by Matt Kapko

Behind the scenes of Apple’s iPhone 7 event

Feature
Sep 08, 2016
AppleConsumer ElectronicsiOS

CIO.com was at Apple's iPhone 7 unveiling this week and shot a series of photographs that provide an insider's view of the exclusive event.

Apple’s Sept. 7, 2016 ‘special event’ in images

Apple held its annual product showcase at the storied Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco this week. The company revealed the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, Apple Watch Series 2 and a set of software enhancements.

Apple’s new iPhone lineup

02 new iphone lineup

Image by Matt Kapko

Apple’s iPhone lineup now includes the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Apple also bumped the minimum storage capacities of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 to 32GB, and that means new iPhone owners should see fewer “storage full” messages.

iPhone 7 comes in glossy ‘jet black’

03 apple iphone 7 jet black

Image by Matt Kapko

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available in a new color that Apple calls “jet black.” The new color option features a high-gloss, seamless finish, according to Apple.

iPhone 7 comes new in flat black color

04 apple iphone 7 flat black

Image by Matt Kapko

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will also be available in flat black, which lacks the gloss of the shinier jet-black option. The black version is designed to diffuse light, and it also features a black Apple logo on the rear side.

Apple Watch ‘Series 2’ comes in white ceramic

05 apple watch series 2

Image by Matt Kapko

Apple also revealed the mew Apple Watch “Series 2,” which is expected to ship on Sept. 16. The GPS-equipped, water-resistant smartwatch will be available with a new white ceramic casing that is four times harder than stainless steel, according to Apple.

Apple Watch Nike+ for runners

06 apple watch nike

Image by Matt Kapko

Apple also partnered with Nike to design a special edition smartwatch for runners called the Apple Watch Nike+. The device features deep Nike integration, perforated bands and daily motivational features meant to encourage runners to stay active. The new device is expected to ship in late October.

New Hermes bands for Apple Watch Series 2

07 apple hermes watch 2

Image by Matt Kapko

Apple’s partnership with designer Hermes will continue with the Apple Watch Series 2, thanks to a new band that’s expected to be available when the device launches.

Super Mario Run coming to iPhone later this year

08 apple iphone mario bros

Image by Matt Kapko

After more than a decade of conspicuous absence, Nintendo is finally bringing its most popular character, the lovable plumber Mario, to the iPhone. Super Mario Run won’t be released until the 2016 holiday season, however, and the company didn’t specify any pricing details.

Pokemon Go to hit Apple Watch

09 iphone pokemon go

Image by Matt Kapko

The breakout mobile game Pokemon Go has been downloaded more than 500 million times since it was released in July 2016, according to John Hanke, founder and CEO, Niantic Labs, which makes the game. The company is expected to launch a new version of Pokemon Go for Apple Watch later this year.

Sia caps off iPhone 7 event

10 apple sia

Image by Matt Kapko

Singer and songwriter Sia helped Apple conclude its event with a theatrical performance of her songs “The Greatest” and “Chandelier.”

Cook waves goodbye

11 tim cook waves

Image by Matt Kapko

Apple CEO Tim Cook made a brief appearance in the new product demo room following the event, where he waved goodbye to the hordes of media that rushed the area to snap photos of the products — and the chief executive.