News

Apple updates select iPad models with new pricing, storage options

Despite not mentioning the iPad once during today's iPhone 7 event, Apple has issued some minor updates to select models in its tablet line. For starters, all standard iPads have had their base storage option doubled from 16GB to 32GB.

This change brings the iPad family inline with Apple's just-announced iPhone 7 storage options, and it applies to the iPad mini 2, iPad mini 4, and the iPad Air 2. The nice thing is that all of these models will stay at their current prices.

High-gloss Jet Black finish is exclusively available in 128GB and 256GB iPhone 7 models

It's easy to get lost in an avalanche of today's Apple event reporting so it bears repeating that those looking to upgrade their cell phone experience to that gorgeously designed high-gloss black-clad iPhone 7, which Apple refers to as “Jet Black”, will need to opt for a more capacious—and pricier—128GB model.

In other words, people looking to pick up an entry-level 32GB iPhone 7 in Jet Black, which costs $649 contract-free, will be out of luck.

How it’s made: black iPhone 7

I'm sure you know that Apple's new iPhone 7 series brings two new finishes to the mix, replacing the previous Space Gray colorway.

Both are black, but one gives you classic anodized matte appearance while the other results in a highly glossy look and feel. The matte one is called simply Black and the glossy is referred to as Jet Black.

Wondering how they're made?

Good, because Apple's now shared a video in which it shows off a brand new manufacturing process it had to develop in order to create these new dark looks.

This is the new iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 is official and it's got most everything the rumor-mill has been clamoring for: a new high-gloss black colorway (they're using a new anodization process so we'll see about the scratches and dings), a dual-lens camera with curved appearance and accompanied by a new four-component LED flash, subdued antenna lines on the back, refined design using cutting-edge manufacturing process, and much more. Developing...

Apple compresses its own keynote into a funny 107-second video

Didn't have the time to sit through Apple's presentation and don't plan on watching it on your own time either? In the old days, you'd go to YouTube and search for “Apple keynote in 60 seconds,” “120 seconds”, ”180 seconds” or some such.

Well, there's no need for that anymore.

You heard me right: believe it or not, Apple itself has now created a condensed version of its own keynote presentation. It's aptly named “Don't Blink” and you really gotta see it: it's amusing, put together really well and just a nice throwback to those super-compressed keynote videos created by fans the world over.

iOS 10 and watchOS 3 will be released on September 13

Apple on Wednesday announced that iOS 10 and watchOS 3 will be released on September 13. This means that the two updates, which have been in beta testing since mid-June, will be available for download to the public.

Both versions of software were introduced during WWDC this summer, and each includes new features and improvements. watchOS 3 is supported by all Apple Watch models, and iOS 10 will work on iPhone 5 and newer devices.

Apple releases iOS 10 Golden Master

Since launching a developer-only preview of iOS 10 at WWDC back in the summer, public beta testers and developers have been able to test-drive a plethora of cool new features coming to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch this fall. Well, Apple's now finished work on its most significant iOS software update in years as iOS 10 just reached a Golden Master status.

No, the new iPhones don’t capture 4K video in 60 FPS as was rumored

We now know that a Vietnamese site which said it had used a real iPhone 7 and made claims that the device would be capable of shooting 4K video at a silky smooth 60 FPS, was lying to us.

Apple's just wrapped up its iPhone 7 presentation, press releases are up on the site, the store is back online and we can clearly see that the iPhone 7 Technical Specifications webpage states in black and white that the much-enhanced camera system on both new phones still captures 4K video at 30 FPS, just like the iPhone 6/6s series.

New iPhone price & availability: iPhone 7 starts at $649, iPhone 7 Plus $769, pre-orders Sept. 9, available Sept. 16

The just-announced iPhone 7 will become available for pre-order on September 9, and start shipping September 16. The pricing for the smaller iPhone 7 starts at $649, as usual, but the iPhone 7 Plus gets a tad more expensive with a starting price of $769.

As rumored, both handsets will be available in 5 colors: Rose gold, Gold, Silver, Black and a new high gloss stainless finish called Jet Black. They will also come in new storage configurations: 32GB is the new entry level, 128GB,  and 256GB for the high tier.

Apple Watch Series 2 starts at $369, available Sept. 16, pre-orders Sept. 9

Folks anxious to purchase the new Apple Watch Series 2 will be happy to know that we now have pricing and availability information. The wearable will start at $369, and be available for purchase on September 16. Pre-orders will be available starting September 9.

Apple has also announced that it will be keeping the first generation Apple Watch around, as it does with its iPhone and iPad lines. The original Apple Watch will get a speed bump, thanks to a new dual core processor, and have a lower entry-level price of $269.

Apple and Nike partner to make Apple Watch Nike+

Trevor Edwards, president of the Nike brand, went on stage at Apple's event today to announce a collaboration with Apple regarding the Apple Watch. Called Apple Watch Nike+, it's not just the watch, it's your “perfect running partner” that delivers an elevated running experience.

But wait, is it a separate Apple Watch model or an app?