Apple’s Newest Releases And When They Will Be Available

After all the rumors and pre-event expectations, Apple’s September 9 event has finally happened, and as any harcore Apple fan can attest, there is plenty of new cool stuff to rave about, a few not completely unexpected and a number of welcome surprises.

First off is the announcement of two new iPhone models, namely the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus. While both devices have basically kept the same body design as their predecessors (the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus), they do feature a new rose gold aluminum color. Furthermore, the aluminum is a new alloy material not usually seen before in any previous iPhone model, while Apple has made use of a new and more importantly, stronger glass for the new iPhones’ display screens.

The latest iPhones’ now feature the A9 chip, with an M9 co-processor. Also, the Touch ID has been improved for faster performance. Camera wise, there is a new iSight camera (on the rear side) that comes in at 12 megapixels, the FaceTime camera (on the front side) has been enhanced to 5 megapixels, and Apple deploys 4K video. What about Force Touch technology? Well, Apple has turned it into 3D Touch, a multitouch interface that is based on Force Touch’s pressure sensitive interactive tech. This means that buyers of the new iPhones will now to have to get used to performing different levels of operation beyond the usual tap or swipe screen gestures. Apple is also introducing a new upgrade program for its iPhones. Preorders for the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus start September 12th, the release date  is on September 25th in major markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Tablet fans, especially Apple users, will be delighted to know that the company has unveiled two new iPads -- the iPad Pro and the iPad Mini 4. They will no doubt be excited about the iPad Pro, which comes with a whopping 12.9 inch display screen. This really big tablet boasts the new A9X third generation 64 bit processor, and two times the memory of its predecessor. Its new cool feature is a split screen functionality, which basically allows users to view two apps simultaneously on the tablet’s display screen. Also, it makes use of a Smart Keyboard accessory. And do not forget the Apple Pencil, which is Apple’s stylus for its new iPad. The iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 32 gigabyte edition with Wi-Fi; $949 for the 128 gigabyte version; and $1,079 for the 128 gigabyte edition with Wi-Fi and cell. The Apple Pencil costs $99, while the Smart Keyboard is priced at $169. The iPad Pro ships in November. 

A bit lost in the hype of the iPad Pro is the iPad Mini 4, which basically puts the iPad Air 2 into the iPad Mini’s design. It sells for $399. 

Apple has also revealed new apps for its Apple Watch. New app offerings include the AirStrip health app which allows doctors to communicate fitness related data and even monitor patients at thome. Also, Watch OS 2, the Apple Watch’s new operating system, will be made available on September 16th. Apple also took the opportunity to introduce new bands (coming in October) for its smartwatch, made in collaboration with design partners (e.g. Hermes), as well as a new rose gold and anodized aluminum editions of the Apple Watch Sport.

Lastly, the Apple TV finally gets its long awaited update. Apple made changes to the Apple TV’s design, putting a better, faster chip, boosting the internal memory, and incorporating a Siri voice control update to the software, plus a new and improved remote, games, and even shopping. It will support Netflix, HBO, and Hulu, as well as games like Galaxy on Fire (with multiplayer support). It will cost $149 for the 32 gigabyte edition, and $199 for the 64 gigabyte version. The updated Apple TV will be made available in November.