Apple Updates September 2020

Apple Updates September 2020 – Apple Watch Series 6 and new SE, iPad Air Gen 4, iPad Gen 8, Fitness+ service and Apple One service bundle.

Apple held a virtual event to launch its updated range. Here is a recap.

Watch Series 6

Wi-Fi N 2.4Ghz/BT 5.0/GPS version starts from $599. LTE version from $749
40 or 44mm case
S6 processor
U1 chip ultra-wideband antenna
Up to 18 hours use and 1.5-hour charge (less with LTE and GPS use)
AOD 324×394/368×448 OLED – 1000 nits
Always on Altimeter to detect elevation changes
Adds SpO2 blood oxygen level (via IR and algorithm)
Choice of Product Red and Blue aluminium case, aluminium, stainless steel and titanium cases
New Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop stretchable silicone band tailored to your wrist size
As per series 5 – Emergency SOS and fall detection
Up to 50% louder second-generation speaker and noise control app
Will have Nike and Hermes versions
WatchOS 7

Watch SE

Wi-Fi/BT/GPS version starts from $429. LTE version from $499
40 or 44mm case
S5 processor
324×394/368×448 OLED (not AOD) 1000 nits
Same software features as Watch 6
Missing: SpO2, electrical heart sensor (has optical)
Aluminium case in silver, space grey and gold
Will have a Nike version

Comparison here and available from Apple here from 18 September.

Fitness+

Three-month trial for new Apple Watch 3 or later purchases
Cost $14.99 per month or $119.99 per year
Pairs Watch to iPad or Apple TV box
Uses Watch metrics and advanced algorithms for guided training

It is not released yet. It provides curated content and motivational training for treadmill walk/run. HIIT, rowing, dance., cycling, yoga, core, strength and more.

iPad Air gen 4 from October

64GB Wi-Fi/LTE $899/1099 and 256GB Wi-Fi/LTE $1129/1329
Space Grey, Silver, Rose Gold, Green and Sky Blue
10.9”, 2360 x 1540 IPS, 500nits, wide colour display (supports Apple Pencil 2 $199)
A14 Bionic chip
12MP, f/1.8 rear camera, 4K@24fps or less
7MP, f/2.0 Facetime camera 1080@60fps or less
Stereo speakers and dual mics
Wi-Fi 6 AX, BT 5.0, NFC, GPS
LTE models 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71. Data only, eSIM, supports Wi-Fi calling but not VoLTE
28.6W battery for up to 10/9 hours use. 20W USB-C charger
iPadOS 14

iPad gen 8 from 17 September

32GB Wi-Fi/LTE $499/699 and 128GB $649/849
Space Grey, Silver or Gold
10.2, 2160×1620 IPS, 500nits (supports Apple Pencil 1 at $145)
A12 Bionic chip
8MP, F/2.4 rear camera, 1080p@30fps or less
1.2MP FaceTime camera 720p
Stereo speakers and dual mics
Wi-Fi 5 AC, BT 4.2, NFC
LTE models , 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71. Data only, eSIM, Wi-Fi calling but not VoLTE. GPS only on LTE model
32.4W battery for up to 10/9 hours use. USB-C charger (no wattage given)
iPadOS 14

Apple One coming later in 2020

Bundle up to six Apple services into a single subscription. Family plan for up to five people (all need separate Apple ID and the same last name) and up to 10 devices is also available. Current services include Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud, Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+.

Four services individual/family $19.95/25.95 per month and Premier 6 services and family share $39.95 per month.