An Illustrated Guide to Apple's Announcements
from the desk of Rich on Tech
Happy Friday the 13th!
So crazy how after all these years, that still has an eerie ring to it…
But what a week it was! I was in Cupertino for the Apple event and in this newsletter, I’ll explain what they said in the easiest way possible: pictures!
My Android friends, fret not, I have a tip in here for you too on managing notifications… I think you’ll like it.
And keep in mind, this is tech season. In the next few months we’ll have announcements from Google, Microsoft, Amazon and a few others. Stay tuned!
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 is the best choice for most people. It now has two lenses instead of one so you can do regular, zoom and (new) ultra wide snapshots. This phone is the successor to the XR. It has the same processor as the iPhone 11 Pro, so no sacrifices there. The big difference is that this phone doesn’t have Apple’s best screen. It’s LCD vs OLED on iPhone 11 Pro (but not a deal breaker). It starts at $699, which is $50 cheaper than the XR when it launched. In stores September 20.
https://ktla.com/2019/09/11/hands-on-with-apples-new-triple-camera-iphone-11/
iPhone 11 Pro
The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max are the new flagship devices. They have 3 cameras for optical zoom, normal and ultra wide photos. Also, battery life is increased 4 (Pro) or 5 hours (Max model). You also get Apple’s best screen. This phone is best if you are all about creative photography and/or social media or just have to have the top of the line models. They start at $999 and $1099. In stores September 20.
Also, check out that Twitter video above. It’s up to 3 million views. Crazy! Yeah, people are interested in these phones.
Here is a more substantial hands on look:
Apple Watch
Two things to know about the new Apple Watch Series 5: It has an always on screen, and a compass. Apple put a new display in there that uses less energy, so it’s basically always lit up but you still get the 18 hours battery life. When you rotate your wrist a bit or tap the screen, it illuminates to full brightness, like the pictures below.
The cellular model also has emergency international calling that works even if the cellular isn’t activated. Basically, even if you’re not paying the $10 a month for cellular and have a cellular model, you can still press and hold down the side button to activate Emergency SOS, which automatically dials the proper emergency number for the country you’re in. Handy if you travel internationally a lot.
The Apple Watch Series 5 is $399 for regular, $499 for cellular model, which lets you take calls and get texts even when your iPhone isn’t nearby (good for runners). Available Friday, September 20.
Apple will sell the Apple Watch Series 3 for a new lower price of $200, keep in mind that will not include the new always on display, the compass, the automatic fall detection feature or the ECG feature. Available now.
iPad
Apple’s entry level iPad now works with their smart keyboard. Also, the screen is a bit bigger and the processor is a bit faster. If you are just doing social media, emails, watching Netflix and surfing the web, this might be a better bet than a laptop computer. The iPad is $329, the pencil $100, the keyboard cover $160. Available now.
Apple TV+
Apple is reportedly spending billions of dollars to create original programming for their new streaming TV service called Apple TV+. They announced a launch date of November 1 and the monthly price will be $4.99. Think more HBO instead of Netflix. Seems like a more curated selection of movies and TV shows, at least at launch.
Apple is giving away a 1 year subscription to Apple TV+ with the purchase of an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch or Mac. Keep in mind, you don’t necessarily need an Apple device to watch Apple TV+. It will eventually come to various smart TVs and streaming devices outside the Apple world.
Apple Arcade
Surprisingly, I’m most excited for Apple’s new gaming subscription service. For $5 a month, you get unlimited access to 100+ games at launch. The best part: no ads or in-app purchases. It’s like Netflix, for games to play on your iPhone, iPad, etc. This is great for families since my kids are always asking me to download some terrible game that just wants them to do in-app purchase for gems or coins or whatever. These games seem to be higher quality. I’m in.
iOS 13
iOS 13 will be launched as a free software update on September 19. It will work on iPhone 6S and above… so if you have an iPhone 6, you might want to think about an upgrade. iOS 13 has a bunch of notable new features and I’ve been playing with it for a few months in beta form.
And yes, I’ve written a whole new book about it packed with tips! It will be available shortly after the launch of iOS 13 as a Kindle eBook, then shortly after that you will be able to get it in paperback form on Amazon. Stay tuned!
How to deal with Android Notifications
Ok, Android folks, did you make it this far down the page?
I felt bad that there was so much Apple news this week, so I created a little video explaining a few ways you can deal with your notifications, including a little known way to “snooze” them for later. Watch:
https://richontech.tv/2019/09/quick-tips/android-tip-4-ways-to-deal-with-notifications/
Rich on Tech Podcast
In my podcast, I talk about the tech news I think you should know about and answer the questions you send me here.
In this week’s episode:
A roundup direct from Apple’s event in Cupertino. Details on the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch Series 5 and 7th generation iPad. Hands on impressions and when iOS 13 will hit your current device. Plus, your burning Apple iPhone 11 questions answered!
https://ktla.com/2019/09/11/rich-on-tech-apple-event-hands-on-iphone-11-apple-watch-5-more/
Apple Bitz XL Podcast
Also this week, I was on my friend and (former CNET colleague) Brian Tong’s podcast. He exclusively covers Apple. I share my thoughts on the Apple event in his show, and it is different from what I said in my podcast, so you can easily listen to both.
Keiro “Aging into Tomorrow” Symposium
I’ll be a panel moderator at an event taking place in Long Beach on October 5.
“This one-day gathering for baby boomers, older adults, and industry leaders alike highlights wellness, technology, and aging trends that impact our community.”
Want to join me? Here is more information on it.
A Car Wash for Sunglasses
Finally, check out the video above. Is it the greatest thing ever or the most pointless thing ever? I will say, for $2, my sunglasses did come out quite clean. But there was a bit of a moldy smell (maybe from stagnant water in the machine) that went away after a day.
That’s going to do it!
Thanks for reading. As always, if you liked this newsletter please hit the heart below or share it with your friends. That way I know you appreciate me taking the time to do this.
Have a great weekend!
Rich