Apple, the tech company we all know and love, had its annual keynote event back in September, releasing new hardware and software for the world to use. Usually, the most exciting announcement of the event is that of the year’s new iPhone, typically met with positive reviews, though many complain about the lack of real change with the device’s physical attributes and software upgrades.

     This year, however, Apple did not disappoint. The iPhone 11 Pro, the nicest (and priciest) model of the new phone, boasts a new triple-lens camera, with telephoto, wide, and ultrawide lenses. Along with the lens options, the 11 Pro also has the ability to shoot the highest quality video on a smartphone to date. The camera and software upgrade allows for a night mode to be utilized for darker shots.

     Along with the upgrades to the outer camera, Apple also seriously buffed up the selfie camera on the iPhone 11 Pro. With a 12 megapixel sensor and 4K video capabilities, the 11 Pro also introduces a feature never seen before on iPhones, the “Slofie,” described by Apple as a “slow-motion selfie video.” The cheaper version of the phone, the iPhone 11, also boasts many of these features, but with one less camera, and slightly worse video quality.

     Other new additions to the phone include a new super retina XDR screen that will allow for sharper contrast and brighter colors, and a new A13 bionic processing chip, supposedly the fastest chip ever put into a smartphone. Apple also improved the construction, durability, and water resistance of the iPhone, and added an extra five hours of battery life to the device.

     Also announced at the event was the Apple Watch Series 5, which includes a few upgrades from its predecessor, the Watch Series 4, the biggest of which is an always-on display. The display on the Series 5 stays on while the watch is at your side, and brightens when you raise your wrist. One of the only other actual hardware updates comes in the form of a compass, a feature never before seen on an Apple Watch. 

     Through all of the hardware and software that Apple announced at the conference, the one thing that stood out past everything else was the release of the date that Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV+, begins. The streaming service, first announced in March, finally is set to begin on November 1st. New territory for a company that has produced mainly hardware and software for its entire existence, it will be very interesting to see the quality of the shows they produce.

     The current lineup of shows have star casts and directors: Jennifer Anniston, Reese Witherspoon, M. Night Shyamalan, Steven Spielberg, and many other stars in the film world. The most hyped show by Apple however, is See, a show about a post apocalyptic world in which the world population has gone blind. Starring in the show is Jason Momoa, who burst into the spotlight last year with the lead role in DC’s Aquaman. 

     Finally, Apple introduced its new software update for iPhone operating systems, iOS 13. The update incorporated a new “dark mode” into the phone, which turns everything on the phone darker, making the screen easier on your eyes. Other improvements include enhanced photo editing features, and all around refinement of its apps and design. 

     Overall, the releases this year appeared exciting from the outside, but when you look into it, nothing too monumental was released or changed in its technology. As with all technology releases, though flashy at first, once you get under the surface, nothing new has really changed. To really catch the eye of consumers, Apple needs to release something truly incredible.