TLDR: Apple Watch Series 5, featuring an always-on display, can be preordered today and will hit stores on September 20th. Preorders for iPhone 11 and 11 pro begin at 5:00 AM PDT, (8:00 AM EDT, 12:00 UTC). The new Phones will also arrive in stores on the 20th. 

iPhone 11 

Apple announced two new phones: iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 pro. After two years in the naming wilderness, Apple finally has a simple naming scheme that was right under their nose the whole time. The confusingly named iPhone XR is now simply iPhone 11. This new model packs in an additional hour of battery life, a better camera on both front and back, an upgraded FaceID system that works when your phone is sitting on the table, and a new wide-angle camera lens that lets you fit more into your picture without physically moving backward. iPhone 11 is the phone I recommend to most people, and given it’s now just “iPhone”, Apple agrees.

As an added surprise, the iPhone 11 now starts at $699, a very familiar number for long-time iPhone buyers. $699 was historically what the iPhone cost unlocked up until the iPhone 7. Considering there’s been almost a decade of inflation, that’s a delightful surprise, especially as the threat of US tariffs looms. 

For those who want even more camera features, the iPhone 11 Pro has new photo and video capabilities that, Apple claims, make it comparable to professional still or video cameras. These phones replace the XS and XS Max, respectively. 

Apple Watch

Starting at $399, the new Apple Watch can finally be a better watch at telling time than your Timex. Apple Watch Series 5 now sports an always-on screen that will show your watch face the entire time you wear it. Not only is this more convenient for setting timers and subtle glancing during a lengthy conversation, but aesthetically, this means everyone gets to see that thoughtfully coordinated watch face, painstakingly tweaked to match its band (okay, maybe I’m the only one who cares about that). Unfortunately, it seems this feature requires the new Series 5 and will not be coming to Series 4 or earlier. Even with that always-on display, Apple claims 18-hour battery life. There is also now a compass built into the watch. Please let me know if that excites you. 

A more intriguing upgrade, the cellular model now supports global emergency services. As I discovered while researching my original Apple Watch article, even without a wireless plan, Apple Watch Cellular will still call emergency services for free. This is a requirement for all cellular devices in the US and many other countries. 

Apple also announced the 2-year-old Series 3 remains as a $199 option with a $299 cellular option. Since so many people have been waiting for a version with always-on time, I would recommend anyone looking for a bargain wait to see how the used Series 4 market shapes up before jumping on the new 3. More about that in a future article. 

Finally, Apple now allows watch-buyers to choose which band comes with their chosen watch using the Apple Watch Customizer online or in-store, which is helpful for those with lots of watch bands already. 

Apple Watch Series 5 can be preordered today and will arrive in stores September 20th. 

iOS 13, watchOS 6, iPad OS and macOS

All compatible devices will begin updating to iOS 13 on September 19th. WatchOS 6 hits devices that same day. iPadOS, oddly enough, has already fallen out of sync, not launching until September 30th. macOS Catalina has no precise release date as of yet. Apple’s site merely states, “Available in October”. 

Apple Arcade and TV+ Pricing

Apple’s new game subscription service and TV show streaming service are both $4.99 a month. Those who are curious can try Apple Arcade for free for one month. Anyone who buys a new or refurbished iPad, iPhone, Mac, or even iPod touch will get a free year of Apple TV plus. 

Apple Arcade launches September 19th for iOS, but, oddly enough will not hit iPad OS or TV OS until the 30th. macOS support isn’t coming until sometime in October. Apple TV+ launches November 1st. New devices purchased between now and then will have three months to activate their one year trial after November 1st. Devices purchased after that date will have three months to claim the trial after the date of purchase.

$329 iPad Refresh

I wasn’t expecting to have to update the iPad buying guide until October, but with a slightly larger 10.2” screen and smart keyboard cover compatibility, the new entry-level iPad makes it harder to recommend the mid-level $499 iPad Air. I would still hold off until Black Friday to see if that $299 education pricing becomes the norm for everyone during the holiday buying season, but this product refresh changes the equation for those looking to buy a tablet.