Recap from Apple’s Latest Event and What’s Included in iOS 15
Apple recently hosted its annual fall product event (virtually) to announce a series of new updates to some of its most popular products, such as the iPad, Apple Watch, and of course, the iPhone. In addition to new hardware, Apple released iOS 15 on September 20, 2021 as a major update with lots of buzz on the included features:
- Makes FaceTime calls more natural
- Introduces SharePlay for shared experiences
- Helps users focus and be in the moment with new ways to manage notifications
- Brings more intelligence to photos and search to quickly access information
- Apple Maps unveils beautiful new ways to explore the world
- Weather is redesigned with full-screen maps and more graphical displays of data,
- Wallet adds support for home keys and ID cards
- Browsing the internet with Safari is even simpler with a new tab bar design and Tab Groups
- iOS 15 also includes new privacy controls in Siri, Mail, and more places across the system to further protect user information
Initial reviews suggest that iOS 15 was a bit buggy so fixes were released for iOS 15.0.1 on October 1, 2021 and then 15.1 will come later in October or November. Many enterprises will review wireless operating releases and make their own determination on functionality with devices and compatibility with company specific applications. Understanding any impact to key applications utilized will be key before upgrading devices with iOS15 and/or just the iOS itself.
The biggest features of the new iPhones are obviously their 5G capabilities along with a smaller notch, Apple’s A15 bionic chip for the fastest performance of any smartphone on the market, an advanced camera system and bigger battery.
iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini
- iP68 water resistant
- 5 new colors, pink, blue, midnight, starlight and product red
- 28% brighter, displays improved power efficiency
- New chip – A15 bionic – 6 core CPU
- 50% faster than competition
- 4 – core GPU with 30% faster graphics
- 16 – core neural engine 15.8 trillion operations per second
- 12 MP Wide camera
- Sharper images
- New Ultra-Wide camera
- Cinematic mode for video – automatic focus changes
- 5G will be in the new phones
- By end of year, 200 carriers in 60 countries (5G)
- Battery life – mini gets 1.5 hours longer, iPhone 13 get 2.5 hours longer battery life
- Smart data mode – shifts to LTE when 5G not needed
- Get notified of last known location where your wallet was separated from iPhone
- iPhone Mini- $699
- iPhone 13- from $799
- 128 GB is the starting capacity and new 512 GB option
iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max
As is usually the case with Apple’s Pro-level iPhones, the camera is one of the main differences between the iPhone 13 Pro and the standard model. But the phones are also getting a boost in performance, gains in battery life, a new 1-terabyte storage option and a new display that can bump its refresh rate up to 120Hz. Below are some additional specs:
- 4 finishes; graphite, gold, silver, sierra blue
- IP68 water resistance
- A15 bionic- 5 core CPU
- Super Retina XDR display
- ProMotion- responds dynamically and no lag
- 1 inch and 6.7 inch
- 77 mm telephoto camera, ultra wide camera, new wide camera
- 3x optical zoom
- 6X optical zoom capability
- Macro photography- uses a special lens to get close details
- All day battery life and Pro has more than 1.5 hours longer than iPhone 12 and Max has 2.5 hours longer
- Zero waste in packaging
- iPhone 13 Pro- $999
- iPhone Pro Max $1099
- 1 TB storage option
iPad
Apple announced the latest version of its 10.2-inch iPad as part of its fall launch event. In 2020, Apple put a faster A12 bionic chip in the 10.2-inch iPad, giving it a performance boost over the previous iPad model. Now, the newest entry-level iPad will feature an A13 Bionic chip. Below are some stats about the newest iPad:
- 20% faster performance
- 3X faster than other iPads
- 6X faster than Android tablets
- Realistic watercolors, captures great photos in low light and better selfies on front camera
- 12 MP Ultra side and 122 degree of view
- Supports first gen Apple pencil
- iOS 15
- All day battery life
- $329 for 64GB Space Gray and Silver
iPad mini
The main feature for the new iPad Mini is its larger screen, now an 8.3-inch display. It may not sound like a major difference compared to the 7.9-inch display on the 2019 model, but the new tablet is actually a bit shorter while fitting in a larger screen. Additionally, the latest iPad Mini now aligns with the iPad Pros and 2020 iPad Air by replacing the Lightning connector with USB-C. Below are some stats about the newest iPad mini:
- Performance is 2X better than previous version
- USB-C port is 10X faster
- 5G
- Updated front and back cameras
- 12 MP camera with focus pixels
- Record in 4K can be your mobile movie studio with 12 MP ultra-wide camera
- Supports 2ndgen Apple Pencil – magnetically connects to the side
- 4 colors: purple, rose, silver and space gray
- From $499 in Wi-Fi and Cellular
Apple Watch- Series 7
Apple made some small changes to the Apple Watch for the Series 7 compared to the Series 6 watch. Main changes include battery life, display screen, and blood oxygen monitoring. More details here:
- Detects when you start riding a bike
- Detects falls on a bike
- Improved workout algorithm
- 20% more screen area than Series 6 watch
- Thinner borders with max screen area
- Shape of watch are softer with rounder corners
- 70% brighter indoors
- New display that is fully optimized for user experience
- Larger buttons on the display
- Quick pass, predicts the words you type
- More durable with crack resistant front crystal and water resistant
- 18-hour battery life
- Improved charging – only 45 mins to charge
- 5 colors – Green, Blue, Product Red, Starlight and Midnight
- New bands to customize all compatible with series 7
- Will be priced at $399 – preorders Oct. 8 and availability Oct. 15, 2021
Apple’s recent phones prior to the iPhone 13 (11 and 12) are still relatively new to the iPhone ecosystem and don’t necessarily need an upgrade unless you like to have the latest and greatest technology. However, those who own older models, particularly the iPhone XS and earlier, will likely have a lot to gain when it comes to camera features and battery life. Apple’s older iPhones dating back to the iPhone 6S generation still support iOS 15, which launched earlier this week, but they won’t feel nearly as fast as more recent iPhone models.
One key differentiation for the iPhone 13 (and 12) is the ability to support 5G. The iPhones 11 and earlier are not built with 5G support. Many companies are looking to upgrade their devices to the 5G model since it’s now become the standard and it’ll ensure that your phone can support the network in the future when it becomes more widespread across the nation.
Navigating the ins and outs of today’s wireless devices, operating systems, company specific applications and third-party applications take knowledge and expertise. OVATION has been helping enterprises for 20 years with thought leadership and hands on managed services that improve the effectiveness of a corporate mobility program. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with designing, implementing and managing all your wireless needs.
