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16 September 2020 (MYT) marks the happenings of Apple's Time Flies Event, which happened at 1 AM in local time. Here, Apple announces news on their latest offerings, focusing on the Apple Watch Series 6, iPad line and Apple's new subscription service.
Unlike previous Apple events in September, this year has no announcement on an iPhone 12 (and should be revealed likely later this year). But, the updates on the mentioned product lines are very exciting.
Notes:
- This virtual event briefly covers the products' features, upgrades, innovation and expected pricing.
- All images are courtesy of Apple.
Apple Time Flies Event 2020 announced the following: Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch SE (budget smartwatch option), Apple Fitness+, iOS 14, iPad Air 4 (2020) and Apple One (subscription bundle).
Apple Watch Series 6
As the most anticipated product, the new Apple Watch Series 6 has an interesting slew of features that are inspired by the happenings of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from the typical pulse tracking and heart rate monitoring, the watches are equipped with the all-new blood oxygen meter called "Pulse oximetry sensor" and VO2 Max monitoring. With these, you can quickly take an ECG test in just 15 seconds!
The former is important in making sure the body has the right amount of oxygen level whereas the latter helps keep track of the user's lung capacity.
Both of these features are especially useful in taking precautions towards any breathing difficulty and respiratory failures which are also a common symptom tied to the novel virus COVID-19. And just like its other existing Apple Watch features, both the blood oxygen and VO2 Max monitoring will provide info as well as notify any signs of an acute problem.
Aside from enhanced features, the watch now has a faster processor for better performance. Apple has mentioned that its chipset modelled after the A12 Bionic. Moreover, Apple Watch Series 6 will ship with the latest Watch OS 7, which will be available on 16 September.
Other Apple Watch Series 6 features:
- 20% faster performance than Apple Watch Series 5
- Brighter, always-on display while maintaining low energy consumption
- Always-on altimeter
- More specialist watch faces - Choose watch profile based on your lifestyles, such as for surfing, photography, work and more
- Unique solo loop wrist strap for easy wearing
There's also a new Watch OS7 feature - Family setup: Lets you connect your iPhone to family members who do not own one. This feature is meant to set up a limited version of the Apple Watch for your kids or elderly parents so that users can keep in touch with them.
Alongside the Apple Watch Series 6... is the all-new Apple Watch SE. You guessed it, it's an affordable version of the Apple Watch Series 6!
Apple Watch SE
Brands such as Huawei and Samsung have managed to offer budget options to reach more new smartwatch consumers. The competition is now tougher as this new Apple Watch SE is the first affordable option in the Apple Watch lineup, and will definitely attract many Apple fans and admirers alike.
While the Apple Watch SE looks like the Apple Watch Series 6, you wouldn't get the always-on display and new ECG functionalities unique to the Apple Watch Series 6. Instead, the insides are just like the Apple Watch Series 5.
Buy Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE in Malaysia:
You can order both watches starting 16th September 2020. They will be officially released on Friday, 18th September 2020.
- Apple Watch Series 6 - From RM1,749
- Apple Watch SE - From RM1,199
- Apple Watch Series 3 - New price at RM849
New Apple subscription - Apple Fitness+
Complementing the Apple Watch Series 6 is this new subscription service for the fitness-enthusiast.
The service is available for use across Apple devices, and has programs to cater to several types of exercises: Cycling, Dance, Treadmill walk and run, strength, core, HIIT, rowing and cooldowns. Classes will offer a workout set with either with basic gym equipment or none at all. The app will play host to some of the best fitness trainers that'll guide you through new weekly workout sets as well.
And if you're already an Apple Music subscriber, you can save your music playlist for use on here as well!
Subscription for Malaysia isn't available as of launch. But it will be soon and is said to be USD$9.99 monthly or USD$79.99 for a year (approx. RM41 and RM331 respectively). For every purchase of an Apple Watch Series 6, you get 3 months free subscription of Fitness+!
iPad Air (2020)
iPad Air enjoys a healthy number of fans as its performance perfectly meets the expectations for those who do not need an iPad Pro. A successor to the iPad Air 3, the mid-range iPad Air 2020 sees a huge boost in performance as well as design. Needless to say, it's kind of like the Apple Pro, but mini version.
iPad Air 2020 sports a larger screen-to-body ratio and a side-mounted power button that's Touch-ID enabled. Its design looks similar to the iPad Pro. Air 2020 even supports the 2nd generation of Apple Pencil and will come in 5 stunning colours.
The biggest reason for getting the iPad Air 2020 is for its new A14 Bionic chipset, which is not present in any Apple products as of launch. This chipset uses less power while maintaining smooth performance. Apple says that the iPad Air 2020 has a 40% faster CPU than the previous Air generation, and a 30% increase in graphics performance, making it great for games, editing art and more.
Other notable iPad Air 4 features:
- USB-C port to allow for faster data transfer - supports connectivity to a wider range of products
- A 7MP front HD camera and a 12MP primary camera
- Bezel-free display
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
Buy iPad Air 2020 in Malaysia:
The iPad Air 2020 in Malaysia will only be available in October 2020 and is priced from RM2,599.
iPad 8th Generation
While most leaks online predicted a revamp on the iPad Air 4, Apple took to surprise all of us with a quick update on the iPad. The iPad 2020 is technically last year's iPad Air (2019) and is rebranded to become the new budget iPad 8th generation. This new generation will have support for more accessories such as the Smart Keyboard and first generation of Apple Pencil.
Buy iPad 8th Generation in Malaysia:
The new iPad 2020 will be priced from RM1,449, and will only be available in October 2020. There's also an educational price at USD$299 which is approximately RM1,240 but is yet to be available for Malaysia.
iOS 14, iPad OS 14, tvOS 14 & watchOS 7
Another surprising turn of events is that a new iOS 14 update was announced, and will be available on 16 September 2020. The iOS 14 will give a lot of interesting updates such as further widget customisation on the home screen, more iMessage features, new Memojis, better security support, enhanced AirPods connectivity features and more.
Also, both iPad OS 14 and tvOS 14 offers further enhancements for better user experience.
The former has updates on its widget design customisation, updated Scribble features, and similarly enhanced security as well as AirPods connectivity just like the iOS 14. Meanwhile, the latter will see camera integration from HomeKit-supported smart videos + doorbells, picture-in-picture mode and Apple Arcade updates.
And finally, watchOS 7 will have increased watch faces, enhanced version of watch apps, an automated handwashing-detection which will set a timer for the recommended 20-second handwash time.
Apple One
Finally, Apple revealed its unified subscription bundle called Apple One. It'll be offering 3 tiers of subscription bundles consisting of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+ as well as better iCloud storage capabilities. Set to be launched late this year, we can honestly say that the bundles are worth for their prices!
Note: All subscriptions are entitled to a 30 days free trial period before committing payment.
Apple One's estimated pricing for Malaysia:
- Individual - RM19.90/month for Apple Music, TV+, Arcade and 50GB iCloud storage
- Family (Private access across 5 accounts) - RM33.90 for Apple Music, TV+, Arcade and 200GB iCloud storage
- Premier (yet to be available for MY) - $29.95/month (RM124) for Apple Music, TV+, Arcade, News+, Apple Fitness+ and enhanced iCloud storage