If you missed it, Apple held an event today, 3/21 to announce updates to its current product line. I know they pitched it as new products, but I see them more as updates and I will explain why when we get there…be patient.
Here is what most everyone will want- iOS 9.3
Yup. I said it. Not exactly jumping out on ledge here, but iOS 9.3 looks great. They have added Night Shift (will help with blue light at night because even though we all know we shouldn’t be using our phone/device right in bed, we are), Notes now has password protected notes, app suggestions to the Health app and a preview of Education feature. It will be available later today (3/21) for download.
If you NEED your device tonight/tomorrow, DO NOT UPDATE. While Apple’s releases are usually stable, you never know. If you can wait, wait a few days. Let the rest of us update and figure out how it works.
The thing you will be most excited for if you love your iPhone 5s
Apple Announced the iPhone SE (huzzah to no more numbers) today and it looks pretty sweet. With the same internals as the iPhone 6s (A9 chip, M9 motion processor, 12MP camera) and the fact that the camera doesn’t stick out anymore (I think) this is the phone for you if you love the 4-inch iPhone (like my wife). While it won’t fit in your old cases due to an update design, it should fit in other things…like your pocket.
The Cost- $499 for the 64GB model. I am not listing the 16GB model because people should stop buying 16GB phones. Seriously. Save your money and get the 64GB when you can afford it.
For more information, head here for Apple’s take and here for the Ars Technica view
Looking for an iPad? Check this out
When Apple released the iPad Pro in November of 2015, I thought it was neat, but pricey and not for me (I have an iPad Air 2. It is awesome). Today, Apple released the new iPad Pro with a 9.7-inch screen (which I may call the iPad AAA. It is baseball season and the new iPad Pro is almost the MLB version). It looks pretty amazing and if you can afford it (or actually need it) it would be the iPad I would get if I needed one.
The True Tone Display they mentioned seems pretty amazing. I will have to wait and read some reviews to learn more.
The Cost- $599 for the 32GB, $749 for the 128GB and $899 for the 256GB (HUGE!!!)
Want more iPad Pro? Head here to see Apple’s information
What about the Apple Watch?
Apple’s product discussion started with the Apple Watch, which the stated was the #1 selling smartwatch in the world (how do we know for sure since they haven’t released sales numbers?). I am sure it is doing well and I have seen more of them in the wild and now I will see them with different bands. They announced a new Woven Nylon Band and new Sport Bands in new colors.
The biggest news was the price drop to $299 (from $349). Now people (like me) have to decide if they want to wait until Apple Watch 2 (rumored for next year) or jump in on a cheaper current model.
This, of course, is assuming you have decided you want/need a smart watch. Good luck figuring that out.
The rest by bullet point
- Lots of talk about the environment. I am glad they did this, but the cynic in me knows they could do more. I hope they continue
- Health/Research/Care kits may be the best things they put out for people. You have to decide about the privacy aspect, but these Kits seem like they will change how doctors and scientists treat and research the issues that affect many people.
- tvOS looks great if you have the new Apple TV. I have the old one, so I am less impressed, but I know it will get better as I move toward needed an new Apple TV…when I get the basement finished.
So what do you think of the Event? Will you get a new iPhone SE or iPad AAA? Share your thoughts!
