Apple has announced the next generation of its popular smart devices, including the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and Watch Series 2. Focusing on the iPhone experience, Apple has upgraded the smartphone camera system, battery life, speakers and display, and has added splash and water resistance. In a less popular decision, Apple also removed the headphone jack from the new smartphone. Users will now need to use wireless buds or use a Lightning port adapter (for wired headphones) that is expected to ship with the device.
While offering a few key upgrades, the iPhone 7 exterior design remains relatively unchanged. According to Ian Fogg, head of mobile analysis, IHS Technology, this is a risk, given that the iPhone is the main driver of growth for the company — directly affecting the up-sell of its other devices. “iPhone models with big exterior design change trigger a larger jump in shipments, while incremental ‘S’ designs have seen lower year-on-year growth rates,” said Fogg. Only time will tell if Apple’s significant upgrades in camera and battery technology will offset the lack of other major changes.
In this slideshow, we’ve highlighted new features debuting on the iPhone 7, Watch Series 2 and AirPods. Preorders for the iPhone 7 (retailing for $649) and 7 Plus (retailing for $769) will begin September 9th, with availability beginning September 16th.
The Latest Apple Debut
Click through for more on upgrades to the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, Watch Series 2 and AirPods.
iPhone 7 – Camera
The biggest upgrade with this release of the iPhone is seen in the camera technology. While the iPhone 7 and iPhone Plus both include a 12MP wide-angle camera, the iPhone 7 Plus will also include a 12MP telephoto camera. According to Apple, the ISP technology will allow you to capture sharp close-up photos and videos with optical zoom at 2x and improved digital zoom at up to 10x for photos and 6x for video. In the near future, Apple will also be releasing the depth-of-field effect for iPhone 7 Plus that will allow you to keep faces sharp while creating a blurred effect in the background. Both phones also come with a 7MP front-facing camera and optical image stabilization to reduce blur associated with motion and handshake.
iPhone 7 – iOS and Processing
iPhone and iPhone 7 Plus come with iOS 10, which includes an update on Messages that delivers more expressive and animated ways to message friends and family, the ability for Siri to do more, new ways to interact with apps and more places to use 3D Touch.
The new smartphone uses an A10 Fusion chip that is said to be 2x faster than the iPhone 6. The new chip is also expected to provide up to two more hours of battery life on the iPhone 7 and up to one more hour on the iPhone 7 Plus than the previous generation. Both phones will be available in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB models, with the new jet black finish available only in 128GB or 256GB models.
iPhone 7 – Finishes and Water Resistance
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will now come in five finishes – jet black, matte black, gold, silver and rose gold. The case of the iPhone 7 has been reengineered to provide splash and water resistance – the phone is not waterproof.
iPhone 7 – Retina HD Display
With a new wide color gamut, the Retina HD display is able to deliver cinema-standard colors. According to Apple, more shades of the color spectrum can be used to create an image, meaning that what you see on the screen is a truer representation of the world. The new Retina HD display has also been deeply integrated with 3D Touch throughout the iOS.
The iPhone 7 comes with a screen that measures 4.7″ and supports a 1334×750 resolution. The iPhone 7 Plus comes with a larger screen size of 5.5″ and supports a 1920×1080 resolution.
iPhone 7 – Now in Stereo
The iPhone 7 will now come with stereo speakers, delivering twice the audio output of the iPhone 6. The smartphone comes with EarPods that have a Lightning connector. If you want to listen with wired headphones you already own, the device will ship with a headphone jack adaptor, as the headphone jack has been removed.
AirPods
If you’re not prone to losing small items, you might want to check out the new AirPods, a wireless set of headphones that will be available in late October. According to Apple, after a simple one-tap setup, AirPods are automatically on and always connected. The AirPods are also compatible with Apple Watch, iPad and Mac. With a double-tap to either AirPod, you’re also able connect directly to Siri without taking your iPhone out of your pocket – allowing you to make calls, play music, adjust the volume, etc.
The AirPods provide up to five hours of battery life on a single charge and the case provides additional charges for more than 24 hours of listening time.
Watch Series 2
Apple Watch Series 2 is packed with fitness and health capabilities including a water resistance 50 meter rating for swimming and built-in GPS so users can now run without an iPhone. Apple Watch Series 2 also features a brighter display and a dual-core processor. Combined with the performance enhancements of watchOS 3, Apple Watch Series 2 makes it easier to access third-party apps, receive and respond to notifications and conveniently use Apple Pay. Apple Watch Series 2 will be available in more than 25 countries beginning Friday, September 16 and will retail for $159.
