AppleEvent9-2013
Latest
Apple September Event: iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c announced and more
Did you miss the announcement of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, or was everything going by too fast to absorb? Catch up with TUAW's coverage of today's Apple special event. General coverage September 2013 Apple event liveblog: the new iPhone party Apple kicks off September iPhone event with impressive facts and figures Video of Apple iPhone 5s and 5c event available TUAW TV Live: Special Apple Event Episode Subtexts in Apple's Sept. 10 iPhone event Apple adds new 'Space Gray' color option for iPod Touch, nano, and shuffle Tim Cook sends email to Apple employees detailing new iPhones, iOS 7 iPhone-related coverage Apple debuts the colorful iPhone 5c Apple's iPhone 5c cases are protective and obnoxiously colorful Apple debuts the iPhone 5s, shipping September 20 starting at $199 iPhone 5s features enhanced motion tracking thanks to CoreMotion API Apple reveals Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor built into the iPhone 5s Apple bumps up camera specs on new iPhone 5s and 5c NTT DoCoMo gets new iPhones on September 20 Apple lists model numbers, carriers for new iPhones Unlocked prices for iPhone 5c start at $549, iPhone 5s at $649 Apple's back in the dock business and now making cases Apple killed the iPhone 5, but the iPhone 4s lives to fight another day Competitors react (humorously) to Apple's new iPhones Apple still offering the iPhone 4 in China iOS-related coverage Apple announces iOS 7 will be released on September 18 Apple announces free iWork suite including iMovie and iPhoto for iOS Apple releases iOS 7 and Xcode Gold Master builds to developers Infinity Blade III to launch on September 18 Apple asking devs to submit iOS 7-compatible app updates before September 18 launch Apple quietly discontinues its Cards app
Apple adds new 'Space Gray' color option for iPod Touch, nano and shuffle
Apple has added a "space gray" color option to the iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod shuffle. The new color option for the iPods was first noticed by MacRumors. The fact that Apple quietly did this probably means that no iPod refresh is set to come this year, as Apple would have likely held off on introducing the new color if iPods were to be refreshed before the holidays. The space gray option replaces black on the current iPod lineup. All prices on iPods remain the same.
Competitors react (humorously) to Apple's new iPhones
It wasn't just Apple working hard to wow consumers this morning; Just about every big-name smartphone maker was feverishly coming up with snarky ways to jab at Cupertino's latest handhelds. Here are a few select giggle-worthy cracks from the companies wishing they had their own iPhone. If you notice the absence of one of Apple's most outspoken and critical rivals, Samsung, it's because the company has remained mute on today's events. Warning: You can almost smell the fear in these tweets. 8 megapixels is still just 8 megapixels. See what you can do with 41: http://t.co/4ks5d7FreB #timetoswitch to #WindowsPhone - Windows Phone (@windowsphone) September 10, 2013 Screen sizes, speed, and stunning snapshots. Those are our 5 S's. See why it's #timetoswitch to #WindowsPhone - Windows Phone (@windowsphone) September 10, 2013 Remember that one time you were stoked to give your fingerprints? Us either. #LazyPhone - Motorola Mobility (@Motorola) September 10, 2013 Thanks, #Apple ;) pic.twitter.com/x4w3r8Ghcy - Nokia UK (@nokia_uk) September 10, 2013 "Real gangsters don't use gold phones." pic.twitter.com/yurtFf3TML - Nokia UK (@nokia_uk) September 10, 2013 Make the #TimeToChange: http://t.co/b1oU2c2noZ pic.twitter.com/vND7ppza9d - HTC (@htc) September 10, 2013
Video of Apple iPhone 5s and 5c event available
That was quick! Video from today's event that debuted the iPhone 5c and the iPhone 5s is available on Apple's website now. You can watch it through your phone, iOS device or stream it through the Apple TV. The presentation and music performances clock in at just over 85 minutes.
Apple killed the iPhone 5, but the iPhone 4s lives to fight another day
Steve Jobs loved the 3.5-inch screen size of the iPhone 4, and once famously claimed that "no one's going to buy" the larger smartphones that were competing with the iPhone back in 2010. Now here we are with 2014 fast approaching and a pair of new 4-inch iPhones on the horizon. But while the iPhone 5 has proved to be a success despite -- or perhaps thanks to -- its gorgeous 4-inch display, Jobs was undoubtedly right about one thing: A 3.5-inch smartphone is the sweet spot for many, many users. Today, Apple showed the world the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, while at the same time putting an axe in the original iPhone 5. If you want a 4-inch Apple smartphone you'll soon have to choose between a polycarbonate-bodied device in a wacky color (or white, I suppose) or the new top-of-the line 5s model. And yet when Apple showed off its new smartphone lineup today, the iPhone 4s remains. The iPhone 4s is free with a new two-year contract through many mobile carriers, and that has helped give new life to the years-old device while other similarly aged smartphones have the relevance of paperweights. When was the last time you heard about continued worldwide demand for the HTC Thunderbolt or Motorola Atrix? But the iPhone 4s remains one of the world's best-selling smartphones, and even managed to outlive its successor. That's quite an accomplishment. On top of that, the iPhone 4s continues to be supported with updates from Apple, and the much-anticipated iOS 7 update will still be supported on the aging device. Now, this isn't the first time we've seen an Apple device continue on even after its immediate heir has been usurped; Apple pulled the same trick with the iPad line in late 2012. When the fourth generation of the iPad was announced, the third-gen model (which had just been released eight months prior) was sent out to pasture, but production on the 16GB iPad 2 continues even today.
Apple's back in the dock business and now making cases
Looking at the iPhone accessory page today after the Apple Store came back online, two things were immediately noticeable. First, Apple has a pair 'o docks available for the new 5c and 5s -- both sell for US$29, and the only difference appears to be the shape of the port that you drop your phone into. Apple is also getting into the case business -- as you'll remember, the company made a bumper for the iPhone 4 / 4S, but has never made a full case for an iPhone; it's always left that up to third-party manufacturers. For the colorful iPhone 5c, there's a "hole-y" case for $29 that you can mix or match with your phone. For the iPhone 5s, the company also came out with a line of $39 color cases, some of which are a little... odd. We're also hearing from a number of case manufacturers who will have cases for the new devices coming out this week. Keep tuned to TUAW for all the highlights.
Unlocked prices for iPhone 5c start at $549, iPhone 5s at $649
Neither the iPhone 5c nor the iPhone 5s is available for pre-order yet, but you can check out the order pages prior to the pre-orders going live. Among the options are unlocked and contract-free phones geared toward T-Mobile users, but they can be used with any GSM-supported carrier. For the iPhone 5s, a 16 GB unlocked phone is $649, 32 GB is $749 and 64 GB is $840. For the iPhone 5c, a 16 GB unlocked phone is $549 and 32 GB phone is $649. The unlocked iPhones will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.
Apple bumps up camera specs on new iPhone 5s and 5c
The cameras built into iOS devices are among the most popular features ever offered, and Apple is paying attention to photo buffs with some significant updates in the iPhone 5s and some strong camera specs in the new iPhone 5c. Apple says it wanted the camera to be "better and smarter." The camera in the iPhone 5s has a new Apple-designed, five-element lens with f/2.2 aperture. The sensor has a 15 percent larger area, and Apple claims the bigger pixels will make for a better picture. Coupled with iOS 7, the new iPhone automatically sets white balance, exposure level and can create a a dynamic local tone map. Apple also points out that, like many DSLRs, the new iPhone will do autofocus matrix metering. The flash has also been updated for the iPhone 5s. It uses an Apple technology called True Tone. It is said to solve the problems of photos with mixed color temperatures, like indoor lighting combined with sunlight through a window. Apple has added a second LED flash to the new iPhone, one balanced for daylight, the other for indoor lighting. Apple says there are 1,000 unique variations and combinations using the two LEDs. Skin tones and colors should be improved. Apple has also added auto image stabilization, something we've seen in some third-party apps. And the new processor in the camera will give you a 10-frames-per-second burst mode for as long as you hold the shutter button down. Then the camera can analyze the shots and pick what it thinks are the best ones. The camera also supports slow motion for video, capturing 120 frames per second at 720P. Panoramas (up to 28 MB) aren't forgotten either. It looks like the camera will adjust exposure in real time as you pan across a scene. That's always a problem with panoramas, and it will be interesting to see if Apple has greatly reduced that issue. There are also some nice touches in the new lower-cost iPhone 5c. The camera is 8MP, with backside illumination, and a five-element lens. The camera is claimed to be better in low light, with a 1.9-micron pixel size. All in all, these are significant upgrades in photo quality for the iPhone 5s, and most seem based on the new faster A7 processor. The 5c gets some photo-love as well, and at a lower cost, it will bring high photo quality to a less expensive iPhone.
Apple reveals Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor built into the iPhone 5s
In a move sure to delight security and privacy gurus, Apple revealed today at its iPhone event that the all-new iPhone 5s features a fingerprint sensor built into the home button. The technology is built into a ring around the home button that can scan sub-epidermal layers of your skin in order to identify you without the need to a passcode or other more archaic security measures. But beyond just allowing you to access your phone, Touch ID can be used to verify things like iTunes purchases without a password. Apple claims that the process of setting it up is super simple, and given the fact that it is a biometric sensor, it's certainly more secure than your mother's maiden name. To further please security advocates, Apple confirmed that the data is never stored on Apple's servers or backed up in the cloud -- it's all saved only to the device in your hand.
iPhone 5s features enhanced motion tracking thanks to CoreMotion API
Apple has revealed a new feature for the iPhone 5s that will dramatically impact the way we use the phone as an exercise tool. The 5s introduces a new part called M7 which works alongside the phone's new 64-bit A7 processer. M7 is a motion co-processor that continually measures your personal motion data, with accelerometer, gyroscope and compass support. The M7 co-processor works with the new CoreMotion API, which identifies user movements and optimizes their experience based on contextual awareness. Nike is already in the process of creating a new app to showcase these features called Nike+ Move that uses the M7 chip and your phone's GPS to keep track of your activities.
Apple's iPhone 5c cases are protective and obnoxiously colorful
Apple doesn't usually produce cases for its smartphones, but the iPhone 5c isn't like any iPhone before it. At today's Apple event, the iPhone 5c was shown alongside a new line of custom protective cases that will allow you to mix and match a wide range of looks for the device. The new cases feature cutouts for the phone's camera lens and flash, as well as the lock button, while the volume buttons are integrated into the case design. Each case will be sold for US$29.
Apple debuts the iPhone 5s, shipping September 20 starting at $199
In addition to the iPhone 5c, Apple officially announced the iPhone 5s. Billed as "the most forward-thinking phone we've ever created," the new phone introduces a gold-toned option that hit the rumor mill in recent weeks. The phone will be available in gold, silver and "space grey" backs with white glass for the gold and silver options and black glass for the space grey. It is made of a high-grade aluminum with cut, chamfered edges. It contains a 64-bit A7 chip which Apple claims is 40 times faster than the CPU and GPU in the original iPhone. The new chip, which is backwards-compatible with 32-bit iOS apps, supports OpenGL ES 3.0 graphics. iOS 7 will support the 64-bit kernel. The phone also has a motion co-processor dubbed the M7 that measures motion data from the onboard accelerometer, gyroscope and compass. There will also be a CoreMotion API to keep track of user movements. These sensors can operate when the phone is in standby mode, allowing for new fitness and motion-based apps. The battery life is listed at 10 hours of cellular talk time, 250 hours on standby, 10 hours of web browsing on LTE and 40 hours of music playback. The camera has a new Apple-designed lens with an f/2.2 aperture, 15 percent larger active sensor area, a new True Tone flash and support for burst mode and slo-mo video. The iPhone 5s will also have a fingerprint sensor known as Touch ID. The sensor is built into the home button and is 170 microns thin. The steel ring around the button detects your finger as well so you don't have to actually press the button. Touch ID will allow for iOS App Store and iTunes purchasing as well as unlocking the phone. The iPhone 5s will be 16 GB for US$199, 32 GB for $299 and 64 GB for $399. Cases will be available for $39 each. The phone will be released on September 20 in nine countries, including China -- the first time that country has debut a new iPhone at launch. Preorder info is not yet available.
Apple debuts the colorful iPhone 5c
We've been hearing about a cheaper, more vibrant iPhone for months and today we finally got our first official look from Apple's iPhone event. The iPhone 5c is the real deal. The phone appears strikingly different from the standard iPhone 5 in that it has zero body breaks whatsoever. The phone is made of "hard-coated polycarbonate" and features much of what we've come to love about the iPhone 5, including the 4-inch Retina display, along with a battery that is slightly larger than that of the current iPhone 5. The 5c is powered by the A6 processor and includes an 8-megapixel camera as well as new FaceTime video technology that is designed to work better in low light than the current setup. The phone will be offered in five colors (blue, pink, yellow, white and green) starting at US$99 on a two-year contract for the 16GB model and $199 for the 32GB version. No word yet on contract-free pricing. The phone will be on sale on September 20 and will be available for preorder on September 13.
Apple announces free iWork suite including iMovie and iPhoto for iOS
Apple has announced the latest expansion of their iWork suite, and it's a massive change for users. The suite is now free on all new iOS devices and now includes iMovie and iPhoto. When you upgrade to iOS 7, you will be presented with a screen that lets you download these apps. These features will be included with any new iPad, iPhone or fifth-generation iPod touch. The suite will include iMovie, iPhoto, Pages, Keynote and Numbers.
Apple announces iOS 7 will be released on September 18
The much-anticipated refresh of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 7, finally has a release date: September 18th. There isn't a whole lot we don't already know about iOS 7 thanks to weeks of developer beta testing and a number of showcases by Apple itself, but at today's iPhone event, Craig Federighi took the stage to show off a few key features. Improved web search, a more responsive Siri, advanced photo organization based on time and location and the new command center were all part of the presentation, as was iTunes Radio, which allows users to create their own stations and customize their own audio streams. The OS will work with "almost every" iOS device. Get ready folks, only a week to go.
