The newest iteration of the Apple-verse is here, and it changes “everything,” according to CEO Tim Cook.
The tech giant unveiled a new slate of products during a highly produced event in San Francisco on Wednesday, as it often does several times throughout the year. The offerings run the gamut of devices, including a revamped Apple TV that can host games and serve as an online shopping system, a massive new tablet called the iPad Pro, and the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
Here’s all the new tech you can buy, when you’ll be able to buy it and what to expect when it arrives at your front door:
An upgraded Apple TV
Released after years of speculation, the newest version of the Apple TV serves most of your media needs in one neatly packaged box. Users can do everything from watch television on a variety of services including Netflix and HBO, shop on sites like the discount retailer Gilt, book vacation rentals on Airbnb and, of course, play video games that are downloadable from the App Store.
Among the most exciting features is Siri voice recognition, which allows users to request a specific show or movie using prompts like “show me funny TV shows” or “new animated movies good for kids.” The system also comes with a brand-new remote with a touch sensor that can double as a video game controller.
The new Apple TV will be available in the U.S. in October, and in 80 other countries by the end of the year. The 32GB version will cost $149, and a 64GB model will be $199.
A 12.9-inch iPad Pro
The newest version of the iPad is massive, nearly the size of the screen on a 13-inch MacBook. It has a higher-resolution display than a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, and the graphics are 360 times better than the original iPad.
“It’s the most capable and powerful iPad we’ve ever created,” Cook said.
This iPad will be the first one to offer device-enhancing accessories for an added fee. The Apple Pencil is a dedicated stylus for drawing and fine movements, and will sell for $99. The Smart Keyboard is an external case-keyboard combo that connects to the iPad through a new magnetic “smart connector.” It costs $169.
The iPad Pro will begin shipping in November. The base model will have 32GB of storage for $799, a 128GB iPad will be $949 and the top-tier 128GB option will have LTE connectivity for a price of $1,079.
As expected, the newest iPhones build on on their predecessors, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The latest devices are the same size and shape (although there is a new rose gold color option), but most of the upgrades are on the inside.
The biggest new feature is called 3D Touch. The smartphone now recognizes the added force of a user pressing harder on the screen. Using this feature, users can trigger various new actions such as “peeking” into emails or using a shortcut to take a selfie from the home screen.
Other upgraded specs include a better 12MP rear camera, a 5MP front-facing camera to make those selfies look sharp, the ability to shoot in 4K video and an updated “Hey Siri” feature that activates the assistant when those words are said — even when the phone is unplugged from power.
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will start at, respectively, $199 and $299 on contract for the base 16GB models. There’s also a new iPhone Upgrade Program in U.S. retail stores: Starting at $32 a month, you can get a new unlocked phone every year and choose the carrier you prefer. Phones on this financing plan come with AppleCare+ protection.
The new iPhones are available for preorder on Sept. 12, and they’ll be available in the U.S. on Sept. 25.
Apple Watch and watchOS 2
The updates announced to the Apple Watch were fairly minor compared to the other products. But there are a few new features, as well as a whole new watch operating system in store for next week.
The biggest news for wearers is watchOS 2, the second iteration of the device’s operating system, which will have increased performance and better integration with third-party apps. The new watchOS 2 will be available on Sept. 16.
In terms of the physical watches, there’s a new rose gold color option and a slate of new bands. Perhaps the most extravagant offering will be the Apple Watch with Hermès leather straps and a custom face from the French luxury brand. This high-end Apple Watch will start at $1,000 and go up from there.
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