KAOHSIUNG CITY (KASPER) — Despite numerous reports that Apple would be releasing new iPhones as part of their annual September event that took place on September 15, that never came into fruition. Even though the new iPhones weren’t announced as expected, Apple did indeed unleash several products that would certainly blow your minds off. Let’s check them out, shall we!
First up, Apple released not one, but TWO new Apple Watches this year to better reach the customers. As always, the usual high-end and feature-packed model is called the Series 6, but the new, low-end, and more affordable model is dubbed the SE, just like the iPhone SE that was released a few months ago.
The Series 6 could be considered as the model with the most choices available — now available in a stunning new blue and (PRODUCT) RED finishes for aluminum models and “graphite” stainless steel finish. In addition, for the first time since its initial release back in 2015, new band options are added. Available in 9 different sizes, Solo loop and its braided counterpart contain no clasps or buckles but consist of a continuous and stretchable design that provides a comfortable fit. They are joined by a new Leather Link band that wraps around and attaches by flexible molded magnets. Series 6 now contains a processor that is 20% faster than the previous model while maintaining the same 18-hour battery life; an always-on altimeter that provides real-time elevation whenever you are, an always-on display that is 2.5 times brighter than the previous model, and a blood oxygen sensor. It measures the oxygen saturation of your blood using a series of green, red, and infrared LEDs, plus 4 photodiodes by reflecting the color of the blood, allowing the user to understand their overall fitness and wellness. It starts at $12,900 for GPS only models and $15,900 for GPS + LTE models.
The new Apple Watch SE, as the more affordable model, has the same essential features that are included in the Series 6, including the always-on altimeter, gyroscope, the accelerometer. It combines the design of the higher-end model with the most essential features of Apple Watch. As a result, the Apple Watch SE does not include ECG, blood oxygen monitor, and an always-on display. It’s available in aluminum with 3 finishes: gold, space gray, and silver. It starts at $8,900 for GPS models and $10,400 for GPS + LTE models.
As always, NIKE and Hermès models with exclusive bands are available, with NIKE models available in Series 6 and SE cases and Hermès models only available with Series 6 cases.
Next, let’s take a look at the new iPads. The 8th generation iPad is basically the same as the previous gen iPad, but now it includes a new processor that is 40% faster and includes enhanced AI and AR capabilities. It’s compatible with the original Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard, making it a perfect learning device during difficult times brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic. It starts at $10,500 for Wi-Fi only models and $14,800 for Wi-Fi + LTE models, with discounts offered for educational consumers.
The iPad Air also received a big update. It now sports a design that is similar to the iPad Pro, but it lacks Face ID. Instead, it sports a fingerprint scanner directly built within its power button. With this design change, it’s now compatible with the new Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard (or Smart Keyboard Folio) that were previously designed for the iPad Pro. It’s also now all-screen as a result. Its new processor is also worth mentioning: it’s the world’s first 5nm processor that is 40% faster than the previous generation device. The graphics processing ability is also 30% faster, and thanks to a new 16-core Neural Engine and machine-learning accelerators, the new iPad Air is now capable of bringing your AR and ML experience to a whole new level. It comes with 5 finishes: silver, space gray, gold, green, and sky blue. It will start at $18,900 for Wi-Fi only models and $23,200 for Wi-Fi + LTE models, with its availability being TBA at this time (October for the US and 30+ countries).
Finally, let’s talk about services. Apple One now combines every available subscription together into a single plan, which makes them more affordable to consumers. Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+ (not available in Taiwan), Apple Fitness+ (more on that later), and iCloud are all included with a single plan, with prices ranging from $315/month to $395/monthwill be available to consumers this fall.
Even though it will not be available in Taiwan at launch, it’s still worth mentioning about Apple Fitness+, the company’s new subscription service designed to bring fitness experiences to life.
Apple Fitness+ provides personalized workouts delivered by world-class trainers in tandem with motivating music from renowned artists. With its availability across all of your devices, it allows you to work out wherever you go, anytime. Your progress as well as your status are also shown directly on the screen, and additional data will also magically appear on the screen in tandem with the trainer’s actions. This allows for additional motivation for the customer. This service will be available in 5 principle English-speaking countries by the end of this year, and everyone buying an Apple Watch now will get 3-months free effective when this service becomes available.
Which service or product are you most interested in from this launch event?
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Eric Chen is a tech reporter for KASPER, the official newspaper for Kaohsiung American School.