Apple’s annual hardware event on September 15 created quite a stir with its latest launches. While iPhone 12 wasn’t announced at the keynote, the company made some pathbreaking announces within its Watch and iPad product range.
Here’s what was launched.
Apple Watch Series 6
Quite notably stealing the limelight was the Apple Watch Series 6.
Offering a similar design to previous-generation Apple Watch models, it adds a few new colours including a navy blue (that could match the rumoured colour of the upcoming iPhone 12) and a Product Red model.
A feature that’s caused a lot of headlines is the watch’s sensor that tracks blood oxygen saturation. An always-on altimeter tracks elevation is an added bonus along with the new blood oxygen monitor.
It is powered by a new processor called the S6 chip, said to be 20 per cent faster than the previous Series 5 chip.
An always-on display that’s two and a half times brighter than the Series 5 (packed with a series of new watch faces), and “Family Setup”, allowing users to set up a device for family members without them needing an iPhone to support the watch, are some of the other additions.
The “Solo Loop” band – an uninterrupted expandable band – that simply slips onto the wrist, is another introduction.
Apple Watch SE
Apple introduced a budget-priced Apple Watch SE with the same design as the Apple Watch Series 6. It supports features like “Family Setup” and Fall Detection. It is powered by the last-generation S5 processor.
Available for preorder from September 18, the Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $399/₹29,341, and the Apple Watch SE starts at $279/₹20,517.
iPad Air
Next, Apple unveiled the first iPad since the iPad Pro to get an edge-to-edge display – the iPad Air.
Replacing the Face ID is a Touch ID that is now located inside the power button, instead of the former Home button.
It features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, with relatively small bezels around the edges.
The iPad Air is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic processor – rumoured to be featured in the iPhone 12.
Featuring a USB-C connector, the new iPad Air supports more third-party accessories, including the Apple Magic Keyboard and the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Available October onwards, the iPad Air starts at $599/₹44,049 and comes in an array of eye-catching colours including the new green and sky blue.
In addition, Apple showed off its the entry-level iPad with a specifications boost. The Apple A12 Bionic chip for improved performance brings Apple’s Neural Engine to the entry-level iPad for the first time. The iPad now supports the Smart Keyboard and the first-generation Apple Pencil, and it is priced at $329/₹24,194 onwards.
What’s more
The company launched the Apple One subscription, a service that allows you to club a bunch of Apple’s services into one monthly payment.
India will be amongst the first countries to get access to Apple’s new bundled service offering.
The individual plan will cost users ₹195 per month, allowing them access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage.
Apple Fitness+, a fitness service that integrates with the Apple Watch workout app to offer guided workouts, while showing information like heart rate, time on your Apple screen (iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV), was introduced as well. This service however, is not available in India yet.
And lastly, software updates like iOS 14, Watch OS 7, and tvOS 7, are now be available on your devices from today!
