5 Announcements From Apple’s iPhone 8 Event That Actually Matter

Apple just unleashed two hours of hype, bringing media and fans to its new Cupertino headquarters to unveil its latest lineup of gadgets and software. There’s a lot of information to sift through, and most of it isn’t really all that exciting.

Apple opened the presentation with a quote from Steve Jobs

If you don’t feel like watching the entire event for yourself, we’re here to help. Here are five things Apple announced today that actually matter, from the iPhone X to the new Apple TV.

1. New iPhones

Apple revealed three new iPhones at today’s event: the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X. The first two are small upgrades over last year’s iPhone 7 lineup, while the iPhone X is a pricey look at Apple’s future.

The iPhone 8 is nearly identical to the iPhone 7, but adds wireless charging, upgraded cameras and a faster processor. It’s also water-resistant like the iPhone 7 and launches later this month starting at $1079 ($1229 for the iPhone 8 Plus).

The iPhone X is a total overhaul with a nearly full-screen display and a powerful new front-facing camera with Face ID (more on that later). It starts at $1579 and launches later this year.

2. iOS 11 release date

If you’re not planning on buying a new smartphone you can still look forward to iOS 11. Apple announced today that the latest version of its operating system officially launches on September 19.

The new software adds the ability to record your onscreen activity and a better tool for snapping and editing screenshots. It also includes a peer-to-peer payment option for Apple Pay (similar to Venmo), a redesigned Control Center, and new augmented reality features thanks to ARKit. On iPads, iOS 11 also adds an easily accessible dock for saving your favourite apps.

3. Face ID

Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint-scanning technology, has been around since the iPhone 5s launched in 2013, but it’s day are officially numbered. Today, Apple introduced Face ID, a face-scanning system exclusive to the iPhone X.

Face ID uses an array of cameras and sensors to do things such as unlock your device and activate Apple Pay. Apple also says its a lot more secure than Touch ID.

4. Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch also got some pretty big upgrades today. The latest version of the smartwatch features LTE, meaning you can use it to make calls or play songs on Apple Music without syncing to your iPhone.

Apple also announced some upgrades to its watchOS software, including a redesigned workout app and improvements to the heart rate monitor. Your Apple Watch will display your heart rate right on the home screen, and it can warn you if you’re heart rate goes up when you aren’t working out.

The Apple Watch Series 3 launches on September 22 starting at $459. An upgrade to watchOS 4 will be available for older models starting on September 19.

5. Apple TV 4K

Finally, Apple is upgrading its set-top box to support 4K video. If you have a 4K television this is great news. If not, this might be the thing that pushes you to upgrade your TV.

The Apple TV 4K can stream high-resolution video from services such as Netflix. It offers High Dynamic Range too for brighter and more realistic colours.

Apple’s also putting a big emphasis on live sports. The Apple TV 4K features a dedicated tab for live and upcoming games. If your favourite team is playing or if there’s a particularly close match, it will even surface those games automatically. So even if you don’t care about 4K, there may still be a reason to consider the upgraded Apple TV.