Apple is trying to increase my screen time…
All right, the event is done. My review overall: pretty damn good event. Congrats Mr. Ternus. But it was kind of interesting how they went about it…
The opener was really cheesy, but they typically are with these events. As always though, the production was very well done though. The opening was focused on the various ways to approach the “first shots” of a movie or series, and they went through a lot of different styles, which was pretty cool as a filmmaker, of course. It also kind of set the stage for John’s introduction as well as a lot of the conversation being about the iPhone being used for photo and video. Apple has been doing this for a while now (years) and really advancing their position to compete in this space. I don't think Apple is competing with Samsung and Google or whoever about taking the best media on a smartphone. Instead they’ve definitely set their sights toward companies like Nikon, Canon, and Sony to replace the need for standalone cameras overall - from the consumer-grade point-and-shoots all the way up to the cinematic camera bodies used as an industry standard. I mean… The software and computational abilities are gettin really wild on these devices.
So the opening was a lil corny to reference the transition from Tim to John, but after that it was pretty cool. The event started with the Pro phones, and they didn't even mention the base phones… What the WUT?! I knew the rumors were highlighting multiple release cycles, but I thought everything would be announced or at least referenced in the event. Interesting move to skip over them completely and not even acknowledge a later announcement.
The Pro models mainly focused on photo and video capturing abilities, the new physical aperture which is cool, but honestly not needed by truly “non-pro” users. The even did highlight the general user and tech improvements with productivity and daily usage experiences, which is good, but the main the focus was how you can use the “best iPhone Apple has ever made” for AI / Apple Intelligence workflows and the photo/video capabilities.
Next was the new AirPods, which are super dope and get some major improvements on the base model. In an event focused on the Pro and Duo iPhone models, I found it odd that Apple didn't even talk about the AirPod Pro models. Call me confused yet again. But these new AirPods are pretty sick, not that expensive, and bring a lot of Pro features down. Rumors are the new AirPod Pros will have cameras in them to improve Apple Intelligence and other features, but depending upon use cases - I may just get the new AirPods cause they seem great. Now coming with haptic touch controls on the stems, live translation, active noise cancellation (ANC), and in a smaller form factor - what’s not to love??
Aight… Apple Watch time (pun not intended, but… it works). The new Apple Watches are great, but honestly… I just don't want another screen. Rumors are floating around about an Apple Ring to compete with Oura and others, and I would LOVE DAT. But I guess that will be saved for (probably a much) later time. Apple Watch has always been amazing for health though, and the most interesting thing was that now you can use Apple Watch in tandem with iPhone to do various health testing, such as VO2 Max by using your iPhone to visually capture yourself running in place while the Apple Watch tracks your metrics through the new health sensor. I would love to know how modern medical institutions are utilizing or bringing in all the data associated with these trackers from Apple and others (I wish my doctors here in Orlando proactively used this data, or even promoted that they are proponents of these types of devices and bringing into their medical practices).
But on to the big finale. The first of what will hopefully be man "one more thing" moments by the new CEO. The folding iPhone. The name and announcement was mentioned very casually, without a lot of fanfare before diving into the features. Pretty baller to be so nonchalant about it. The new iPhone folding device is called the iPhone Duo, which is pretty damn cute yet unexpected because all the rumors pointed to the iPhone Ultra - which would’ve made a lot of sense honestly. But I like the name iPhone Duo, and it reminds me of the new MacBook Neo moniker. Seems like Apple is definitely entering a new approach to naming conventions. I think it's more accessible and definitely targeted toward a younger generation, yet still elevated and refined. Now I did see that leak last night in an article headline (coincidently in my Apple News feed), but I did not open it and didn't expect to be correct. So I guess the naming surprise was a bit ruined ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
As for the Duo itself… It's great! Apple typically strives for “best” not “first”, and from all the info I’ve seen without holding one yet, it seems to hit their target yet again. It’s pretty freaking sick, but honestly… I just don't think I want one 👀 I’m just not sure I want my handheld, every day device to be bigger and have MORE screens available to distract me. But we’ll see… The more I learn about it, the more I like it.
Some unexpected features include having the ability to use an Apple Pencil. Pretty sure Steve Jobs preached to never to have a handheld device with a stylus, but here we are lol. And the device is basically like 2 iPhone Airs connected together. Apparently it’s even thinner than the iPhone Air when opened / unfolded, but then it’s smaller iPad mini (but very close to the IMAX aspect ratio, which is sick). It'll be really interesting to see what the iPad mini lifeline is from here…
As of now I don’t want an iPhone Duo because I don't want to manage more screen(s). I think this thing is perfect for entertainment and could be really beneficial for productivity as well. If a user is only able to get 1 device from Apple rather than purchase a few (an iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac), then I think this is definitely the route to take - for professional and personal use cases. Combine all of these price points together and it’s definitely smarter to go with the Duo starting at $1,999.
It does look premium, and it looks really good. It looks really freaking good. I may not want one right now, but if I had one, I would DEF use it. It kind of feels like the future. It reminds me of the device from the movie, Her. Which is dope, but also pretty creepy…
So again… Apple didn't even announce the base iPhone, and absolutely no mention of the iPhone Air. Upsetting. Guess I’ll have to wait and hope that Apple doesn’t kill the iPhone Air line as they did my precious iPhone mini (RIP 🥺).