This story was originally published on September 15, 2021, and last updated on September 15, 2021.
After getting inundated with leaks since the Apple iPhone 12 came out, we finally got the new lineup of iPhones, iPads, and Watches. There isn’t much in terms of surprises here, but at the very least, we get new devices to pre-order or add to our wishlists.
Here’s a quick rundown of what Apple launched today:
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
The last announcement of the day is the two new premium iPhones: the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max. These two models get the same screen size’s as last year’s models, with 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively. But they get a new Super Retina XDR ProMotion display that finally brings a 120Hz refresh rate to the iPhone. Apple shrinks the notches a bit here.
These A15 Bionic-powered devices get a new three-camera system with the ultrawide offering better low-light photography. The telephoto goes up to 3x zoom, allowing 6x optical zoom across all three sensors. All of the cameras get night mode, and there’s a new macro mode that allows you to shoot at just 2cm.
Apple introduces new photographic profiles that make them look like traditional camera filters enhanced with computational photography.
The company brings its cinematic focus mode to these phones, which brings a rack focus effect that changes focus as you shoot. They can intelligently shift focus when a person enters a frame or glances away from the camera. You can also manually change or lock focus on a particular object for more precise control.
These Pro models support recording up to 4K/30fps in ProRes, which gives video editors more control when editing footage.
According to Apple, the 13 Pro gets 1.5 more battery than the 12 Pro, while the 13 Pro Max will last 2.5 more hours than the 12 Pro Max.
This Pro line’s storage option starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB, the largest capacity Apple has offered on an iPhone. Pricing starts at USD 999 or PHP 63,990 for the iPhone 13 Pro and USD 1,099 or PHP 70,990 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max. You can get both models in gold, silver, graphite, and a new Sierra Blue shade.
Pre-orders kick off on Friday, with shipping starting on September 24 for some markets.
Apple iPhone 13
The standard iPhone 13 has roughly the same design as last year’s model, but with new camera modules arranged diagonally and a smaller notch at the top of the screen as well. You can get it in the regular 6.1-inch model and the smaller 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini option. The standard variant has 2.5 more hours than its predecessor, while the mini has 1.5 hours more battery life.
It runs on the new A15 Bionic chip and comes with a larger storage base option at 128GB. And there are 256GB and 512GB options, too.
The base iPhone 13 gets the camera tech from last year’s iPhone 12 Pro Max. It has a physically larger sensor to let you capture more with less noise even when you shoot in darker environments.
The wide sensor has a 12-megapixel lens with an f/1.6 aperture and a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with a faster f/2.4 lens and 120-degree field of view. The cameras also get the 12 Pro Max’s sensor-shift stabilization tech, which physically moves the wide sensor to reduce vibrations. Apple brings its new cinematic mode for video to these phones’ front and rear cameras and offers its photographic profiles, too.
Pricing starts at USD 829 or PHP 50,990 for the iPhone 13 and USD 729 or PHP 44,990 for the iPhone 13 mini, and these come in pink, blue, midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT) RED.
Pre-orders also begin on September 17, with a September 24 release date in some markets.
Apple Watch Series 7
As we’ve seen in the leaks, the Apple Watch Series 7 has a 20% larger screen area compared to Series 6 models while retaining its industrial look and rounded edges. But its screen is more crack-resistant and has an IP6X rating.
Apple tweaked its watchOS software to fit more information on the smartwatch’s display. It has a new set of watch faces to take that almost edge-to-edge display.
The small Apple Watch goes from 40mm to 41mm, and the bigger option goes from 44mm to 45mm. Like Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7 gets up to 18 hours of battery life and now charges faster as it comes with a USB-C charger instead of a USB-A one.
Apple also adds new features to watchOS 8, with outdoor cycling getting improved support. It should automatically pause your workout sessions if you stop at a light or just for a break. Fall support also comes to your workouts so that the Apple Watch can call emergency services in these instances.
You can get the Apple Watch Series 7 in five colors: black, gold, blue, red, and dark green. There are aluminum and titanium options. And unlike what’s said in the rumors, it will support older Apple Watch bands. Its starting price is USD 399 (around PHP 19,870 converted), but Apple hasn’t shared a release date yet.
Apple iPad, iPad mini
Apple unveils two new iPads, including a low-cost iPad and a redesigned iPad mini.
The iPad gets a faster A13 processor and an improved 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front-facing camera with Center Stage for enhanced video calls. This 10.2-inch tablet has a True Tone display for a better viewing experience.
The iPad‘s starting price is still at USD 329 or PHP 19,990, but this time it gets more storage at that price at 64GB. There is an LTE version and a 256GB storage option as well. You can get it in silver and space gray color options.
As for the iPad mini, it has a smaller 8.3-inch display with a new flatter design similar to the iPhone 12. It gets smaller bezels and loses the fingerprint sensor in the front. Instead, it’s been moved to the top button.
The iPad mini now supports Apple Pencil 2nd-generation, runs on the new A15 Bionic chip, and comes with a 12-megapixel rear camera and stereo speakers.
Instead of Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, this tablet gets a USB-C port. And it now supports 5G connectivity. It comes in four colors: pink, starlight, purple, and space gray. The iPad mini has a starting price of USD 499 or PHP 29,990.
Both tablets are now available for pre-order, with availability starting September 24 for some markets.
UPDATE 1: 2021/09/01 10:37 A.M. GMT+8 BY NICOLE BATAC
Corrected pricing for the iPhone 13. The prices we initially gave were only for those who get a USD 30 discount from specific carriers.