Apple event: New Watch, iPads, fitness classes, and no iPhone 12 – everything unveiled during 'Time Flies' keynote
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Your support makes all the difference.Apple has unveiled a host of new and updated products, including a revamped range of iPads, Apple Watches and a workout platform.
The ‘Time Flies’ event was held at the same time of year that Apple typically announces its latest iPhone, though there was not a single mention of the iPhone 12.
Apple had previously mentioned in a call to investors that its flagship device would be delayed by “a few weeks”, but it is still not clear when the launch will take place.
It was the first big product reveal since the coronavirus pandemic and despite being presented from Apple Park in California, the entire event took place virtually through an online stream on its website.
In place of the iPhone, the biggest announcement was the launch of the Apple Watch Series 6 and a new affordable version, the Apple Watch SE. The next-generation smartwatch comes with a host of new features, including a sensor to measure blood oxygen levels and an always-on altimeter.
The price for the Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $399, while the cheaper Watch SE starts at $279.
The new iPad lineup included a redesigned version of the Air, which borrows features from the more expensive iPad Pro. The A14 Bionic chip makes use of a neural engine capable of processing more than 5 trillion operations per second. Apple described it as a huge leap forward in performance and “challenges the laws of physics”.
The price of the new iPad starts at $349, while the iPad Air starts at $599.
Apple also launched a new subscription plan called Apple One that bundles together its various services. This includes the newly announced Fitness+ workout classes.
“Apple One makes enjoying Apple subscription services easier than ever, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, and more,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of internet software and services, in a statement. “With Apple One, you can access the best of Apple entertainment across all your favourite devices with one simple subscription.”
Despite no mention of the next-generation iPhone, Apple did reveal that its iOS 14 software - which the iPhone 12 will presumably run on - will launch on 16 September.
New versions of iPadOS, Watch OS and the operating system for Apple TV will also be released at the same time.
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