Apple just unveiled the new line of iPhone 13, iPad and the Apple Watch Series 7 at its September event. Here's the recap of what's been announced, and all the key dates you need to know.
When was Apple's iPhone event?
The Apple iPhone event was held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 19 p.m. Spanish time. This is unlikely to be the only Apple event of fall 2021. The latter is expected to take place on Tuesday, October 12.
This is usually the month when Apple announces new Macs, and iPads (except on this occasion).
Wondering which date to remember? October events in previous years have (or have not) taken place on the following dates, so we are planning an event on Tuesday 12 or Wednesday 13 October.
2020: Tuesday, October 13
2019: no event in October
2018: Tuesday, October 30
2017: no event in October
2016: Thursday, October 27
2015: no event in October
2014: Thursday, October 16
2013: Tuesday, October 22
2012: Tuesday, October 23
2011: Tuesday, October 4
It is possible that the firm will unveil the Macbook Pro 14 and the MacBook Pro 16.
Which Apple products were launched during the September Keynote?
Apple has revealed next-gen updates to iPhones, iPads as well as its latest arrival Apple Watch. The firm also announced the A15 Bionic chip, which is available on the iPhone 13 and the new iPad Mini.
Fitness enthusiasts will be delighted to see new features coming to Apple Fitness+ in the coming months.
Below are the full Keynote announcements:
iPhone 13
The stars of the show were the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Mini. This 2021 generation is equipped with the A15 Bionic chip for improved performance, five color options (including the entry of Pink), more efficient photo sensors, just like its battery.
Pricing for the iPhone 13 starts at €909 for the standard model, and €809 for the Mini.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 13 begin on Friday, September 17, and the device will be available for sale from September 24.
The iPhone 13 has a flat-edged design, a ceramic front and is IP68 rated. It features a Super Retina XDR display, with Dolby Vision support, and more.
The A15 Bionic chip boosts the performance of iOS, via a six-core processor and improved performance for Siri and Maps text-to-speech. There's also a five-core GPU, with 30% faster graphics compared to the competition, according to Apple.
The iPhone 13 and 13 Mini are equipped with a dual photo module consisting of a 12 Mp wide-angle sensor and a 12 Mp ultra-wide-angle sensor. The camera brings improvements to low-light and night modes, as well as a cinematic mode for video, with the ability to focus between subjects for artistic shots.
The autonomy gains two and a half hours more for the standard model and an hour and a half for the Mini, compared to their counterparts 12.
iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max
In addition to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini, we also got a refresh of the Pro line, with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Also featuring the A15 Bionic chip (with a five-core GPU instead of four), the Pro line features a triple camera setup with a 77mm telephoto lens, low-light enhancements, and it comes in a new color Alpine Blue.
Prices start at €1 for the iPhone 159 Pro and €13 for the Pro Max. You can also get your hands on a 1TB model, if you have a big storage need.
Pre-orders will launch this Friday, September 17, and iOS will hit shelves on September 24.
The design is completed with a matte glass back finish and an IP68 waterproof rating. The iPhone 13s also feature ProMotion technology, with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz for gaming and video playback.
The triple module is once again the main feature of the Pro models, with a new 77mm telephoto, an ultra-wide and a wide. They allow for great shots, in low light situations, and 6x optical zoom. Macro photography is also supported.
All sensors have a night mode, as well as a new function called "Photographic Styles", it is used to customize photo filters. Vidophiles will also be happy to hear that Dolby Vision HDR recording is now possible.
As with the standard iPhone 13, the autonomy of the Pro models has been boosted. Apple claims that the iPhone 13 Pro can last an hour and a half longer than the iPhone 12 Pro, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max can last two and a half hours longer than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It has, to date, the best autonomy of the iPhone.
iPad 2021
Despite rumors suggesting that a new iPad wouldn't be unveiled at the event, Apple, to everyone's surprise, got the ball rolling with an update to the standard iPad model, as well as the iPad Mini. .
iPad (2021) prices start at €389 for the 64GB (Wi-Fi) version. Pre-orders are available now, you can buy it in stores from Friday, September 24.
It features a 10,2-inch True Tone display and runs on the A13 Bionic chip running iPad OS 15.
There's also a 12MP selfie sensor that now benefits from the iPad Pro's Center Stage experience. It is notably compatible with the first generation Pen.
iPad Mini 2021
Apart from the classic iPad, the iPad Mini is also getting an update with big changes. These include a rounded design, the A15 Bionic chip (also found in the iPhone 13 line) and a USB-C port.
The iPad Mini (2021) is launched at €559. Its pre-order is now possible, for sale on Friday, September 24.
The Mini tablet is available in four colours: Mauve, Pink, Stellar Light and Space Grey. Up front, you get an 8,3-inch liquid retina display with True Tone. It embeds Touch ID in the upper right corner for added security.
When it comes to performance, there's a 40% improvement in CPU and an 80% jump in GPU over the previous generation. The USB-C port allows support for other devices, a big step for Apple. This device is also compatible with the second generation Apple Pencil.
The camera of this iPad has gone to a 12 Mp sensor.
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple has also renewed the Apple Watch. The Series 7 has a slightly larger screen and is graced with a look with thin edges and softer, rounded corners, in line with the redesigned iPad Mini.
The Apple Watch Series 7 will be available later this fall, priced at $399. Unfortunately, no pre-order or release date has yet been communicated.
Buttons have been redesigned and enlarged for ease of use, and the screen can now accommodate more text. There's a full keyboard, as well as a "quick tap" feature for quickly switching between letters and predicting words as you type.
The display is crack-resistant with IP6X certification, making it both waterproof and dustproof.
The watch has an autonomy of 18 hours and an improved charging system: 45 minutes are enough to take it from 0 to 80%.
The standard model comes in five colors, but you can opt for steel and titanium models, as well as special editions from brands such as Nike.
The watch runs Apple's Watch OS 8, which detects cycling, bike falls and recognizes e-bikes.
Apple Fitness +
Thanks to Apple Fitness+ software updates, revealed during the Keynote, you now have the option to start group workouts.
You will also discover the Pilates discipline, guided meditations and new training plans.
For new subscribers, Apple is offering a one-month free trial, while for Apple Watch users it will be three months at no cost.
These features will start rolling out later this month and throughout the fall season.
Unannounced products
AirPods
In a "surprising" turnaround, Apple did not deign to release new AirPods. Quotes because if we look at the Back to school offer of 2021, Airpods are offered, which suggested that the arrival of new headphones was unlikely.
It's been two years since Apple last updated its standard wireless headphones. If that were to happen then, and hopefully soon, they could be some sort of AirPods Pro Lite, which sits between the wireless charging AirPods 2 and the AirPods Pro.
Moreover, on the design side, we imagine them with shorter rods and new silicone tips.
MacBook Pro
As we suspected, no announcement regarding the MacBook line has been made.
Rumors still suggest that this laptop could feature Apple's M1X or M2 chip and new mini-LED screen technology.
iPad Air
Although the iPad and iPad Mini were refreshed, the iPad Air was not mentioned. That said, it seemed obvious that the cheaper models in the range would be the first to be introduced and updated.
Dates to remember
To make sure you don't miss any pre-orders, keep an eye on the key dates for this month of September:
- Tuesday, September 14: iPad pre-orders.
- Friday, September 17: iPhone 13 pre-orders
- Friday, September 24: Official launch of iPhone 13, iPad and iPad Mini.
Even after 4 hardware announcements, Apple isn't done for the year. There will most likely be an event in October where the veil will be lifted on the new 14-inch MacBook Pro and, if we're lucky, AirPods.
