Apple iPhone Event

Oh joy, it’s that time of the year again when Apple decides to bless us with new gadgets that we absolutely need to upgrade to, because, well, our current ones are just so last season. Today’s “It’s Glowtime” event was a real treat, folks. Let’s start with the iPhone 16 series, because who doesn’t need a new phone every year? These babies come with Apple Intelligence, which is just a fancy way of saying they’re smarter than us now. The A18 chip is 30% faster than the A16, because who needs to wait an extra second for their Instagram to load? And, of course, the cameras are better, because what’s the point of having a phone if you can’t take a decent selfie?

But wait, there’s more The iPhone 16 Pro and Max have even larger displays, because who needs to be able to fit their phone in their pocket anymore? And with 5x telephoto lenses, you can now zoom in on your neighbor’s cat from a mile away. The new Desert Titanium color is a real game-changer, because who doesn’t want a phone that looks like it was made from the sand of the Sahara desert? And let’s not forget about the 4K120 capture, because who needs to watch videos in anything less than 4K?

But Apple didn’t stop there. Oh no, they also announced new Apple Watches, because who doesn’t need to track their sleep apnea and hear their AirPods Pro 2 tell them they’re going deaf? The Apple Watch Series 10 is thinner and has a bigger display, because who needs a watch that’s actually comfortable to wear? And the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is just a fancy way of saying “I have too much money and I need to spend it on something.” And, of course, the AirPods 4 have active noise cancellation, because who needs to hear the world around them anymore?

All in all, it was a real “glowing” success (get it?). Apple has once again managed to convince us that we need to upgrade our gadgets, and we’ll all be eagerly waiting in line to throw our money at them. Because, let’s be real, who needs to pay rent when you can have a new iPhone?

The big deal is the Pro models. Don’t even bother with the other iPhone or Plus models. The biggest deals are the dedicated camera button and satellite messaging should I ever be in an area with absolutely zero cellular coverage or Wi-Fi.

A full breakdown from the Verge is below.

IOS 18

The wait is over, folks. iOS 18 is finally here, and it’s packed with some seriously cool features that will make your iPhone even more personal and intelligent. But let’s get to the good stuff. This is the stuff that comes in software that will come to most all – phones.

But there is one big coviat. The biggest Apple Intelligence features require either the latest iPhone or last years iPhone 15 Pro model.

The Big Deal: Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is the star of the show, but it’s not quite ready for primetime yet. It’s coming in beta this fall with iOS 18.1, and it’s going to be a game-changer. Imagine having a personal assistant that’s actually smart and helpful. Siri will be more capable than ever, and it’ll even understand your personal context. But, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for this feature.

The Fun Stuff

• Customizable Home Screen: You can finally place your app icons wherever you want on the Home Screen grid. It’s like decorating your virtual living room. Plus, there are new “Dark” and “Tinted” customization options to make your app icons look even cooler.
• Redesigned Control Center: Control Center is getting a makeover. You can rearrange and resize controls across multiple pages, and there’s even a new controls gallery to add more goodies.
• iMessage Enhancements: iMessage is getting a whole lot more fun. You can use any emoji as a Tapback reaction, add text effects like “Shake” and “Explode,” and even schedule messages to be sent later. It’s like having your own personal messaging party.
• Redesigned Photos App: The Photos app is getting a major overhaul. It’s now an all-in-one layout, and it’s got some fancy new features like enhanced natural language search and memory movies. It’s like having your own personal photo album, but better.
• Locks Apps Behind Face ID: You can now lock any app behind Face ID, because who doesn’t need a little extra security in their life?
• Writing Tools: There are new Writing Tools and language capabilities to help you write, summarize longer text, and prioritize notifications. It’s like having your own personal writing assistant.
• Genmoji and Image Playground: You can create images to express yourself, craft Genmoji for conversations, or revisit favorite moments with your own memory movies. It’s like having your own personal art studio.

The Release Date

So, when can you get your hands on all these goodies? iOS 18 is set to launch on September 16, 2024. Mark your calendars, folks. It’s going to be a big day.

The Bottom Line

iOS 18 is all about making your iPhone more personal and intelligent. With Apple Intelligence, customizable Home Screens, and a whole lot more, it’s going to be a game-changer. So, get ready to upgrade and experience the next generation of iOS. Just remember, Apple Intelligence is coming a bit later with iOS 18.1. But trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Lastly…..

We lost James Earl Jones.

Reflecting on James Earl Jones, his captivating voice and extraordinary talent brought iconic characters to life, from the menacing Darth Vader to the touching Terence Mann in “Field of Dreams.” His impact on the entertainment world extended beyond these famous roles, leaving an indelible mark. With diverse contributions, from blockbuster films to compelling stage performances, his lasting legacy will inspire future generations of performers.

New York City did it right…..