MacRumors

A short time after today's media event, Apple CEO Tim Cook did an exclusive one-on-one interview with David Muir of ABC News, speaking on the company's new products and former CEO Steve Jobs. Now, ABC News has shared a clip of an interview with Apple design head Jony Ive, who spoke on the Apple Watch and its development process.

Muir: How many different versions of the Apple Watch are there?

Ive: I think we were talking about this earlier, and when you actually do the calculations, it's millions and millions.

Muir: Millions and millions?

Ive: That's right, there are different materials for the actual case, there's two different sizes, you can choose one of six different straps or bands. But, the way we treated this from a design point of view wasn't that you had hardware and then software. Our experience as customers, as users, is that they're one and the same. So we designed the user interface, gave people multiple choices, for example in terms of just watch faces.

Ive also noted that he was "very proud" of the work that Apple's design team has done, stating that the company's new iPhones and the Apple Watch are its "best work yet." The designer also stated that Apple has always tried to design products that people want to use as opposed to begrudgingly having to use them, setting a high bar to create a "desirable and personal" product with the Apple Watch.

The full length interviews with Jony Ive and Tim Cook aired earlier tonight and should be posted online soon.

While Apple announced the Apple Watch today at its special event, it didn't go over all of the new device's features, noting that the company has a lot more to share in the future. Yahoo Tech's David Pogue has found out some of the details Apple didn't share on stage.

The watch is water resistant, allowing users to not worry about the device when in the rain, or washing hands. However, the watch must be taken off before going for a swim or taking a shower. Additionally, the watch includes a microphone that can allow users to make calls directly from their Apple Watch.

Users will also be able to load apps onto the Apple Watch from their iPhone. To rearrange the apps, users will have to hold their finger on an app's icon and move it around, similar to how one rearranges icons on an iPhone. There's also a "Ping My iPhone" feature, which will allow users to play a sound on their iPhone so they can locate it in case they have misplaced it.

Finally, Pogue explains that the Apple Watch Edition, the most high end of the Apple Watches, comes with a special box.

The fanciest model, the gold Apple [Watch] Edition, comes in a gorgeous jewelry box — which doubles as a charger. The back of the box has a Lightning connector, and the inside of the box has the watch’s magnetic round charger pad, standing vertically. So as you retire each night, you can just lay your gold watch into its case and let it charge.

Additionally, Re/code's Ina Fried says that the offline abilities of the Apple Watch include Apple Pay, music via Bluetooth, activity tracking and some apps.

The Apple Watch will launch in early 2015 with its lowest end model costing $350.

In an interview with the The Wall Street Journal following today's media event, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company expects the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to trigger "the mother of all upgrades" as consumers consider their next smartphone purchase. Cook also added that he expects Android users to look at switching to the iPhone, claiming that the phones are "appreciably better in every single way".

Cook said Apple’s efforts in payments were “classic Apple” in taking a complex problem and making it simple. “Yes, there is going to be some economic benefit, but from a customer point of view, it takes something that’s way too hard and insecure and makes it so easy and fast.”

Finally, Cook said the Apple Watch was the byproduct of deep thinking about every aspect of the product, and only possible because of collaboration among Apple’s hardware, software and services teams. He believes that will differentiate Apple’s smartwatch from other devices, which have recorded tepid sales.

Both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus will launch on September 19, with pre-orders starting this Friday, September 12. The iPhone 6 will be available in 16 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB variants for $199, $299, and $399, while the iPhone 6 Plus will be available in the same storage capacities for $299, $399, and $499, respectively.

Alongside the Apple Watch and iPhone 6, Apple today unveiled Apple Pay, its mobile payments initiative that allows users to pay for items either by waving their iPhone or Apple Watch at a checkout counter or by using Touch ID after clicking the Apple Pay button in an app like Uber. Following that event, Apple invited members of the press to try out the new payment service with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

According to The Verge, the system worked "remarkably smooth" and was the "smoothest payment system" they've seen. They note that Touch ID adds a "real sense of security" and that the entire process is cohesive. However, they do wonder whether it'll work the same in the opening months of the service when retailers are adjusting to the process and the software is in early days.

The phone was loaded up with a handful of credit cards, and holding the top of the phone about an inch from the card reader with my thumb on the TouchID home button triggered a payment from the default card in about five to 10 seconds. If you want to use a different card, just leave your finger off the home button and you'll see a Passbook-style card stack at the bottom of the screen, which you can tap on to bring up the full list and pick the card you want. Then you just put your finger on the reader and you're good to go.

Slashgear agrees that the process is "pretty darn easy", noting that using the iPhone to pay for something is far more of a swift experience than pulling out a credit card, swiping it, and typing in a pin or signing a receipt. Users can add credit cards to Apple Pay by taking a photo of their card.

Setup involves either granting Apple Pay access to whatever existing credit card you have on file with iTunes or adding a second card: you can do that by taking a photo of the card itself. We've seen the same system used in Uber's app, among others, and generally it does a solid job of recognizing characters.

In an interview with ABC's David Muir, Tim Cook commented that Apple Pay is "incredibly safe" and that Apple is setting a high bar with Apple Pay. Cook went on to say that "it's the most secure thing out there" when told by Muir that some people's confidence in the company's security might be shaken after celebrities iCloud accounts were hacked.

Apple Pay will roll out to 222,000 retail locations across the country. The service will launch next month as a part of iOS 8.

At its special media event today, Apple unveiled its Apple Watch, showing off a variety of ways to use the device and its apps. However, Apple's presentation and videos did not directly address how the device would work for left-handed users.

Now, Slashgear has new information on how the device will work for left-handed individuals. According to Apple, users will be able to choose what way the watch's interface orients upon starting up the device for the first time. The bands for the Apple Watch are also swappable, enabling users to ensure the the device is not facing the opposite direction. However, left-handed users will still be required to adapt to the Digital Crown input on the Apple Watch, which is on the bottom left side when the device is worn on the correct wrist.

The Apple Watch will launch in early 2015 at a starting price of $349, and will be available two separate screen sizes of 38mm and 42mm. Apple will also ship 18 different watch straps that are easily interchangeable alongside its different color and material choices.

Apple has posted the full video of today's special media event on its website. The video should also be made avaliable later today on the Apple Keynotes podcast, which can found on the iTunes Store. [Podcast links: Keynotes, Keynotes in HD, Keynotes in 1080p HD]

Apple has also uploaded its "Perspective" video seen at the beginning of the event.

Media Event Highlights:

- Apple Announces Apple Watch, Available in Early 2015 for $349
- Apple Announces 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 Plus, Launching September 19
- Apple Announces 'Apple Pay' Mobile Payment Solution, Enabled at Over 220,000 U.S. Merchants
- iOS 8 Launching on September 17
- Apple Seeds iOS 8 Golden Master to Developers Ahead of September 17 Public Launch

Following today's media event that saw Apple revealing two new iPhones, a wearable device, and its payments initiative, Tim Cook did an exclusive one-on-one interview with ABC News' David Muir.

In a clip of the interview shared by ABC News, Muir asks Cook if he was thinking about Steve Jobs' during today's event, which took place at the Flint Center at De Anza College, the same location where Jobs unveiled the original Mac in 1984. Cook responded that he thinks of Jobs all the time, and that he believes Jobs would be "incredibly proud" to see the company today.

I think about Steve a lot. I love Steve dearly. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him. This morning, being here, I especially thought about him and I think he would be incredibly proud to see the company that he left us -- which I think was one of his greatest gifts to mankind, the company itself -- be doing what it's doing today. I think he's smiling right now.

Jobs apparently was not aware that an Apple Watch was coming, as Apple began work on the device after his passing. According to Cook, though, the "foundation" that Jobs left can be seen in all of the work that Apple is doing today.

His thinking and his taste and his incredible perfectionist kind of view, and his view that you should always innovate, all of those things are alive and well in the company. And I think they always will be. I think his DNA will always be the foundation of Apple.

More of Tim Cook's exclusive interview with David Muir will be available on World News Tonight later today.

After today's media event saw the introduction of two new iPhones and Apple's first wearable device, members of the press were invited to go hands-on with all of Apple's new products. Several sites are now posting hands-on first impressions of both the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which we've gathered up below to give users an overall picture of the look and feel of the larger-screened phones.

Jared Nelson from our sister site TouchArcade took a look at both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. According to Nelson, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus is actually "manageably large" and the screen is "amazing" for tasks like watching videos, reading texts, and gaming. He says the new Retina Display HD screens look "absolutely incredible" in person.

The protruding camera is a indeed a bit strange; I can't help but wish Apple would ease up on its relentless pursuit of thinness in favor of a slightly thicker phone with longer battery life, but like I said, the thinness is what makes the large size manageable.

And that large size is pretty key; this is the phone that's going to force Apple to turn the iPad into a true laptop competitor. I have an iPad mini that will never come out again once I get this phone; I have an iPad Air that will need a better reason to come out than simply the size of its screen.

Engadget has similar thoughts about the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus, also noting that the phone's curved edges are "easier to grip" than originally expected." Though the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 has a resolution of 1920x1080, Engadget says there wasn't much difference between the displays of the 4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhones. The site also points out a few of the differences between the two phones, including the 0.2mm difference in thickness (4.7 is 6.9mm, 5.5 is 7.1mm) and the increased battery life of the larger phone.

With it being a brief hands-on, I wasn't able to notice a large enough difference between the two; both looked sharp, clean and had great viewing angles. I'll be able to go into more detail when review units grace my desk, but for now, I'm satisfied enough with the visual quality, and I doubt the difference in pixel density will be a critical factor when choosing between the two sizes.

Gizmodo's first note on the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is that it "feels like an iPhone." The site was not a fan of the antenna bands on the back, which it says are "not all that pretty," but it did like the Retina HD screen on the device, saying its "brilliant." As for the larger iPhone 6 Plus, Gizmodo called it "HUGE!"

It's amazingly thin, and incredibly solid, but it barely fits into my hand at all. Just see how those fingers struggle to grasp the new iPhone in the picture above.

Combined with those slick, beautifully machined metal edges, now rounded like an iPod touch or iPad mini instead of chamfered, I was honestly scared I would drop and break the giant handset right there in the Apple tent.

Gizmodo also delves into Apple's one-handed mode, which shrinks anything on the phone's screen into thumb's reach with a double tap on the Touch ID home button.

But if you do want to use it one-handed, then boy does Apple have a smart solution for that. Double-tap the Touch ID sensor (don't press it, I learned the hard way) from LITERALLY ANYWHERE in the entire iPhone interface, including the homescreen, and everything on the top half of the phone's screen, every icon, will shrink down to put itself within your thumb's easy reach.

Apple's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have nearly identical specifications. Aside from the difference in screen size, the larger iPhone has a longer battery life and optical image stabilization to differentiate it. It also comes with a $100 price premium.

Apple's two iPhones will be available beginning on Friday, September 19, with pre-orders for the devices starting this Friday, September 12. Prices for the 4.7-inch version start at $199, while prices for the 5.5-inch version start at $299.

Following today's media event that saw the introduction of two new iPhones and Apple's long-rumored wearable device, members of the press were invited to go hands-on with all of Apple's new products. Several sites have posted hands-on first impressions of the Apple Watch, which we've gathered up below to give an overall picture of the look, feel, and function of the device.

First of all, Jared Nelson from our sister site TouchArcade was able to get a hands-on glimpse at the Watch, and an overview from an Apple employee who walked him through several different features on the device. "We are truly living in the future," said Nelson after trying out both the Watch and the iPhone 6.

The "digital crown" that Tim Cook spent so much time enthusing about on stage did its job when an Apple representative showed it to us, but unfortunately I wasn't able to try it for myself. That said, if the model running the demo loop is any indication, the dial offers very little resistance. It didn't exactly spin around freely, but neither did I feel any clicking or other forceful feedback as I twisted it. Presumably the feeling that I wasn't getting much feedback from the dial itself is mostly a function of the fact that it wasn't doing anything on the demo unit -- and so spinning it will feel quite different when it's moving software around.

Engadget also got a chance to try out the watch, but wasn't able to test specific features as the demo units were only displaying screenshots. The site tried both the polished steel version with a leather loop strap and the aluminum Sport version, saying that both had an "impeccable" build quality.

The bands were both comfy, though I preferred the look and feel of the leather loop. The magnets inside the leather seem to do the job of clasping well, though without the same magnetic force as those accustomed to the MagSafe connectors found on Apple laptops. As for the rubber sport band, I had some trouble fitting the metal nubbin into its appropriate hole, and I got a little pinch on the underside of my wrist when tucking it into the band. We imagine we'd get the hang of fitting it quickly and painlessly eventually, but our first time strapping it on was not all pleasant.

Gizmodo's first impression of the Apple Watch is that it "could live up to its promises" and that it feels "significantly more premium" than the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live. The site also praised the "digital crown," saying that "it feels like you're wearing a watch that just happens to be digital."

As for the software, I wish I could tell you more. I watched my new Apple friend demonstrate Glances, which brings up Google Now-like info cards with an upward swipe, that can be rotated through with subsequent right and left swipage. I can confirm that it works, and that it was zippy, at least on this pre-release model.

SlashGear says that the Watch's display is "bright and vivid," and that Apple's choice of materials makes the device feel "premium and solid."

What helps differentiate the Apple Watch from other smartwatch attempts is the sheer range of options and customizations possible. Other platforms perhaps allow for a couple of strap changes, and maybe two or three case colors; Apple, on the other hand, has put out a full three ranges of different options.

Different straps, different clasps, different colors of straps and clasps; metal, leather, rubber, and all in different colors and finishes. That's before you get to the variations in casing color and even material, ranging to premium 18 karat gold.

Based on the several first impressions of the device, it appears that Apple has quite a bit of work to do to perfect the software and the interface, even if the device itself appears complete hardware-wise. Apple is planning to wait until early 2015 to debut the device, which gives it plenty of time to iron out the kinks. Check out our full Apple Watch post for more details on the device.

Apple today announced its long-rumored wearable device, the Apple Watch, which actually uses the Apple Symbol () followed by "Watch" in its name. Apple's Watch is designed to be both fashionable and functional, available in an array of different color and materials with six different types of watch straps that are easily interchangeable. Prices for the device, which will be available in early 2015, start at $349.

There are six different Watch face colors and materials: Stainless Steel, Silver Aluminum, 18-Karat Yellow Gold, Space Black Stainless Steel, Space Gray Aluminum, and 18-Karat Rose Gold.

There's the Apple Watch collection, which has stainless steel or space black stainless steel cases combined with a range of metal and leather bands, the Watch Sport collection, which includes anodized aluminum cases in silver or space gray with colorful, durable bands, and the Apple Watch Edition, which includes 18-karat gold cases in yellow or rose with "exquisitely crafted" bands and closures.

All of Apple's Watches can be customized with an array of different digital watch faces to suit different tastes. Each of the watches is available in two separate screen sizes for different sized wrists: 38mm and 42mm, and the watches have a flexible, durable sapphire display.

Apple's Watch uses unique input methods, taking advantage of the traditional watch dial or crown, which Apple refers to as a "digital crown" on the device. This scroll-type wheel allows users to zoom and scroll through various user interface elements.

The device also takes advantage of new pressure-sensing technology and is able to determine the difference between a tap and a press, allowing for a new range of contextually specific controls. A second physical button next to the digital crown lets users tap to bring up a list of contacts and then communicate with friends by sending quick drawings, messages, and animated emoji. It's also possible to send a heart beat, drawn from the watch's sensors.

Inside the device, there's a new Taptic Engine that allows users to hear and feel the design of the user interface. According to Apple, users will be able to feel and respond to notifications "easily and intuitively" through the Taptic Engine.

A new custom designed chip, the S1 processor, integrates many subsystems into one singular module. The back of the watch is constructed from zirconia with four sapphire lenses that can detect pulse rate. There is also a gyroscope and accelerometer, which helps the Apple Watch provide a comprehensive picture of daily activity.

The back of the device is also the home of Apple's charging solution, which uses a MagSafe with inductive charging. The user will not have to worry about exposed contacts or aligning the charger properly. Apple has declined to comment on battery life at this point.

Because it is a watch, the device is designed to keep accurate time, continually checking its internal clock against the definitive global time standard with the "precision found in GPS satellites." Apple's Watch is designed to improve the health and fitness of its users, and thus it is able to keep track of a variety of health metrics, accurately tracking movement and a wide range of activities. An included Activity App gives users an overview of their daily fitness levels, with three "rings" representing calories burned, exercise done, and how often a break has been taken from sitting.

There's also a Workout App, which shows real-time stats like time, distance, calories, and pace when working out. It's designed to encourage users to meet and beat goals, and over time, the Watch is said to be able to act as a personal trainer, suggesting new fitness goals.

Apple's Watch will support third-party apps, with support for both extended notifications from the iPhone and apps that run directly on the device. The Watch does rely heavily on the iPhone and does not function as a standalone device as it is designed to work with Apple's new Continuity features, letting users shift tasks from one device to another with ease.

The Apple Watch does include support for NFC, and it will function with Apple's new payment initiative, Apple Pay, which lets users make secure payments from the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 plus, and Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch will be available starting at $349, with users able to purchase the device in early 2015.

At its special media event today, Apple announced the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. Apple is touting a "Retina HD Display" on both phones, as the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 features a 1334 x 750 display at 326 pixels-per-inch while the iPhone 6 Plus features a 1920 x 1080 display at 401 ppi. The iPhone 6 is said to have more than 1 million pixels, while the iPhone 6 Plus is said to have 2 million pixels.

“iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are the biggest advancements in iPhone history,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The iPhone is the most loved smartphone in the world with the highest customer satisfaction in the industry and we are making it much better in every way. Only Apple can combine the best hardware, software and services at this unprecedented level and we think customers are going to love it.”

The new models feature a number of hardware changes, including a chassis that is 6.9 mm thin for the iPhone 6 and 7.1 mm for the iPhone 6 Plus. Both models feature the next-generation 64-bit A8 chip, which features 2 billion transistors on a 20nm processor. The A8 delivers 25% faster CPU performance and is 13% smaller and 50% more energy efficient when compared to the A7. The device also comes with a next-generation M8 motion coprocessor which can now estimate distance and elevation changes with a new barometer.

Apple states that the iPhone 6 will get 50 hours of battery life for audio, 11 hours for video, 11 hours for WiFi browsing and 10 hours for LTE browsing. With its even bigger body, the iPhone 6 Plus will get 80 hours of battery life for audio, 14 hours for video, and 12 hours for Wi-Fi and LTE browsing. The iPhone 6 now also includes Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) technology, including 20 LTE band, as well as 802.11ac Wi-Fi, which delivers 3x faster Wi-Fi and support for Wi-Fi calling.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus also support a new camera system with a brand-new 8-megapixel sensor, along with a circular true tone flash. Apple is also touting "Focus Pixel" technology, which allows the lens to move in and out to better determine autofocus points. The camera also features next-gen tone mapping and noise reduction. Apple also says the camera is complimented by a new gyroscope and image stabilization built into the A8 processor. Exclusive to the iPhone 6 Plus is an optical image stabilization system.

As for video capabilities, both devices shoot in 1080p at 30fps and 60fps, along with 240fps slo-mo video, which is up from 120fps on the iPhone 5s. The front-facing FaceTime HD camera has also received a new sensor with a f2.2 aperture that lets in 81% more light. Users can also shoot single-shot HDR photos and take HDR video.

Both devices will launch on September 19 in the first wave of countries, with pre-orders starting on September 12. The iPhone 6 will be available in 16 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB variants for $199, $299, and $399. The iPhone 6 Plus will be available in the same storage capacities for $299, $399, and $499, respectively. Both iPhone 6 models also come in the same Space Gray, Gold, and Silver variants. The iPhone 5c is now free on contract while the iPhone 5s will now be offered for $99.