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Apple Keynote 2017: A Product Showcase

Apple has three iPhones releasing in 2017. They each have similar features. However, the iPhone X being a noticeable step up from its predecessors.

Andrés Bear, Staff Writer
October 2, 2017

Apple has defined the modern electronics industry. The company’s products have provided a connected ecosystem for their customers.

Over the course of the past few years they have focused on refining their current lineup of products. This year was no exception. With the iPhone 8 and iPhone X on their way, Now is the time to get caught up.

Keynote is a presentation Apple holds annually. It is a showcase for new products, updates and programs. Since the days of founder and former CEO Steve Jobs, the company has used Keynote as a platform for explaining and detailing any on-goings for the company.

The first generation iPhone was announced during the Apple Keynote 2007. It has been 10 years since people first began to recognize the power a smartphone can hold.

“It’s truly amazing how much iPhone impacts the world each and every day,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in the Apple Keynote 2017 at the new Steve Jobs Theatre located at Apple’s WIP campus in Cupertino, Calif.

Here is a description of the new products announced at the Apple Keynote in 2017

Apple announced three new flagship iPhones: iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X.

“Apple’s business continues to depend primarily on iPhone sales,” said Nick Statt, a writer for The Verge.

The iPhone 8 is a spec bump from the iPhone 7 with some added changes.

The 8 and 8 Plus both include the option for wireless charging. This is possible due to the glass back on both phones. Apple chose to adopt the Qi wireless charging. This is important as it is not a proprietary system Apple created

Apple developed a new chipset for the 8 and 8 Plus. It is dubbed as “AR ready” and nicknamed as the A11 Bionic.

The iPhone 8 Plus variant follows up last years’ 7 Plus with improved camera technology. The iPhone 8 also received a few improvements.

That is if we leave the iPhone X out of the equation.

iPhone X is Apple’s vision for the future of smartphone technology. It is a device that will challenge the views of many. From the hefty price tag to the lack of Touch ID.

Design is an important part of crafting an everyday device. Apple’s design for the iPhone X is one that is both striking and functional. The soft, round edges and glass back provide a luxurious feel.

The main focus of the X is the new OLED display. For those out-of-the-loop, OLED is a relatively new display technology. It allows for individual pixels to be turned off and a wider color range.

“Because of the larger screen Apple removed the home button, which means no more Touch ID,” Coppell High School freshman Jacob Garza said. “I thought the solution to this would be to put a finger print sensor on the back of the phone, like every other phone doing the edge to edge screen. Instead, Apple decided they wanted to focus on facial recognition (A feature on android since at least 2013).”

The X’s screen-to-body ratio is an immense increment from the previous big chinned, bezel heaven iPhones. iPhone X also packs in all the features and improvements included with the 8 and 8 Plus. It is a device for those seeking to do more with their iPhone. Some detest that however.

“It has less and costs more,” CHS freshman Camden Southwick said.

Aside from iPhones, Apple also announced Apple TV 4K.

In the electronics industry, 4K TVs have become a hot commodity. Sadly, Most streaming devices don’t support 4K playback. Companies such as Google and Amazon have began production of 4K ready Netflix machines.

If a 4K TV isn’t smart (Apps included without an added device), the Apple TV 4K is a good option to raise its intelligence.

Apple Watch is quickly becoming a success story for Apple. The convenience of having a second screen on your wrist is undeniable. Apple furthered this “second screen” description by adding a much needed feature to the watch.

Apple Watch Series 3 has the ability to make and receive calls from the Watch itself.

The usual yearly iOS update will be rolled out in the coming days. It is a further refinement to the OS that Apple has exclusively crafted for its mobile line.

Coppell High School will adopt iOS 11 in the coming months. The productivity features it brings should allow for certain tasks to be made much easier.

“We are most excited for the iOS 11 update to its multi-tasking features” CHS digital learning coach Kelly Skillingberg said

Pricing and availability:

iPhone 8 and 8 Plus

Release date: Sept. 22

Pricing (iPhone 8): $699 (64 GB) // $849 (256 GB)

Pricing (iPhone 8 Plus): $799 (64 GB) // $949 (256 GB)

iPhone X

Pre-order date: Oct. 27

Release date: Nov. 3

Pricing: $999 (64 GB) // $1,149 (256 GB)

Apple TV 4K

Release date: Sept. 22