IPhone Xs, Xs Max and Xr
As expected, Apple announced three new iPhone models today. There are two new high-end models of the iPhone X, the Xs and the Xs Max. The Xs has the same screen as the current iPhone X, but the Max touts a HUGE 6.5″ screen contained in a phone that’s the same physical size as the iPhone 7 & 8 Plus models. This is possible because the screen goes all the way to the phone’s edges and the home button, as with the iPhone X, is eliminated and uses FaceID to unlock the phone.
Believe it or not, the biggest surprise for me was the lower price iPhone Xr. It starts at $749 and comes in various colors. It has all the same internal upgrades as the Xs models, but only a single lens camera versus the dual-lens found on the Xs and a different screen technology. Honestly, for the difference in price I don’t see either of these as a big deal. You lose the 2X optical zoom, but the camera has essentially all the other features and upgrades found in the Xs. And the screen is still going to look amazing. The iPhone Xr is a great phone…Apple is going to sell a LOT of these!
As for me, I don’t see enough upgraded features to trade in my iPhone X this year. I plan to wait for next year’s model, but if I were in the market for a new phone I believe I would choose the new Xr.
Apple Watch Series 4
What does have my full attention is the new Apple Watch. It has a larger, more vibrant screen that displays a lot more information that the current model. It also has ECG capability built in so you can perform a reliable electrocardiogram in just 30 seconds! Additionally the “fall detection” feature is very cool. It can detect a fall and easily send an SOS call to 911. Very cool.
Yes, I am going to be trading in my Series 2 Apple Watch for the new Series 4. I won’t go with the cellular option though, as I always have my iPhone in my pocket and can make and take calls on the watch through it’s connection to the phone. It’s an additional $100 for the cellular option, plus another $10/month at most of the carriers. Not worth it for me, but a nice feature for those who don’t want to take their phone with them to the gym, the pool or the beach. With the cellular option you can make phone calls and send/receive text messages without needing to have your iPhone with you.
Anyone want a good deal on a slightly used Apple Watch Model 2?
What Didn’t Apple Announce Today?
Many expected Apple to announce new iPads, Macs and AirPods. They didn’t. Many now believe that these will come in October at another event.
Learn More
There’s no shortage of articles with all the details, but here’s a good one for a fairly complete overview of what was (and was not) announced by Apple today:
https://venturebeat.com/2018/09/12/apple-announces-iphone-xr-an-iphone-x-with-liquid-retina-display/
And of course you MUST take a look at everything on Apple’s website: