple TV+. Now of course people would get it just because they've already got Apple TV, you already in the fold, but what about the people who haven't jumped on board or think they have enough options? You throw in exclusive content of course! Apple announced exclusive new series, documentaries and movies coming to Apple TV+. The one that caught my eye was See (starring Jason Mamoa and Alfre Woodard) it's set in the future where the human race is now blind following some mass virus, and two children are born that can see! You can check out the trailer here. Apple TV+ launches on November 1st, you can also watch all the shows in the Apple TV app. Oh and how much does all this cost?? Just $4.99/month!
Apple TV+ (Photo: Apple)
New iPad..sure why not!
Now this isn't earth shattering but Apple announced a new of the iPad. The seventh generation of the iPad has 10.2 inch retina display, Apple Pencil support, and a soft keyboard! Beefed up performance with the A10 Fusion Chip. It's known in the tech world as Apple's low end laptop really. It's got improvement capabilities for working with Files in iPadOS, external USB support, and file server support! Not to mention it'll have support for the full sized smart keyboard as well.
New iPad (Photo: Apple)
There's also improved browsing in Safari, like what you'd see on a desktop browser you're getting on your iPad...websites will be optimized for iPad. They're adding support for Squarespace! You'll be able to edit your site from your iPad browser! That's huge! The new iPad starts at $329 (Apple with these NOT alarming prices today lol) is available for ordering today and will be available in stores September 30th.
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 in 6 new colors (Photo: Apple)
Alright Alright I mentioned a new iPhone didn't I? I made you guys read a little before getting into the highlight for most of us (me included because I'm overdue for a new iPhone I have a 7 Plus). Apple announced a new iPhone today! Apple unveiled the iPhone 11! The iPhone 11 has a dual camera system, 12 MP wide and 12 MP Ultra-Wide camera. The newest iPhone also comes in six new colors purple, green, yellow, black, white and PRODUCT(RED).
Night Mode on iPhone 11 (Photo: Apple)
Now for me a better camera was at the top of my wish list but I hated the way it took photos in rooms with bad light or at nighttime outside. I was famous for hitting you with the "use your camera it takes better photos in this light". Apple heard my cries and answered with Night Mode! The ultra wide camera allows for you to capture more in a single shot! Also among camera/video improvements, QuickTake it allows you to switch to recording video right from photo mode just by pressing and holding the shutter (button you hold to take the photo)
*The new iPhone is also water resistant, so less putting phones in rice, I mean there are plenty of things we can throw in the rice..a bad day, some butter lol. Ok back on track.
(Photo: Apple)
The new iPhone 11 will come in several storage models 64GB, 128GB and 256GB models, starting price is $699 (you just knew it was gonna be higher right? I thought so too). The new iPhone 11 will be available for pre-order this Friday September 13th, with shipping and in-store availability on the September 20th.
Oh wait...there wasn't just the iPhone 11 announced but the iPhone 11 Pro and the Pro Max!
So in true Apple fashion there's always more! Here's what you're getting with the 11 Pro and Pro Max. Besides the beautiful XDR retina display, you get not one, not two but THREE cameras! There's a Wide, Ultra-Wide, and a telephoto lense! So you're going to be able to capture amazingly high quality photos and video! The A13 Bionic chip makes this phone faster as well. The new iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max come in four colors midnight green, space gray, silver and gold. They'll come in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB models, with starting prices at $999 and $1,099. Both will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, September 13 and in stores beginning Friday, September 20.
The iPhone 11, 11 Pro and Pro Max will all ship with iOS 13. iOS 13 will be available for download on September 19th for models 6s and later.
Apple Watch Series 5
Apple Watch Series 5 (Photo: Apple)
There's a new iteration of the Apple Watch, hello series 5! Now I just got my series 4 for Christmas so no upgrades on this end, but there's some new features with this version. So if you're a current Apple Watch owner you know that to see the time or "wake up" your watch you have to rotate your wrist. With the new "Always On" Retina display you don't have to worry about that. Oh and guess what, it'll retain that single charge for a full day of wearing it, even with the display being on.
Feeling lost or trying to find your bearings? The Apple Watch series 5 has a compass, so for those that like to hike and things like that, this will come in handy! Another great new feature, Emergency International calling (if you have the cellular model) This will work even if you don't have the cellular feature activated and regardless of where it was purchased. Apple Watch will also have period tracking.
The new Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS non cellular) starts at $399 and Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, Cellular) starts at $499. This item is is available to order today with shipping and in-store availability beginning on September 20th.
Soooo I've given you my take on the announcements today, are you guys excited about the new releases? You upgrading to the new iPhone 11..the iPhone 11 Pro, or the Pro Max? Maybe you're finally gonna jump the shark and get an Apple Watch? Let me know!