Phew! Apple sure gave us a lot to take in with its latest keynote announcement. We got bigger and better iPhones, a smartwatch we'd actually want to wear, and a futuristic payment system that promises to make our lives a whole lot easier. To help you out, we have a breakdown of all the biggest news, product by product.
There Are Two New iPhones
- Apple announced not one, but two new iPhones: the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus [1]. They're bigger: 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches wide, respectively. But thinner: 6.9mm for iPhone 6, and 7.1mm for iPhone 6 Plus. There is a better display, WiFi capabilities, and camera improvements.
- The iPhones are on sale in stores Sept. 19 [2], available for preorder on Sept. 12, and will cost between $199 and $499.
- If you're currently satisfied with your iPhone 5S, you're probably weighing an upgrade. The biggest differences between Apple's current iPhone and the newest offering [3] include the larger screen and thinner profile. Battery life on the 6 Plus has also been boosted from 250 standby hours (on the 5S and 6) to 384 standby hours. The new phone also comes with 128GB memory option.
- To get you excited, Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon teamed up for a new iPhone commercial [4].
The Apple Watch Is Really Cool
- The Apple Watch might take smartwatches to the next level [5]. It promises to work seamlessly with the iPhone and act as a comprehensive fitness device. Instead of cramming the iPhone into a watch, Apple says engineers completely reimagined the user interface.
- It's stylish, too. Check out the prettiest pictures of the Apple Watch [6]. It's highly customizable and comes with a myriad of leather, metal, or plastic band options. Putting the chic in geek.
- Despite the fact that Steve Jobs was left-handed, it appears Apple Watch is not compatible with lefties [7]. The "digital crown" control button's location is only optimized for right-handed Apple fanboys and girls.
- The Apple Watch starts at $349 and will go on sale in early 2015. Sorry to everyone who wanted Santa to bring them one.
Apple Pay Sounds Awesome
- In the year 2014, you would think we could pay with our phones. Apple is trying to make that happen with Apple Pay [8]. Using the card already associated with your iTunes, you can use your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay for goods at over 220,000 businesses. It's integrated with services like Uber and Target.
iOS 8 Is Just as Good as a New Phone
- If you're not looking to replace your iPhone, there was still something in it for you. Apple announced iOS 8 will be available for existing iPhones and iPads on Sept. 17 [9]. The new operating system has big updates that make group texting and predictive text better, as well as new enhancements for search and photo editing among other new features.
U2 Was There
- Speaking of free, Apple also announced that the new U2 album, Songs of Innocence, is now available free of charge on the iTunes store [10]. The Irish band was on hand to rock out after the keynote.