By WU Yangyu
Apple's annual launch event has unfolded much as it always does with Tim Cook pleading that iPhones and Apple Watches are not just gadgets, but mainstays of our daily lives, capable even, of saving lives in critical situations.
With a market crowded by high-end smartphones and little to choose between them, what were the standout moments at this year's event?
Apple Watch
The early star of the show was the Apple Watch 9 which, starting at 2,999 yuan (US0), solves many of the previous problems of operating the watch with one hand.
Then came the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which comes in at 6,499 yuan and is "most technologically advanced" to date. Ultra 2 has a brighter display, better motion recognition, and extensive sports performance monitoring.
iPhone 15 lineup
The iPhone 15 features the mainstream USB-C port, compatible for once with non-Apple devices. Construction materials have also undergone an upgrade, featuring aerospace-grade aluminum which may seem a bit extreme for a hand-held device but helps support the 5,999 yuan price tag. A color-infused back glass is available in black, blue, green, yellow, and pink.
This year's flagship models, the 7,999-yuan iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max run on the A17 Pro chip. A new graphics processor elevates display quality to rival some PCs, a move that will please gamers.
In terms of design, the iPhone 15 Pro is overkilled by titanium, shedding 19 grams compared to their predecessors. The familiar side switch has been replaced with a customizable "Action Button."
Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro can be paired with the Vision Pro headset.
Throughout the event, Apple underscored the roles of its products in customers' lives with features like satellite roadside assistance, free of charge for users in 14 countries for two years.
The latest Apple Watches are available for pre-order on September 14, while the iPhone 15 lineup can be pre-ordered from September 15.
