Apple event – as it happened: New iPhone and Watch prices and release dates revealed as major update includes ECG technology
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Apple unveiled not just one new version of the iPhone X, but three, in its biggest event of the year.
Among the trio is Apple's largest ever phone – the iPhone Xs Max – which features the biggest display that Apple has ever put in a phone.
Many details about that new phone, including its shiny gold colour, were accidentally leaked by Apple ahead of the event. The other two devices are the slightly smaller iPhone Xs and the cheaper iPhone Xr version.
But it wasn't just the iPhones that were revealed at the event. Lots more was announced, including huge updates to the Apple Watch and long-awaited new accessories.
The new Apple Watch was also leaked ahead of the event, showing the first re-design of the wearable since it was released.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
A video showing off the new watch is narrated by Jony Ive, Apple's design guru.
"Apple Watch is a device so powerful, so personal, so liberating, it can change the way you live each day," he boasts.
The Apple Watch Series 4 will be available for between $399 and $499, depending on whether you want cellular connectivity. They'll be available from 21 September.
The Series 3 will now be priced at $279.
Meanwhile Watch OS5 will be available from 17 September.
Tim Cook is on stage to introduce the new iPhones. First he wants to tell us about the iPhone X, which he claims is the most-loved smartphone in the world.
"It's the most advanced iPhone we've ever created," Cook says.
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, comes on stage to say, "it's the most beautiful iPhone we've ever made."
Weird, the iPhone XS looks almost identical to its predecessor, the iPhone X.
As expected, there's also a larger version of the premium device.
"What do you call a phone that's bigger than plus-size?" Schiller asks.
He doesn't bother to pause for the punchline: "Well we call it the iPhone XS Max."
We're learning about how Apple is using machine learning to improve the iPhone experience. As with all new advanced smartphone technology, it's being used to make selfies and animojis better.
There's also new augmented reality experiences, such as a new app that can turn your living room into a giant virtual fish tank.
We've now got a few game developers joining us, explaining "how far we've come with the technology packed into our phones... Scenes like this used to only be possible in your living room," the developer says. "We've been able to pull off some incredible environments that just weren't possible before."
The new Elder Scrolls game looks pretty good on the iPhone XS, though that notch at the top of the screen – which was first introduced with the iPhone X – is still kind of annoying. Apparently you get used to it.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments