Everything
As September rolls around each year, tech heads globally get excited over Apple’s latest innovations. After months of speculation and endless guessing, we can finally reveal the new iPhones, set to drop in the coming weeks. Just hours ago, the annual Apple event wrapped up in Silicon Valley and with it we now have ALL the details. Introducing the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone Xr.
Lightning-fast innovation: iPhone Xs and Xs Max
Starting with the obvious conclusions, the iPhone Xs is very similar to the previous iPhone X – however with a technical upgrade. Measuring at 5.8 and 6.5 inches respectively, the borderless look once again means all screen, and seamless design, and now, the phone is created with even more durable glass. More water resistant than ever, the phone can also last up to two meters deep in water, for up to 30 minutes.
As well as its exterior hardware, both iPhones include FaceID, dual lens cameras, 4K video capabilities and a smart HDR feature. Along with extra software to produce quality photographs the largest phone storage comes in at 512 GB, meaning you’ll struggle to fill it.
Further more, both models are powered by Apple’s new A12 bionic, the first 7-nanometer chip in a smartphone. With the ability to process 5 trillion operations per second, it will literally work like a computer. The Xs will start at $1,629 AUD and the Xs Max starting at $1,799, costing as much as $2,369 for the 512 GB version. You can grab both models, in-store from September 21.
Technology on a budget: iPhone Xr
Considering the above costs almost as much as a small used car, you may be questioning if it’s worth it for your personal needs. Well, if you’re eager without the funds to prove it, Apple has produced a budget-friendly option – the iPhone Xr.
Sized at 6.1 inches, it sits between the size of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, with a new LCD display (different to the previous OLED display) coined by Apple as a “Liquid Retina Display”. An upgrade to the iPhone 8 Plus, the Xr battery lasts up to 90 minutes longer, along with FaceID and the new A12 Bionic chip. Although it is not quite as powerful as the Xs and Xs Max, it is at a more attractive price – $1,299 AUD – and will be available in yellow, coral and blue, pre-order starting from October 19.
Want to keep your OG phone? A new iOS is on the way.
So if you’re like us and stuck in a phone plan for the next 12 months, there is still exciting news. Apple also revealed its new iOS 12, and as long as you have a phone greater than the 5th generation, you can download it from September 17. According to Apple, it will speed up functions like the camera and keyboard, as well as tools to monitor phone usage, changes to notifications and the ability to create a personalised “Memoji”.
ICON’s technology expert, Andrew Simpson of Bespoke Networks, cautions against rushing into the iOS 12 upgrade: “For those with a spare, or older (not too old) iPhone or iPad, it can be worth the update, however for your daily device, it’s always worth the wait for the first step update, in this case iOS 12.1 – this will allow for any initial issues to be fixed. The current iOS 11.4.1 is the 15th update to iOS 11. Consumers were slow to move to iOS 11 due to numerous battery, keyboard, email and other performance issues, with an adoption rate now of 85% of compatible devices now running the current operating system.”
But that’s not all… Introducing the Apple Watch Series 4
Kicking off the event today, Tim Cook announced the new Apple Watch Series 4. An addition to the watch range, the latest model comes with a larger display and smaller bezel – 30 percent bigger than previous designs. It also has a better microphone and speaker.
The Series 4 also includes a dual core 64-bit processor, designed in-house, improving performance speed, and new sensors for better exercise tracking. What’s more, the watch also detects heart arrhythmia and lower heart rates, helping to detect potential health issues early, detect if you’ve fallen, triggering an emergency call option and even making it possible to measure ECG. Almost like a doctor on your wrist, it comes FDA approved.
The watch starts at $599 for GPS, and $749 for cellular. In store from September 21.
For more information on the latest announcement, visit here.
