5 Really Important Apple IPhone 8 Announcements
Apple just had 2 hours of hype inviting media and fans to its new headquarters in Cupertino to unveil its latest line of gadgets and software. There is a lot of information that needs to be analyzed and for the most part it is not that interesting.
If you don’t feel like watching this entire event on your own, we’re here to help. Here are 5 things Apple announced Tuesday that really matters from the iPhone X to the new Apple TV.
1. New iPhones
Apple unveiled three new iPhones at Tuesday’s event: the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. The first two represent small upgrades from last year’s iPhone 7 lineup, and the iPhone X is a dear look at Apple’s future.
The iPhone 8 is nearly identical to the iPhone 7, but adds wireless charging, better cameras, and a faster processor. It’s also waterproof like the iPhone 7 and will launch later this month starting at $ 699 ($ 799 for the iPhone 8 Plus).
The iPhone X is a completely redesigned smartphone with a nearly full screen display and a powerful new front-facing camera with Face ID (more on that later). It starts at $ 999 and launches later this year.
2. iOS 11 release date.
If you’re not planning on buying a new smartphone, you can still count on iOS 11. Apple announced on Tuesday that the latest version of its operating system will officially launch on September 19.
The new software adds the ability to record your screen activity and a better tool for taking screenshots and editing screenshots. It also includes a peer-to-peer payment option for Apple Pay (similar to Venmo), a revamped Control Center, and new augmented reality features thanks to ARKit . On iPad, iOS 11 also adds an easily accessible dock for storing your favorite apps.
3. Face ID
Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint scanning technology, has been around since the release of the iPhone 5s in 2013, but its days are officially numbered. Apple on Tuesday unveiled Face ID , a face-scanning system exclusive to the iPhone X.
Face ID uses a variety of cameras and sensors to unlock your device, activate Apple Pay, and more. Apple also says it’s much more secure than Touch ID.
4. Apple Watch Series 3.
The Apple Watch also received some pretty big updates on Tuesday. The latest version of the smartwatch supports LTE, which means you can use it to make calls or play songs on Apple Music without syncing to iPhone.
Apple also announced some updates to its watchOS software, including a redesigned workout app and heart rate monitor improvements. Your Apple Watch will display your heart rate right on the home screen and can alert you if your heart rate rises when you’re not exercising.
Apple Watch Series 3 will go on sale on September 22, starting at $ 329. An update to watchOS 4 will be available for older models starting September 19.
5. Apple TV 4K.
Finally, Apple is upgrading its box to support 4K video. If you own a 4K TV, that’s great news. If not, it might be what is pushing you to upgrade your TV.
Apple TV 4K can stream high-definition video from services such as Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN. It also offers an extended dynamic range for brighter, more lifelike colors.
Apple also has a strong focus on live sports. Apple TV 4K has a dedicated tab for live streaming and upcoming games. If your favorite team is playing or there is a particularly close match, it will even automatically display those games. So even if you don’t care about 4K, there might still be a reason to consider an updated Apple TV.