All the expectations were correct
With the new device, Apple confirmed all the pre-launch speculation. For example, we had expected an Action button — and Apple came through with that. This button can be customized in Settings and used in numerous ways, to switch between Ring and Silent modes, to turn on the flashlight, recognize music and more. You can also customize it for particular apps, so it offers different functions depending on which app you use.
The Action button also introduces a new visual intelligence experience that uses Apple Intelligence to help users learn about objects and places. This can summarize and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, identify an animal or plant, and more.
What else should we know?
- The device boasts a 6.1-in. Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology.
- It supports FaceID rather than Touch ID used in the iPhone SE.
- It offers the best battery life of any 6.1-in. iPhone, in part due to the low power demands of the C1 modem.
- It’s splash, water, and dust resistant, with a rating of IP68.
- Satellite communication is supported, so you can use Apple’s existing services — Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — when away from conventional 5G or Wi-Fi networks. Access to these features is provided free for two years after purchase.
Apple’s progress toward circular manufacturing is also clear; the device uses over 30% recycled materials overall, including 100% recycled cobalt and 95% recycled lithium in the battery, 85% recycled aluminum in the enclosure, and more. Apple will remove plastic from all its packaging by the end of this year.
