Text and Photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Cupertino – Apple revealed new iPhone 6 models, a new mobile payments system and it’s latest revolution in wearable devices, the Apple Watch.

It was a big deal for Apple today as they went back to the Flint Centre for Performing Arts in Cupertino, the venue where they launched the original Macintosh in 1984, the iMac in 1997 and revealed the most expansive line of mobile products and solutions yet.

First up was the iPhone 6 which to no one’s surprise came in two new sizes. A 4.7 iPhone 6 and a larger phablet-sized 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. Sporting new A8 processors, improved cameras and software as well as a new unibody form-factor that unified the iPhone’s look and feel with the iPad Air and the iPad mini, the new devices also feature NFC (Near Field Communications) which are a gateway to Apple’s new mobile payments platform.

Called Apple Pay, the system uses the PassBook App as well as NFC and the Touch ID security feature in iPhone 6 to enable quick payments for retailers and for services. It is the most sophisticated use of mobile technology for payments we’ve seen and being an Apple solution, appears to be super intuitive for the end user.

Apple Pay will roll out in the US and Apple already has  Visa, MasterCard and American Express’ interest and cooperation. Various retailers and outlets are also onboard in what might very well be the biggest innovation in payment since the magnetic stripe on credit and debit cards decades ago.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will come to Canada on September 19 in stores and through carriers. Interested buyers who want to avoid the requisite lines or ensure they get a new phone will be able to preorder through various channels starting September 12.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was particularly excited about the new product line and said that the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were the biggest improvements to their flagship device yet.

“iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are the biggest advancements in iPhone history,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The iPhone is the most loved smartphone in the world with the highest customer satisfaction in the industry and we are making it much better in every way. Only Apple can combine the best hardware, software and services at this unprecedented level and we think customers are going to love it.”

 Of course the momentous ‘One More Thing,” or the big reveal was the Apple Watch which showed up as a fine timepiece with many technological innovations and functions. Used in tandem with selected iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and both iPhone 6’s, the Apple Watch transcends what we’v seen so far from the wearables market.

Yes, it can tell time and beautifully too, with various customizable watch faces, but it is also a health tracker and conduit for the iOS ecosystem. Apple Watch is also designed to work with Apple Pay and can be used to purchase items. It also features an all new interface as well as an innovative Digital Crown that is used to navigate apps and enable various features.

Apple didn’t just release one device but three variants. These offer various accessories, are finished in different materials catering to fashion, sports and basic usage.

Apple Watch will be available in three collections. Apple Watch, with a polished or space black stainless steel case and a choice of straps; Apple Watch Sport, with a space grey or silver anodized aluminum case and Sport Band; and Apple Watch Edition, with an 18-karat rose or yellow gold case and a choice of straps exclusive to this collection. Apple Watch straps include the Sport Band in black, blue, green, pink and white; the Classic Buckle in black and midnight blue; the Leather Loop in bright blue, light brown and stone; the Modern Buckle in midnight blue, brown, soft pink, rose grey and bright red; the Milanese Loop in stainless steel; and the Link Bracelet in brushed stainless steel and polished space black.

Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at $349 (US). Apple Watch is compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus running the latest version of iOS 8.