It took Apple two hours to cover all of the new products and their impressive features, but we've created a quick five minute recap for those of you who want a taste of what Apple announced without watching the entire keynote or reading all of our extensive coverage.
Highlights include water and dust resistance for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, along with a faster A10 Fusion processor, all new camera systems for much better images (including a dual-camera system for the iPhone 7 Plus), no headphone jack, and two new colors being sold alongside the standard Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold - a matte "Black" and a glossy "Jet Black."
As for the Apple Watch Series 2, it too features improved waterproofing to make it suitable for swimming, along with a new GPS chip and a processor that's twice as fast. To make up for the lack of a headphone jack in the iPhone 7, Apple also introduced new wireless Beats headphones and completely wireless "AirPods," both of which come equipped with an Apple-designed W1 wireless chip.
Make sure to stay tuned to MacRumors for more extensive coverage of all of Apple's new products and check out our event recap post for more detail on everything that's new.
The iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Plus, and the Apple Watch Series 2 will be available for pre-order this Friday. Apple's New AirPods will be available in October.
Apple removed the headphone jack in the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, a controversial decision that's upset some iPhone fans. On stage at today's media event, Apple executives explained that it had been done to save space and to usher in improvements in wireless headphone technology, but in an interview with BuzzFeed, Apple's Greg Joswiak, Dan Riccio, and Phil Schiller explained in much greater detail why the decision was made to move away from the 3.5mm headphone jack.
The idea for the removal of the headphone jack was raised during the development of the iPhone 7. In a nutshell, the "driver ledge" for the display and backlight, traditionally placed near the camera, was interfering with the new camera systems in the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, leading Apple to explore other placement options. It was moved near the audio jack, but it also caused interference with various components, including the audio jack itself, so Apple engineers toyed with the elimination of the jack altogether.
When the headphone jack was removed, Apple realized it was easier to install the new Taptic Engine for the pressure-sensitive Home button, implement a bigger battery, and reach an IP7 water resistance rating, so the elimination of the headphone jack became essential for all of the other features in the iPhone 7.
Apple executives also believe the headphone jack is outdated technology that needed to go to make room for new advancements. According to Dan Riccio, it was holding Apple back "from a number of things" the company wanted to add to the iPhone, taking up space that could be used for camera improvements, battery, and processors.
"The audio connector is more than 100 years old," Joswiak says. "It had its last big innovation about 50 years ago. You know what that was? They made it smaller. It hasn't been touched since then. It's a dinosaur. It's time to move on." [...]
For Dan Riccio, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, the iPhone's 3.5-millimeter audio jack has felt something like the last months of an ill-fated if amicable relationship: familiar and comfortable, but ultimately an impediment to a better life ahead. "We've got this 50-year-old connector -- just a hole filled with air -- and it's just sitting there taking up space, really valuable space," he says.
According to Apple's Phil Schiller, there's no ulterior motive behind the move away from the 3.5mm headphone jack. "We are removing the audio jack because we have developed a better way to deliver audio. It has nothing to do with content management or DRM -- that's pure, paranoid conspiracy theory," he said.
To ease the transition away from the 3.5mm headphone jack, Apple is including a 3.5mm to Lightning adapter with every iPhone 7 and it is also offering EarPods with a Lightning connector. Apple's new AirPods, which are fully wireless and are priced at $159, will also make it easier for customers to adapt to a device without a jack.
On the subject of Apple's new AirPods, Apple's Schiller says the earbuds, which are "as advanced a project as Apple Pencil," have been in development since the Apple Watch was conceived. "We knew we needed a great wireless solution for audio," he said. "What if you could design what the future of headphones should look like?' That's we asked the team to do."
The full explanation for the removal of the headphone jack, which is well worth reading, is available over at BuzzFeed.
Apple's latest iPhones, the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, are the company's first iPhones that have been advertised as "water and dust resistant" with an official IP67 rating under International Electrotechnical Standards, a uniform way of determining water and resistance ratings across a wide range of devices.
IP67 is actually two numbers, one that refers to the dust resistance rating and one that refers to water resistance. IP6x is the highest dust resistance rating, indicating the iPhone 7 is completely protected against dust.
IPx7, the water resistance rating, means the iPhone 7 can withstand immersion in water to one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes, tested in laboratory conditions. IPx7 is the second-highest rating, below IP8, which indicates an ability to withstand long periods of immersion under pressure. Samsung's devices, by the way, are rated at IP68, suggesting better overall water resistance.
Apple describes the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus as "splash, water, and dust resistant," and it should hold up to accidental drops in the pool, bathtub, or shower or light splashing. It shouldn't be used in high-pressure water conditions, such as in direct shower water, and it shouldn't be kept under water for extended periods of time.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
Apple warns against attempting to charge a wet iPhone, which could result in damage to the device, and it specifies that any liquid damage to the device is not covered under warranty, so it's best to use caution when exposing the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus to water.
One of the key new features of the Apple Watch Series 2 is an improved water resistance rating of up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010, which by definition means the watch can be used for shallow-water activities such as swimming in a pool or ocean, white water rafting, and fishing without risking water damage.
These activities are in addition to the previous IPX7 splash resistance that allows for the Apple Watch, including first-generation models, to be worn while washing your hands or jogging in the rain. Many original Apple Watch owners also routinely shower and swim with the device, although Apple never officially recommended such activities.
However, while the Apple Watch Series 2 has improved water and dust resistance, fine print on Apple's website says the device should not be used while scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth, presumably including jet skiing and deep water snorkeling.
Apple Watch Series 2 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 2 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
Apple Watch Series 2 models are priced from $369 and will be available starting Friday, September 16 in the U.S. and select other launch countries.
During today's big media event, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 2, with an emphasis on the wearable's swimproof and activity tracking features. To a lesser degree, the company mentioned the casing materials -- aluminum, stainless steel, and now ceramic -- and detailed new versions of its bands created with collaborator Hermès.
Interestingly, it didn't divulge any of the new versions of its own first-party bands and collections, of which there are quite a few. Below we'll list out each new collection of the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 by case type. Unless specifically designated, each collection has both 38mm and 42mm sizes.
Aluminum Cases
For aluminum, the pricing structure is as follows: $269 (38mm) and $299 (42mm) for Series 1 models, and $369 (38mm) and $399 (42mm) for Series 2 models.
Given the various bands included with stainless steel cases in these collections, pricing is more varied than the aluminum models. The collections start at $549 (Sport Band), $649 (Classic Buckle and Milanese Loop), $699 (Leather Loop and Space Black Milanese Loop), $749 (Modern Buckle), $949 (Link Bracelet), and $1049 (Space Black Link Bracelet).
The Apple Watch Series 2, as well as the upgraded Series 1, will go on pre-order this Friday, September 9. After that, the wearable device will launch in more than 25 countries -- including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada -- on September 16.
Check out the MacRumorsevent recap post for every piece of news from today's media event, including articles on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, as well as details on the Apple Watch Series 2.
Despite rumors suggesting the Apple Watch Series 2 models would feature longer battery life than the original Apple Watch models, technical specifications for the new devices shared by Apple suggest the Apple Watch Series 2 will continue to offer up to 18 hours of battery life -- the same as Apple Watch Series 1.
Part leaks indicate the Apple Watch Series 2 may indeed have a larger battery built into it, but it appears any increase in battery capacity is being consumed by the new GPS chip introduced in the Series 2. GPS, which will bring better location tracking to the Apple Watch, can drain a significant amount of battery.
Apple didn't mention the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 2 on stage or point towards any battery improvements, so we will need to wait for a device teardown to see exactly what's inside.
In addition to a new GPS chip, the Apple Watch Series 2 features a more water resistant casing suitable for swimming, a display that's brighter in direct sunlight, and a second-generation dual-core S2 system-on-a-chip that offers 2x faster graphics performance and 50 percent faster CPU performance. Power drawn by the GPS chip may also be mitigated by the new S2.
Apple has shared five new videos on YouTube today that promote healthy and active lifestyle choices, emphasizing the importance of a regular sleeping pattern, proper nutrition, taking moments to calm your mind, and staying active. The fifth video explains how these healthy habits are all connected.
Apple Health - Sleep promotes the natural rhythm of going to bed at the same time and getting enough hours of sleep each night. Apple introduced a new Wake Alarm in the Clock app on iOS 10 that, when enabled, reminds you when it is time to sleep, tracks how many hours you slept, and provides detailed sleep analysis.
Apple Health - Nutrition is centered upon eating healthy foods, and being aware of how much food we eat. The video emphasizes the importance of eating more real foods than junk foods. Apple says nutrition is not about eating perfectly, but rather about making better food choices "one bite at a time."
Apple Health - Mindfulness explains how the human mind is not wired to be "always on," and encourages finding a few moments to take a few deep breathes to help eliminate day-to-day stresses.
Apple Health - Activity is centered upon "sitting less, moving more, and getting some exercise" by "squeezing in a minute here and a minute there." Apple says being active does not explicitly require going to the gym, but rather simply finding enjoyable activities that get you moving throughout the day.
Apple Health - Everything's Connected ties the first four videos together by explaining how small lifestyle changes can become healthy habits when you see how they connect. The video recaps the importance of four key areas that can improve your health: sleep, nutrition, activity, and mindfulness.
Apple today announced the debut of a new Ceramic Apple Watch, which is positioned as the high-end "Apple Watch Edition." With the introduction of the new glossy white Ceramic Apple Watch, Apple has discontinued the previous-generation 18-karat Gold and Rose Gold Apple Watch Edition models. Gold Apple Watch Edition models are no longer available for purchase from the Apple Online Store.
Pricing on the original Apple Watch Edition collection started at $10,000 and went as high as $17,000, and the quiet discontinuation of the Gold and Rose Gold models suggest they did not sell well enough to justify keeping them in the lineup.
The new Ceramic Apple Watch Edition is priced more affordably at $1,249 for the 38mm model and the $1,299 for the 42mm model. While the Gold and Rose Gold Apple Watch Edition models shipped with several band options, the Ceramic Apple Watch Edition is available with a single "Cloud White" Apple Watch Sport Band.
The Ceramic Apple Watch Edition will be available for pre-order alongside the other new Apple Watch Series 2 models on September 9.
Apple today quietly updated its AppleCare+ repair program for the iPhone, introducing a new $29 screen replacement option and raising the incidental repair fee to $99 for all iPhones.
With AppleCare+, iPhone users receive no-questions-asked coverage for two incidents of accidental damage, subject to a service fee. Previously, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus users had to pay a $99 fee for each replacement, while iPhone SE and iPhone 6 and earlier replacements were priced at $79.
Apple is now charging a $99 service fee across the board for repairs regardless of device, but at the same time, there's a new option that will save many iPhone users money -- screen repairs for a service fee of just $29.
Repairs for iPhones that need to be replaced or repaired due to a damaged screen will now be more affordable, while more significant repairs for the latest devices will continue to cost $99. Those with an iPhone SE or an iPhone 6 and older will now need to pay $99 instead of $79 for major repairs, but will also save money with the cheaper screen repair option.
AppleCare+ is priced at $129 for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus and extends iPhone coverage for two years. AppleCare+ for the iPad is unchanged.
Immediately following its media event today in San Francisco, Apple invited members of the press to a special hands-on area to get a closer look at the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The first real-life photos and videos of the smartphones are now beginning to surface around the web, showcasing the improved cameras, new black colors, no headphone jack, and more.
The Vergeshared pictures of the iPhone 7 in both the new Black and Jet Black colors, providing a glimpse of the new matte and glossy finishes in action. The two new colors complement the existing options of Gold, Silver, and Rose Gold. Jet Black in particular will be limited to 128GB and 256GB models of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, while the other four colors will be available for all storage capacities.
In the article, the website described the iPhone 7's capacitive home button as "awful," adding that "it doesn't feel like a button at all."
Another thing I tried: the new home button, which uses a "taptic engine" to give you physical feedback when you press it — it's pressure sensitive too, so it can tell if you really mean to press it or just tap it. And it's awful. On a MacBook trackpad, you get this uncanny feeling that you're actually hitting a button. On the iPhone, the whole bottom of the phone just sort of "kicks." It's not bad haptics like you remember, with weird vibration, it's just a new kind of bad haptics. It doesn't feel like a button at all. It's a bummer.
CNET prepared a quick hands-on video with the iPhone 7 Plus in Rose Gold, showing off its dual cameras, no headphone jack, stereo speakers, repositioned antenna bands, and capacitive, force-sensitive home button.
SlashGear, meanwhile, provided a hands-on look at Apple's new wireless AirPods with charging case and Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter. AirPods will be available for $159 in late October, while the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter is included in the box with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The adapter is $9 as a standalone purchase on Apple's online store and retail locations.
More hands-on videos and first impressions should follow in the coming hours and days.
Alongside the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple has released a selection of new iPhone cases that come in new fall colors. Designed to fit the iPhone 7 with its larger camera and the iPhone 7 Plus with its dual camera setup, the cases are available in the standard leather and silicone materials for each device.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus cases are not yet available for purchase, but should become available for pre-order on Friday, September 9 when pre-orders begin for the two new smartphones.
To match the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus cases, Apple has also updated its line of Smart Covers and Cases for the iPad, offering them in the same silicone colors.
iPad Smart Covers and cases for the iPad mini 4 and 9.7-inch iPad Pro are now available in 16 different colors as some of the older shades have also stuck around. The new iPad accessories are available for order today and will deliver by September 10.
After wrapping up its keynote presentation on the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2 earlier today, Apple this afternoon posted a full video of the event on its website, so that anyone who missed the keynote can catch up on their own time. As usual, Apple is expected to upload the video to YouTube and iTunes at some point later in the day.
Alongside the keynote, Apple also shared a few feature-specific videos that debuted during the keynote today. The short videos showcase the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, AirPods, Apple Watch Series 2, and even include a 2-minute recap of everything the company revealed during its September event.
In addition to the videos posted online, you can catch up with all of the news surrounding the iPhone 7 event by checking out our list of keynote highlights below, which encompass all of MacRumors' event coverage shared today. Included are detailed articles on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple Watch Series 2, feature spotlight and launch dates for iOS, macOS, and watchOS, and more current posts that'll be updated throughout the day.
Following today's iPhone-centric event, Apple has quietly announced that Japanese carrier SoftBank is the latest Apple SIM partner. Apple SIM has also expanded to three additional countries and territories: Guam, Kenya, and Mauritius.
Apple SIM is embedded in the latest cellular iPads and enables users to easily switch between different short-term data plans from select carrier partners without needing multiple SIM cards. It is particularly useful for traveling abroad.
Through an existing partnership with GigSky, Apple SIM is available in over 140 countries. Other Apple SIM partners include AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile in the United States, EE in the United Kingdom, Deutsche Telekom in Germany, Three in Hong Kong, and au by KDDI in Japan. AlwaysOnline Wireless also offers pay-as-you-go LTE data plans in at least 45 countries, with the option to pay by hour, day, or megabyte.
Apple SIM can be purchased from Apple retail stores in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus come in a new "Jet Black" color that features a gorgeous high-gloss shine and nearly invisible antenna bands, but that glossiness comes with a caveat -- it's going to scratch.
On all of the iPhone 7 pages that mention the new Jet Black device, Apple has a small footnote that says that while the surface of the device is as hard as other Apple products, the shine may show micro-abrasions. Apple recommends customers who are concerned about the abrasions protect their Jet Black iPhones with an iPhone case.
The high-gloss finish of the jet black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone.
The disclaimer about scratching on the Jet Black iPhone suggests Apple will not be replacing Jet Black iPhones that become marred with abrasions, as it is a known side effect of the glossy finish.
Alongside Jet Black, Apple is offering the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in a matte "Black" shade that replaces Space Gray, so customers looking for a darker shade who don't want to worry about scratches should consider that device.
Apple today announced the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, which both come without a headphone jack. To make up for the lack of a headphone jack, the iPhones will be shipped with a Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter and EarPods that feature a Lightning connector.
Apple also plans to sell its Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter and its new Lightning EarPods on a standalone basis for iPhone 7 buyers who want extra accessories.
The EarPods with Lightning Connector are priced at $29, the same price as the EarPods with a 3.5mm Headphone Plug. The Lightning EarPods are also unavailable for purchase at the current time, but should be available alongside the iPhone 7.
Apple today also announced wireless Bluetooth earbuds called AirPods, which will be sold on a standalone basis starting in October. AirPods will be priced at $159.
Apple plans to begin accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus on Friday, September 9. The two devices will officially launch a week later, on Friday, September 16.
Apple today quietly updated its lineup of older iPads, increasing the minimum storage on the iPad Air 2, the iPad mini 4, and the iPad mini 2 and lowering the prices of the maximum storage tier. The iPad Pro has also been updated with new pricing options, with Apple making storage increases more affordable.
The iPad Air 2 is now available in 32 and 128GB configurations, priced at $399 and $499, respectively, for the WiFi only models. Previously, Apple offered a 16GB model for $399 and a 64GB model for $499. Cellular models continue to be priced at $130 more than WiFi models.
The iPad mini 4 is now available in 32GB and 128GB configurations at the same price point as the iPad Air 2, $399 and $499. Apple previously sold a 16GB iPad mini 4 for $399, a 64GB model for $499, and a 128GB model for $599.
The iPad mini 2 is now only available in a 32GB capacity, priced at $269. Apple has done away with the 16GB model and has dropped the price of the new 32GB model to the price the 16GB model used to be sold at.
As for the iPad Pro, Apple has dropped the prices on higher storage tiers by up to $100. Pricing on the iPad Pro is as follows:
Apple today seeded the golden master (GM) version of tvOS 10 to developers. The golden master represents the final version of tvOS 10 that will be released to the public. Apple has not yet shared when tvOS 10 will officially launch, but iOS 10 and watchOS 3 are coming on September 13 and macOS Sierra is coming on September 20, so either of those dates is a possibility.
tvOS beta software is more difficult to install than iOS or macOS beta software. Installing the golden master version of tvOS 10 requires the Apple TV to be connected to a computer with a USB-C to USB-A cable, with the software downloaded and installed via iTunes or Apple Configurator. Once a beta profile has been installed on the device through iTunes, new beta updates will be available over the air.
tvOS 10 builds on features initially introduced with tvOS last October, bringing expanded Siri capabilities like topic-based search, Live Tune-In for automatically accessing live channels, and options for managing HomeKit accessories.
Single-Sign On allows users to sign in and authenticate cable credentials just once instead of requiring authentication in all cable-supported apps, games are now able to require controllers, and there are new features for Photos and Music.
A dark mode offers a better visual experience for darker rooms, universal apps are automatically downloaded, and there's a new Apple TV remote for iOS devices that mirrors the Siri Remote.
Following today's iPhone-centric event, Apple has seeded the golden master (GM version) of watchOS 3 to developers. The golden master version of watchOS 3 is the version of the software that will be released to the public on Tuesday, September 13.
The software update can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on an iPhone by going to General --> Software update.
To install the update, the Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery, it must be on the Apple Watch charger, and it must be in range of the iPhone. watchOS 3 also requires an iPhone running iOS 10 to install.
watchOS 3 introduces significant changes to the watchOS operating system. A new dock, accessible by pressing the side button, replaces Glances and houses 10 favorite first and third-party apps. Apps in the dock are kept continually up to date and are stored in memory for a new instant launch ability.
New Activity Sharing options allow Apple Watch owners to share workout and activity information with friends, and there are new fitness features for Wheelchair users. A Breathe app guides users through daily deep breathing sessions, an Apple Watch can unlock a Mac, and Apple has added apps for Reminders, Find My Friends, and accessing one's heartbeat.
Additional watch faces support complications, there are three new watch faces to choose from, including a new Activity watch face, and an SOS feature will make sure an option to get help in an emergency is always right at your fingertips. On the iPhone, there's a new Face Gallery for customizing Apple Watch faces, and watchOS 3 allows the Apple Watch to be located via Find My iPhone for the first time.
