Extra Byte

Watch out for the apple iphone 7

The iphone 7 and 7 Plus hit UAE shelves last week. You’ve probably familiarised yourself with all its specs and features by now, but in case you missed it: allow us to give you a refresher course all the same.

The latest iterations of Apple’s flagships now boast the new Apple A10 chip; it is 40 per cent faster than the A9 and runs on one- fifth the power. They have, for the first time in iphones, two speakers, retina displays that are 25 per cent brighter, a home button that’s now force- sensitive, are water- and dust- resistant; and come in new jet black and black colours ( space grey has kicked the bucket).

As far as the cameras are concerned, both new iphones have a new 12MP sensor that has OIS and is 60 per cent faster, as well as four LED flashes that give 50 per cent more light and ( should) perform better in one of the iphone’s weaker links, low- light situations. The 5.5- inch 7 Plus, ICYMI, has two lenses — one wide- angle lens and one telephoto lens; the camera app has a new function that allows it to work like a DSLR. Storage options have also been doubled to 32GB, 128GB and 256GB ( gone are the 16GB and 64GB options).

Another thing that’s gone ( and probably the worst nightmare of some or many) is the 3.5mm audio jack. But don’t worry, a good trio will take its place: the Lightning Earpods, a complementary Lightning- to- audio adaptor and those curious looking wireless Airpods.

It’s not really the upgrade most of us expected but, despite this, everyone was still curious to find out firsthand what the iphone 7 and 7 Plus have to offer.

There’s also good reason why Apple may have seemed to hold back; remember, next year will mark the iphone’s 10th anniversary, so maybe we can expect something “wow” from them then ( iphone X, anyone?).

And not to forget, the Apple Watch Series 2 also made its debut alongside the two new smartphones.

iphone 7 – from Dh2,599, iphone 7 Plus – from Dh3,099; Watch Series 2 – from Dh1,499