Apple has officially confirmed its new flagship devices, the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch, during its much hyped Tuesday unveiling.
At the press event Tuesday, Apple unveiled two new iPhones along with the company's first wearable Apple Watch. These devices mark a revolutionary step in the company's upcoming future.
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus feature different screen sizes at 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch, respectively. Most features in the new phones are in line with the leaked rumors in recent weeks. Besides the screen sizes, leaked reports confirmed various specs like the screen resolution, improved camera and processor, exterior design and more. The new iPhones are lighter, bigger and slimmer than any of other Apple handsets.
Design
Apple's iPhone 6 is a 4.7-inch flagship phone with a 6.9mm thick frame. The design is a far cry from the previous models with round sides replacing the sharp corners and flat sides in the iPhone 5S. Sadly, those who have been expecting sapphire crystals for the display will instead ind the traditional ion-strengthened glass. Neither iPhone 6 nor the iPhone 6 Plus come with a sapphire display.
The larger iPhone model features a 5.5-inch display with a design similar to the iPhone 6. The phablet is 0.2mm thicker than the flagship model and measures 7.1mm, The Week reported.
Features
Apple has opted for some top-of-the-line features for both of its iPhones. The 5.5-inch iPhone packs higher display resolution than its partner. As expected, the iPhone 6 screen resolution will be 1,334x750 pixels, which Apple refers to as Retina HD, and the iPhone 6 Plus will sport a full HD display with 1920 x 1080 pixels.
The camera is the focus point of both iPhones, which boast an upgraded component for better pictures and videos. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus feature an 8-megapixel rear camera with new focus system, slow-mo recording at 240fps and 4K recording. The widely rumored Optical Image Stabilization has embraced the iPhone 6 Plus. The front camera includes a burst mode for multiple quick-shot selfies.
The new iPhones will be powered by a faster A8 64-bit processor, which is 84 times faster than the original iPhone, Apple said, according to USA Today. The new processor is expected to boost the battery life on the new iPhones.
Then comes the Apple Watch
The Cupertino tech giant also debuted its coveted iWatch or the Apple Watch at the event, a new category in Apple's wide lineup of devices. Apple revealed various features of the iWatch like photos, maps and various health-related data. The design does not replicate the company's slim profile but Apple may be working on future generations of the device to make it more appealing, Business Insider reports.
Apple has separate Watch sizes for men and women with three variants, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition, which is made from 18-karat gold, the report added. A tiny round crown at the side of the watch helps navigate and also activates Siri when held down. The interface is unique with apps arranged as tiny circles on the screen.
The Apple Watch features interchangeable straps for different occasions. The sportband features sweat and chemical resistance, making it suitable for work outs. Other straps are the leather loop, leather buckle, classic buckle, stainless steel bracelet and Milanese loop.
The built-in gyroscope, accelerometer and heart-rate monitor gives accurate fitness data about the wearer. The watch also features a unique charging cable with magnetic plug.
"Steve used to say that Apple stands on the corner of technology and the humanities. I think there's no better example of that than what we've introduced today," USA Today quoted Cook as saying. "It's not just about making great products, but great products that enrich people's lives"
Availability and Pricing
Apple revealed the prices of its new iPhone lineup. The iPhone 6 comes in three storage options, 16GB, 64GB and 128GB and costs $199, $299 and $399, respectively. These prices are for contract phones and will hit the stores starting September 19. The 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus will start at $299 for the 16GB model, $399 and $499 for the 64GB and 128GB variants.
Apple also revealed that the iPhone 5C will go for free on a standard two year contract while the iPhone 5S will sell for $99. The Apple Watch is expected to sell for $349 when it will be available next year.
