Apple updates Watch, iPad range and announces Fitness+ service

The vendor also announced Apple One and a new fitness service called Apple Fitness+

Apple has announced two new versions of its smartwatch and iPad range, but left those hoping for details on the latest iPhone waiting a bit longer.

During a pre-recorded keynote held yesterday (September 15) the vendor also revealed updated fitness and subscription services, including Apple One.

This event would usually showcase Apple’s latest flagship smartphone but has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Watch

At the event Apple took the wraps off its latest Watch series, and showcased two new smartwatches.

Apple unveiled the expected Watch Series 6, and claims it’s 20 per cent faster than the previous version.

The screen is also 2.5 times brighter when outside and not actively being used according to Apple.

Apple has also expanded on the health capabilities by introducing a blood oxygen sensor on the Watch Series 6.

It’s available from £379 from September 18, with customers able to pre-order from today.

Apple also unveiled a cheaper Apple Watch SE model from £269, with Family Set-up capabilities allowing users to connect more than one device to their iPhone.

iPad

A redesigned iPad Air was also revealed, with the tablet using Apple’s “most advanced chip” to date, through the A14 bionic.

This features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and has a 7MP front and 12MP rear cameras, plus a touch ID sensor in the power button.

Wi-Fi models of the iPad Air will start from £579, while WiFi plus cellular models will cost £709.

Apple also revealed its eight-generation iPad, which features the A12 chip and a 10.2-inch display will start from £329.

Services

Apple continued its services drive by announcing Apple Fitness+, a service designed for all Apple devices.

The service which is available later this year, will offer users access to a variety of workout videos, while allowing users to display their Apple Watch metrics on screen.

Customers can sign up to the service for £9.99 per month or £79 for the year.

To begin with the service will be available in a select few countries including The UK and Ireland.

This service will be available through Apple One, a new simplified service that gives users easier access to their subscription services within one plan.

This plan includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+ and iCloud.

Users will be able to sign up to one of three plans this autumn; Individual, Family or Premier.

• Individual includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage for £14.95 per month.

• Family includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 200GB of iCloud storage for £19.95 per month, and can be shared among up to six family members.

• Premier, where available, includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and 2TB of iCloud storage for £29.95 per month, and can be shared among up to six family members.