Apple Watch Series 5 models with titanium and ceramic casings include an extra, color-matching Sport Band in the box.
White ceramic models come with a soft white Sport Band with a ceramic pin, titanium models come with a light gray Sport Band, and space black titanium models come with a dark gray Sport Band. This is in addition to whichever band a customer chooses for the Apple Watch during the purchase process.
An extra Sport Band is also included with Hermès models, but this is par for course.
Apple Watch Series 5 models with aluminum and stainless steel casings do not include an extra Sport Band. If you do not select one during the purchase process, the Sport Bands are sold separately for $49 each.
Apple Watch Series 5 pre-orders are available now in fully customizable fashion, with deliveries to customers and in-store availability beginning Friday, September 20. Notable features include an always-on display, a new Compass app, and 32GB of on-device storage, compared to 16GB for Series 4 models.
LG today announced that its new 88-inch 8K OLED and 75-inch 8K LED smart TVs are available at select U.S. retailers starting today, priced at $29,999 and $4,999 respectively. LG says both models will receive a firmware update that enables HomeKit and AirPlay 2 support later this fall.
AirPlay 2 support will enable users to stream videos, music, podcasts, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to these TVs, with no Apple TV box necessary. And with HomeKit, users can easily control the TV's power, volume, source, and more using Siri or the Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
LG says the 88-inch model is the largest OLED TV ever, with an 8K Ultra HD resolution of 7,680x4,320 for a total of nearly 33 million pixels. The TV features a slim-bezel display with a brushed aluminum stand and comes with an integrated 80W speaker system that is said to deliver powerful sound.
LG first rolled out HomeKit and AirPlay 2 to select 2019 OLED and NanoCell 4K UHD smart TVs with ThinQ AI capability in July, with remaining 4K UHD TV series in LG's 2019 lineup slated to receive the features in October.
Many customers have petitioned LG to offer AirPlay 2 and HomeKit on its older smart TVs, but the company has not budged so far, noting that it "cannot guarantee" that pre-2019 models "will be able to deliver a seamless user experience." LG did note that it "may be a possibility in the future."
AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are also available on select Vizio smart TVs, and Sony promised to roll out the features in summer 2019, but it has yet to do so. Samsung offers an Apple TV app and AirPlay 2, but not HomeKit, on select TVs.
Alongside the announcement of the Apple Watch Series 5 yesterday, Apple has now updated the price on some of its high-end leather and metallic bands.
Specifically, the original $149 price tag of Leather Loop and Milanese Loop Apple Watch bands has now dropped to $99. This means that they're only $50 more expensive than Apple's cheapest Sport Bands and Sport Loops, which cost $49.
Leather Loop is now available in Meyer Lemon, Black, and Saddle Brown; it only fits 44mm Apple Watch cases. Milanese Loop is available in Silver, Gold, and Space Black; it can fit both 40mm and 44mm cases.
Apple has not dropped the price of the Modern Buckle any further, although at $149 it is still $100 cheaper than it initially was at launch. Hermès bands are as much as $539, and the Silver Link Bracelet is $349, while the Space Black Link Bracelet is $449.
More information about the new Apple Watch Series 5 can be found in our full launch post on the new wearable.
Take portraits to new places. With new kinds of portraits and more lighting controls, the dual cameras in iPhone 11 work together to create stunning images. And Portrait mode now works with everything you love to shoot — that includes your best friends, two‑legged or four.
While this was already possible on the iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, Portrait Mode on the iPhone XR was only able to detect human faces in Apple's stock Camera app. (A few third-party apps like Halide did manage to enable Portrait Mode for objects and pets on the iPhone XR.)
There are also six Portrait Lighting effects available on the iPhone 11, including Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, and High‑Key Mono. This is up from three on the iPhone XR: Natural, Studio, and Contour.
Portrait Mode automatically creates a depth-of-field effect known as bokeh, allowing iPhone users to shoot a photo that keeps the subject sharp with a blurred background, while Portrait Lighting applies studio-quality lighting effects like black-and-white stage lighting to the Portrait Mode photos.
To use Portrait Mode, open the Camera app and swipe to Portrait mode. Portrait Lighting effects will appear at the bottom of the viewfinder.
iPhone 11 is the direct successor to the iPhone XR, with features including a dual-lens rear camera system with Ultra Wide and Night modes, faster A13 Bionic chip, improved water resistance, six new colors, up to one hour longer battery life, Dolby Atmos sound, 802.11ax Wi‑Fi, Gigabit-class LTE, and more.
During its media event on Tuesday, Apple revealed that the new iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max feature faster gigabit-class 4G LTE, but the company didn't provide any further details. However, an internet speed testing service claims to have the numbers.
According to Speedsmart.net, the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max offer approximately 13 percent faster 4G LTE than Apple's previous generation iPhone XS series.
The results were taken over all of the major US cellular networks, and while there's little between the carriers in terms of fastest speed, T-Mobile and Verizon appear to edge it.
Given that the new iPhones aren't yet available, it's not entirely clear how the data was collected "from August 9," although the results are said to have been taken with the SpeedSmart Speed Test App.
Regardless, further tests are inevitable once the new devices get into the hands of reviewers on September 20, by which time we'll know for sure if these results in any way reflect real-world usage.
Last year, Apple added monthly payment options to some of its AppleCare+ protection plans on select devices, and now the company has decided to make them even more flexible: On Tuesday, it began offering rolling monthly subscription plans that automatically renew until canceled by the customer.
AppleCare+ renewable monthly plan offered at checkout
As reported by 9to5Mac, customers purchasing an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch can now continue to pay for monthly AppleCare+ coverage for as long as they like, or until Apple can no longer service the device.
The key change in the company's new AppleCare+ legal document was spotted in the following passage, which sets out the terms of Apple's monthly plans.
For Monthly Plans, your Plan Term is one (1) month. Your Plan will automatically renew each month unless cancelled as set forth in the "Cancellation" Section 9 below, including in the event that Apple is no longer able to service your Covered Equipment due to the unavailability of service parts, in which case Apple will provide you with thirty (30) days' prior written notice of cancellation, or as otherwise required by law.
When purchasing an Apple Watch Series 5, iPhone, or iPad via Apple's online store, the change is explicit. Customers who choose AppleCare+ are now asked if they want to "Pay monthly until canceled," as opposed to paying for two years of coverage outright.
However, the subscription-style monthly plans aren't universally available on the Apple Store. For Macs, Apple TV, HomePod, and other AppleCare+ eligible products, Apple is still only offering upfront fixed term payment plans.
It's also worth noting that the monthly AppleCare+ plans do cost more than paying an upfront price. For example, an AppleCare+ plan for Apple Watch Series 5 totals $95.76 when paid monthly for two years, whereas paying for 24 months of coverage upfront costs $79.
Still, it does mean customers who want coverage beyond the two (or in some cases three) years now have the ability to subscribe and the flexibility to cancel whenever they choose.
Apple has yet to open orders for the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, so the AppleCare+ options don't show yet, but we do know that upfront pricing is going to be $149 and $199, respectively, for those models, and we can be fairly sure that the new monthly rolling plans will be extended to them, too.
Update: Apple has options to renew AppleCare+ for the iPhone SE, 6s, and 6s Plus, even though these are iPhones that Apple no longer sells, though they're not eligible for theft and loss coverage at renewal.
AppleCare renewal options are not available for older iPhones, including the iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5c, 6 and 6 Plus, but all iPads are eligible for AppleCare+ renewal.
Apple Watch Series 3, 4, and 5 models are eligible, but Apple Watch Series 0, 1, and 2 are not. More information on renewal options is available through Apple's support document on the subject.
Following its iPhone 11 series announcements on Tuesday evening, Apple has shaved $100 off the price of its remaining retail stock of previous generation iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models.
Brick-and-mortar Apple stores are now offering iPhone XS models with 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage for $899, $1,049, and $1,249, respectively.
The larger iPhone XS Max now starts at $999 for the 64GB model, rising to $1,149 for 256GB storage, and $1,349 for the 512GB capacity.
The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are no longer listed on Apple's online store, having been superseded by the new iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, which are set to launch on September 20.
Out of Apple's 2018 iPhone lineup, only the iPhone XR is still available to order online, alongside its successor, the iPhone 11, which also launches September 20. Pre-orders for the all-new models begin on September 13.
Following the launch of the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple has discontinued the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
Remaining iPhone 7 and 7 Plus stock has been listed on Apple's clearance site, where the models will be available at a discounted price until leftover supplies are exhausted.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are available for all carriers and in unlocked versions in both 32 and 128GB capacities. The iPhone 7 starts at $399 for 32GB of storage, while the iPhone 7 Plus starts at $499 for 128GB of storage.
At this time, jet black is the only available color, but Apple may add additional models to the site in the future.
At a starting price of $399, the iPhone 7 is not much more affordable than the iPhone 8, which Apple is continuing to sell at a lower price. The iPhone 8 is priced at $449 for 64GB of storage, while iPhone 8 Plus pricing starts at $549.
Apple's iPhone lineup now includes the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus.
The new Apple Watch Series 5 models, which Apple unveiled today, feature 32GB of internal storage for music, photos, apps, and other content, according to Apple's specifications for the new device.
At 32GB of storage for both GPS and Cellular models, the Apple Watch Series 5 offers double the storage of the previous Series 4 models. Apple may have increased the storage in the new device due to the Apple Watch App Store that's available in watchOS 6, set to be released on September 19.
Along with additional storage, the Apple Watch Series 5 offers an always-on Retina display for the first time, which allows the watch face to be activated permanently. There's also an international emergency calling feature that contacts emergency services when you activate SOS regardless of which country you're in.
It also includes a built-in compass feature and Compass app for keeping track of your orientation, along with an S5 processor. The Series 5 comes in aluminum, stainless steel, and in new titanium and ceramic finishes.
Apple is accepting pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 5 models as of September 10. Pricing starts at $399 for the aluminum GPS models and $499 for the aluminum cellular models, and goes up based on finish and band choice.
For the first time since the Apple Watch launched, Apple is allowing customers to choose any available band to go with the case of their choice using the new Apple Watch Studio.
Alongside new iPhones, Apple Watch models, and an updated iPad, Apple today released a new $29 AppleCare+ plan that's designed specifically for headphones like AirPods and Beats devices.
AppleCare+ extends the warranty of AirPods, Beats earphones, and Beats headphones to two years from the date of purchase (up from one year) and includes two incidents of accidental damage coverage for a $29 service fee.
The AppleCare+ plan for headphones can be bought when purchasing new AirPods or Beats or within 60 days of the purchase. Buying AppleCare+ after the initial purchase will require a visit to an Apple Store or by calling a specific support number and running a remote diagnostic.
AppleCare+ is available for the following devices:
The plan covers the headphones, the battery, and the included USB charging cable along with the aforementioned two incidents of accidental damage. Software support is also included, and Apple's support staff will be able to answer any questions that Beats and AirPods owners have.
Code found in the golden master version of Xcode 11 confirms that Apple is working on an augmented reality headset of some kind, and perhaps planned to announce it at the event but scrapped the debut last minute.
9to5Mac's Guilherme Rambo and developer Steve Troughton-Smith found that Xcode 11 features an ARDisplayDevice framework with references to codenamed Apple headsets that are in development, including Franc, Luck, and Garta (which pertains to HoloKit, a third-party device).
An Apple Glasses mockup
References to these names were previously discovered in iOS 13 code alongside a STARTester app able to switch in and out of a head-mounted mode, replicating the functionality of an augmented reality headset on an iPhone for testing purposes.
StarBoard frameworks on iOS 13 now. StarBoard is Apple’s system shell for stereo augmented reality apps (headset). Guess secrecy is out? pic.twitter.com/XTnlqQgpHh
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) September 10, 2019
The GameController framework in iOS 13 also has a gamepad profile for a device meant to be used while using stereo AR apps. The controller profile has a clicky trackpad, a trigger button, and a system (home?) button. Handheld controller for Apple's headset? 🤔
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) September 10, 2019
It seems very much like Stereo AR apps are an app extension type you can include in your iOS app bundle, if you have the entitlements. One imagines that when Apple's headset is attached, it has a dashboard of some kind that shows you your available Stereo AR apps (like CarPlay)
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) September 10, 2019
The iOS 13 GM also comes with a readme file (!) for how employees can run Stereo AR apps on an iPhone when you don't have access to Apple's headset 😳 pic.twitter.com/SeZEHW8p0S
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) September 10, 2019
There was also a reference to a StarBoard system shell for stereo AR-enabled apps, which has also been located in the Xcode 11 GM by developer Steve Troughton-Smith, along with a ReadMe file that specifically references an Apple "HME" headset.
It's not entirely clear what Apple is working on, but as 9to5Mac outlined last week, the stereo augmented reality data found in the iOS 13 and Xcode 11 GM code references support for a face-mounted AR experience said to be more similar to Google's Daydream than a pair of smart glasses.
The fact that Apple left this code in the Xcode 11 GM suggests that it was perhaps something that the company originally planned to talk about today, though it's not known if that is indeed the case.
As noted in today's press releases for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple is offering pre-approval for the iPhone Upgrade Program ahead of when pre-orders kick off on Friday.
Existing and new iPhone Upgrade Program members can use the Apple Store app on the iPhone to undergo the pre-approval process to get pre-approved until 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, September 12.
Pre-approval allows iPhone Upgrade Program members to purchase their new iPhones right away when pre-orders become available.
Customers who are part of the iPhone Upgrade Program (or want to be) can select their preferred iPhone, confirm their carrier, and get approved for a loan ahead of time, completing the purchase when pre-orders kick off.
Apple has started sending out emails to existing iPhone Upgrade Program members letting them know about the availability of pre-orders.
Apple also has an option when purchasing to use the Apple Card for financing to get three percent cash back on payments. Customers who plan to use an Apple Card won't get special financing options, but can also take advantage of the pre-order process.
The iPhone Payments financing option does not include AppleCare+, while the iPhone Upgrade Program does. Three percent cash back is available for iPhone Upgrade Program members who opt to use Apple Card for payments too.
Apple today reminded iOS developers to update their apps for iOS 13, using the new Xcode 11 golden master that was released earlier today.
According to Apple, all new apps and app updates will need to be built with the iOS 13 SDK and support the all-screen design of the iPhone XS Max or later by April 2020.
With iOS 13, your app can take advantage of Dark Mode, a dramatic new look for iPhone, Sign in with Apple, the fast, easy way to sign in to apps, and the latest advances in ARKit 3, Core ML 3, and Siri. Build your apps using Xcode 11 GM seed, test them on iOS devices running the latest GM seeds, and submit them for review.
Starting April 2020, all new apps and app updates will need to be built with the iOS 13 SDK and support the all-screen design of iPhone XS Max or later.
Apple plans to release iOS 13 to the public on Thursday, September 19, one day before the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max models become available for purchase.
Apple always live streams its iPhone events on its own Events website and the Events app on the Apple TV, but this year, for the first time, Apple also did a YouTube live stream.
Within just 10 minutes of when the event kicked off, Apple had over 500,000 viewers, and at the live stream's peak, when new iPhones were being shown off, Apple reached 1.875 million viewers.
After this screenshot was taken, views climbed even higher
We've never before known how many people watch Apple's live streams because the company doesn't share that information, but the YouTube metric gives us some idea of how popular it was. For comparison, it earned more views than YouTube live streams from other companies like Samsung and Google.
The biggest YouTube live stream saw 8 million people tuning in when Felix Baumgartner jumped from a space capsule at 120,000 feet and parachuted back to the earth's surface, while SpaceX's Falcon Heavy launch in September 2018 garnered 2.3 million views.
The 1.875 million viewer metric does not include those who watched the live stream on the Apple TV through the Events app or through the Events website, which means actual live viewership was likely a good deal higher.
Apple's live stream is no longer available on YouTube at the current time, but the full event video has been uploaded.
Apple today held its annual iPhone-centric event, which saw the debut of the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 5, and 10.2-inch iPad, along with new details on Apple Arcade and Apple TV+.
It took Apple just under two hours to introduce all of the new devices, but we've recapped the entire event in just seven minutes for our readers who want a no-frills but thorough overview of all of the announcements.
The new iPhone 11 ($699), which is the successor to the iPhone XR is Apple's new lower-cost flagship device, while the iPhone 11 Pro ($999) and the iPhone 11 Pro Max ($1099) are aimed at people who want the most pro features for their iPhones.
Apple added dual cameras to the iPhone 11, triple cameras to the 11 Pro, and all the new iPhones have a better TrueDepth camera system, a faster A13 chip, and tons more. The Apple Watch Series 5, meanwhile, has a new always-on display.
We've rounded up all of our coverage of today's event below, so make sure to check out everything so you don't miss any of the updates.
Apple shared several videos during its keynote event highlighting new products. We've embedded them below for those who missed seeing the event live.
While Apple live streamed the event on YouTube, the full video isn't available on the site this time. It is, however, watchable on Apple's Event website.
Apple is accepting pre-orders for the new Apple Watch Series 5 and 10.2-inch iPad today, while pre-orders for the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro will go live on September 13 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
All of the new devices will start shipping out to customers on Friday, September 20.
Apple today introduced the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max at Steve Jobs Theater. The media had the chance to go hands-on with the devices after the keynote and have shared photos and first impressions.
Most of the first impressions focused on the camera upgrades and slightly tweaked design of each new iPhone.
The Verge's Dieter Bohn said he prefers the matte finish and seamless camera bump of the iPhone 11 Pro:
From the outside, the phones look and feel slightly better than the iPhone XS, though quite a lot of that is the matte finish on the back, which I really prefer — though sometimes matte glass can be more slippy than glossy. Apple says the glass is more durable, and I really do like how it is one piece, with no seam on the camera bump.
So let's talk about the camera bump: it's big. But Apple has designed the lenses on it in such a way that it isn't trying to hide the giant square on the back. I don't love it, but everybody uses a case anyway, so that will help.
SlashGear's Chris Davies was not a big fan of the camera bump, but he does understand why it was designed the way it was:
I have to confess, I wasn’t feeling Apple’s big square camera array when I saw the leaked images and renders. Even now, I’m not 100-percent a fan, particularly when you look at the iPhone 11 Pro next to the iPhone XS Max.
Still, it’s easier to accept the aesthetic necessities when it’s constructed so expertly. Had the camera bulge been grafted on, it would’ve felt clumsy; by growing it out of the glass as a whole, it’s not necessarily pretty but it does feel intentional. Combined with the easier grip of the new texture, it feels far more changed than it looks.
TechRadar's Gareth Beavis on the lower-end iPhone 11's cameras:
But enough about how this bump looks - what does it actually do? Well, two sensors live in there, both 12MP. However, this time around it's the standard lens plus an ultra-wide angle lens, enabling you to pull back to see more of a scene, with an instant visual suggestion to do so. […]
The quality of the images we took was impressive, although we couldn't test the camera hard in low-light settings, which is a real test for today's high-end smartphones. Apple is touting the night mode versions, and the test options they had for us to see looked good indeed.
The front-facing camera has been improved too, with the sensor being upgraded to 12MP to facilitate wider-angle pics when you rotate the phone landscape, as well as being able to shoot slow motion selfies as well (which Apple is infuriatingly calling Slofies).
Photos
iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max via SlashGear
iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max via The Verge
Videos
MacRumors will have our own hands-on video of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro in the days ahead and in-depth coverage of the new devices.
Apple today announced and launched pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 5, which is the company's latest wearable device. The new smartwatch features an always-on display, built-in compass, and more, and members of the media have begun sharing their opinions on Series 5 models after going hands-on at Apple Park.
Image via Engadget
Engadget's Dana Wollman pointed out that the Series 5 is far less of a drastic upgrade compared to last year's Series 4 (which is now discontinued). The Series 5 continues to adopt the Series 4's larger display, 40mm and 44mm case sizes, and ECG testing.
Other than the much-touted always-on display, there isn't a whole lot that's new with Apple Watch Series 5.
Apple just unveiled the newest Apple Watch (we're up to the Series 5 now) and -- I mean this in the nicest way -- but there isn't much to see. Whereas last year's model, the Series 4, ushered in a new, larger screen and a built-in electrocardiogram test, the differences in the Series 5 are difficult to notice at a glance. Chief among them: an always-on display that's constantly visible at dim brightness, but that wakes up to a fuller brightness when you tap it.
Beyond that, this is the Apple Watch you know well by now, just with some new bands and finishes. There's the screen, available in the same two sizes (40mm and 44mm). The Digital Crown is where it's always been (the upper right edge). Below it is that rectangular button you'll use less frequently, though Apple did announce today that you can now use it for international emergency calls on cellular models (i.e., not just in the country where you purchased and activated it).
The Verge's Dieter Bohn also talked about how there is little difference between this year's Apple Watch and last year's, calling the Series 5 a "dead ringer" for the Series 4. Bohn was a fan of the always-on display and believes that this feature will "finally make the Apple Watch a competent time piece."
Image via The Verge
It works just as you’d expect — you can see the full watch face at a dimmer brightness all the time, and then at full brightness when you lift your wrist up. The watchfaces are even able to show all of their complications and data in the always-on mode.
You can also just slap your hand down on the watch face to immediately dim it, which is some thing I do all the time and is weirdly more satisfying to do on the Series 5 than earlier models, since it changes the mode instead of just turning off the screen.
If you're looking for more details about the Apple Watch Series 5, our full launch post has all of the information you'll need about the latest Apple wearable. You can also check out our posts on the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, and new 10.2-inch iPad to catch up with the news from today's event.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max devices will all be available unlocked and SIM free on launch day, suggesting there will be no supply issues with the new iPhones.
Customers will also be able to purchase iPhones for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon if desired, using "Apple iPhone Payments" with the Apple Card, a carrier's device payment program, or the Apple iPhone Upgrade program, which includes AppleCare+ coverage.
The Apple iPhone Payments option is new this year, and it will allow users to pay for their iPhones using Apple Card to receive 3 percent back Daily Cash with each payment. Apple is not offering a no interest payment plan with the Apple Card, however.
AppleCare+ for the new iPhone 11 is priced at $149, which is the same price as AppleCare+ for the iPhone XR.
AppleCare+ extends the warranty of the new iPhones to 24 months and also covers two incidents of accidental damage with a service fee of $29 for screen damage or $99 for other damage.
Apple says that its newest iPhones are more water resistant (IP68 and water resistant at two meters (iPhone 11) and four meters (iPhone 11 Pro) for 30 minutes) and more shatter resistant with more durable glass, but AppleCare+ is still a good idea for peace of mind, especially for those who prefer to go without a case.
The iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro models will be available for pre-order on Friday, September 13 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time or 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
