6 takeaways from Apple's media event

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus with new camera technology and 50-meter water resistance were the highlights

Apple unveiled on Wednesday two upgraded versions of its iPhone, and a new waterproof smartwatch, seeking to reignite growth for the iconic technology maker.

Here are six takeaways from the event:

1. Two new water resistant iPhones

New iPhone 7. PHOTO: AFP

The iPhone 7 and larger iPhone 7 Plus, with new camera technology, 50-meter water resistance and other features, were the highlight of the Apple media event in San Francisco.

New iPhone 7 Plus. PHOTO: AFP

The flagship devices will be sold at around the same price as the models they replace, starting at $649 for the iPhone 7 for US customers and $769 for the larger iPhone 7 Plus, with deliveries in 25 countries beginning September 16.

2. No headphone jack

PHOTO: AFP

As expected, Apple ditched the standard 3.5mm headphone jack from its latest devices in favour of lightning jack.



Although Apple will include an adaptor to allow consumers use existing headphones with the iPhone, by removing headphone jack the company is making a push for wireless with new "AirPods" and upgraded Beats headphones. Both will use Apple's W1 chip and Class 1 Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

PHOTO: AFP

The Airpods presented as Apple’s vision of the future, would cost you an extra $160.

3. Super Mario Run coming to App Store

PHOTO: REUTERS

At the annual event, Apple surprised everyone by announcing debut of the Japanese firm’s popular game franchise Super Mario Bros on the iPhone. The tech giant said "Super Mario Run" - featuring the iconic game character, developed specifically for mobile - will hit the App Store this year.

4. Water resistant, GPS-enabled Apple Watch

PHOTO: AFP

The tech giant also introduced the upgraded Apple Watch, which is not only water resistant to 50 meters but also GPS-enabled to allow users track a workout, without bringing along a smartphone.



Apple is also introducing new designs, including one co-branded with Nike aimed at runners, and new styles for its Hermes edition. It will also make one with a ceramic finish, which the company claim is harder than stainless steel.

Nike Apple smartwatches. PHOTO: AFP

However, there is bad news: the entry level price of the new device is $369 for US customers.

5. Pokemon Go to be available on Apple Watch

PHOTO: AFP

Apple, Nintendo and game developer Niantic announced the wildly popular Pokemon Go would be available for Apple Watch users later this month.

6. New operating system iOS 10

Apple is releasing a new mobile operating system called iOS 10, aimed at working with the new hardware, on September 13, including upgrades to its maps and news applications. A test version of the software, which helps accelerate Apple's efforts in home automation, was released earlier this year.