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Apple Press Event Update: new iPhone 6, ApplePay and the Apple Watch

Yesterday’s press event brought two new iPhones, a new Apple payment system and the rumoured Apple Watch. Here is a quick rundown…

Apple iPhone:

Apple’s new iPhone lineup will consist of 4 models: the current iPhone 5s and 5c, plus the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus-

iPhones 2014

The new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have larger displays than the 5s and 5c. The iPhone 6 has a 4.7 inch screen and the iPhone Plus comes in at 5.5 inches.

Both new models also come with a faster A8 chip, and better battery life. In fact Apple claim the new batterie will last over 50% longer. In some uses, the iPhone 6 Plus has double the battery life of an iPhone 5s.

One of the key differences will be the number of rows on the home screen- the 6 and 6 Plus fit 6 rows of icons compared to 5 on an iPhone 5s/c. This also applies to the apps- for example when using landscape mode in Mail, you can view your message on the right and a list of your emails on the left.

An unlocked iPhone 6 starts at €699, an iPhone 6 Plus starts at €799.(in the US, phones bought under contact will be $199/$299).

More details here.



Apple Pay:

Apple Pay will launch in the US first in October, and will allow for payments through your iPhone 6 using Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor on your iPhone.

It will be as simple as holding the iPhone near the store’s contact point with your finger resting on the home button- payment received!

Screen Shot 2014-09-09 at 23.12.52

Apple Pay will only be available on the iPhone 6 (and Apple Watch in 2015). Visa, MasterCard and American Express have joined the new system, and retailers such as Walgreens, Macy’s, Staples and Disney have all signed up.

Apple plan to spread this to other countries in the coming months.

More details here.



Apple Watch:

The Apple Watch was announced today but it is due to start shipping in early 2015 in the US (sorry- no Christmas presents here&hellipWinking. The Watch comes in three ranges:
- Watch: stainless steel cases, and a range of bands
- Watch Sport: aluminium case, colourful bands
- Watch Edition: gold cases, crafted bands and closures

Screen Shot 2014-09-09 at 23.44.34

There will also be two height sizes (traditionally seen as men and women’s styles) and a large range of bands, making the Apple Watch the most customisable of any Apple product.

In terms of features, you can read and send texts on an Apple Watch, make and receive calls, read emails, use Maps, view your calendar and reminders. There will also be lots of other Apps, from Apple and other companies.
But one of the main features is the health app- Activity checks you movements and records your walks, runs, and how often you have stood up from your desk to stretch! The back of the watch has sensors which can check your heart rate and give you feedback in the apps.

Inputting information and browsing is done using voice (Siri), the Digital Crown on the side (looks like the button to wind a classic watch) or by touching the screen. The Watch will also vibrate or make sounds to alert you to messages and reminders.

The Apple Watch requires an iPhone 5 or above, and pairs with the phone to give it its internet connection.

More details here.


Plus:
U2 have launched their new album, "Songs of Innocence", and it is free to everyone with an iTunes account!


Here are a few key dates:
Sept 12th: orders will begin for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in the US and UK
Sept 17th: iOS 8, the new software for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, will be available as a free download form Apple
Sept 19th: iPhone 6 and 6 Plus go on sale in the US and UK
Sept 26th: orders will begin for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in Ireland
October: there will be an iOS update to launch Apple Pay in the US
October: Apple are likely to release OS X Yosemite, the latest operating system for the Mac
Start of 2015: the Apple watch will go on sale in the US

Hope this helps to give you a good summary of what’s coming later this year and in 2015.
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