DOIT is your source for all things technology and innovation. On Tuesday, Apple announced new hardware and software during their annual Apple Event. We know that there are many Bobcat Apple fans at Texas State University, so we wanted to share highlights with you.
Apple Watch Series 6
With the latest launch of the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple is heavily focusing on the health and fitness aspects of the usage of the Apple Watch and knows that there is potential for the device to save lives. With Series 6, users will be able to monitor users’ blood oxygen levels that let you take a measurement in 15 seconds. Mount Sinai is studying the impact of Covid-19 on front-line medical workers using Apple Watch, too.
Apple Watch SE
Apple unveiled a new, more affordable version of the Apple Watch called Apple Watch SE. The cost of the SE starts at $279. It comes in both cellular and Wi-Fi models and included a new feature called Family Setup, which will allow kids and older adults to use Apple Watch without an iPhone.
iPad Air
The iPad Air has a new Touch ID fingerprint sensor inside the tablet’s power button. Apple says it will be equipped with an A14 processor that makes it 40% faster, and it’s one of the first times that Apple’s most powerful chip lands in an iPad before a new iPhone. It charges with a USB-C connector, instead of Apple’s Lightning charger and is compatible with Apple’s 2nd-generation Pencil and Magic Keyboard stand.
The new iPad Air will come in five different colors and will sport a new design with smaller bezels and a screen that stretches from edge to edge. Colors include rose gold, silver, space gray, green and blue. It costs $599 and up and will be in stores next month.
8th Generation iPad
The latest version of the iPad is now its most affordable. It has a faster A12 Bionic chip and an optional rugged case for schools. It still works with the Apple Pencil, too. Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Apple has sold 500 million iPads in the past 10 years. It’ll cost $329, the same price as usual, and $299 for schools. You can order it today, and it lands in stores on Friday.
Fitness+ workout services
Designed to inspire to get fit and stay fit, Apple unveiled Fitness +, a service that will connect Apple Watch users to trainers. Users can access a catalog of workout videos on iPhones, iPads, or on an Apple TV, synced to an Apple Watch. New workout videos will be published weekly and will require little to no equipment, ensuring that your workouts can be done anywhere. You’ll be able to see live stats from your Apple Watch on your iPad or iPhone while you work out.
Apple One service bundles
Finally, Apple has announced its long-rumored services bundle, Apple One. It comes in three tiers with different services in each tier:
- Individual: Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage, at $14.95 a month.
- Family: The same services for up to five family members, at $19.95 a month.
- Premier: The same services plus Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+, announced today, for $29.95 a month.
It also said that iOS 14, its new iPhone software, will launch on Wednesday with lots of new features such as widgets, a new way to organize your home screen, security enhancements, and more. Although they did not announce new iPhones, those are expected to be announced at a future launch possibly next month. Watch the full Apple Event 2020 presentation on Apple’s website.
Chantal Lesley is a marketing and communications specialist student employee in the IT Marketing and Communications office.
