Apple Event Live Coverage: Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Watch (Not iWatch) Release Date, Price, Features Confirmed
With Apple iPhone 6 release around the corner, Flint Center at Cupertino is brimming with inquisitive people sitting on the edge of their seats to get a glimpse of what is in offer from Apple for 2014. There is a mysterious white box at the centre of the event and nobody knows what is in store at this point.
When it comes to Apple devices, a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 smartphone along with a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 phablet (aka iPhone 6 Plus) are speculated to be launched today. In addition, there is also a wearable gadget dubbed Apple iWatch getting unveiled. Alongside the aforementioned devices, Apple is expected to introduce a slew of iPads. Furthermore, there is always a surprising element in Apple events. Hence watch out for all those announcements and new device introductions. Moreover, Apple is live streaming the event here. However, readers with Safari 5.1.10 or later on OS X 10.6.8 [or] Safari on iOS 6.0 or later can only watch the live stream.
We are bringing in the live updates from Apple event. Interested readers are requested to refresh the page time to time to get the updates.
Update 1: Both the iPhone 6 models are unveiled. Tim Cook introduced the "iPhone 6" and the "iPhone 6 Plus" to the excited crowd at the Flint Center. Therefore, the rumoured name "iPhone 6 Air" stays a rumour. Videos of the Apple iPhone 6 is shown with rounded corners and slimmer profile.
Also, both the iPhone 6 models come with Retina HD displays. The screen sizes are also confirmed. It is 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch as speculated.
Update 2: As expected, both iPhone 6 variants are powered by Apple's A8 chipset. Furthermore, the A8 chip comes with 25% faster processing power and up to 50% faster graphics, says Apple. In addition, both the iPhone 6 models come with Touch ID finger print scanner. Also, the iPhone 6 models feature higher pixel density. According to Apple, 4.7-inch iPhone 6 model comes with 1 million plus pixels, while the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 phablet features 2 million plus pixels. The iPhones are 6.9 mm and 7.1 mm thick. Needless to say, they are thinner than the iPhone 5S.
Update 3: Good news: Apple says the iOS 8 powered iPhone 6 models have longer battery life.
Update 4: iPhone 6 sports an 8MP iSight camera with a brand new sensor. Focus Pixels in the new sensor helps the iPhone 6 camera focus faster and better. While the 4.7-inch model has "digital image stabilization," the 5.5-inch variant comes with "optical image stabilization."In addition, Apple has bettered the frontal FaceTime camera.
Update 5: The iPhone 6's 4G LTE is 1/3 times faster. Also, it supports over 200 LTE carriers across the globe including that of China. In addition, the device supports VoLTE (voice over LTE). Also, the Wifi-calling facility is introduced in the iPhone 6.
Update 6: Price details are out: The price of the 16 GB Apple iPhone 6 (4.7-inch) model is $199 with 2-year contract. The 64 GB and 128 GB iPhone 6 come for $299 and $399 respectively. On the other hand, the price of 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus (16 GB) variant is $299. While the 64 GB and 128 GB variants are priced at $399 and $499 respectively.
Update 7: Release date update: The iPhone 6 models can be pre-ordered from Sept. 12. Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will hit the store shelves on Sept. 19 in the following countries - The U.S, France, Hong Kong, Canada, Germany, Singapore, The UK, Australia and Japan.
Update 8: Apple introduces Apple Pay. Apple Pay is a product of integrated hardware, software and services. This includes, a NFC antenna, the Touch ID fingerprint scanner's security, privacy of the Secure Element and the much-required Passbook.
Update 9: In order to get cracking with Apple Pay, users just have to add a credit card via iTunes account. And then pay with the touch of the finger with Touch ID. It is worth noting that, when a card is added to Passbook, the numbers are not stored on the Apple device, neither on the Apple servers.
Update 10: Apple Pay availability and release: American Express, MasterCard, and Visa users can enjoy Apple Pay's services. Other majors will also be added in future. However, Apple Pay will be available in the U.S as a starting point from October. Other countries will also be able to utilise Apple Pay in the near future.
Update 11: First things first; It is "Apple Watch" and not "iWatch."
Update 12: Apple Watch has introduced Digital Crown, which apparently is a tool to magnify content on a smaller display.
Update 13: Digital Crown can be used to scroll, zoom and move around freely within the Watch's display. Impressively, all these can be done without blocking the display.
Update 14: Apple Watch has a flexible Retina display. Also, the Watch can detect pulse rate.
Update 15: The Watch is made of custom alloys of stainless steel, aluminum and brace yourself to hear this: 18 karat gold, says Apple.
Update 16: Apps can be opened by just pressing the Digital Crown. Furthermore, leather, metal and plastic band choices are available for the Apple Watch.
Update 17: Apple Watch comes with Siri support.
Update 18: Last but not least, Apple Watch gives more importance to health and fitness related data/apps/sensors.