It’s September, and if you’re an Apple fan, then that means Christmas has come early for you once again! Apple’s keynote announcement by CEO Tim Cook just concluded, and as expected, the company has announced three new phones this year – the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the more “affordable” iPhone XR. Also announced was the highly anticipated Apple Watch Series 4.
Let’s dig into the specifics.
iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max:
- Both the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are almost identical to their predecessor, the iPhone X. The two new models feature a 5.8-inch and a 6.5-inch (bigger even than the Galaxy Note 9, which is 6.4 inches) Super Retina display respectively.
- The iPhone XS Max has the biggest battery and the biggest display ever in an iPhone, but both phones have a wider screen ratio than the traditional iPhone, so neither the XS or the XS Max will be quite as big as it may sound. In fact, even though the iPhone XS has the same 5.8-inch screen size (the same as the iPhone X), it’s actually smaller than the 5.5-inch iPhone 8 Plus.
- Say hello to the new A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine, which Apple is touting as “the smartest and most powerful chip ever in a smartphone.” The iPhone XS and XS Max offer an extra 30 minutes and one-and-a-half hours of charge, as compared to the iPhone X.
- Both phones feature an improved 12-megapixel dual camera system that offers dual optical image stabilisation, 2x optical zoom, and brings Smart HDR across photos. There’s also an improved Portrait mode with Depth Control; the phones are also expected to deliver the “highest quality video capture in a smartphone.”
- Both the models are available in the coveted gold finish, along with the silver and space grey.
- They will be available for pre-order beginning September 14 and in stores beginning September 21.
The iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max will be available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB capacity models starting at RRP A$1629 from apple.com/au, in stores, and through Apple Authorised Resellers and select carriers (prices may vary).
iPhone XR:
- A new, slightly affordable model that features a notched 6.1-inch LCD display (which Apple is calling a “Liquid Retina” display) and featuring the A12 Bionic Chip, Aluminium and Glass Design in Six Beautiful Finishes, Apple’s Face ID (similar to the iPhone X) and Advanced Camera System.
- The frame for the iPhone XR is aluminum, not stainless steel.
- The camera is a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera (the same wide-angle camera as the XS) and it offers portrait mode.
- You can pre-order it beginning October 19, with availability beginning October 26.
The iPhone XR will be available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB models in white, black, blue, yellow, coral and red, starting at RRP A$1229 from apple.com/au, in stores, and through Apple Authorised Resellers and select carriers (prices may vary).
Apple Watch Series 4:
- While retaining the original design, Apple Watch Series 4 has been refined with a combination of new hardware and software enhancements. It is available in two new updated sizes – 40mm and 44mm.
- New features were teased, including more workouts, competitive activities with friends, automatic exercise detection, and personal coaching to help you beat your friends at activities.
- It features a 30% larger display, a thinner and smaller case and curved edges that allow for a more seamless interaction with the updated interface. App icons and fonts are bigger and easier to read.
- You can also listen to your favourite podcasts from the Watch. watchOS 5 also features Walkie Talkie (which can communicate around the world over Wi-Fi or cellular) and the Siri watch face (which can offer shortcuts and actionable content from favourite third-party apps).
- Apple Watch Series 4 enables users to take an ECG reading right from the wrist using the new ECG app, which takes advantage of the electrodes built into the Digital Crown and new electrical heart rate sensor in the back crystal.
- Also, with watchOS 5, Apple Watch intermittently analyses heart rhythms in the background and sends a notification if an irregular heart rhythm such as AFib is detected. It can also alert the user if the heart rate exceeds or falls below a specified threshold.
- The Fall Detection uses Apple Watch’s accelerometer and gyroscope to identify when a hard fall occurs; the watch sends a notification to the user (who can either dismiss it or initiate a call to emergency services). If Apple Watch senses immobility for 60 seconds after the notification, it will automatically call emergency services and send a message along with location to emergency contacts.
You can order an Apple Watch Series 4 (just GPS or GPS + Cellular) beginning September 14, with availability beginning September 21.