The premium computing and mobile device brand has now unveiled its latest products.
Apple’s event for this year was met with a considerable amount of excitement as the world watched to see the unveiling of the iPhone 6, as well as a number of other devices and services that have branched the company into a number of other markets.
Similar to the event from last year, there were two different smartphones launched simultaneously.
The difference between the two smartphones are that the iPhone 6 is the standard size for Apple’s devices of this nature (4.7 inches), and the iPhone 6 Plus has a slightly larger screen (5.5 inches). These smartphones have faster processors, higher resolution Retina HD displays, improved camera and video recording capabilities, and 128 GB of memory. They are both available in gold, silver, and space gray. The smaller version starts at $199 with a two year contract and the larger will be $299 with a two year contract.
The iPhone 6 will be released with the iOS 8 which will be available for free download by older device users.
Beyond the smartphone, itself, the premium brand has also unveiled the Apple Pay, which will work with the NFC antenna, Touch ID, and Secure Element privacy built into the latest two mobile devices. This is the highly anticipated mobile wallet that many have expected from the company. With it, financial data is never stored either on the device or on Apple servers. A customer’s name, card numbers, or security code are never shared with a cashier.
Should the device ever be lost or stolen, the cards don’t need to be cancelled. Instead, the Find My iPhone service can be used to suspend mobile payments exclusively from that device while the cards remain active. This service will become available in the United States, first, in October, and is compatible with Visa, MasterCard and American Express. It is accepted across the country at more than 220,000 contactless payment counters across the country. It will roll out worldwide shortly afterward.
The Apple Watch – previously nicknamed the iWatch and iTime by the media and by the technology rumor mill – was next to hit the stage. According to CEO Tim Cook, the “Apple Watch is the most personal device we’ve ever created.” It features a “Digital Crown” (a high tech watch knob) that allows users to zoom in, scroll through content, and navigate without direct use of the display. Its features are primarily focused on notifications and fitness, with everything from text message display to pulse rate detection and from GPS mapping to Siri. It is made from custom alloys of stainless steel, aluminum, and 18-karat gold with several strap options. It will become available early next year at a starting price of $349 in three editions: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Edition, and Apple Watch Sport.
Following that the announcements of the iPhone 6 smartphones, the iOS8, the Apple Pay, and the Apple Watch came a U2 performance that released their latest album, Songs of Innocence, which became available for free download in 119 countries, to every iTunes Store customer
