Six takeaways from Apple's annual launch event

At its much awaited annual event in Cupertino, California, on Tuesday, Apple rolled out new smartwatches, iPads and subscription services.

Here are the six takeaways from the tech giant's newest offerings.

Attracting fitness enthusiasts

Amid heightened health concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic, Apple rolled out a new subscription service called Fitness+. The service costs less than $80 (Dh294) a year and allows up to five family members to use it at no additional cost.

The subscription comes with a filtering tool that allows users to customise their exercise regimen according to the type of workout, trainer, duration or music selection. It will be available before the end of this year, the company said. It builds on the growing number of health metrics already available on the Apple Watch, such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate, speed, calories burned and distance covered.

epa08671479 A handout video still image made available by Apple Inc. introducing Apple Fitness+ ; a new fitness experience powered by Apple Watch during an Apple Event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, USA, 15 September 2020. EPA/APPLE / HANDOUT HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES — Apple Fitness+ comes with a customisation tool that allows users to personalise their workouts. EPA

One-stop shop for all needs

Offering a fully bundled solution for its services, Apple announced Apple One to bring all of its subscription services in one simple plan. These include different subscriptions such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+ and iCloud. Starting this month, it offers customers a 30-day free trial.

A handout still image from the keynote video released by Apple inc. shows Lori Malm unveils Apple One. during a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, September 15, 2020. Apple on September 15, 2020 said it is packing TV, music, news and more in a subscription bundle as it increases its push into services tied to its iPhone "ecosystem."
An Apple One bundle to be available later this year, likely after the launch of a keenly expected new iPhone models, will start at $15 monthly and include a freshly lanched fitness service tied to Apple Watch.
- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /APPLE Inc. " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
/ AFP / Apple Inc. / Apple Inc. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /APPLE Inc. " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS — Lori Malm unveils Apple One. AFP

Apple Watch to run latest watchOS 7

WatchOS 7, which Apple pushed out at its Worldwide Developer Conference in June, comes with many new features that include sleep tracking, automatic handwashing detection, a selection of new workout types and the ability to curate and share watch faces.

For the first time, Apple Watch can be set up through a parent’s iPhone. Parents can reach their child anytime and identify their location, with all data being encrypted. WatchOS 7 offers optimised features for adults including fall detection and irregular heart rhythm notification.

epa08671372 A handout video still image made available by Apple Inc. showing Apple Watch Nike with new colors for the Nike Sports Band and Nike Sports Loop during an Apple Event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, USA, 15 September 2020. EPA/APPLE / HANDOUT HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES — The Apple Watch Nike. EPA

The Apple Watch now includes a blood oxygen sensor, making it even 'more indispensable' according to the company. EPA

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iPads become more handy with the latest OS

Available from Wednesday, the new operating system iPadOS 14 supports all iPad models. It integrates Apple Pencil into the iPad experience for better note-taking capabilities. It brings Scribble features to iPads that use on-device machine learning to convert handwriting into typed text in real time. It also offers better photo organisation and navigation tools.

Getting eco-friendly

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Apple will no longer ship USB power adapters with new Apple Watch models. The company is using recycled material and a 100 per cent recycled case on aluminium models of smartwatches. Combined, Apple's efforts cut the equivalent of 159,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions per year from the atmosphere, it said.

Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., speaks during a virtual product launch seen on a laptop computer in Tiskilwa, Illinois, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. Apple Inc. kicks off a broad slate of new products, with upgrades to two of its most important hardware lines beyond the iPhone. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg — Tim Cook, chief executive, speaks during a virtual product launch seen on a laptop computer in Tiskilwa, Illinois. Daniel Acker/Bloomberg

Personalised programme for healthy living

The company has collaborated with the government of Singapore on the health initiative LumiHealth. It includes weekly activity goals that can be met through walking, swimming, yoga and other activities. The LumiHealth app reminds users to go for health screenings and participate in wellness challenges that aim to improve sleep habits and encourage better food choices. Apple plans to expand the programme in other parts of the world, based on the results of the programme in Singapore.