Apple iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus Sans Headphone Jacks Take the Stage

Apple iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus Sans Headphone Jacks Take the Stage

In addition to the iPhone 7 and AirPods, the tech giant introduced a new Apple Watch and announced a release date for its latest mobile operating system iOS 10.

A Day of Snags

It was a rough day for Apple ahead of its iPhone event. Just minutes before Apple was set to launch its show, Amazon launched a page on its digital marketplace listing all the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus cases the e-retailer will sell. As Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage, Apple’s Twitter account, which had been left dormant for years, published details on the iPhone—including images of the new device. While the tweet was eventually taken down, the damage was done.

Get Ready for the New iPhone

Apple unveiled the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus at its event on Sept. 7. The device comes with a similar design to its predecessor, the iPhone 6s, but includes a new home button and support for both water and dust resistance. Confirming earlier rumors, Apple has removed the headphone jack in the iPhone 7, requiring users to either listen to audio with wireless headphones or use an adapter that will come with the device. The iPhone 7 Plus will come with dual-lens camera support and new processing power, thanks to its A10 chip. It’ll launch on Sept. 16 for a starting price of $649.

Time for Apple Watch Series 2

As expected, Apple unveiled a new version of its smartwatch, called the Apple Watch Series 2. The device comes with water resistance up to 50 meters, allowing it to be used while swimming. The Series 2 has a dual-core processor that Apple says is up to 50 percent faster than the first-generation model. The internal graphics chip offers twice the graphics performance as the first-generation model, and users will find a display that’s twice as bright as its predecessor. And unlike the Apple Watch, the Series 2 has a GPS inside. The Apple Watch Series 2 is available in aluminum, steel and ceramic, among other models. It’ll be available Sept. 16 for a starting price of $369.

An Apple and Nike Tie-Up on Fitness

Apple Watch Series 2 wasn’t the only wearable unveiled at the show. Apple announced at its event that it had partnered with Nike to offer the Apple Watch Nike+, a wearable designed for runners and other athletes. While the device has a largely similar design and features, it comes with Nike enhancements, including the company’s software that tracks running statistics. It also ships with its own activity friendly wristbands. Like the Series 2, the Apple Watch Nike+ will retail for $369 to start. It’ll launch in late October.

Apple Has Some Brand-New Hardware

Since Apple’s iPhone 7 doesn’t have a headphone jack, the company announced new wireless earbuds it’s calling Apple AirPods. The AirPods come with up to five hours of listening on a single charge and a built-in microphone so users can chat with others on the phone from the earbuds. The AirPods work with both the iPhone and Apple Watch. The AirPods are also running Apple’s first wireless chip, known as the W1. They’ll start shipping in late October for $159.

Apple Doesn’t Forget About Beats

Although Apple unveiled new AirPods at the event, the company also said that Beats, which it acquired for $3 billion in 2014, is getting into the W1 mix. Apple said that Beats has launched a few new wireless headphones, including the Beats Solo 3, Powerbeats 3, and a new line called the Beats X. They support Apple’s W1 wireless chip and similarly work with both the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Apple’s iOS 10 Is Coming Soon

Apple has finally announced that its next mobile operating system, iOS 10, will launch on Sept. 13. Apple did not announce any new features in iOS 10 at its press event, but did confirm that it will be a free download for existing iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch owners, and will come bundled with its mobile hardware after Sept. 13.

Apple Isn’t Killing Older Devices

Although Apple has a new Apple Watch and iPhone, it isn’t turning its back on previous generations. Instead, Apple said that the first-generation Apple Watch will remain on store shelves and get an upgraded processor. The iPhone 6s will also be available at a discounted price of $549 to start.

No Mention of Computing

Although there were some rumors that Apple would announce a new iPad or new MacBook Pro at its Sept. 7 event, there was no talk about those products. In fact, the company didn’t even mention its upcoming desktop operating system macOS Sierra. It’s possible, therefore, that either the rumors were false or Apple is planning to talk about computing in the future.

Super Mario Comes to the iPhone

Nintendo made a surprise appearance at Apple’s special press event. The company announced that it will be bringing its biggest franchise in the world—Super Mario—to iOS. The iOS-based game is called Super Mario Run and allows players around the world to battle each other while controlling Mario with a single hand. According to Nintendo, it plans to launch Super Mario Run on iOS in December. Pricing for the app will be shared at a later time.