Apple’s fall 2021 tech showcase introduced several new upgrades to the tech giant’s current lineup. We got a glimpse at the upcoming iPhone 13, a refreshed iPad mini, and a bunch more. Many were hoping to see some news regarding the next evolution of Apple’s AirPods and the latest MacBooks. But, you’ll have to keep waiting. Below is a brief summary of everything that was announced at the 2021 Apple Event.
iPhone 13
Apple unveiled several models of the newest generation of iPhone. There’s the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini along with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. The consistent theme — and it was made clear with the previous generation — is Apple’s doubling down on camera quality. While the new iPhone 13s have largely the same design as the iPhone 12, there are significant improvements in photography and videography capabilities. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini both have new custom 12-megapixel ultrawide sensors for shooting at night and in low light. Plus, on the video front, a new Cinematic mode will automatically change focus depending on who is in frame. That impressive camera is boosted up with the Pro and the Max. In these, you’ll find a new telephoto lens (with 3x optical), a new ultra-wide lens, and a wide lens with f.15 aperture. Plus, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have beefy video and photo editing capabilities as well as the ability to macro photography thanks to a new Macro mode. They’ll also feature a 1TB storage option.
All of the iPhone 13s will be outfitted with Apple’s new A15 Bionic chipset for a more efficient, higher-performing phone. They’ll also have a bigger, longer-lasting battery and a brighter screen. One cosmetic difference on the iPhone 13 mini is that the dual rear-camera system has the lenses positioned diagonally (instead of right on top of each other).
Both the Pro and Pro Max also feature a Super Retina Display with a 120Hz refresh rate — dubbed “ProMotion” — for a more fluid experience scrolling through your iPhone.
Pricing for the iPhone 13 mini starts at $699, while the iPhone 13 starts at $799, the iPhone 13 Pro at $999, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max at $1,099. You can preorder them all starting this Friday (September 17), and they’ll be available everywhere on September 24.
Learn More: The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini
Learn More: The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple Watch Series 7
The latest Apple Watch will boast its largest screen yet (a 20% increase over the Series 6). Plus, with Always-On Retina display, the screen will remain bright and legible even without raising your wrist to read the watch. With 50% thicker front crystal, IP6X certification, and WR50 water resistance, this is also the most durable Apple Watch yet. Additionally, the Apple Watch features improved health metrics including the ability to measure your blood oxygen level and take an ECG at any time. Also, the Apple Watch Series 7 will ship with a new charging puck that will charge it up to 33% faster meaning it can go from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes.
Pricing for the Apple Watch Series 7 will start at $399 and it’ll be available later in fall 2021.
iPad mini
Apple’s redesigned iPad mini features flat edges, thinner bezels, and, at 8.3-inches, a much larger display. It also gets a camera boost and charges via USB-C. One of the cooler features is its Apple Pencil support, which will magnetically clip to the side of the iPad mini.
The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display creates sharp colors and a beautiful display on the iPad mini. Plus, it features the A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, and touch ID integrated into the power button.
Pricing for the new iPad mini starts at $499. Orders are available now.
iPad
Apple also introduced a new iPad for the entry-level consumer. At 10.2-inches, it’s not very different from previous additions. But it does feature an upgraded A13 Bionic chipset, an improved selfie camera with a 12-megapixel, ultra-wide lens, support for True Tone, and a minimum of 64GB of storage. The result is a very solid beginner iPad – but not much of an upgrade for seasoned Apple customers.
Pricing for the new iPad starts at $329. Pre-orders start now and they’ll be available for retail next week.
