Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage at their September 2016 keynote event to share news about the iPhone 7, a new Apple Watch, and new apps exclusively available in the app store.
‘Super Mario Run’ on mobile
Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto joined Cook onstage to announce that Mario is coming to mobile devices for the very first time with the game Super Mario Run. A demonstration of the game showed off beautiful graphics and streamlined gameplay.
Miyamoto also announced that this game can be played one-handed, which means with the other hand you can hold onto a subway strap or, you know, eat an apple. Insert winky face here.
There is no release date or price yet, but Super Mario Run will be out in time for the 2016 holiday season. We also know it’ll be a one-off price for the app, which means there will likely be no in-app purchases.
‘Pokémon Go’ is coming to Apple Watch
Before announcing updates to the Apple Watch, Cook announced Pokémon Go would be integrated into Apple Watch so players can view stats, hatch eggs, visit PokéStops, and use the program to work out and track their progress, both in terms of calories and items collected.
You’ll still need to take your phone out to catch Pokémon, but many of the fun aspects of the game can be enjoyed right from your wrist. This will be shipping out before the end of the year.
Apple Watch series 2
The next generation of Apple Watch has been announced and it has been completely re-engineered. The Watch is now swim-proof, which means it’s water resistant up to 50 meters. Apple has redesigned the speaker system, the only unsealed spot on the Watch, to use the speaker itself to eject the water.
On top of adding in new workouts for swimming and a customization feature that learns your routines, this Watch is also using a screen that is two times brighter than any previous screen on any of Apple’s other products. And that’s not to mention the now built-in GPS.
On top of the regular stainless steel option, the Apple Watch also comes in ceramic, which is stronger even than the steel. An additional watch option, the Apple Watch Nike Plus, has been designed for runners.
The series 2 Apple Watch (and the Nike Plus) will both come in at $369. The series 1 has been updated with the series 2 processor and will be available for $269. You can pre-order starting on September 9, and the new Watch will be available on September 16. The Nike Plus will be available in late October.
iOS 10
Starting with the new operating system, iOS 10, Cook described it as Apple’s biggest iOS release ever. You can lift your phone to wake it, Siri capability has been added for certain apps in the app store, there will be better text prediction, and you can use the new and improved Maps app to book a ride or reservation right from the program itself.
Apple is also bringing in the new Home app, which integrates hundreds of products (and more coming soon) into Apple’s HomeKit so you can automate, control, and check up on a variety of areas in your house.
You can also expect full screen effects for iMessage, and movable stickers you can place anywhere on the message screen.
iPhone 7
The new iPhone 7 has simplified and improved its design and features 10 new features:
- Colors: The jet black finish is a high gloss finish that provides an uninterrupted surface between the glass and the aluminum. The regular black finish is more of a matte finish that diffuses light. You can also get the iPhone 7 in gold, silver, and rose gold.
- Home button: The home button has also been redesigned and is now force sensitive, providing taptic feedback. Apps can program it for personalized experiences according to their products.
- Water and dust resistant: Much like the new Apple Watch, the iPhone has been outfitted with new seals that even the klutziest of us can appreciate.
- Camera: A huge advancement has been put in place for the entirely new camera. You can expect a stabilization feature, a wider lens, sharper images, performance that is 60% faster and 30% more energy efficient, a flash that’s 50% brighter, and software that is not only super fast but also just takes better pictures. Live photos have also improved. There will be a free software update for everyone to improve what you can do in-camera to your photos.
- Screen: This screen is 25% brighter and has a wider color gamut for a more vivid display.
- Speakers: The iPhone will have stereo speakers for the first time.
- EarPods: As rumored, earbuds will now be plugged into the lightning cable because Apple will be getting rid of the headphone jack. For those of you who are resistant to change, a lightning to analog adapter will be included in every box.
- Wireless earbuds: Apple AirPods are wireless earbuds. You can access Siri with a double tap.
- Apple Pay: This will be coming to Japan in October.
- Performance The iPhone 7 will use a new chip called the A10 Fusion, described as “a rocket ship.” It is 50% faster than the A9 and provides console level gaming on an iPhone.
The battery life has been improved by an average of two more hours than the 6S and will cost $649, coming in 32G, 128G, and 256G versions. The Jet Black version will only be available in 128G and 256G.
The iPhone 7 Plus
The iPhone 7 Plus includes two 12 megapixel cameras, one with a wide-angle lens and one with a telephoto lens that provides 2x optical zoom and an additional 8x zoom thanks to the incredible software.
The battery life has been improved by one more hour than the 6S Plus and will cost $679, coming in 32G, 128G, and 256G versions. The Jet Black version will only be available in 128G and 256G.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will be available to order on September 9 and start shipping on Sept 16. The iOS 10 update will arrive on September 13. The new AirPods will be available in late October for $159.
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