Optus Mobile Review ALDI Mobile Review Amaysim Mobile Review Belong Mobile Review Circles.Life Review Vodafone Mobile Review Woolworths Mobile Review Felix Mobile Review Best iPhone Plans Best Family Mobile Plans Best Budget Smartphones Best Prepaid Plans Best SIM-Only Plans Best Plans For Kids And Teens Best Cheap Mobile Plans Telstra vs Optus Mobile Optus NBN Review Belong NBN Review Vodafone NBN Review Superloop NBN Review Aussie BB NBN Review iiNet NBN Review MyRepublic NBN Review TPG NBN Review Best NBN Satellite Plans Best NBN Alternatives Best NBN Providers Best Home Wireless Plans What is a Good NBN Speed? Test NBN Speed How to speed up your internet Optus vs Telstra Broadband ExpressVPN Review CyberGhost VPN Review NordVPN Review PureVPN Review Norton Secure VPN Review IPVanish VPN Review Windscribe VPN Review Hotspot Shield VPN Review Best cheap VPN services Best VPN for streaming Best VPNs for gaming What is a VPN? VPNs for ad-blocking Bright and early at 3am AEST this morning, the Cupertino-based tech giant unleashed a bevy of new devices (along with an eagerly awaited iOS update). However, for the first time in eight years, Apple’s September event has not included the announcement of a new iPhone lineup (expected this year to include the iPhone 12, 12 Max, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max). Instead, they’ve launched the Apple Watch Series 6 and SE (as expected), the iPad Air 4, and iOS 14. Let’s jump in.
The Series 6 introduces a blood oxygen sensor, which, along with the new and improved heart rate app, can alert the user to potentially life-threatening irregularities. With the new watchOS 7-powered wearable, Apple has also finally released a new Sleep app, better fitness metrics, as well as what we’ve dubbed the most 2020 feature of all time - a handwashing timer. If you struggled with the display of your older-gen Apple watch, you’ll be happy to hear the Series 6 comes with an always-on Retina display, which is now ‘significantly brighter’ outdoors. The Series 6 also introduces two new colours into the mix, with (PRODUCT)RED and blue aluminium cases joining Space Black Titanium, Gold Stainless Steel and Silver Aluminium (yep, Apple has ditched its Ceramic casing). We’re also getting some refreshed watch bands - namely the Solo Loop, which is a clasp-free, stretchy silicone band. For possibly the first time in Apple history, the next-gen lineup will actually be cheaper than its predecessor. Upon launch, the Series 5 ranged from $649 to $1,399. We’re pleasantly surprised to see that Apple has shaved a minimum of $50 off each model across the lineup, which ranges from $599 to $1,269. Those keen to get their hands on the Apple Watch Series 6 can start ordering today or purchase in-store from Friday.
Replacing the still-popular Series 3, the SE shares many of the same features as its exxy sibling (including the S5 processor, accelerometer, gyroscope, always-on altimeter, sleep tracking, fall detection and handwashing monitor), however, it does come with a few caveats. You can wave goodbye to the 6’s always-on display, ECG functionality and blood oxygen sensor. If those are sacrifices you’re willing to make, you can pick up the watchOS 7-powered SE from $429 from Friday. The iPad Air 4 comes in five chic colours (Silver, Space Grey, Rose Gold, Green and Sky Blue) and starts from $899. The wait is a little longer than that of the new Watch lineup, with a vague release date of ‘October’. With its new update, Apple has taken a leaf out of Android’s book, introducing homepage widgets. They’ve also implemented the new ‘App Library’, which automatically arranges your apps into categories. Calls no longer take up the whole screen, and even FaceTime calls (and videos) can be shifted to picture-in-picture so you can multitask like a pro. The Messages app has had a much-needed refresh, including the addition of pinned conversations, group photos, mentions and inline replies. Siri has had a revamp too, with a new compact design, greater knowledge, and the ability to send audio messages. Apple is also going after Google with its massive Maps update (which now includes local guides) and, interestingly, their own Translate app. The iOS 14 update will be available sometime today (likely this afternoon or evening), so keep your eyes peeled!
