Apple September Event Recap: Just the Facts (and more)
Yesterday was Apple’s big September event which, for nerds like me, is like Christmas and the Super Bowl combined. Here’s a quick recap of what was and wasn’t announced, along with some analysis and advice thrown in.
iPhone 13
As expected, the marquee announcement was the new lineup of iPhones. Despite having a new full number, it’s easier to think of this year’s phones as a “12S” release. There are a few nice feature additions and the usual processor and camera upgrades, but nothing so earth-shattering that anyone with an iPhone 12 (or even 11) should feel like they need to get in line to buy one. Here’s a quick rundown of the features:
Same general design as the 12 series
Same price
A15 Bionic (faster processor)
20% smaller camera notch in the screen
ProMotion fast-refresh screen (Pro only)
Increased battery life on all models (1.5 hours longer on 13 mini and 13 Pro, 2.5 hours longer on 13 and 13 Pro Max)
Better 5G support with new antennas
Improved cameras on all models, including sensor-shift image stabilization on all wide (1x) lenses
Night Mode available on all camera lenses
New camera modes including Cinematic video (all models) and Macro photography (Pro only)
13 and 13 mini start with 128GB of storage (double the previous models)
1TB storage option for Pro models
New color options (Sierra Blue replaces Pacific Blue on the Pro models, Starlight and Midnight replace Silver and Space Gray on the non-pro models, plus new blue and pink options for 13 and 13 mini)
And that’s really the bulk of it. For the most part, this is exactly what was expected.
Anyone with an iPhone 12, 11, or even XS that isn’t on an easy upgrade plan can probably sit this one out. The only reason I’m excited to upgrade is that I decided to go from the 12 Pro to the 13 Pro Max, and I know the new ProMotion display is going to look amazing. If you want to see the difference for yourself, go to an Apple Store and look at an iPad Air vs an iPad Pro. Scrolling through web pages and documents looks so much nicer on the Pro.
If, however, you’re holding onto an iPhone X or older, this may be a good time to consider upgrading. One of the most compelling reasons is that the base models start with double the storage at the same price as previous iPhones. I know a lot of people have gotten to the point that they can’t even install system updates because 64GB is a silly amount of storage for a modern smartphone. Being able to get twice that at a relatively low price is pretty enticing.
Also, this is most likely the last we’ll see of a mini iPhone. I know a few people that prefer smaller phones, but the 12 mini still wasn’t a hot seller. We only got a 13 mini because this is basically an “S” year, so all of last year’s designs carried over. Next year should bring an all-new design, so if you prefer the smallest possible smartphone, now’s your chance.
iPad and iPad mini
The entry-level iPad was updated with an A13 processor, True Tone display, and a 12MP front-facing camera that supports Center Stage. If you’re not familiar, Center Stage is a camera feature that automatically pans and zooms as it detects faces and movement, so you don’t have to try so hard to stay centered on the camera during FaceTime or Zoom calls.
The base iPad has been the best value in tech for years, and this update continues that trend. It’s an absolute beast of a machine that starts at a modest $329, though that only gets you 64GB of storage, and I’ll always recommend springing for more than that. The 256GB option is $479, which is still a great deal.
The real iPad news, however, was the redesigned iPad mini. The mini has always been a small iPad Air, so it has retained the classic Home Button design its entire life. Now that the Air has moved on to a more Pro design, it makes sense that the mini would follow.
The new mini drops the Home Button in favor of an all-screen design. The display has increased from 7.9 to 8.3 inches while keeping the same overall device size.
It still supports Touch ID rather than Face ID, but the fingerprint sensor has been moved to the sleep/wake button (just like the Air). The volume buttons have also been relocated to the same side as the sleep/wake button, allowing for the second-generation Apple Pencil to magnetically attach to the side of the device for pairing and charging.
The new mini has the same A15 Bionic processor as the new iPhones, giving it an incredible amount of power in a tiny package. This also means you can expect Apple to support it for years to come.
The cameras on the mini were also upgraded, so you get that 12MP front-facing camera that supports Center Stage. I couldn’t care less about a rear camera on an iPad, but this one’s better than before, so that’s cool.
The iPad mini starts at $499 for a WiFi-only 64GB model, with a 256GB option for $649. You can opt for a cellular version that now supports 5G for an additional $149 (plus the cost of the data plan).
Color options include the new Starlight, Space Gray (odd that they didn’t go with Midnight here), pink, and purple.
Of all the announcements at the event, I was most excited for the iPad mini. I ordered one as soon as the store came back online after the event and I can’t wait to get it next Friday. I went with purple...I’ve wanted the purple iPhone mini since it was released in the Spring, but I don’t need two phones. At least this way I get my purple fix in a device I can actually use.
Apple Watch
This is where all the rumors and expectations were completely derailed, and no one is quite sure why. We did get an Apple Watch Series 7, but the complete redesign that was rumored did not come to fruition. The Series 7 does have a slightly larger, brighter, and more durable screen than previous Watches, but that’s the biggest new feature. In fact, the Series 7 has the exact same processor as the Series 6...it’s not even an improved version of it.
This has lead to speculation that something went wrong with the redesign at the last minute, forcing Apple to improvise. Regardless of the reason, this is what we’ve got.
They also have a few new aluminum colors, including dark green, a lighter blue than last year, (product) RED, Starlight, and Midnight. There are some new faces to go with that larger screen, and a new QWERTY keyboard that you can tap or swipe. It’s more dust-resistant than previous models, and it supports faster charging, going from 0-80% in 45 minutes.
The good news is that this is the best available Apple Watch, so if you don’t already have one, or if you’re still holding onto a Series 3 or 4, this could be a good time to dive in. I’ve loved the always-on screen of my Series 6, and the battery life has been great. The new colors on the 7 look nice, and you still have the option of stainless steel or titanium models. Just know that next year should bring that full redesign, as well as a rumored body temperature sensor.
Accessories
Source: MacRumors
With new devices come new accessories, but for the most part, all that’s new are the colors. There are new shades for the silicone and leather MagSafe iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, AirTag key rings, and iPad Smart Folios.
Source: MacRumors
The most exciting accessory would have to be the revised MagSafe wallet for the iPhone. I like my current wallet and never saw the need for one that attaches to my phone, but the new version adds support for the Find My network, so if you misplace it, you can see its last location in the Find My app. That’s enough for me to want one, even if I don’t use it all the time.
Wrap-up
Those were the major announcements. There were a few other tidbits, including new pilates, guided meditation, and seasonal workouts in Apple Fitness+. The first seasonal workouts are meant to get you ready for snow season, with moves based on skiing and snowboarding. Convenient considering I just moved to Colorado.
WatchOS 8, iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and tvOS 15 will release to the public on September 20th. These bring too many features for me to cover here, but I’ve been using the iOS and iPadOS 15 betas since they were released in June, so let me know if you have any questions.
If you happen to be on the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program, check your Apple Store app now to get your iPhone 13 pre-order ready. I’ll be receiving my Sierra Blue 256GB iPhone 13 Pro Max next Friday the 24th, along with my purple iPad mini. And now begins the longest 10 days of the year.
What about you? Have any of these new products enticed you enough? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments or on the socials!
