Upcoming Apple products you can look forward to

Two new Apple Watches were launched at the event.

The first, Apple Watch SE, comes with brand new bands. The bands have solo loops that come in two different materials: soft silicone and fashionable braided yarn.

As the watches come with cellular data, it is now possible to go out without your phone and still reply to urgent messages or get directions.

The second watch, Apple Watch Series 6, has all the same features as the Apple Watch SE. It also features Activity Sharing, which you can use with friends to share your activity statistics and encourage each other.

For those of us who are kiasu, you can start a seven-day Activity Competition with a friend to compare your number of points. The winner gets a virtual medal on their phone!

The new watch also boasts a retina display that is always switched on, so you no longer have to flick your wrist to bring your screen to life. It is significantly brighter when outdoors, ideal for those who want to look at their watch while exercising in Singapore’s hot sun.

Price: From $419 for Apple Watch SE, from $599 for Apple Watch Series 6

Similarly, two new iPad models were launched at the event.

The first model, the 8th Gen iPad, comes with a 10.2-inch Retina display, a faster A12 Bionic chip, AND support for the Apple Pencil. This means faster and more efficient note-taking!

On top of having the same features, the iPad Air also supports Touch ID and Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

While the 8th Gen iPad will be available on Sep 18, the iPad Air will only be available in Oct.

Price: From $499 for 8th Gen iPad, $879 for iPad Air

Apple and the Health Promotion Board collaborated on a national health initiative by developing an application exclusive to Singapore, LumiHealth.

On LumiHealth, participants will help a friendly intergalactic explorer on an adventure by completing weekly activities and wellness goals.

Based on their age, weight and gender, Apple Watch wearers will receive personalised reminders, programs and activity coaching to improve their physical health.

“Even as all of us around the world are dealing with the challenges of COVID-19, we must keep investing in our future,” said Heng Swee Keat, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, “And there is no better investment than in our own personal health.”

The program will begin in late Oct and last for two years. If you manage to hit the goals, you can receive up to $380 in rewards.

The program is only available on Apple Watch, and is available for pre-order on the App Store.

Price: Free with any Apple Watch

For those who desire more of a workout, you can sign up for Apple Fitness+, a subscription service arriving late 2020.

Also built for the Apple Watch, you will be able to select from 10 different types of workouts and their difficulty level. The workouts can be done anywhere and special equipment is usually not required.

With the Apple Watch’s sensors, you can watch your metrics come to life on screen, such as your heart rate or the number of calories burnt.

Currently, the service will not be available in Singapore at launch.

Price: S$13.60 (US$9.99) per month, S$108.75 (US$79.99) per year

For more information, visit the Apple website here.