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With larger iPhones, Apple accepts that smartphones have evolved
So it finally happened -- after seemingly ages of rumors and speculation, Apple has unveiled larger iPhones (the 6 and 6 Plus) that are really, truly bigger than the 3.5-inch original. It's no doubt a welcome move if you're a fan who has been craving a big display, and it might even reel in people who have held off on an iPhone until now. However, this isn't just an instance of a company tweaking its product line to accommodate changing tastes. That happens all the time. For Apple, it's an acknowledgment that the very definition of a smartphone has changed over the years.
Apple Watch: Much ado about nothing
I don't get it. Based on my demographic standing; by sheer dint of my position within the tech press; as someone who grew up with the first Macintosh in his house and a subscription to Macworld, I should be standing and applauding and ferociously tweeting my awe and amazement at the unveiling of Apple Watch. Yet, I am not. Apple did not save wearables, as many thought it would. Apple caved to the incredibly high bar of expectations set by the public. Apple unveiled something, at best, lukewarm. At most, it's prettier than the smartwatches that've come before, and that's likely its greatest innovation.
Apple reveals new iCloud pricing, but you still only get 5GB of space for free
It used to be that if you compared iCloud pricing to other online storage services, Apple didn't look so hot. (Twenty bucks a year for 10GB?! Bye, Felicia.) Now, in a bid to better compete with bigwigs like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, Apple is revising its iCloud plans so that they're a little more affordable. Now, 20GB costs 99 cents a month; 200GB costs $4; 500GB is $10; and 1TB is $20 a month. All told, that's an improvement -- at least compared to the Apple of years past. It must be noted, though, that the free storage plan still only includes 5GB of space -- a bit stingy considering Google and Microsoft both offer 15GB gratis. Also, as low as Apple's prices are compared to the olden days, Google's are still better: Google charges $10 a month for 1TB, not $20, and it also offers a more inexpensive 100GB option, which Apple doesn't do.
Apple Watch will unlock your hotel room door, guide you home and more: the app roundup
You're at the Westin Grand in Berlin having a luxurious vacation. After finishing a delicious bowl of mushroom consommé -- chanterelles are in season, after all -- you stroll up the lavish center staircase toward your room. Having left wallets in the past, you simply hover your Apple Watch over the door. "Click!" And that's that. Magnetic plastic cards are so uncivilized. This is the future Apple imagines for you with its new Watch, and it's working with Starwood Hotels (the group that owns Westin, among others) to make that future a reality. And that's just one of several scenarios for Apple Watch that were introduced by Apple VP Kevin Lynch during a third-party app demo on stage in Cupertino, California.
The iPhone 6 hands-on
One iPhone model. Two sizes. Aside from a suite of feature and software improvements, the iPhone 6 is also getting upgraded in screen size -- the smaller version at 4.7 inches, with the Plus option at 5.5 inches. The more petite iteration is what I'll focus on here, though you'll be able to take a look at the larger size here. Aside from the difference in diagonal screen size, there's very little to tell these two versions apart until you start looking deeper; the Plus comes with a bigger battery, better display, one-handed mode and an extra stabilization feature on the camera, but everything else is essentially identical. Take a look at the photos and video below, along with a few thoughts from my first encounter with the new iPhone.
Apple aesthetics: a look at the iPhone's design history
In order to properly appreciate the brand-spanking-new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, you first have to examine its lineage. 2007's OG iPhone introduced iOS to the masses, and 2013 saw the release of two separate models for the first time. Today, the long-rumored successors to those 5s and 5c handsets was unveiled, and with them comes new aesthetic tools that continue Apple's lineage of design prowess. Let's take a gander back at the full line, and examine the finer points that made each one unique.
Apple Watch vs. the competition: Is it worth the wait?
Long rumored and eagerly awaited, the Apple Watch is now a reality. It's certainly not the first smartwatch on the block, but could it be the best? The features look impressive, but we'll still need to get one on our wrist and write a full review. In the meantime, there's always the specs to look at. How does the Apple Watch fare against some of the other wearables on the market? Just take a look below to see where it stands against notable smartwatches like the Pebble Steel, Moto 360 and the Samsung Gear Live.
We got our hands on the Apple Watch
The rumors, flying for many moons now, have turned out to be true. Meet Apple's first wearable, the aptly, if uncreatively, named Watch. While the name's a bit mundane, Apple's making a big effort to make the thing as customizable as it can, with two sizes, three materials and a slew of different watchbands. We didn't get to put our fingers on every permutation of the Watch, but we did get to try on a couple of them. Join me after the break, won't you, and find out what they're like.
The iPhone 6 Plus preview (hands-on)
An iPhone with a 5.5-inch display? A few years ago, it seemed as though Apple would never relent to doing such a thing -- after all, a 3.5-inch display was more than sufficient at the time. In 2014, however, it's a bit of a different story. There's a wide variety of phone sizes out there, and a lot of different markets that Apple could appeal to by offering a large device. With the iPhone 6 Plus, Apple is now able to address those who don't mind using a big phone for its extra screen real estate and larger battery. We had the opportunity to play with the Plus for a spell after Apple's keynote this morning, and it's got a bright future ahead. Check out our photos and video below as we continue to bring you our thoughts on the giant iPhone.
iPhone 6 Plus vs. the competition: Bigger is better, right?
Phones have been getting bigger and bigger, with many consumers embracing large handsets even as their screen sizes start to brush against the 6-inch mark. But those who prefer a larger screen have really only had Android as an option -- until today. The larger iPhone 6 Plus is here, and it's beautiful. While time will tell whether the iPhone 6 Plus has what it takes to challenge its more-established competition, we can still take a look at its specs versus the Galaxy Note 4 and LG G3 to see who's coming out of the gate with the strongest start. Want to see how it compares to other phones, both big and small? Build your own specs comparison with our compare feature!
iPhone 6 pricing in the UK: what you need to know
The rumours were true: Apple has increased the size of the iPhone and launched two new models: the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. With the company's new A8 processor controlling things, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus clock in at least 25 percent faster than the iPhone 5s, offering up to 50 percent better battery life and more power for the most intensive 3D games. There's also an improved M8 motion coprocessor for better fitness tracking, as well as a dedicated "image signal processor" that'll deliver slower-motion video (up to 240fps) while offering clearer and more vibrant photos (thanks to its new Focus Pixels auto-focusing tech).
RIP Click Wheel: Apple discontinues the iPod classic
Every time Apple holds one of its keynotes, we think to ourselves, "Maybe this is the year they'll kill off the iPod classic." Finally, after a years-long stay of execution, Apple's oldest living media player is going the way of the dodo. The company just reopened its online store after announcing two new iPhones and a smartwatch, and the iPod classic is conspicuously absent from the iPod section. The remaining options include the shuffle, nano and touch at the high end, with the max amount of storage being 64GB. If you're of a certain age, then, you can get ready to tell your grandchildren about the days when people carried 160GB of music in their pocket instead of streaming it all from the cloud. Oh, and get ready to explain what a spinning hard drive is, too.
The iPhone 6 vs. the competition: Can it stay ahead?
By now you're aware that there's an iPhone 6 and you've seen what it has to offer. But are all those new bells and whistles (like Apple Pay) enough to make you choose it above other phones? It's always hard to tell what features will work out, but in the meantime there's always cold, hard specs to look at. We've stacked up the new iPhone against the latest and greatest its competitors have to offer, so check out the numbers and other internals of the iPhone 6 versus the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the HTC One (M8) for Windows. Of course, you can also pick whatever devices you want and pit them against the iPhone 6 with our compare feature!
Apple is giving away U2's new album 'Songs of Innocence' on iTunes
To close out today's event, Apple CEO Tim Cook and U2 announced that the band's newest album is launching right now on iTunes. It's available free, and will be there exclusively until October 13th to all account holders. If you don't have an account, just create one within the next five weeks and you can download all 11 tracks from Songs of Innocence free of charge. The servers are (predictably) a bit slammed, but it should be available right in the albums section of iTunes on PCs or your Apple device to download it. It will also be available on iTunes Radio and Beats Music for streaming, starting tomorrow. U2 closed out the show by performing the album's lead single "The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)." Rolling Stone has some details from band members about the collaborations (Danger Mouse, Flood and some of Adele's producers) and influences for the album, but check back here to get our first impressions of both new iPhone 6 models, and the Apple Watch.
Apple's WatchKit ensures third-party wearable support from day one
Apple has unveiled its long-rumored wearable, and with it a third-party tool chest called WatchKit. For starters, the initiative will help developers integrate compatible apps with the Watch's Glances screen, and do so from day one. It's also part of a larger mindset in Cupertino, including HomeKit and HealthKit, that allows more openness and a range of features when new devices launch. This means that companies like Twitter, American Airlines and Starwood Hotels can get in right from the start, with custom features for wearable-driven tasks. For example, guests can expect to unlock hotel rooms by waving the Apple Watch in front of the lock and BMW will let you check the charging status of your car. And starting next year, devs will be able to create native apps for the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch monitors your activity and workouts with two separate apps
Does the Apple Watch spell doom for dedicated fitness devices from Fitbit, Withings and Jawbone? Certainly, it looks as if you won't need one if you own Apple's first wearable, since the device ships with a pair of apps specifically designed to track fitness. The first is Activity, which measures the quantity of your sitting, standing and movement on a daily basis. There are three "rings" on the display, and you make each one disappear by performing the requisite amount of movement for each one. For instance, the exercise ring will disappear if you've moved at a pace above a brisk walk for more than 30 minutes in a single day. The move ring, meanwhile, will disappear when you've burned off a predetermined quantity of calories, and the standing ring disappears if you get up and stand for a single minute each hour, for 12 hours. Apple claims that Activity will learn your daily patterns, and when it senses that you're chilling out on the couch, it will give you a Jawbone-esque reminder to get up off the couch -- just like your very own personal trainer.
Apple Watch is the wearable Cupertino hopes you've been waiting for
If you're tired of rumors and speculation about Cupertino's so-called iWatch, then good news -- that all ends today. Apple has just confirmed the arrival of its first fully fledged wearable device -- Apple Watch. How much of what we heard in the run up to the event was true? How does it compare to the recent slew of Android smartwatches? In typical Apple fashion, the device has a few surprises. First up some top-level details: Apple Watch has a sapphire display, four sensors on the back, NFC, Apple Pay and a choice of six straps at launch. Of course, they use a proprietary connecting mechanism, which means you can't just run out and buy any old watchband. Apple also claims it's accurate to 50ms and is the "most personal device we've ever created." Probably to the surprise of many, the new watch isn't Swiss-style at all, in fact sharing much of the iPhone's design language -- curved edges and a power button on the side. There's also a hardware dial, just like on a regular watch, that Apple is calling a "Digital Crown," which can be used to navigate menus, zoom into images and more. A big heads-up: You'll need an iPhone 5 or above and $350 if you want one of these when they become available "early next year."
Apple Pay comes to the iPhone for handling mobile purchases, NFC in tow
For years, Apple has resisted including NFC connectivity inside its iPhone handsets... until now. With the arrival of the new iPhones, the folks in Cupertino are finally including the option that will sort mobile payments. What's more, it's doing so with a process it built for use on its handsets: Apple Pay. The new feature is included on both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and uses NFC, Touch ID and a Secure Element chip to keep that precious info under lock and key. So how does it work? Well, you add a card to your iTunes account, which then adds it to Passport. You can also suspend payments with Find My iPhone if your card gets lost or stolen without the need to make a phone call. In terms of security, Apple doesn't know what you're buying, and cashiers won't even see your name. Instead, a one-time payment number and a dynamic security code complete the transactions.
Apple drops iPhone 5s price to $99 and the 5c to 'free' on contract
We're at Apple's big iPhone 6 shindig, and as you might expect, Apple's new 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch handsets have rendered its previous handsets a little more... moot. But hey, that means it's discount time! As with previous phone launches, Apple has lowered the starting price of the current 16GB iPhone 5s from $199 to $99 on contract, while the bottom-rung 8GB 5c runs a cool "zero." Both devices will also ship with iOS 8 starting September 17th. Check out our liveblog of Apple's iPhone event to get the latest news as it happens!
iOS 8 will be available to download on September 17th
New iPhones mean new software to go with it. So, with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus going on sale soon, that means iOS 8 is on the way as well. Apple just confirmed the next-gen operating system will arrive next week, on September 17th, as a free download. In particular, you'll be able to download it for every iPhone from the 4s on, every iPad starting with the iPad 2 and the fifth-generation iPod touch.
