Here’s the “TL;DR” version of today’s Apple event
Instead of wading through the vast seas of press and tech coverage for this morning’s Apple event in San Francisco, here’s the “Too Long; Didn’t Read” condensed version:
Apple Watch
- Announced new version of OS for its watches, WatchOS 2, available September 16th
- WatchOS 2 gives third party developers access to watch’s sensors, the Digital Crown, microphone, and Taptic engine, along with the ability to build more complex animations
- Announced new Apple Watch models, including those as a result of a partnership with Hermes, and new gold-and-rose and gold-and-anodized-aluminum finishes
- Now over 10,000 apps for Apple Watch
Apple iPad family
- Announced iPad Pro, a much larger tablet with a 12.9-inch, 2732×2048 Retina display
- First availability won’t be until sometime in November
- iPad Pro comes with new A9X 64-bit processor, claimed to have twice the memory bandwidth and storage performance of previous A8 processor, and to run 22X faster than the original first-gen iPad
- Graphics performance also drastically improved
- iPad Pro comes with a four-speaker audio system that automatically adjusts to screen orientation from portrait to landscape
- Announced new magnetic Smart Keyboard (doubles as a cover) for $169
- Smart Keyboard doesn’t use Bluetooth, but connects via new magnetic triple port on iPad Pro
- Announced new Apple Pencil pressure-sensitive stylus for $99
- iPad Pro available in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray finishes
- Wi-Fi-only 32GB iPad Pro is $799; 128GB is $949
- Only the 128GB iPad Pro will be available with cellular, for $1079
- Other iPad models shift price points around. Entry level is now the iPad mini 2 16GB for $279.
Apple TV
- Totally new fourth-gen box and set of features, with a 32GB model for $149 and 64GB model for $199
- Original third-gen Apple TV will remain available, and still sell for $69
- Only availability information for new Apple TV is “coming soon”
- Much faster A8 processor
- New remote has a glass multi-touch surface, volume control, and microphone for access to Siri
- Siri allows voice command of menus, pop-up overlays, video navigation, movie and TV program selection (including suggestions), and much more
- Remote also has motion sensitivity and a gyroscope to allow Wii-like control over games and other functions
- Apple TV now has Bluetooth 4.0 and 801.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO
- Onscreen menu now offers access to the App Store
- Debut of TV OS, an iOS-based operating system that is supposed to make things a lot easier for developers
Apple iPhone family
- Apple announced two new phones: the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus. Physically, they look practically identical to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
- But the new models’ screens come with a tougher “dual ion-exchange” glass
- The new phones also feature pressure-sensitive touchscreens that work like the new Force Touch trackpad on the most recent MacBooks. Apple calls this “3D Touch.”
- Both cameras have been improved, along with their flash technology
- The back-facing iSight camera now captures 12 megapixels, and can record 4K video
- The front-facing FaceTime HD camera now captures 5 megapixels
- Rose Gold joins the previously available three finishes (Silver, Gold, and Space Gray)
- A Live Photo feature has also been added, which automatically captures a few seconds of video and sound around still photos. Push firmly on a photo, and it plays the video.
- Prices start at $199 for the 6S and $299 for the 6s Plus, with contract, for 16GB models
- Jumping to a 64GB model adds $100, and to a 128GB model adds another $200
- For teh first time, Apple offers off-contract pricing starting at $649 and $749, again for the 16GB models of the 6S and 6S Plus.
- The new iPhones may be pre-ordered on September 12, and are slated to begin delivery September 25th
Miscellaneous
- The next major upgrade to iOS, version 9, will be available next Wednesday (September 16th). Any device currently running iOS 8 will be able to upgrade to the new version.
To kick off this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday morning, Apple presented a video lampooning the lengths to which companies go to produce gala keynote presentations. The sketch stars SNL’s Bill Hader as the director “rehearsing” for the WWDC keynote – with disastrous results. It also features a number of celebrity cameos, shout outs to popular apps, and inside references to Silicon Valley culture.
Connecting Point Computer Centers, the area’s only locally-owned, independent Apple retailer and services provider, is pleased to announce Apple has awarded us its Premium Service Provider designation. This accolade is given to an elite tier of Apple Authorized Service Providers in recognition of their unparalleled commitment to technical excellence and customer service. According to Apple, “Premium Service Providers consistently deliver exceptional repair support and customer experience that meet Apple’s exacting standard for high-quality repair and prompt service.”
