As it was expected, Apple today announced the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 plus, Apple Pay featuring one-touch checkout for e-commerce and the highly-anticipated Apple Watch. Starting with the two now iPhones, they feature a unibody enclosure of anodized aluminum that conforms with the shaped glass of the display.

In short, the new technologies, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus include: the Apple-designed A8 chip with second generation 64-bit desktop-class architecture for fast performance and power efficiency; advanced iSight and FaceTime HD cameras; LTE wireless technologies; and Apple Pay, an easy way to make payments with just the touch of a finger. Both models include iOS 8, the latest version Apple's mobile operating system, featuring a simpler and more intuitive user experience with new Messages and Photos features, QuickType keyboard, a new Health app, Family Sharing and iCloud Drive.

For the first time iPhone is available in two new sizes: iPhone 6 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with 1334 x 750 resolution, providing 38 percent more viewing area than iPhone 5s, while iPhone 6 Plus features an even bigger 5.5-inch Retina HD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, providing 88 percent more viewing area and nearly three times the pixels than iPhone 5s. APple says the new Retina HD displays offer technologies including higher contrast for deeper blacks and dual-domain pixels for more accurate colors at wider viewing angles.

With second generation 64-bit desktop-class architecture, the all-new A8 chip offers faster performance and is more energy efficient, delivering higher sustained performance with great battery life. The A8 SoC is Apple’s first SoC built on the 20nm process. Apple notes that it has 2 billion transistors and is 13% smaller than the A7, which would give it upwards of twice as many transistors as the A7 and would put the die size at about 89mm2. From a performance perspective Apple is promising 25% faster CPU performance and is designed to be 50% more energy efficient than the A7.

With Metal, a new graphics technology in iOS 8, developers can take performance of the A8 chip even further to bring console-class 3D games to iPhone. The A8 chip also includes a new Apple-designed image signal processor that enables advanced camera and video features.

 

Both models include the M8 motion coprocessor that gathers motion data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, compass and the new barometer, which senses air pressure to provide relative elevation. The M8 motion coprocessor can continuously measure your motion data, even when the device is asleep, saving battery life for fitness apps that use the sensors all day. With iOS 8, motion data from M8 appears in the Health app so you can see how many flights of stairs you've climbed, or how far you've walked or run. Developers can use CoreMotion APIs that take advantage of M8 and HealthKit to create apps that help you take better care of your health and fitness.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus introduce Apple Pay, an easy way to securely pay for physical goods and services in stores or apps with just the touch of a finger. Apple Pay works through an NFC antenna design, a dedicated chip called the Secure Element, and the security and convenience of Touch ID. Apple Pay is easy to set up, so users can simply add their credit or debit card on file from their iTunes Store account. Apple Pay will also work with the new Apple Watch, extending Apple Pay to the owners of iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s worldwide.

Apple Pay supports credit and debit cards from the three major payment networks, American Express, MasterCard and Visa, issued by the most popular banks including Bank of America, Capital One Bank, Chase, Citi and Wells Fargo. In addition to the 258 Apple retail stores in the US, some U.S. retailers that will support Apple Pay include Bloomingdale's, Disney Store and Walt Disney World Resort, Duane Reade, Macy's, McDonald's, Sephora, Staples, Subway, Walgreens and Whole Foods Market. Apple Watch will also work at the over 220,000 merchant locations across the US that have contactless payment enabled. Apple Pay is also able to make purchases through apps in the App Store.

When you add a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique number using your Device Account Number and instead of using the security code from the back of your card, Apple Pay creates a dynamic security code to validate each transaction.

Online shopping in apps with iPhone is also as simple as the touch of a finger. Users can pay for physical goods and services including apparel, electronics, health and beauty products, tickets and more with Touch ID. Checkout can happen with a single touch and card details are kept private and are not shared with the online merchant.

Starting in October, with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Pay will be available in the US as a free update to iOS 8. Apple Pay will work in stores with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch. Apple Pay APIs will be available to developers in iOS 8 so they can enable purchasing physical goods within their apps on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Returing to the new iPhones, their iSight camera gets even better with a new sensor featuring Focus Pixels for faster autofocus. iPhone 6 Plus users will also benefit from optical image stabilization technology that compensates for hand shake in low light and works with iOS 8 to reduce subject motion. High-definition video on iPhone improves with faster frame rates up to 60fps for 1080p video and 240fps for slo-mo, as well as continuous autofocus, cinematic video stabilization and time-lapse video. The FaceTime HD camera now captures over 80 percent more light with a new sensor, larger f/2.2 aperture and advanced new features including burst mode and HDR video.

With faster LTE download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users can browse, download and stream content faster. The new iPhones also support voice calls over LTE (VoLTE) as well as Wi-Fi calling. With support for up to 20 LTE wireless bands the new models make it easier to experience high-speed networks around the world. Both iPhones also include 802.11ac Wi-Fi with speeds up to 433 Mbps and Bluetooth 4.0.

iPhone 6 comes in gold, silver or space gray, and will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model, $299 (US) for the 64GB model and, for the first time, a new 128GB model for $399 (US) with a two-year contract. iPhone 6 Plus comes in gold, silver or space gray, and will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $299 (US) for the 16GB model, $399 (US) for the 64GB model and $499 (US) for the new 128GB model with a two-year contract. Both models will be available from the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple?s retail stores, and through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, additional carriers and select Apple Authorized Resellers. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK beginning on Friday, September 19, and customers can pre-order both models beginning on Friday, September 12.

Apple-designed leather cases will be available in black, soft pink, olive brown, midnight blue and (RED) for $45 (US) for iPhone 6 and $49 (US) for iPhone 6 Plus and silicone cases in black, blue, pink, green, white and (RED) for a suggested retail price of $35 (US) for iPhone 6 and $39 (US) for iPhone 6 Plus.

Apple has also reduced the price of the iPhone 5s, which will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $99 (US) for the 16GB model and $149 (US) for the 32GB model, and an iPhone 5c 8GB model will be available for free. iOS 8 will be available as a free software update starting on Wednesday, September 17.

Watch

Apple also today unveiled Apple Watch, describinf it as "its most personal device ever". "We've invented new ways to communicate and connect, and works seamlessly with iPhone. It's a comprehensive health and fitness device," said Tim Cook.

Apple Watch introduces a specially designed and engineered Digital Crown that provides a new way to scroll, zoom and navigate. Apple Watch will enable you to communicate in new ways right from your wrist by sending and receiving messages, answering calls to your iPhone, and with Digital Touch, sending something as personal as your own heartbeat. Apple Watch also introduces health and fitness appss. It is available in three collections - Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition.

Apple Watch introduces an iOS-based user interface created specifically for a smaller device. It features the Digital Crown, a new way to scroll, zoom and navigate without obstructing the display. The Digital Crown also serves as the Home button and a way to access Siri. The Retina display on Apple Watch features Force Touch, a technology that senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way to quickly access controls within apps. Apple Watch introduces the Taptic Engine and a built-in speaker that together discreetly enable an entirely new vocabulary of alerts and notifications you can both hear and feel. Apple custom-designed its own S1 SiP (System in Package) to miniaturize an entire computer architecture onto a single chip. Apple Watch also features Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 4.0 to pair with your iPhone.

Apple Watch comes in three collections - Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition - available in two different sizes, 38 mm and 42 mm. The enclosures are crafted from custom alloys of polished or space black stainless steel, space gray or silver anodized aluminum and 18-karat rose or yellow gold. Apple also created a range of watch straps: the elastomer Sport Band; the Milanese Loop in a flexible magnetic stainless steel mesh; the Leather Loop in soft leather that conceals magnets for quick fastening and adjustment; the leather Modern Buckle, which closes with a metal clasp; the leather Classic Buckle; and the stainless steel Link Bracelet. Apple Watch comes with a charging system that combines Apple?s MagSafe technology with inductive charging for a quick connection that snaps into place.

It also comes with 11 watch faces ranging from traditional analog faces to new faces like the dynamic Timelapse face; the Astronomy face with its interactive, real-time 3D model of the earth, sun, moon and planets; and the Solar face, a contemporary sundial. Apple Watch can be personalized in appearance and capability with additional information such as upcoming events, moonphases or your activity level, enabling millions of possible configurations.

Taking advantage of its location on your wrist, Apple Watch provides timely information that can be viewed at a glance. Smart Replies and dictation let you respond quickly to messages, and with Handoff, you can start a message on your Apple Watch and continue where you left off on your iPhone. Swipe up from the watch face for Glances that show you information you care about, such as your current location, stocks or your next meeting. Pressing the side button brings up Friends, a view of your favorite people, so you can contact them quickly. Digital Touch allows you to send a sketch, a gentle tap, an audio message through Walkie Talkie or even your own heartbeat. Apple Watch lets you interact quickly with the world around you, so you can pay for coffee using Apple Pay, board a plane with a Passbook boarding pass, control your Apple TV or get directions.

Apple Watch also includes an Activity app designed to help motivate you to be more active throughout the day, and an all-new Workout app designed to provide the metrics you need during dedicated workout sessions. The device uses the accelerometer, a built-in heart rate sensor, GPS and Wi-Fi from your iPhone to provide a picture of your daily activity. The Activity app measures three separate aspects of movement: calories burned, brisk activity and how often you stand up during the day. The Workout app provides goal-setting and pacing during popular session-based workouts, such as running and cycling. The companion Fitness app on iPhone collects your activity data so you can see your activity history in greater detail. Apple Watch uses this history to suggest personal goals, reward fitness milestones and keep you motivated.

Apple also introduced WatchKit, providing new tools and APIs for developers to create apps designed for the wrist. With Apple Watch, developers can create WatchKit apps with actionable notifications and Glances that provide timely information. Starting later next year, developers will be able to create fully native apps for Apple Watch.

Apple Watch will be available in three collections. Apple Watch, with a polished or space black stainless steel case and a choice of straps; Apple Watch Sport, with a space gray or silver anodized aluminum case and Sport Band; and Apple Watch Edition, with an 18-karat rose or yellow gold case and a choice of straps exclusive to this collection. Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at $349 (US). It is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8.

To close out today's event, Apple CEO Tim Cook and U2 announced that the band's newest album is launching right now on iTunes. It's available free, and will be there exclusively until October 13th to all account holders.

It will also be available on iTunes Radio and Beats Music for streaming, starting tomorrow.

Comparison of the latest iPhones

iPhone 6 Plus		iPhone 6		iPhone 5s
Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 6 Plus features an A8 chip, Touch ID, faster LTE wireless, a new 8MP iSight camera with Focus Pixels, and iOS 8.		Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 6 features an A8 chip, Touch ID, faster LTE wireless, a new 8MP iSight camera with Focus Pixels, and iOS 8.		Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 5s features an A7 chip, Touch ID, LTE wireless, an 8MP iSight camera, and iOS 8.
16GB	$299	16GB	$199	16GB	$99
64GB	$399	64GB	$299	32GB	$149
128GB	$499	128GB	$399
Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 6 Plus features an A8 chip, Touch ID, faster LTE wireless, a new 8MP iSight camera with Focus Pixels, and iOS 8.		Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 6 features an A8 chip, Touch ID, faster LTE wireless, a new 8MP iSight camera with Focus Pixels, and iOS 8.		Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 5s features an A7 chip, Touch ID, LTE wireless, an 8MP iSight camera, and iOS 8.
Height 6.22 inches (158.1 mm) 5.44 inches (138.1 mm) 4.87 inches (123.8 mm) Width 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) 2.64 inches (67.0 mm) 2.31 inches (58.6 mm) Depth 0.28 inch (7.1 mm) 0.27 inch (6.9 mm) 0.30 inch (7.6 mm) Weight 6.07 ounces (172 grams) 4.55 ounces (129 grams) 3.95 ounces (112 grams)
Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 6 Plus features an A8 chip, Touch ID, faster LTE wireless, a new 8MP iSight camera with Focus Pixels, and iOS 8.		Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 6 features an A8 chip, Touch ID, faster LTE wireless, a new 8MP iSight camera with Focus Pixels, and iOS 8.		Available in silver, gold, and space gray, iPhone 5s features an A7 chip, Touch ID, LTE wireless, an 8MP iSight camera, and iOS 8.

Retina HD display
5.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology	4.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology	4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
1920-by-1080-pixel resolution at 401 ppi	1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppi	1136-by-640-pixel resolution at 326 ppi
1300:1 contrast ratio (typical)	1400:1 contrast ratio (typical)	800:1 contrast ratio (typical)
500 cd/m2 max brightness (typical)
Full sRGB standard
Dual-domain pixels for wider viewing angles	Dual-domain pixels for wider viewing angles	-
Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on front	Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on front	Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on front
Display Zoom		-
Reachability		-

A8 chip with 64-bit architecture	A7 chip with 64-bit architecture
M8 motion coprocessor	M7 motion coprocessor

New 8-megapixel iSight camera with 1.5µ pixels
Autofocus with Focus Pixels		Autofocus
f/2.2 aperture
Optical image stabilization	-	-
True Tone flash
Five-element lens
Hybrid IR filter
Backside illumination sensor
Sapphire crystal lens cover
Auto image stabilization
Auto HDR for photos
Improved face detection	Improved face detection	Face detection
Exposure control
Panorama (up to 43 megapixels)		Panorama
Burst mode
Tap to focus
Photo geotagging
Timer mode

1080p HD video recording (30 fps or 60 fps)	1080p HD video recording (30 fps)
True Tone flash
Slo-mo video (120 fps or 240 fps)	Slo-mo video (120 fps)
Time-lapse video
Video stabilization
Cinematic video stabilization	-
Continuous autofocus video	-
Take still photos while recording video
Improved face detection	Face detection
3x zoom
Video geotagging

FaceTime Camera
1.2-megapixel photos (1280 by 960)
f/2.2 aperture		f/2.4 aperture
720p HD video recording
Backside illumination sensor
Auto HDR for photos and videos	Auto HDR for photos and videos	Auto HDR for photos
Improved face detection	Improved face detection	Face detection
Burst mode		-
Exposure control

Fingerprint identity sensor built into the Home button

Apple Pay
Pay with your iPhone using Touch ID in stores and in apps	Pay with your iPhone using Touch ID in stores and in apps	No

GSM/EDGE
UMTS/HSPA+
DC-HSDPA
CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (CDMA models only)
LTE
802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi	802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi	802.11a/b/g/n WiFi
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC	NFC	-
GPS and GLONASS

Video Calling
FaceTime video
Initiate video calls over Wi-Fi or cellular to any FaceTime-enabled device
FaceTime over cellular uses H.264/H.265	FaceTime over cellular uses H.264

Audio Calling
FaceTime audio
iPhone 6 Plus to any FaceTime audio-enabled device over WiFi or cellular	iPhone 6 to any FaceTime audio-enabled device over WiFi or cellular	iPhone 5s to any FaceTime audio-enabled device over WiFi or cellular
Voice over LTE (VoLTE)	Voice over LTE (VoLTE)	-
WiFi calling

Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter
Talk time
Up to 24 hours on 3G	Up to 14 hours on 3G	Up to 10 hours on 3G
Standby time
Up to 16 days (384 hours)	Up to 10 days (250 hours)	Up to 10 days (250 hours)
Internet use
Up to 12 hours on 3G, up to 12 hours on LTE, up to 12 hours on Wi-Fi	Up to 10 hours on 3G, up to 10 hours on LTE, up to 11 hours on Wi-Fi	Up to 8 hours on 3G, up to 10 hours on LTE, up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi
Video playback
Up to 14 hours	Up to 11 hours	Up to 10 hours
Audio playback
Up to 80 hours	Up to 50 hours	Up to 40 hours

Sensors
Touch ID
Barometer	Barometer	-
Three-axis gyro
Accelerometer
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor

Nano-SIM
iPhone 6 Plus is not compatible with existing micro-SIM cards	iPhone 6 is not compatible with existing micro-SIM cards	iPhone 5s is not compatible with existing micro-SIM cards

 

Audio Playback

Audio formats supported: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV.

User-configurable maximum volume limit

TV and Video

AirPlay Mirroring, photos, audio, and video out to Apple TV (2nd generation or later)

Video mirroring and video out support: Up to 1080p through Lightning Digital AV Adapter and Lightning to VGA Adapter (adapters sold separately)

Video formats supported: H.264 video up to 1080p, 60 frames per second, High Profile level 4.2 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format