[imagesource: Apple]

Time for everyone with what was once the latest Apple device to start thinking about an upgrade – sorry friends, that’s just how they roll.

Apple’s virtual launch event, aptly titled ‘Time Flies’, went off without a hitch yesterday, revealing some exciting new products that will be released before the end of the year.

The Apple Watch, with two new models coming our way, really stood out. The company has clearly spent a great deal of time perfecting it and adding new features that will blow competing brands out of the water.

Per The Verge, here are the highlights:

NEW APPLE WATCH SERIES

Apple Watch Series 6

Image: Apple

The Apple Watch Series 6 defied expectations with features elevating the popular product to new heights.

Here’s what you can expect from the new model:

• The Series 6 is powered by a new S6 chip, a dual-core processor based on the acclaimed A 13 Bionic in the iPhone 11.
• It boasts a new health sensor that can measure your blood oxygen using an infrared sensor.
• The screen will get 2,5 times brighter outdoors making it easier to read.
• You’ll be able to choose from a variety of new colours including gold stainless steel, grey stainless steel called graphite, and for the first time, there’s an Apple Watch Product Red model.
• A new wrist band called ‘Solo Loop’ is a stretchable silicone strap with no clasp, is available in myriad sizes and seven different colours.

The Apple Watch SE

As if the iPhone SE wasn’t enough of a gift, the company has introduced an Apple Watch SE.

• It’s a lower-priced Apple watch with many of the same features as the S6
• It boasts a built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, an always-on altimeter, and fall detection.
• The main difference is that it’s powered by the S5 chip used in last year’s Series 5 model.
• It also doesn’t feature an always-on display, which the S5 had.

Manage Multiple Watches From One Phone

Image: Apple

The new Family Setup Feature will allow you to monitor and manage multiple watches from your iPhone, but will only work with Series 4 or newer.

You’ll be able to monitor which contacts connected Apple Watches can connect to, along with automatic location notifications. This feature will be particularly useful as a safety feature for family members who enjoy the outdoors or for keeping track of younger children.

NEW IPADS

Image: Apple

The iPad Air

This beauty looks a lot like the iPad Pro and we’re happy about that.

Take a look at the specs:

• All-screen design, with a bigger 10,9-inch Liquid Retina display and a 2360 x 1640 resolution.
• As predicted, Apple has moved the Touch ID button from the front of the iPad to the top.
• It is powered by the Apple-designed 5nm A14 Bionic.
• Get ready for a 6-core CPU, a new 4-core GPU architecture, and a 16-core neural engine.
• The only major change to the camera is that it’s now the same 12-megapixel rear camera originally on the iPad Pro but with improved video stabilization.
• The Lightning port has been switched out for USB-C.
• The new iPad will be available in five colours: sky blue, green, silver, space grey, and rose gold.

Eighth-Generation iPad

The new eighth-generation iPad looks much the same as the one before it but with the button at the top, bottom bezels, and ID button on the front.

The tech has been updated with an A12 Bionic chip.

SOFTWARE UPDATES

Look out for notifications on your Apple devices, because the iOS 14 is upon us.

One major privacy feature you can look forward to in iOS 14 is the need for apps to actively ask for permission before tracking you across services. Apple will allow you to choose between “Allow Tracking” or “Ask App Not To Track”.

Security and privacy are two things that we can all agree have been sorely lacking in the tech world, especially on social media.

FITNESS PLUS

Image: Apple

Apple seems to be taking the wellbeing of its users extremely seriously. The blood oxygen monitor in the new Apple Watch, the protection from the vultures on social media (that one is great for mental health), and now a fitness subscription called Fitness Plus.

Fitness Plus connects with iPhones, iPads, and the Apple TV, but was specifically built for use with the Apple Watch.

You can choose from 10 different types of workouts including, dance, yoga, and cycling, with new workouts added every week. It’s expected to launch at the end of the year.

I think you just found the perfect way to get on those New Year’s resolutions.

Whichever Apple device you’re rocking at the moment or thinking about rocking in the future, there’s only one place that can call itself South Africa’s largest independent Apple retailer.

Digicape boasts a comprehensive selection of the latest Apple products as well as unrivalled tech support, which is going to come in handy when those new devices, with their new features, arrive on the scene.

I’ll leave you with a front-row seat to the action at ‘Time Flies’, without the hassle of having the watch the full launch event, condensed into 20 minutes:

[source:verge]