Apple Keynote 2021 Recap: All You Need To Know
The Apple Keynote is a time for the brand to show off their latest innovations and new products. This event was no exception! The iPhone-centric event lasted an hour and a half, so if you didn’t have time to watch it all live, we’ve got you covered with a recap of what happened and everything you need to know. In this article we’ll cover everything from the first product launch-the 9th generation iPad and iPad mini 6- the Apple Watch 7- to the last product launch of iPhone 13 series consisting of the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
9th Generation iPad
The newest iPad is said to be 20% faster than the eighth generation, and up to six times faster than android tablets due to its A13 Bionic chip. All models are equipped with iPadOS 15, with revamped features for FaceTime, integrated widgets, a new design for the Home Screen, expedited note-taking processes and much more.
In addition, it also consists of an improved 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Centre Stage that instantly detects people in the frame and ensures the positioning fits everyone.
The colour options are limited to two options: space gray and silver, with 64GB and 256GB storage options. The price range starts at RM1,499 and RM2,149 respectively.
iPad Mini 6
The new iPad Mini has been given a whole new “facelift” featuring a USB-C port, a larger 8.5-inch display, improved performance, an embedded Touch ID sensor in the power button that is now located at the top of the device, 5G technology and an overall “mega power, mini size”.
The iPad Mini will have an improved front and back camera that is Ultra Wide with a 12MP sensor, the ability to shoot 4K videos, Centre stage that keeps users in frame during video calls, and compatibility with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
Finally, the colour options are limited to four options: space gray, pink, purple and starlight, with 64GB and 256GB storage options. The price range starts at RM2,299 and RM2,949 respectively.
Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the strongest model ever due to its features such as the 50% stronger crack-resistant crystal used for the screen, bigger sizing options of 41mm and 45mm, and softer corners in order to maximise the screen size.
The always-on display has been augmented to 70% more brightness when the user is indoors, the seamless casing allows for a refraction of light, which alludes to a “wraparound effect” and increases the user-friendliness. In addition, Modular Duo and Contour are the latest watch faces. This works in conjunction with the 40% thinner border that allow for a larger screen area, thus enabling the QWERTY keyboard addition.
Appealing to the clumsy users, the series 7 is IP6X certified, meaning it is WR59 swim proof, dust and water resistant. For the “on-the-go” users, the increased durability via the 33% increase in charging time will appeal to them as it can charge up to 80% in just 45 minutes, with an 8 hour sleep tracking feature. For the fitness fanatics, the COO of Apple stated that “powered by watchOS 8, Apple Watch brings useful new capabilities to help customers stay connected, track activity and workouts, and better understand their overall health and wellness” with the fall detection, golf swing distance and tennis ball speed.
Unfortunately, the Apple Watch Series 7 will only be available in Malaysia later this year.
iPhone 13 Full Range
Lastly, we’ve got the mid-tier iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, and high-end iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max with a new set of colours and revamped features and physical designs.
iPhone 13 and 13 Mini Key Highlights
- A15 Chip: allows it to deliver 15.8 trillion operations per second
- Bigger Battery: lasts 2.5 hours longer than the iPhone 12
- Super Retina XDR Display: captures more light and colour (28% brighter) and cinematic mode for videos, with diagonal dual-lens rear camera with 12 megapixel Wide and Ultra Wide cameras.
- New colors: pink, blue, midnight (black), starlight (silver/gold), and (PRODUCT) Red
- Price: The iPhone 13 mini starts at RM3,399, while the iPhone 13 starts at RM3,899
- Resolution: 2340×1080 with 476 pixels per inch and a 2532×1170 resolution with 460 pixels per inch for the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 respectively
- Smaller FaceID notch: takes up less space by 20%
- Storage: starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB
- 5G: included for better quality video streaming, higher-definition FaceTime calls, and improved gaming, but the super fast mmWave speeds are again limited to major cities in the United States
- 5.4 and 6.1-inch sizes: for the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 respectively
iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max Key Highlights
- A15 Chip: features a 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, a 5-core GPU (one more than the iPhone 13 models)
- Bigger Battery: iPhone 13 Pro offers up to 1.5 hours more battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers up to 2.5 hours more battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- OLED Super Retina XDR Display: supports ProMotion technology with 10Hz to 120Hz refresh rates. The displays capture more light and colour (25% brighter) with 6x optical zoom range and support for 15x digital zoom provided by the Ultra Wide camera feature.
- New colors: pink, blue, midnight (black), starlight (silver/gold), and (PRODUCT) Red
- Price: The iPhone 13 pro starts at RM4,899, while the iPhone 13 pro max starts at RM5,299
- Resolution: 2532×1170 resolution with 460 pixels per inch and 2778×1284 resolution with 458 pixels per inch for the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max respectively
- Smaller FaceID notch: takes up less space by 20% with a ceramic shield and IP68 water and dust resistance
- Storage: starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB
- 5G: included for better quality video streaming, higher-definition FaceTime calls, and improved gaming, but the super fast mmWave speeds are again limited to major cities in the United States
- 6.1 and 6.7-inch sizes: for the iPhone 13 pro and iPhone 13 pro max respectively
Availability Info
The pre-order for all three product categories start from the 1st of October, 2021 at Apple Authorized Retailers such as Switch and Machines. The products will be available one week after that, from the 8th of October, 2021.
