Apple has unveiled a giant iPad called the iPad Plus alongside new iPhones at a 'special event' at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco alongside a new $149 TV box that can run apps and games.
Tim Cook opened the event promising 'monster' updates as he unveiled the iPad Pro, a 12.9 inch screen tablet, and the new Apple TV.
It is also revealed new iPhones, called the 6s and 6s Plus,at the event, which include a new rose gold option and a new screen technology called 3D Touch.
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Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the new iPad Pro, which has a 12.9inch screen.
The new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus have a new '3D touch' screen and updated internals
The 3D touch screen allows users to press harder on the screen to access extra menus and even a special selfie feature.
'Along with traditional gestures, the iPhone now recognises force,' said Sir Jonathan Ive.
Pushing down on the screen allows users to access a new 'peek menu'.
The phone also has a new, much faster chip Apple's Phil Schiller says is the 'fastest ever in a phone'.
It will cost the same as the iPhone 6 and 6Plus, from $199, and go on sale on September 25th.
Apple has also boosted the camera to a 12 megapixel iSight camera to boost picture quality, and it can now record video in 4K.
There is also a new 5mp front facing camera to boost selfie quality, which uses the screen as a flash.
It also revealed a new 'live photo' which mixes a still and video image.
Pressing on the picture causes video to show and audio to play.
The pictures are created automatically.
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The new chip also has a new 'always on' Siri feature, and an improved fingerprint sensor the firm says is twice as fast as previous version.
The much rumoured 'monster iPad', officially called the iPad Pro, was first to be revealed.
'iPad is the clearest expression of our vision of the future of personal computing,' said Cook.
'We asked ourselves how we can take it further - and we have the biggest news in Pad since the iPad.'
APPLE UNVEILS 'MOST ADVANCED SMARTPHONES IN THE WORLD'
The phones look almost identical - but include a new 3D touch screen.
Apple's boss Tim Cook also unveiled a new range of iPhones at the event.
He said: 'iPhone has changed the world. And while they may look familiar, we have changed everything about these new iPhones.
'The iPhones you are about to see are the most advanced smartphones in the world.'
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus come in four finishes - silver, gold, space grey and rose gold - and come in two sizes that match last year's handsets measurements.
They are covered by a brand new brand new glass that Apple said is 'incredibly durable.'
Apple's Phil Schiller added: 'The most profound feature ever bought to the world is multi-touch.
'So our team has been hard at work to deliver a new experience that is just as profound.
'They've done it and it's called 3D Touch.'
Similar to Force Touch seen on the Apple Watch and new Macbook, the feature responds to specific pressures.
For example, pressing lightly on the screen provides a 'peek' at the content, while pressing harder opens that content.
This is done by measuring microscopic distances from a range of sensors to accurately measure pressure.
It will cost the same as the iPhone 6 and 6Plus, from $199, and go on sale on September 25th.
| HANDSET | SCREEN SIZE | Pixels Per Inch (PPI) | STORAGE | OPERATING SYSTEM | FRONT-FACING CAMERA | REAR-FACING CAMERA | BATTERY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6S | 4.7-inches | 326 | 16, 64GB and 128GB | iOS 9 | 5MP | 12MP | 1715mAH |
| iPhone 6S Plus | 5.5-inches | 401 | 16, 64GB and 128GB | iOS 9 | 5MP | 12MP | 2750mAh |
| iPhone 6 | 4.7-inches | 326 | 16, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB | iOS 8 | 1.2MP | 8MP | 1810mAh |
| iPhone 6 Plus | 5.5-inches | 401 | 16, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB | iOS 8 | 1.2MP | 8MP | 2915mAh |
| Huawei Mate S | 5.5-inches | 401 | 32GB | Android 5.1 | 8MP | 13MP | 2700mAh |
| Samsung S6 | 5.1-inches | 577 | 32GB, 64GB and 128GB | Android 5.0 | 5MP | 16MP | 2550mAH |
| Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge | 5.1-inches | 577 | 32GB, 64GB and 128GB | Android 5.0 | 5MP | 16MP | 2600mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 5 | 5.7-inches | 518 | 32GB and 64GB | Android 5.1 | 5MP | 16MP | 3000mAh |
| HTC One M9 | 5-inches | 441 | 32GB | Android 5.0 | 4MP | 20MP | 2840mAh |
Apple's Phil Schiller showed off the device, which has a 12.9inch screen.
'This is an amazing display, he said.
Apple has a new 9x chip to power the device, described as 'desktop class performance'.
It has four speakers, and is 6.9mm thin, and has a case with keyboard built in, similar to Microsoft's Surface tablet.
It also comes with an optional stylus called Apple Pencil.
'To enhance what's possible and allow a new level of precision, we've designed Apple Pencil,' said Sir Jonathan Ive.
Microsoft showed off its Office software on the device, and Adobe showed off its image software.
Cook also revealed a new TV box.
The new remote has a glass-touch surface that lets viewers control menus with their fingers.
It additionally features a 'Siri' button that lets viewers search using just their voice.
Prices start at $149 for 32GB model and $199 for a 64GB device.
It will go on sale in October.
All of the screens have been redesigned to 'focus on the content' and Siri will search across every app - including Netflix, iTunes, HBO, Showtime and Hulu - to find this content.
Apple showed off new apps for the TV, including a special multiplayer version of the hit game Crossy Road, and a version of the Gilt shopping site.
It also revealed a new Major League Baseball app which includes live feeds and video.
'It really is the golden age of television - but the experience hasn't changed much in decades,' said Tim Cook.
Apple's Eddy Cue also showed off a new Apple TV box that can download apps and games for the first time.
A screen shows added information via the Siri app while using Apple TVvia a voice enabled remote control
'Today, we are going to do something about that.
'Our version for TV is simple and a little provocative - we believe the future is apps.
'We've been working really hard on this - today, I'm thrilled to show you the new Apple TV.'
Eddy Cue showed off the device, with a new touch remote.
The remote also includes Siri, and the device can search across multiple services such as Hulu and Netflix, HBO and show where programmes are available.
It will run software called TVos, and developers will be able to create their own apps.
Other Siri features include the ability to find exact clips within episodes and the option to skip back and show dialogue that was missed.
While watching a film or TV show, swiping down on the touch surface will present a menu of information about actors, for example.
Viewers can also ask Siri questions about the show, or ask for sports scores or weather information, and the answers appear at the bottom of the screen.
Turning the remote on its side transforms it into a games controller, and iOS games have been adapted to work on the larger screen.
TV OS even offers multiplayer functions on compatible apps, such as Crossy Road.
APPLE LAUNCHES THE IPAD PRO
Apple Pencil, an advanced stylus for the iPad Pro
Rumours about a larger iPad have been circulating since last year and Apple has finally revealed it's larger device.
Called the iPad Pro, the tablet has a 12.9-inch display with 5.6 million pixels - this is more pixels than a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display.
Its width is the same height as the iPad Air, and is marginally thicker than the iPad Air 2 at 6.9mm, compared to 6.1mm.
It features the new A9X chip which Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller said is 1.8 time faster than the A8X in the iPad Air 2.
He added that the iPad Pro is faster than 80 per cent of the PCs that shipped in the past six months, and graphics are faster than 90 per cent of those PCs.
Apple also announced the Apple Pencil - a stylus to use the iPad.
It has four speakers, and is 6.9mm thin, and has a case with keyboard built in, similar to Microsoft's Surface tablet.
It also comes with an optional stylus called Apple Pencil.
'To enhance what's possible and allow a new level of precision, we've designed Apple Pencil,' said Sir Jonathan Ive.
Microsoft showed off its Office software on the device, and Adobe showed off its image software.
Apple's Phil Schiller showed off the device, with a 12.9inch screen.
Apple also showed off a keyboard case (left) - similar to Microsoft's Surface (right)
| Feature | iPad | iPad 2 | iPad 3 | iPad 4 | iPad Mini | iPad Mini 2 | iPad Mini 3 | iPad Air | iPad Air 2 | iPad Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 9.7-inch | 9.7-inch | 9.7-inch | 9.7-inch | 7.9-inch | 7.9-inch | 7.9-inch | 9.7-inch | 9.7-inch | 12.9-inch |
| Memory | 16- 64 GB | 16-64 GB | 16-64 GB | 16-128 GB | 16-64 GB | 16-64 GB | 16-128 GB | 16-128 GB | 16-128 GB | 32GB & 128GB |
| Rear Camera | None | 720p | 5 MP | 5 MP | 5 MP | 5 MP | 5 MP | 5 MP | 8 MP | TBC |
| Front Camera | None | VGA | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | 720p | TBC |
| Thickness | 13.4mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 7mm | 7mm | 7mm | 7.5mm | 6.1mm | 6.9mm |
| Weight | 730g | 601g | 650g | 650g | 310g | 330g | 330g | 469g | 440g | TBC |
| Announced | Jan 2010 | March 2011 | March 2012 | Oct 2012 | Oct 2012 | Oct 2013 | Oct 2014 | Oct 2013 | Oct 2014 | Sep 2015 |
| Released | April 2010 | March 2011 | March 2012 | Nov 2012 | Nov 2012 | Nov 2013 | Oct 2014 | Nov 2013 | Oct 2014 | Nov 2015 |
| Discontinued | March 2011 | March 2012 | Oct 2012 | Oct 2013 | Oct 2013 | Oct 2014 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Cook first spoke about the Apple Watch, revealing customer satisfaction was 97%.
Apple unveiled new gold and a rose gold 'pink' version of its Sport watch, along with new band colours.
Jeff Williams of Apple showed off a new version of the watch software, called Watch OS2.
It will allow third party apps to run on the watch for the first time.
There are already over 10,000 apps, he said, and revealed Facebook's first watch app, for its Messenger app.
Others include translation software and a remote app for GoPro cameras.
It also showed off Airstrip, a watch app for doctors to monitor patients.
Apple also revealed it has been working with fashion firm Hermes to create new watch straps.
One of the expected announcements, new coloured bands for the firm's smartwatch, has already leaked online.
Apple also revealed it has been working with fashion firm Hermes to create new watch straps.
Apple unveiled new gold and a rose gold 'pink' version of its Sport watch, along with new band colours.
'Alongside the new iPhones, new Apple TV, new Apple Watch bands, and a gold anodized version of the Apple Watch Sport, Apple plans to debut a pair of new iPads on Wednesday: the larger iPad Pro and a new iPad mini,' claims 9to5mac.
While Apple still plans to announce the device this week, open up pre-orders in October, and begin shipping in November, we understand that the first shipments may fall towards the end of November, the site says.
It claims the gadget could cost up to $1,000, putting it on a similar footing to the firm's MacBook laptop.
'Apple's master plan is to be ubiquitous,' said Jordan Edelson of software firm Appetizer Mobile, explaining why Apple is increasingly designing its iPhone and Siri to interact with cars, televisions and 'smart' home systems.
It isn't a sure bet: Apple rivals like Google, Samsung and Microsoft are building their own technology for Internet-connected cars and homes.
While the company has been coy, here's what analysts and others expect at Apple's event Wednesday in San Francisco:
People stand at the entrance to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium prior to an Apple Products event in San Francisco, where the firm is set to unveil a raft of new products
Apple sold a record 183 million iPhones in the nine months since releasing the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which have bigger screens than earlier models. That has allowed the company to remain highly profitable, even as Samsung and other phone makers struggle.
Based on the iPhone's usual two-year product cycle, industry experts expect this year's models will be the same size with more subtle refinements, such as a faster processor, higher-resolution cameras and new exterior colors.
One likely addition is 'Force Touch,' which uses screen sensors to discern between a light tap and extended finger pressure to trigger different functions.
This arrived on Apple's smartwatch and some laptops this spring.
Some analysts question whether these features will inspire the same type of consumer demand that propelled last year's iPhone success story.
But research firm Kantar Worldpanel says a substantial number of iPhone owners are still using older, smaller models, which makes them likely candidates to upgrade.
Apple is also expected to unveil a redesigned Apple TV set-top box with new capabilities for apps and games, plus recognition of Siri voice commands to search for shows and retrieve weather forecasts and sports scores.
The current model is a few years old and does little beyond playing video and music.
Apple's invite to the invent reads 'hey Siri, give us a hint' - believed to point to a new voice controlled TV box
A leaked photo of a sketch (pictured) reportedly taken by an employee who works in a Foxconn factory, where iPads are made, also suggests that the rumours of an 'iPad Air Plus' with a 12.2 inch screen, are true
Analysts say the new TV box is part of Apple's broader strategy to carve out a bigger role in the home. For instance, the new Apple TV could serve as a hub for Siri to control lamps, thermostats and other 'smart' appliances, using Apple's HomeKit technology.
It could also set the stage for Apple to later introduce a streaming video service aimed at competing with Netflix and other Internet entertainment services.
Even without an Apple TV, new iPhone software will make it easier to set up automated homes, including having lights turn on and window shades go up when you tell Siri on the phone, 'Time to wake up.'
With the new software for iPhones and iPads, Siri can also offer recommendations, such as nearby restaurants, before you even ask. It might even launch apps for you, based on your past habits, when you attach headphones or connect to a Bluetooth speaker in a car. Siri will also offer to add calendar and contact entries based on your incoming email - something Google already does with its competing services.
New iPhones will come with this new software, known as iOS 9. Apple also plans to release it as a free update for existing iPhones and iPads, likely next week.
After major software updates over the past two years, the new software for iPhones and iPads is mostly about refinements, including a different font, a new way to scroll through photos and behind-the-scenes tweaks to improve battery life.
But there will be a few new features beyond a smarter Siri.
Apple typically launches its new handsets each year at an event in September and this year the firm is expected to release its iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. According to leaked images (pictured) and analyst reports, the handsets will look almost identical to the current versions
The new iPad would dwarf Apple's existing range of machines, and is expected to cost upto $1,000.
For instance, major cities will get transit directions, addressing a major shortcoming with Apple Maps.
In some cities, including New York and London, Apple sent teams to map out subway exits and entrances.
That way, users getting to the subway are guided to the closest entrance, while those getting off are told which exit signs to look for.
Apple is also expected to unveil a larger iPad for business users, but probably not until at least October.
Existing iPads can get the software update when it comes out for the iPhone. With it, iPad users will also be able to run two apps side by side, or have video running in a small window within the main screen. It's a feature Samsung phones and tablets already have.
Mac computers will get their own software update, but not until after the new iPhones are out.
Unknown is whether Apple will update its Apple Watch software now or in a few months.
According to John Paczkowski of Buzzfeed, the new Apple TV will boast universal search, allowing users to enter the name of a program and find out where they can watch it, from a number of providers like Netflix and iTunes.
Currently finding TV shows online can be difficult, with provider's like Amazon, Hulu and Netflix all competiting, and constantly changing their catalogues.
Apple's universal search could solve this - and also make sure user's get the best price for content by showing all of the available alternatives.
'Essentially, you'll be able to search for a show or movie once, and see results from all sorts of different sources,' said Paczkowski.
Apple is also believed to be unveiling a new touchscreen remote control, and will add support for wireless gamepads to the new product, set to be unveiled alongside its latest iPhones.
The iPad Pro is also expected to have a USB-C input, though they didn't indicate whether it would be a new, second port option, or if USB-C would replace the Lightning connector found on current iPads. Cases based on allegedly leaked 'iPad Pro' designs
Apple CEO Tim Cook, in the company's most recent earnings conference call in January, talked about the iPad's future.
'Over the long arc of time the iPad is a great business,' he said.
'I also have visibility obviously of what's in the pipeline and feel very, very good about that.'
Earlier this month a pose on Chinese networking site Weibo leaked what it claimed were the specs for the device.
Apparently, the tablet will feature a 12.9-inch display with 2K resolution, and a 7mm thin profile.
The leak also said the tablet is supposed to weigh 700g and pack a large 11,000 mAh battery, significantly bigger than the iPad Air 2's 7,340 mAh battery.
Late last year a leaked design for a case revealed more details of Apple's much rumoured iPad tablet.
The source said that initial testing for the iPad Air Plus was stopped in the summer and Apple's suppliers will soon start mass production of the tablet.
The sketch suggests that the tablet will look similar to the iPad Air 2 in design, with rounded corners and the same standby button, rear camera, microphone and volume buttons placement.
However, seemingly confirming rumours that the larger tablet will offer stereo sound, there appears to be a speaker grill on the top of the shell.
Japanese magazine Mac Fan claimed in December that the iPad Air Plus will also feature a much faster A9 processor and is set to launch between April and June.
Bloomberg and other publications reported that Apple was planning on releasing the device sometime in early 2015, while a recent report from The Wall Street Journal said the Californian firm had postponed mass production of the larger iPad from December 2014 into next year as suppliers struggled to meet demand for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus launch.
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