Everything Apple Announced at Today's iPhone 7 Event in Under Five Minutes

[neliason]

I can't say I was very excited about anything. But thinking about it more I think these were solid improvements. I think people wrongly expect great leaps forward each year. I think they have a false sense that Apple has always, every year made huge innovations. They haven't. A lot of changes could be called incremental.

The phone is a pretty mature market. The biggest leap forward in recent years was the first iPhone. It is hard to have a truly revolutionary change. It is true some of the new features have existed in other phones. But that isn't new. Apple wasn't the first to have copy and paste on handhelds, but when they did implement it they did a great job.

Apple isn't always or often the first to add a feature. But what they are good at is providing very good hardware, very good software, and very good integration. And they are good at making visually pleasing products. Their products aren't perfect but overall are very good. You pay more for them but I think the overall experience makes them a very good value.

Is it just me that is getting bored of hearing the same phrases over and over and over. "the best phone we ever built" the best watch we ever build" "the most powerful operating system".....We get it! No company tries to build a worse phone than the previous model! Its pretty obvious.

It is funny but tedious. I think it is silly but marketing talk is silly. They do it because it works, even if it annoy folks like you and me.

 

[Popeye206]

Finally, the days of my kitchen drawer handles ripping my earbuds out my ears will soon be coming to an end.

LOL! I thought that was just me! I do that a lot.

 

[mytawalbeh]

Another boring event with mediocre upgrades that still trail behind

Another troll posts that have no sense but hating.

 

[jamesrick80]

OLED remains over rated - however you might have missed Apple introduced something no mobile phone has - a color management system so if they do get OLED they will be the only ones doing it right with accurate color depiction.

Of course they have a file system. What you want is a user accessible file system. There are solutions for the 0.1% who need that. I move movies on my phone all the time....

Iris scanning sucks and Samsung did it crappy.

Wireless charging is...so wasteful powerwise. I dont know what the fascination is. Either you lay your phone down on a big wireless pad and it charges or you plug it in to a cord you can reposition and even hold in your hand while it charges. Wireless charging sounds cool but is a step backwards in actual use for the majority of devices (makes sense for a watch you never use except when on hand).

I think the new home button will likely be a step backwards. Lots of things to complain about. But if you want all these mostly useless and poorly done features in a phone - just buy the Android. They are great phones. You think Apple is behind in a race they are not running. They are doing something different. I don't necessarily like it but when your complaints amount to - make your phone a Samsung - then the answer is - buy a Samsung.

It's really no defending the new iPhone...every year we all start the same conversation...which is better or what does this...everyone has a preference.....if you are into a phone with three key features (camera, processor, new color) more power to you......

 

[cubsnlinux]

I tried to watch the keynote and I hated it and turned it off. So cringey, salesy, cheesy and amateurish. It was a joke, like a two bit sales presentation that was painful and dull to watch. "You're going to love it" No, apple. I'm not.

Wow, lets get excited about a watch that tells you where you ran. No, lets not. apple has lost the plot, up it's own a hole.

It was meant to be exactly that, a sales pitch. It wasn't a global charity event or a surprise announcement for a miracle cancer cure you know.

 

[rolsskk]

It's amazing how vast majority of commenters on MacRumors now are so negative towards Apple. Why don't you guys go troll android forums or something?

I'm not saying we should blindly praise Apple, but I mean come on...

Were we watching the same keynote? It was cringe-inducing. The guy who was talking about the watch should never do a keynote again, until he learns that he's not funny, and does some public speaking training.

The sad thing was that the Apple Watch was the most innovative thing out there, aside from that, all Apple did was cut the cords off of their uncomfortable headphones, and remove a port.
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It was meant to be exactly that, a sales pitch. It wasn't a global charity event or a surprise announcement for a miracle cancer cure you know.

We all know that, but this one...was amateur hour. It's not as polished and refined as other keynotes have been, people tried to be funny, and they couldn't even feign excitement.

 

[profmjh]

Personally I'm delighted.

I'm not bashing the iPhone 7, but I see no reason to upgrade my iPhone 6S.

I'm not bashing the Apple Watch Series 2, but I see no reason to upgrade my existing Apple Watch.

For years I've searched for decent bluetooth headphones. I love the Apple EarPods -- they're super comfortable. I hate those ones that go inside your ear. And I don't want huge headphones that sit on or around my ear. Equally, the wires drive me crazy: constantly tangled or snagging on things. The new AirPods are exactly what I've been looking for and I will certainly order a pair. I've never had an EarPod spontaneous fall out, so I don't expect the AirPods to, either. I don't care if the sound quality is better or not, I mostly use my iPhone for listening to podcasts. And I'm sure they'll be good enough for the music I do listen to.

One other point -- what geniuses the mobile phone manufacturers are. They've convinced us that we have to dispose of our perfectly good phones every year and buy brand new ones. What other consumer product has achieved that? Do you buy a new TV every year? New fridge? Even a new car?

Our upgrade obsession is madness. I'm as guilty of it as anybody but I'm really trying to wean myself off. I'll buy a new iPhone when my existing iPhone fails, or if a new iPhone with a significantly improved feature set is produced. Apple currently seems set on incremental improvements. That's entirely sensible, but it does imply for me that I'm not upgrading everything every year.

OK, I lied. One final point -- why all the whining about (a) the loss of the headphone jack and (b) the battery life of the AirPods? Seriously. I don't get it. The iPhone 7 comes with a perfectly good set of headphones. If you really insist on using your own, it also comes with an adaptor. If that's the worst thing that's ever happened to you, then you've led a charmed life. And who are these people who are moaning that 5 hours battery life on the AirPods isn't enough? You really can't take 15 minute rest to recharge them for another 3 hours? Seriously? And then you have to plug them in at night to have them ready for the next day? This is such a trauma for you? Wow you're life must be easy.

 

[mrsvoussy]

I guess I am one of the minorities here because I am super excited for this phone.

I know that some of the specs don't match up to Samsung. Samsung has done things first and Apple is catching up in some aspects.

But personally, I like my iphone. I have always liked my iphones. I don't use mine and constantly wish it did something more. So every year when a new one comes out with any new feature, it's a bonus to me. I tried a Samsung and hated it. I am totally on the iphone bandwagon and have no shame about it.

No headphone jack doesn't bother me at all. I use bluetooth headphones anyway. I am extremely excited about the stereo speakers coming. And a better camera is a major plus to me every year.

I love the preorder rush and waiting for the new phone to come in. And since I'm on the AT&T next program, I may as well upgrade every year.

I know this is not the majority opinion. And I understand why there are major complaints and totally understand the issues Apple has. But as someone that just likes the way iphones work, I'm happy. I'll be happy with these upgrades until the supposedly fantastic one comes out next year.

 

[Doctor Brian]

That's what this conference was worth....5 minutes. Tim Cook's mismanagement of the Macbook Pro line is disgusting. He announces a "yawn" iphone...in the meanwhile Apple is the industry laggard in laptop development and this overpaid underperforming CEO doesn't have the DECENCY to say anything to the millions of users he has left stranded with aging and poorly performing computers.
[doublepost=1473348894][/doublepost]

What a boring presentation and what new stuff are they bringing, nothing. Same product but just a little improve hardware. And that stylus joke. Oh it's not a stylus, it's an Apple Pencil. You can call stylus anyhow you want, pencil, pointer, stick, straw, or even a pen but at the end, it's still a stylus.

Agreed..no innovations here; a bunch of hot air while what really needed to happen for Apple stock and customers was to make SOME announcement for the Macbook Pro...instead this guy is sitting on his thumbs.

 

[Gudi]

If you want old technology, Apple is not your company.

I spat milk out through my nose laughing when I read that.

It's funny 'cause it's true.

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

The only issue with the AirPods is the battery, or lack of it.


For example, imagine you have a 6 hour flight. You are sitting, listening to your music happily for the first 4 hours and then they run out of juice.

Do you:

1) Sit for the next half an hour to an hour for the AirPods to recharge in the AirPod box thing.

2) Curse yourself for leaving your AirPod recharge box in the luggage hold.

3) Smirk to yourself that you craftily thought ahead and brought some old analogue headphones with you. Only to swear under your breath that you forgot the damn adaptor.


I love the idea of wireless headphones and have looked at the options before. But there is plenty of thinking ahead to be done with these.

I'm amazed how many people say they listen to music for more than 5 hours without taking a break. You'll obviously have the recharge case with you because it would be silly to have the AirPods loose in your pocket while boarding. The recharge case is the logical storage spot when they're not in your ears. Listen to music for 3 or 4 or 5 hours, then pop them in their case and read a news article or a book or work on a project or take a nap or talk to someone or get some food or look out the window for 20 minutes and then go back to your music again.

 

[dampfnudel]

You seem to be one of those naive people who accept only things as new and innovative if they look different on the outside. Who cares whether the new iPhone or Watch look similar to the last version dude? Is a new look what defines progress in your eyes? I can only shake my head.

If iPhone 7 sales are lower than the 6 and especially lower than the 6s, you'll have your answer who cares. It's a little surprising to me why Apple won't release weekend sales numbers, something they've done for the past five years. You can shake off whatever head you want.

 

[emm386]

i must say,that this recap is very well done by macrumors - props where its due!

but i dont understand,why they cut out the announcement of the new MacBook Pros...?

 

[jonnysods]

I get worried when Tim Cook is the most relaxed on the stage. He always seems forced, but I do think it's just how it comes across. The 'Sweet Home Alabama' part was pretty good.

Everyone, here is the script:
Say your lines (don't worry if it's the first time you've seen them... Only 200,000,000 people will be watching and re-watching this, and whatever you do will live forever! Don't be nervous!), say 'thank you, goodbye' and then disappear.

You made an interesting remark there about the pressure on these presenters, it makes me feel bad for them. I was watching the the forum light up and the shrillness of someones voice or the way they look, I'd shrivel under that kind of pressure.

 

[Sylvan]

One other point -- what geniuses the mobile phone manufacturers are. They've convinced us that we have to dispose of our perfectly good phones every year and buy brand new ones. What other consumer product has achieved that? Do you buy a new TV every year? New fridge? Even a new car?

Our upgrade obsession is madness. I'm as guilty of it as anybody but I'm really trying to wean myself off. I'll buy a new iPhone when my existing iPhone fails, or if a new iPhone with a significantly improved feature set is produced. Apple currently seems set on incremental improvements. That's entirely sensible, but it does imply for me that I'm not upgrading everything every year.

Eh, speak for yourself. I certainly don't upgrade every year and neither does anyone I know. I must be hanging out in the wrong circles. 4 years is about the average refresh cycle I see among my friends and family. So if you think your upgrade obsession is a problem, by all means, work on that. The thing with people who upgrade ever year is they can resell their old iPhones for good money so it's not like they're just throwing them in the garbage. It would be foolish to spend near $1000 on a new phone every year if you're not reselling the old one.

 

[kissmo]

It will be a leap. Large screen, fingerprint sensor, a lot snappier, water resistant, much better camera, battery that lasts 2-3 times longer etc.

Well battery that lasts 8 hours longer because mine is literally dead now )) Every 4 hours needs recharging if I use the phone a bit.... it's kinda like a cord phone - using an iCord )

 

[BrianKonarsMac]

Still, I like that Apple push things forward. It will upset some, but in the end we are all better off.

I can agree, to a point. When these new technologies & efforts make my life more convenient, I am all for it! For example:

Abandoning serial ports: Move everyone over to the new universal standard? Now my ports are nice and clean, I'm not hating!
Firewire: A faster standard (at the time it was out) AND allows me to turn my computer into a harddrive through Target Disk Mode to make transfer between devices brainless? Amazing!
ADC: Power and signal in a single cord? Muy bueno!

Conversely, we now have the abandonment of an existing standard which supplies audio/power in a single cable, to force me to either use: 1) wireless, 2) dongle/adapter or 3) get new headphones that aren't compatible with any of my other devices (without the dongle/adapter again).

Where is the benefit or added convenience to me here? If I wanted wireless audio, it was already available to me. The thing is, I don't because I already have a hard enough time keeping track of my tv remotes. Plus, I don't want ANOTHER device to keep charged (I already have half a dozen devices charging at any time... please, no more!). Now I need to carry an adapter with me to use my headphones? And if I want to charge and use an AUX cable (which I do daily) I need ANOTHER adapter (~$40 for the convenience).

There is no convenience or additional benefit here to us as consumers that I can think of. As I said, if I wanted wireless headphones (I do not), they are available. Change for the sake of change is not always a good thing in my opinion.

 

[elmaco]

Where is the benefit or added convenience to me here? If I wanted wireless audio, it was already available to me. The thing is, I don't because I already have a hard enough time keeping track of my tv remotes. Plus, I don't want ANOTHER device to keep charged (I already have half a dozen devices charging at any time... please, no more!). Now I need to carry an adapter with me to use my headphones? And if I want to charge and use an AUX cable (which I do daily) I need ANOTHER adapter (~$40 for the convenience).

I agree about the chargers, another problem that desperately needs to be solved. Long-range wireless charging could be the solution, so devices charges automatically when you are in the room, or directly by the iPhone.

I hope the 10th Anniversary phone will bring that.

 

[where is it]

I'm amazed how many people say they listen to music for more than 5 hours without taking a break. You'll obviously have the recharge case with you because it would be silly to have the AirPods loose in your pocket while boarding. The recharge case is the logical storage spot when they're not in your ears. Listen to music for 3 or 4 or 5 hours, then pop them in their case and read a news article or a book or work on a project or take a nap or talk to someone or get some food or look out the window for 20 minutes and then go back to your music again.

I usually keep some sort of music on in flight as airplane drone gives me a headache very easily.

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

You made an interesting remark there about the pressure on these presenters, it makes me feel bad for them. I was watching the the forum light up and the shrillness of someones voice or the way they look, I'd shrivel under that kind of pressure.

Thank you!
It's been said or studied that other than death, peoples' number 1 fear is public speaking, so I feel for these people on stage.

Luckily, I've done enough presentations in front of people to learn some tricks:
1. Practice until you know the material backwards and forwards.
2. Use PowerPoint as a Cue Card, not a script. (When reading from them on paper, I put everything in 24-36pt type, and use that.) Oh yeah, print out your script.
3. When you get on stage, find 5 people in the audience in different places and cycle through them (mix it up if you need to...)
4. Look at peoples' eyebrows. They'll think you're looking them in the eye.
5. On every note page, put the words, "SMILE" and "RELAX" on them
6. If there are questions (I know, not on these types of presentations), when people ask something, ask them, "can you go into more detail?" The questioner appreciates that you want to know more, and this allows you to think about the answer before you give it to them.
7. A few other notes: Never say that you're nervous, always have a story at the beginning that is funny*, and always thank the crowd.

*A kid in my church was giving a talk, and he started it with how his sister went to a scary movie for the first time, so naturally, he hid in the shower with a gorilla mask on, and when she came home and came in the bathroom, he jumped out, and said how the screams she wailed out could be heard 1/4 mile away. "Now, you may be wondering what this has to do with paying tithing, well, it doesn't..." Everyone remembers his talk. (He did have his sister's permission to tell the story...)

 

[malexandria]

I can agree, to a point. When these new technologies & efforts make my life more convenient, I am all for it! For example:

Abandoning serial ports: Move everyone over to the new universal standard? Now my ports are nice and clean, I'm not hating!
Firewire: A faster standard (at the time it was out) AND allows me to turn my computer into a harddrive through Target Disk Mode to make transfer between devices brainless? Amazing!
ADC: Power and signal in a single cord? Muy bueno!

Conversely, we now have the abandonment of an existing standard which supplies audio/power in a single cable, to force me to either use: 1) wireless, 2) dongle/adapter or 3) get new headphones that aren't compatible with any of my other devices (without the dongle/adapter again).

Where is the benefit or added convenience to me here? If I wanted wireless audio, it was already available to me. The thing is, I don't because I already have a hard enough time keeping track of my tv remotes. Plus, I don't want ANOTHER device to keep charged (I already have half a dozen devices charging at any time... please, no more!). Now I need to carry an adapter with me to use my headphones? And if I want to charge and use an AUX cable (which I do daily) I need ANOTHER adapter (~$40 for the convenience).

There is no convenience or additional benefit here to us as consumers that I can think of. As I said, if I wanted wireless headphones (I do not), they are available. Change for the sake of change is not always a good thing in my opinion.

Wow, someone completely changed my comment. I've never said that I liked that Apple push things forward.

 

[BrianKonarsMac]

I agree about the chargers, another problem that desperately needs to be solved. Long-range wireless charging could be the solution, so devices charges automatically when you are in the room, or directly by the iPhone.

I hope the 10th Anniversary phone will bring that.

That would be amazing! If all my various devices could charge when in proximity that would be a game changer (right now even with half a dozen chargers I'm still fighting the wife and kids for charge time).

 

[gaximus]

Or wait until performance reaches a level that's more than barely adequate while still charging premium prices. It only took 1-2 more years. I've had a few people tell me that they hardly use their Apple Watch because it's slow to respond at times. You often hear that you should wait until gen 2 with Apple and that's been proven several times with the iWatch as the latest example. If performance had not been an issue, do you think Apple would have upgraded the processor inside Apple Watch Series 1 (original Apple Watch) to the same one as the new Series 2. It was an issue and Apple addressed it. You know I'm right so don't play.

I use my Apple Watch every day and while it can be a bit slow, it hasn't stopped from using it or wanting to upgrade to the newest version. The reason Apple put the new processor in the series one is because it is cheaper for them to produce a lot of one kind of chip then smaller amounts of 2 different kinds of chips.

 

[dampfnudel]

I use my Apple Watch every day and while it can be a bit slow, it hasn't stopped from using it or wanting to upgrade to the newest version. The reason Apple put the new processor in the series one is because it is cheaper for them to produce a lot of one kind of chip then smaller amounts of 2 different kinds of chips.

True, but it's possible performance played a part as well. Anyway, Series 1 paved the way and served as a "proof of concept" in the market for Apple just as the original iPhone and iPad did, to be succeeded by a much more capable device and accepted by more people (at least in the case of the iPhone and iPad).

 

[eco7777]