One of the most highly anticipated events in technology every year is the announcement of new devices from Apple. This year, on Sept. 12, multiple new devices were introduced. These included three new iPhones: the iPhone XS, the iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR, and a new Apple Watch.

The iPhone XS has a similar look to the iPhone X, which was released last year. Both phones have a 5.8” OLED screen, and dual 12 megapixel back cameras. However, there are some key differences. The iPhone XS features Apple’s new A12 bionic chip, which is a faster processor, while the iPhone X only has the A11 bionic chip. The iPhone XS is also slightly heavier than the iPhone X, weighing in at 177 grams compared to the iPhone X’s weight of 174 grams. The iPhone XS Max has many of the same features as the iPhone XS but is slightly larger, with a 6.4” OLED screen.

Apple also announced another iPhone, the iPhone XR. This phone is a cheaper option for those who still want to upgrade their phone, but are worried about the price tag on the other iPhones. The iPhone XR is $250 less than the iPhone XS. Though it shares some similarities with the iPhone XS, the XR is slightly larger than the iPhone XS, with the screen measuring in at 6.1 inches and has a single 12 megapixel back camera.

The last device Apple announced was the Apple Watch Series 4. The device had a big redesign, with a larger display and some attractive health features. The Apple Watch can now perform an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can be helpful for people with heart issues. There is also a fall detection feature, which will help older citizens who are prone to falls. If a person falls and does not respond within 60 seconds, emergency services will be called.

Within the HBHS community, there are mixed opinions about the new iPhone. “It looks pretty awesome. I like that they have three different models,”  said Jeff Furbush, the technical specialist at HBHS. Others seemed to think that the new models weren’t much of an improvement on older models. “It’s kinda the same thing as the [iPhone] X,” said Kelsey Sova ‘22.

The Apple Watch had a more positive response in comparison to the iPhone XS. Sova liked that the Apple Watch had been redesigned and updated. “I’d purchase the new Apple Watch,” she said.

The new iPhones should be shipping out soon, but for a steep price; the iPhone XS is starting at $999, the iPhone XS Max is starting at $1099, and the iPhone XR is starting at $749, while the new Apple Watch is starting at $399.