By Pleshae McPhee, Copy Editor
Apple released its iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max models on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. Revealed on Sept. 14, 2021 at their Apple 2021 event, the four-model line-up promises improvements in display, battery life, 5G network capabilities, and camera performance for all users. The phone has revolutionized the tech world, cited in Apple’s official press release statement as “pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone.”
The release is available in four striking finishes, including graphite, gold, silver, and a newly released color, sierra blue, for Pro Max models. The standard model colors feature midnight, starlight, pink, PRODUCT (RED), and blue. Similar to the iPhone 12, its predecessor, the iPhone 13 features flat sides, aluminum and stainless-steel bands, and a back dual camera.
Saint Leo University students are excited about Apple’s new releases and updates hitting the shelves.
“I think Apple definitely needed an upgrade with the colors available in their products and I’m happy to see that they took a step forward in that direction with their latest,” said Lauren Gibson, a junior studying multimedia management. “My favorite color is pink and I’m so excited that they made the newest iPhone available in that color. With these new updates, I’m definitely considering trading in my model.”
According to an Apple press release, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max introduce a 20 percent smaller notch size, allowing for more content viewing space. Both models have a new Super Retina XDR display and 120Hz refresh rate which makes for a more responsive and quicker touchscreen experience. The models also feature a ceramic shield cover that is proven to be tougher than any glass on existing smartphones. The pro camera also has Apple’s biggest advancement with new Ultra-Wide and Telephoto cameras with improved low-light performance and sharper images.
Both models offer 5G bands with more coverage, the best battery life seen on Apple’s products, and a new storage capacity of one terabyte. This is possible with Apple’s new A15 Bionic chip which has been dubbed “the fastest chip in a smartphone.” The A15 chip serves as a built-in system (in a chip) equipped with 15 billion transistors, new graphics, and AI abilities that allows Apple devices to efficiently carry out their features.
The Pro and Pro Max models are backed with the new iOS 15 operating system, which enhances the overall iPhone experience. Apple’s updated system brings a spate of new features including a redesign of the weather app, easier browsing in Safari, new Siri privacy controls, and easier notification management. The most notable upgrade is with the Facetime feature.
In iOS 15, Apple users are able to create a unique link from their devices which can be shared with third-party apps, that allows anyone to join a Facetime call from any web browser on Windows and Android devices.
Junior and marketing major Mia-Lachelle Johnson said that she is impressed with Apple’s ability to allow all other users to connect, specifically those on Android.
“I like it,” said Johnson. “It has a lot of new features, especially with being able to have Android users join in one the call.”
Apple also released their Watch Series 7 and iPad 9. Branded as the most durable Apple watch, the Series 7 introduces a stronger and more crack-resistant front crystal. The watch is the first Apple Watch to have dust-resistance certification and it retains its high-water resistance rating.
The design of the new watch offers more screen area and thinner borders with a soft, refractive edge. The new watches come in five new aluminum finishes, band colors, and styles. Users still benefit from its 18-hour battery life and a charging speed that was enhanced by 33 percent.
“I have seen what Apple has done with the new series 7, so I can’t wait for the future,” said McKenzie Ferrell, a freshman studying digital communications. “I am excited to get my hands on the new watch and the newer colors if they are coming.”
According to Apple, the new iPad 9 features an A13 Bionic chip and houses a 10.2-inch Retina display. It also comes with True Tone, a 12MP Ultra-Wide front camera, twice the storage, and the newly introduced iPad OS 15 software. Its matte and metallic design is available in five colors—space grey, pink, purple, gold, and starlight.
The iPad is rapidly becoming a university staple with a 20 percent performance increase compared to earlier generations and is 3 times faster than leading Chromebooks.
All Apple products are now available at all Apple locations and electronic stores starting at $399.
