The latest range of Apple’s popular smartphone range have been unveiled, and it’s safe to say that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus has introduced some new and innovative features.

Here are 5 of our favourite features of the new Apple iPhone 7 and Apple iPhone 7 Plus

 

Dual Cameras

While both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have upgraded camera features, it’s the Plus model that really shines this time around. What makes the dual camera special is it’s ability to shoot 2X optical zoom without the loss of image quality, something that previously could only be accomplished using a high-end camera. The cameras use separate lenses, 28mm for wide-angled shots and a 60mm for close-ups. Switching between cameras is a seamless experience thanks to the iPhone 7 Plus’ camera app, where you can switch between zoom options up to 10X.

 

 

Water-Resistant 

While other smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and LG have produced waterproof phone before, the iPhone 7 marks the first time Apple have added waterproof features. While the new iPhone 7s can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for a short time, or are able to withstand getting wet in a shower they aren’t yet fully waterproof like some other smartphones out there.

 

More Storage Space And A New Colour

With the new generation of iPhones we’ll be saying goodbye to the base 16GB storage, and we’ll be welcoming twice as much base storage space in the form of a new 32GB model. There is also a 128GB version, along with a new 258GB addition, and as always there won’t be any way to extend your storage space. And for those of you a little tired of the standard Rose Gold or Space Grey iPhone colours, there’s also an all-new colour coming out: a deep all-black.

 

 

No More Headphone Jack

Possibly the biggest change to the iPhone is the decision to retire the 3.5mm earphone jack in favour of a wireless option. The new wireless earphones are called AirPods; two standalone earphones that connect to other Apple devices via bluetooth.  The AirPods have special  “motion accelerometers” that detect when the pods are in your ears, and sensors that automatically start Siri voice commands. According to Apple the new AirPods have up to 5 hours of battery life , and comes with a battery case that provides 24 hours of further power.

 

New Home Button

For the first time ever, Apple are dropping their mechanical home button and replacing it with a touch-sensitive digitised version. Using the Apple “taptic engine”, the new Home button is also able to give notifications using different buzzes and vibrations. Developers will also be able to customise their own unique notifications using the taptic engine API.

 

 

According to Apple the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available for purchase in the United States by September 16th, with preorders opening on September 9th. No word on the South African release yet.