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
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
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.
The AR tech can also provide feedback on your basketball game. The HomeCourt app gives real-time insights into your technique.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments