Apple shows off iPhone 8’s augmented reality features at September 12 event

Why it matters to you

Apple’s big bet on augmented reality and ARKit seems to already be producing some compelling apps, based on what was shown at today’s event.

At WWDC 2017, Apple lifted the lid on its ARKit augmented reality development tools. At the company’s September 12 event, AR apps were given major spotlight as part of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X reveal.

Apple is billing the iPhone 8 and iPhone X as the first smartphones designed with AR in mind. Their cameras have been calibrated for the technology, and the phones are capable of delivering crisp, 60fps visuals even in low-light conditions, and they are outfitted with a new gyroscope and accelerometer to track motion accurately — something that developers have been eager to see.

The A11 Bionic is the jewel in the crown of these AR capabilities. Its CPU handles world tracking and makes sure that the scenes virtual objects are placed in are rendered consistently, its GPU outputs realistic graphics, and Apple’s custom-designed ISP handles lighting.

A few examples of apps developed to take full advantage of the AR hardware were shown off. Major League Baseball’s At Bat app layers player stats over a live view of the game while you’re at the stadium, which seems like a great way to merge the best aspects of broadcast coverage with the appeal of being in the crowd.

Sky Guide overlays a star map over the night sky, making it easy to spot individual constellations. We only saw brief glimpses of these apps, but if they work as flawlessly as they seemed to, they’ll go a long way toward demonstrating that AR is something of a gamechanger and not just a gimmick.

Directive Games demonstrated its new title, The Machines. It’s a multiplayer game where a landscape is virtually implanted on a flat surface in the real world, with players invited to move around the environment to gain a tactical advantage over the opposing force.

The Machines looks like an action-centric take on real-time strategy with a focus on the land grabs that make MOBA games so compelling. It’s set to be released via the App Store later this month.

Pre-orders on the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X are set to open on September 15, with the devices arriving a week later on September 22, while iOS 11 launches on September 19.

The best iPhone X cases to protect and style your new Apple phone

We knew the 10th anniversary edition of Apple’s influential iPhone was going to be something special. The iPhone X sports a big and beautiful, edge-to-edge, bezel-less screen, packs some serious power under the hood, and boasts a dual-lens camera. It’s a gorgeous design, but it can be damaged all too easily. Let’s check out some of the best iPhone X cases and covers to add some much-needed protection to your new Apple smartphone.

Grovemade Minimalist Tough Case ($100)

When you shop for rugged iPhone cases it can be difficult to find solid protection that doesn’t compromise on style. An industrial, durable aesthetic isn’t going to work for everyone, and that’s why Portland-based Grovemade has developed a new line of iPhone X cases that blend drop protection with stylish, natural materials. These tough frames combine anodized aluminum with a shock absorbing elastomer band and come with a choice of wood or leather back panels. Our top pick combines black aluminum with American Walnut, which has a discounted pre-order price of $100, but you can also snag the bumper for $80 or the black leather version for $110.

Buy it now from:

Grovemade

Nodus Access Case ($60)

This classy wallet case is made from Italian leather and comes in brown, black, gray, and teal varieties. The neatly stitched, textured leather exterior is stylish and practical. Inside, things are a little different from the majority of wallet cases, because there’s no plastic shell. Your iPhone X is held in place by a micro suction pad of adhesive that won’t mark your device. There’s a single, large pocket for cards or cash in the cover and you can fold it back to act as a landscape stand. The interior has a soft, microfiber finish and, because there’s no shell, you have uninterrupted access to ports, controls, and other features, but there is a cut-out on the back for the dual camera.

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Nodus

Rokform Crystal Case ($50)

The big attraction of Rokform’s cases is the clever mounting system for securely fixing your iPhone to your bike, car, motorcycle, or anything else. You don’t just get Rokform’s clever locking system, though, there’s also a magnet on the back and each case ships with a magnetic mount for the air vent in your car. These cases meet military drop test standards and mix clear polycarbonate with flexible, black TPU padding where you need it most. The Crystal is the slim option and it comes in a range of different colors, but they also do a Rugged Case with a textured finish for the same price.

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Rokform

Mous Limitless Case ($40)

Here’s another case manufacturer intent on delivering military-grade protection in a stylish package. The Limitless case from Mous is a fairly slim shell with an inlaid back panel that comes in a range of different materials including wood, carbon fiber, leather, and marble. Mous relies on “AiroShock”, a smart material that can absorb a lot of impact shock and take the sting out of falls. The case design includes the usual range of button covers and cut-outs for easy access to all your iPhone’s functions.

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Mous

Speck Presidio Ultra Case ($50)

Sometimes you want extra protection, but you don’t necessarily want your iPhone to wear a bulky case all the time. Speck may have the answer. The Presidio Ultra offers drop protection up to 15 feet with four layers of protection, including dirt and dust resistance thanks to button and port covers. But the base is a regular Presidio case, which is a slim, protective plastic shell with the full range of cut-outs you need, drop protection up to 10 feet, and a durable finish. When you want the extra protection, you simply slip the Impactium Ultra bumper on top.

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Speck

Lumion Osprey Wallet Case ($16)

You don’t have to spend big to get a protective, functional iPhone X case, as this option from Lumion proves. It’s a malleable TPU shell with button covers and cut-outs, but there’s also a glossy polycarbonate back that slides open to reveal a card slot with space for two cards. The corners are reinforced for drop protection and there’s a slight lip around the screen. The compartment door is spring-loaded, making it easy to access quickly. If you don’t recognize the Lumion name, that’s because it’s a new brand backed by VRS Design.

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Amazon

Peel Case ($25)

The ethos behind Peel’s cases seems to fit with Apple’s iPhone perfectly. These cases are intended to be minimalist, subtle, and free of logos. They’re only 0.35mm thick and have a semi-transparent matte finish in a wide range of different colors. Apple’s design shows through, but you benefit from a thin layer of protection against scratches and bumps. We wouldn’t rely on these iPhone X cases for drop protection, but if you just want something simple, they’re ideal.

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Peel

Karapax Shield+ Case ($15)

This one-piece shell case allies polycarbonate with TPU to safeguard your iPhone X from tumbles and bumps. It feels flexible, sports cut-outs in all the right places, and has soft button covers that are easy to press. The back features an industrial design with black gloss and carbon fiber highlights. If you’ve never heard the name Karapax before, that’s because it’s a new case brand from one of our favorite portable battery charger manufacturers, Anker. This iPhone X case offers decent drop protection at a low price.

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Anker

Mujjo Leather Wallet Case ($50)

Leather feels good in hand and it ages gracefully, acquiring more character as it breaks in, so Mujjo’s full-grain leather cases are well worth a look. We like the wallet variety because it includes a simple, slanted leather pocket stitched onto the back, capable of holding a couple of credit cards and your ID. There are leather button covers, openings for the camera and other features, and a slight bezel around the screen. The inside of the case is super soft microfiber.

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Mujjo

Case-Mate Brilliance Tough Case ($80)

For serious eye-catching sparkle, the Case-Mate Brilliance range cannot be beat. Each case features more than 800 real crystals framed by metal accents. The underlying dual-layer shell meets military drop test standards, so your iPhone X can survive a fall with this case on. You’ll also find a raised lip to safeguard the screen, metallic button covers, and generous openings for ports and other functions. The Iridescent version is pictured, but this also comes in rose gold, lace, and champagne.

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Case-Mate

Everything you need to know about Apple’s AirPods

With two generations of iPhone now headphone jack-free, qualms about the lack of a headphone jack on Apple’s smartphones has died down. Some of that is because people are making do with the 3.5mm headphone jack adapter that comes in the box, and some is because of consistent advancement among the best wireless headphones on the market. For those who are interested in keeping all their tech products within the same family, the fully wireless earbuds from Apple, which are specifically designed for the company’s products thanks to the W1 chip, may be of interest. Below, you will find everything you need to know about the Apple AirPods. If you are interested in more specific information about how they function in day-to-day life, be sure to check out our full AirPod review.

Price and availability

Apple’s Airpods are now available to order online for $159, and can also be purchased in person at any Apple Store.

The AirPods do not come bundled with any current iPhone models and they are fairly expensive at $160. But the price is in the range of other fully wireless earbuds currently available, many of which start at $250. There are a few other options closer in price and function to Apple’s AirPods, notably Bragi’s The Headphone.

Heaven forbid you lose one of the earbuds but if you do, don’t worry. Apple will sell both earbuds individually.

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Apple

The W1 chip

Apple wants to get rid of wires, and the W1 chip inside the AirPods helps get the company closer to that vision. It’s the brains of the AirPods and improves the efficiency for almost every function. It makes pairing with your iPhone faster and easier and it manages power better so you get longer battery life.

When pairing, all you need to do is open the carrying case for the AirPods, and if your iPhone is nearby, you will receive a notification asking if you want to pair the two. It is that simple.

The chip also makes wireless transference of your audio more efficient and that means the earbuds can get about five hours of playback time per charge.

The W1 chip is not only in the AirPods but also in several other Apple products like the Beats Solo3 Wireless, Powerbeats3 Wireless, and the Beats X. Even with the W1 chip, all these devices, including the AirPods, still use Bluetooth, meaning you will be able to pair them with non-Apple devices.

To pair with non-Apple devices, press the button on the carrying case.

The AirPods

Apple’s shower-head-shaped AirPods are still similar in design, comfort, and sound in comparison to the wired earbuds that came with previous iPhone devices.

Both earbuds have dual optical sensors that sense when they are in your ears to pause and play music, and there are dual-voice accelerometers that can detect when you are speaking. Each earbud for the AirPods is packed with two microphones, an antenna, a battery, and the W1 chip.

Since each earbud has all that tech, you can use one without the other — all audio will automatically be routed to the earbud you decide to use.

Once you pair the earbuds to your iPhone, it will automatically pair with your Apple Watch and Mac if they are running the latest software — watchOS 3 and macOS High Sierra, respectively.

Don’t expect great audio quality with the AirPods — wired headphones and earbuds are typically better in this regard. Still, wireless earbuds have been catching on for a while and they will only get better.

What else can the AirPods do?

Apart from listening to music, you can trigger Siri with a quick double-tap gesture on either of the earbuds. Unfortunately, the only way to change the volume for music is to ask Siri or use your phone. Asking Siri to do it will pause your music, which can be annoying.

If you don’t care for having Siri at your fingertips, you can set double-tap to simply play or pause music in the Bluetooth settings page. If you are getting a call, just tap once to answer.

The latest iPhone models may be waterproof, but that doesn’t mean the AirPods will be. They’re capable enough to prevent rain or sweat from ruining the device, in case you’re using the AirPods at the gym. But anything more than that may damage the earbuds.

Battery and charging

The downside with wireless earbuds is that you have to charge them — yep, yet another device to charge. The AirPods come with a carrying case that can charge your earbuds when you’re on the move. It can offer up to 24 hours of listening time, but the earbuds themselves will only have five hours of playback time per charge.

To charge both the case and the earbuds, all you need to do is plug in a Lightning charger to the case.

Those who are tired of cables will be happy to know that Apple announced the launch of an optional charging case for AirPods will come in 2018 — to go along with the company’s new AirPower system. The case features a single design change from the original, in that the LED charging indicator will move from the inside of the case to the outside so it can be monitored during wireless charging.

Update: Added news of AirPods’ optional wireless charging case.

SwingLync is a wearable golf sensor to help you improve your game

Why it matters to you

Looking to improve your swing? Look no further than the suite of sensors from SwingLync.

You may not be in the PGA Tour (yet), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be working on your swing. If anything, it means that you should be getting all the help you can get. And here to provide some assistance is the SwingLync, a wearable golf swing analyzer that promises to serve as a virtual coach that will guide you toward a better swing (and hopefully, a better game).

Described as a wearable training technology, the SwingLync claims to help everyday golfers (whether they’re amateurs or seasoned pros) learn how to better position their body during the all-important swing. The wearable is paired with a companion smartphone app that delivers instantaneous feedback, and customizable settings can be specially tailored to your skill level. Indeed, the SwingLync team claims, this is “the tool you’ve been missing to gain increased power and consistency in your swing.”

Thanks to this new wearable, you’ll actually be able to see how your body contorts during your swing. The app features visual snapshots that show you precisely how you’re moving — you’ll be able to see every stage of your swing, including the setup, the top, the impact, the finish, and everything in between. Movements that are deemed commendable will be shown to you in green, whereas red results will tell you where to focus your time.

SwingLync will also give you specific, actionable advice. For example, by way of the app, you can see where you need to rotate more, where you need to bend less, and everything in between. This easy-to-understand feedback ought to be hugely helpful in actually implementing the changes you need to improve your game.

The entire SwingLync system comes with a wide range of wearables to measure each and every part of your body involved in the sport. The system is comprised of three wearable sensors, one shoulder harness, and lifetime access to the SwingLync mobile app. And for Kickstarter backers, it will all cost you $199 (which the team boasts is less than the cost of a new driver). Delivery for the wearable set is expected for April of next year.

Here’s how you can get your hands on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus

Well folks, the latest and greatest iPhones are finally here, boasting a number of awesome new features as well as a snazzy new design. Apple launched three new iPhones this year, including the premium iPhone X, and the continuation of the standard iPhone line, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

If you’re looking into getting a new iPhone, but don’t want to lose an arm and a leg paying for the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus may be up your alley. Both are excellent and capable phones in their own right. But how can you get your hands on one? Here’s everything you need to know about pre-ordering and ordering the new iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

How to buy an unlocked iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus

If you’re one of the many people who don’t want to buy the iPhone through a carrier, you’ll be able to get it unlocked from the Apple website just like before. You will have to pay full price, but Apple does offer financing options to help you out.

The standard iPhone 8 starts at $700 for the 64GB version, while the iPhone 8 Plus starts at $800 for the same storage size. Pre-orders will open up for the devices on September 15, while a full release for the phones is scheduled for September 22.

Buying the iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus from wireless carriers

If you want to buy the iPhone through your carrier, you’re in luck. It will be available on every major carrier in the U.S. Here’s a quick rundown of each carrier, when they’re offering the latest iPhone, and how much it will cost.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile confirmed it will be offering the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus on Friday September 15 starting at 12:01 a.m. PT. You’ll be able to pre-order the phone in retail stores as they open across the country. The company also noted that if you trade-in an iPhone 6 or newer in good condition, you’ll be able to get $300 off through monthly bill credits over 24 months.

T-Mobile has not yet released information about pricing, but we’ll update this article when it does.

AT&T

We’ve reached out to AT&T regarding iPhone 8 availability, and will update this article when we hear back.

Sprint

We’ve reached out to Sprint regarding iPhone 8 availability, and will update this article when we hear back.

Verizon

We’ve reached out to Verizon regarding iPhone 8 availability, and will update this article when we hear back.

Thatgamecompany’s ‘Sky’ coming first to Apple devices this winter

Why it matters to you

Did you ever want to play Journey with several friends? Sky might be your answer.

Journey developer Thatgamecompany announced its next project, a “romantic, social adventure game” called Sky, coming first to Apple TV, iPad and iPhone in winter 2017. Studio founder and lead designer Jenova Chen took to the stage during Apple’s September press event to reveal it. A representative of thatgamecompany reached out to Digital Trends to clarify that Sky is a timed exclusive on Apple platforms, and will be coming to others at a later date, though they provided no particulars.

According to Chen, the players are “Children of Light” with the goal of spreading light to where it is needed most. These little, cape-clad cherubim live on floating islands among a sea of fluffy, white clouds and blue sky, flying around by gliding and flapping their capes as wings. The world also features enormous birds that the player can draft off of while soaring through the clouds.

Like most of Chen’s previous work, Sky looks to be mechanically simple and “adaptable to the most casual players” (controlling with just a single finger), instead focusing on aesthetic experience and, like his award-winning Journey, shared play. Up to eight players from around the world can play simultaneously. During the demonstration, Chen mentioned meeting up with a friend, so it seems the social element might be a bit more structured than the silent, ephemeral encounters of Journey.

“Compassion and generosity are key,” Chen said. Thatgamecompany previously teased the game by mentioning that theme. One way this manifested in the demonstration is players being able to share in-game skills and knowledge with one another, in this case how to summon a magical creature. The players then go on to bring light to a dark temple, freeing a chest of glowing butterflies before moving on.

Although the particulars of puzzle solving and the gameplay’s structure remains unclear, Sky is very much in Chen and Thatgamecompany’s wheelhouse. Chen explored the sensation of flight in previous titles award-winning titles like Cloud and Flower, and Journey garnered extraordinary accolades for both its gorgeous presentation (it was the first game score to ever be nominated for a Grammy) and its simple, but compelling cooperative play. Sky is a logical progression from Chen’s body of work to date and we are eager to check it out when it arrives first on Apple TV, iPad and iPhone this winter.

updated on 9-12-2017 by Will Fulton: thatgamecompany clarified timed exclusivity

Apple’s Animoji uses your facial expressions to customize emojis in iOS 11

Why it matters to you

With Animoji, you can change the way you communicate with emojis through iMessage. You can now create animated messages using facial expressions and your voice.

After officially announcing the iPhone X at its launch event on September 12, Apple also debuted a new feature called Animoji, which are “custom-animated messages that use your voice and reflect your facial expressions.”

Thanks to facial recognition, you can now control emojis using your own facial expressions. Known as Face ID, it works using the TrueDepth camera system and an infrared camera. You can not only unlock your phone by simply glancing at the lock screen but you can also bring emojis to life.

Animojis work with the help of the A11 bionic chip. Featuring a six-core CPU design, the neural engine processes faces in real time, and was specifically built for facial recognition. It also won’t be confused by changes in appearance, whether it’s a new hairstyle or accessory — your face data is stored inside the chip with protection against masks and pictures.

Available as a pre-installed app inside iMessage on iOS 11, it immediately begins to track your expressions. By capturing and analyzing more than 50 facial muscle movements, Animoji will mirror when you smile, frown, laugh, and even raise your eyebrows. While using the app, simply make an expression and choose which emoji you’d like to use as a sticker, and you’ll have a grinning cat emoji in no time.

You can also record messages using Animoji with your voice. After choosing your emoji and pressing record, the app captures your message, as well as all your different facial expressions. Once you press send, it will appear as a looping video within the message window.

Before sending over the final product, you’re able to watch the animation in real time and edit it fullscreen mode. The recipient — who also must be running iOS 11 — then has the option of sending their own recorded Animoji in response.

For now, the drawer will offer only 12 characters. Among them are the dog, kitten, and chicken emojis, along with what will most likely be the two popular choices — the unicorn and poop emojis. There aren’t a ton to choose from yet, but the array of new emojis in Unicode 10.o could make up for it. The new additions will most likely be released along with the new operating system.

Although the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X were all announced September 13, iOS 11 won’t launch until September 19. The new operating system introduces a slew of features for the next-generation devices.

Teach your child how to sleep right with the new Suzy Snooze baby monitor

Why it matters to you

Every new parent wishes for more sleep, With Suzy Snooze, children can develop good sleeping habits sooner.

Talk to any new parent or veteran of the child-rearing experience and you will find that one of the biggest difficulties to overcome is the lack of sleep. Of course, new children need attention, but if they would just go to bed on time and not awaken until morning, everyone’s lives would be a lot easier. That is what Suzy Snooze wants to make happen and it is already turning more than a few parents’ heads.

Combining a baby monitor, sleep trainer, and nightlight all in one connected gadget with its own smartphone app is quite a tall order, but that is what the cutesy little Suzy Snooze is. It is the brainchild of Bleep Bleeps, the same company that Kickstarted Sammy Scream in 2014. This time it is back with a design that is the complete opposite, but no less smart and cute.

Created in partnership with Mumsnet and the chief medical officer at Sleepio, Colin Espie, Suzy Snooze is a small plastic device with a bright orange paint job and a cute little face on its front. When a child is ready for dreamland, one press on its head sets Suzy to work, providing your child with a comforting orange glow and relaxing sounds to help them slip off to sleep.

Once there, Suzy acts as a nightlight, which will run all the way through the night. Suzy will also listen in through a built-in microphone to give you an all-in-one baby monitor, too. All communications are sent over Wi-Fi, with secure AES encryption to ensure anyone listening in would not be able to understand anything.

Most importantly though, Suzy’s face stays hidden until you decide that wake-up time has arrived, which is a great way to teach your kids when they can get up. If Suzy’s not awake yet, it is not rising time yet.

All in all, this device should provide parents with some extra sleep and may start to build healthy sleeping habits for their kids that will last for years to come.

Suzy Snooze is available starting Wednesday, September 13 for $248.

Update: Added news that Suzy Snooze goes on sale on September 13. 

Apple Watch Series 3 hands-on

You didn’t think this show was just about iPhones, did you? Apple also pulled back the curtain on its 3rd-generation Apple Watch, which is… well, exactly what we expected. The physical differences between this thing and earlier models aren’t much to write home about, aside from the nifty red dot on the digital crown. The good news is that means all the older watch bands will work with the Series 3, and Apple has some nice new ones you’ll see in our pictures as well. I got the chance to play with Apple’s truly wireless wearable for a little bit — check out our photos to start, and I’ll be back with more nuanced impressions shortly!

Developing…

Follow all the latest news from Apple’s iPhone event here!

Here’s every Apple Watch model, finish, and band compared

The Apple Watch Series 3 is finally here, and it boasts major improvements over the original Apple Watch. With features like LTE cellular connectivity, speedy Wi-Fi, and a long-lasting battery, it’s Apple’s most refined interpretation of a smartwatch yet.

But there isn’t just one Apple Watch Series 3. Apple discontinued the Apple Watch Series 2 but kept around the Apple Watch Series 1 (at a reduced price), and the sheer number of models, finishes, and bands make choosing a new Apple Watch a challenging feat. To help simplify things, we’ve put together a guide to every variant of Apple Watch Series 3 available.

Apple Watch models

There are two basic versions of the Apple Watch: The Apple Watch Series 1 and the Apple Watch Series 3. The Apple Watch Series 1 will retail at the reduced price of $250, and the Apple Watch Series 3 will launch later this year in two models: One non-LTE version for $330, and an LTE-equipped version for $400.

Here’s what you need to know first:

• The Apple Watch Series 1 is available now on Apple.com and anywhere the Apple Watch is sold.
• New Apple Watch bands are available today on Apple.com, and will be available soon at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers, and carriers in the U.S., and over 35 countries and regions.
• Apple Watch Series 3 models (with and without LTE), Apple Watch Hermès, and Apple Watch Edition (ceramic), will go on sale beginning September 15 in most countries and regions, with availability beginning September 22.
• The Apple Watch Nike+ will be available to order September 15, with limited availability on October 5.

If you opt for the Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE, you can pick up cell service for an extra fee. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T say it’ll cost $10 to add the watch to an existing plan.

Here’s a quick spec comparison of the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 3.

Apple Watch Series 1

Apple Watch Series 3

Processor
S1P
S3
Operating System
watchOS 4 (available as update)
watchOS 4
Body (Dimensions)

Aluminum case

38mm

1.52 x 1.31 x 0.41 inches

42mm

1.56 x 1.43 x 0.41 inches

Aluminum case

38mm

1.52 x 1.31 x 0.45 inches

42mm

1.67 x 1.43 x 0.45 inches

Resolution (pixels)
272 x 340

390 x 312

272 x 340

390 x 312

Weight

Aluminum case

38mm: 25 grams

42mm: 30 grams

Aluminum case

38mm: 26.7 grams (GPS), 28.7 grams (GPS + Cellular)

42mm: 32.3 grams (GPS), 34.9 grams (GPS + Cellular)

CPU
520 MHz
Dual Core
Screen
Sapphire crystal glass
Ion-X strengthened glass (aluminum cases)

Sapphire crystal glass (stainless steel and ceramic cases)

Wirless
Wi-Fi
Cellular LTE, GPS, and Wi-Fi
Waterproof
Splash resistant only
Waterproof up to 50 meters
Display 
OLED Retina display with Force Touch
Third-generation Retina display with Force Touch
Price
$250
$330 (GPS), $400 (GPS + Cellular)

There are a few differences between the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 3 worth noting.

The Apple Watch Series 3 adds LTE connectivity, which means it can stand in for your iPhone. You can make and receive calls, stream from Apple Music’s catalog of more than 40 million songs and radio stations, and chat with friends over WeChat and iMessage, all without the need to bring your phone along.

The Apple Watch Series 3 also packs a dual-core processor that’s 70 percent more efficient (compared to the Apple Watch Series 2), and a Wi-Fi chip that’s faster while drawing significantly less power. And for good measure, the Series 3 throws in an altimeter that measures the verticality of stairs, slopes, and ski runs.

What does all that mean if you’re buying a new Apple Watch? If you live an active lifestyle that involves a lot of running and walking and you don’t want to carry your phone around all the time, then you’re probably going to want to buy the Series 3. The same’s true if you’re a speed demon who want the absolute fastest and longest-lasting Apple Watch on the market. But if you don’t need a cutting-edge processor and don’t care about a cellular connection, you might be better off saving a little cash and sticking to the Apple Watch Series 1.

Apple Watch sizes and finishes

Once you’ve chosen the device you want to go with, you’re going to need to pick a size: 38- or 42-millimeter. They’re targeted at those with small and large wrists, respectively.

You’ll notice when you go to the Apple Watch website, there’s more to choose from than simply ‘Series 1’ or ‘Series 3.’ The Apple Watch doesn’t just come in different sizes and hardware — it also comes in different materials, some of which are exclusive to individual models. Below is a rundown of the finishes available for each device.

Apple Watch Series 1
Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Nike+
Apple Watch Hermès
Apple Watch Edition
Silver Aluminum
✓
✓
✓

Gold Aluminum

✓

Space Gray Aluminum
✓
✓
✓

Space Black Stainless Steel

✓

✓

White Ceramic

✓
Gray Ceramic

✓

As you can see, the Apple Watch Nike+ and the Apple Watch Hermès are pretty much just variations of the Apple Watch Series 3 — we’ll talk more about what sets them apart in the ‘bands’ section. Worth noting, though, is the Nike+ model’s exclusive Run Club app, which has audio-guided tours and fitness-oriented social features.

The Apple Watch Edition, meanwhile, is made from a strengthened ceramic. In fact, Apple says the device is four times as strong as the stainless-steel version. (The Edition line used to include actual gold-plated Apple Watches, but those have gone the way of the dodo.)

Apple Watch bands

Part of customizing the Apple Watch is changing the band, but not all bands are available for all Apple Watch models. In fact, part of what makes certain models unique is their band.

Below is a quick guide outlining which bands you can get for which device, and here’s our guide to the best Apple Watch bands you can buy right now.

Apple Watch Series 1
Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Nike+
Apple Watch Hermès
Apple Watch Edition
Sport
✓
✓

✓

 

Woven Nylon (new for 2017)

✓

Leather

✓

Stainless Steel

✓

Nike Sport

 ✓

Hermès

✓

There are two Apple Watch models that are differentiated based mostly on their bands: The Nike+ and the Hermès.

The Nike+ Apple Watch’s Sport Loop is lighter than other Apple Watch bands thanks to rows of perforations, which make it more breathable and comfortable.

The Apple Watch Hermès’ bands, on the other hand, are more about fashion. They’re made of classy brown leather, and feature an array of unique buckle designs. Two new band watchband designs introduced alongside the Apple Watch Series 3 include the Single Tour Rallye (in perforated Gala calfskin), and the Single Tour Eperon d’Or (in printed Gala calfskin).

Not to be outdone by the Nike+ and Hermès models, the Apple Watch Edition has its own exclusive bands: Two new two-toned Sports Bands.

So which one should I get?

Before you make a decision, there’s one more table you need to see — the pricing table.

Apple Watch Series 1
Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Series 3 LTE
Apple Watch Nike+
Apple Watch Hermès
Apple Watch Edition
Base price
$250
$330
$400
$330
$1,150
$1,300

It’s important to keep in mind that the prices above are base prices. The Apple Watch Series 3, for example, only costs $330 if you get the sports band. Spring for the woven nylon band and you’ll pay $400 and up. If you opt for the leather band, you’ll have to shell out even more.

Still trying to decide which Apple Watch to get? For the average Joe, the Apple Watch Series 1 is going to be fine. But if you’re sold on the Apple Watch Series 3’s LTE connectivity and faster processor, you’ll probably find it worth the extra premium.

It’s a little unfortunate that bands cost so much because the sports bands may not fit well, for example, with a suit and tie. If you’re more fashion-conscious and want the device to fit in with your outfits, you’re going to need to shell out a little more dough — likely $600+ if you’re fine with Apple’s standard leather band, or more than $1,000 if you really want the Hermès name. Finally, if you’re captivated by that ceramic look and have an extra $1,000 lying around, get the Apple Watch Edition. Who cares if it comes with a sports band?

Alternatively, you could always check out third-party watch bands for your Apple Watch, but keep in mind that not everything you see on Amazon is going to be of premium quality.