Many Apple fans eagerly anticipate Apple’s various product announcements. On September 9, the company held a mobile-centric event where they announced not one, but two new iPhones, a smartwatch, and a few new features for iOS 8. If you didn’t catch it at the time, here is a brief overview of the features and devices introduced this year.
The IPhone 6
Before the September 9 event, rumors were flying for months about a new iPhone that Apple was working on. The company did not disappoint and announced a new version of their staggeringly popular phone. Here’s an overview of the iPhone 6 specs which business owners and managers will want to know about.
- Screen: The iPhone 6 will have a 4.7 inch screen (measured diagonally), and will sport Apple’s new display, Retina HD, which has more pixels for a much improved image quality.
- Size: The phone will be 5.44 x 2.64 inches and .27 inches thick. The device’s shape has also been changed slightly with a more rounded body (compared to the iPhone 5’s squared body) which should make it easier to hold.
- Processor: This device will have what Apple calls the A8 processor. This is an improved processor over the one found in previous devices like the iPhone 5, and offers 25% faster speeds and 50% better efficiency. In other words, the device will be able to do more than previous versions, and do it faster.
- Storage: You can choose either 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB of storage space.
- Battery life: Apple has noted that the iPhone 6 should have the same, or slightly better, battery life than previous models. While this may not seem like an improvement, you need to take into account the bigger screen which requires more power to run.
- Pricing: In the US, the iPhone 6 starts at USD 199 for the 16GB of storage. It should be noted that this is the price on a two year contract. If you want to purchase the model outright, prices start at USD 649 for the 16GB. Both the on-contract and outright purchase prices go up USD 100 for each increase in storage.
- Availability: You could pre-order your device starting September 12, with it being available in many stores September 19. Chances are, the device will sell out quickly, so you may be put on a waiting list if you decide to purchase right away.
The IPhone 6 Plus
Alongside rumors about the impending iPhone 6, there were also rumors that Apple would be introducing a larger version of the iPhone 6 that is designed to compete with the various “phablets” (small tablets with phone capabilities) which are immensely popular these days. They did indeed announce a new, larger version of the iPhone 6 called the iPhone 6 Plus. Here is an overview of the major details that will benefit business owners and managers.
- Screen: The iPhone 6 Plus will have a 5.5 inch screen (measured diagonally), and will sport Apple’s new display, Retina HD, which has more pixels, meaning image quality will be much improved.
- Size: The phone will be 6.22 x 3.06 inches and .28 inches thick. The device’s shape has also been changed slightly with a more rounded body. It may take time to get used to the screen size and some users may not be able to use the device comfortably with one hand.
- Processor: This device will have what Apple calls the A8 processor. This is an improved processor over the one found in previous devices like the iPhone 5, and offers 25% faster speeds and 50% better efficiency. In other words, the device will be able to do more, faster, than previous versions.
- Storage: You can choose either 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB of storage space.
- Battery life: Apple has noted that the iPhone 6 Plus will have a larger battery that supposedly offers 24 hours of talk time. Because this device hasn’t been fully tested yet, it’s difficult to tell what the actual battery life will be like, but it will likely be enough to get you through a day of moderate use.
- Pricing: In the US, the iPhone 6 Plus starts at USD 299 for the 16GB of storage. It should be noted that this is the price if you get the device on a two year contract. If you want to purchase it outright, the device starts at USD 749 for the 16GB. Both the on-contract and outright prices go up USD 100 for each increase in storage.
- Availability: Pre-orders for the device started September 12, but it was quickly sold out. Apple has noted that it should be in many stores as of September 19.
The Apple Watch
Apple wasn’t done with just two mobile devices however, they also proved rumors true and announced a new device – the Apple Watch. This is Apple’s take on the smartwatch that appears to be gaining traction with many users.
The Apple Watch is a rectangular device that is worn on the wrist and, as the name implies, is a watch. Well, a watch with numerous features that many users will no doubt enjoy. The device has a knob at the top-left which Apple calls the “digital crown”, that you use to navigate the device. For example, pressing it opens the device’s home screen, while turning it will zoom the face.
You can also interact the device via touch. For example, you will be able to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open a feature Apple calls Glance. This provides you with useful information like the date, weather, notifications, etc.
Because typing on a device that is on your wrist is pretty much impossible to do accurately, the device supports voice commands and even interaction with Siri. The Apple Watch also has a multitude of sensors including health related ones like a heart rate sensor.
So far, it appears like this device is mainly aimed towards individual users, but business users who are looking for a way to interact with their devices or a different way to keep track of their most important information like calendars, etc. may find it useful too.
If the watch sounds interesting, you are going to have to wait for a while, as Apple has said it won’t be released until the spring of 2015. While this may seem like a long time to wait, it could prove to be positive, as it gives the company more time to perfect the device. When released, Apple has noted that the Apple Watch will start at USD 350.
New IOS 8 Features
New devices weren’t all that was introduced at the event, Apple also talked about some new features that will be introduced in iOS 8.
- Near Field Communication (NFC) and ApplePay – Both the new iPhone 6s and the Apple Watch will ship with NFC chips in the device. These can be used in conjunction with Apple’s new pay service, ApplePay. Like other similar apps, you will be able to use your phone as a wallet, and swipe it over pay terminals to pay for items. Your payment information is stored in Passbook which creates a unique ID for each credit card, but does not store your credit card information.
- Enhanced navigation – With bigger screens on both of the new iPhones, many users will want to hold the phone in landscape (horizontal) mode for easier viewing of apps. iOS 8 will enable this.
- New gesture – Reachability – Reachability is a new gesture that will allow users to quickly switch the content at the top of the screen by tapping twice on the Home button.
For those of you who have an existing iPhone or iPad, you should have been asked to upgrade to iOS 8 when it came out September 17.
If you are looking to learn more about the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, Apple Watch, or iOS 8, contact us today.
Published on 3rd July 2014 by Jeanne DeWitt.
