Thread by @neilcybart

Good morning from Apple Park.

A quick look around.

The Womb Chairs are still inside The Steve Jobs Theater waiting area. They first appeared at the event this past March.

Steve Jobs Theater

There is a crew of sweepers diligently keeping the ground dry. (I believe condensation drips from the roof in the morning.)

If you look closely, you can see the colorful stage located in the middle of the space ship.

Woz is here.

A look inside Steve Jobs Theater.

Jeff Williams just walked by. Based on previous presentations, we may see him onstage for some Apple Watch announcements.

It’s getting pretty packed near the stairs to go down into the theater.

Inside Steve Jobs Theater.

This explains the Apple image in the event invite. Lava lamp - kind of.

Jony is here.

Since people are asking, here’s Jony. I think that is Bertrand Serlet in the blue.

Apple Arcade. 100+ games. 150 countries. $4.99 per month.

Apple TV+. 12 originals by year-end. 100 countries. $4.99 per month. One year free with purchase of an Apple device.

To be more specific, the one year free “trial” for Apple TV+ is available when buying an Apple device that can be used to watch the service (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV).

The promotion will be available for a limited time. It’s not clear what “limited” means though.

The new entry-level iPad will be $329. A gateway into the iOS ecosystem.

Such a great Apple Watch video detailing real stories from Apple Watch wearers.

Apple Watch Series 5.

Always on display.

Just like that, Apple made the 60 million Apple Watches out in the wild that lack an always on display look outdated.

The Apple Watch ceramic case is returning. Apple is likely seeing growing demand for some high-end SKUs.

Apple Watch Series 3 will continue to be sold...at $199. Huge move from an Apple Watch adoption perspective.

Good luck Fitbit. It was difficult to compete with a $399+ Apple Watch. But $199?

Apple is flying through this presentation.

An iPhone camera that can get a 1-year old and 3-year old to stand next to each and actually smile for a photo.

Maybe in 2020?

Apple’s marketing videos are really top-notch. No one in the industry is close.

iPhone 11 at $699. Yes, that’s a price cut but still higher than 2017 pricing.

“Apple is going to raise product prices in response to tariffs.”

Nope.

Phil Schiller gets to unveil the first “pro” iPhone.

Having three iPhone camera “eyes” on the back just became the new status symbol.

Apple Watch feels like the new iPhone.
iPhone Pro feels like the new Mac.

Apple is really going hard with these iPhone cameras.

One “problem”: A growing number of people are perfectly content and happy with their current iPhone camera.

Apple’s presentation is dragging here a bit.

A consequence of Apple trying to push the “pro” in iPhone Pro via the better camera system.

Apple’s 2019 flagship iPhone line:

iPhone 11 ($699)
iPhone 11 Pro ($999)
iPhone 11 Pro Max ($1,099)

iPhone XR at $599 will likely be big from a sales perspective.

Apple with a Retail update.

Apple is announcing a new Apple Watch buying experience in its stores and online.

Apple Watch Studio.

This is a really big deal.

Customers will be able to walk into a store, pick any Apple Watch case and band combination (1,000 options), and then that particular combo will be packaged in the back of the store while you wait.

Tim Cook wrapping things up. Presentation was about 100 minutes. Not too long / not too short.

Apple Watch Series 5 Titanium (and new Watch band).

The iPhone 11 Pro colors are compelling. The devices feel and look higher end compared to iPhone 11.

Tried to capture the Apple Watch’s always on display. Essentially, you see a dimmed version.

Jony checking out the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

(He got yelled out by the Apple worker for touching the device.)

Jony and Tim.

iPhone 11 Pro Max. The back feels like a MacBook. Substantial difference when in hand versus iPhone XS Pro.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max camera is impressive.

Apple Watch Series 5 ceramic. Same material as was included back with Series 3 but now the larger form factor (introduced last year). Also, notice how the always on screen behaves in order to perserve battery life.

iPhone 11. Reminds me of iPhone XS Max. Doesn’t feel “low end.”

That does it for the demo room.

I'm beginning to write up my reactions & thoughts about today's Apple event. The plan is to publish the first half of my review tomorrow. The review will be sent to Above Avalon members (@AboveAvalonPlus). To receive the review in your inbox, sign-up here: aboveavalon.com/membership