The Presentation

The opening video hit me in the feels. I saw lots of grumbling about "California Pride" on Twitter. However, the older I get, the more I love California. Also, that drummer is a complete badass.
One Hour and Fifteen minutes. I like the pacing of these virtual events.

Apple TV

Everyone that hasn't watched Ted Lasso is sick of being told to watch Ted Lasso. But if you haven't watched Ted Lasso, you should watch Ted Lasso.

iPad

The latest iPad Basic continues to be the best bang-for-your-buck product you can buy in an Apple Store. A very capable machine for $329. It's probably enough iPad for most people, including, if I'm honest, myself. HOWEVER, I wish they could find a way to make it work with the G2 Apple Pencil.

iPad Mini

I dig the new iPad Mini. I'm a massive fan of the flat edge design and stoked to see it spread to the iPad Mini (giving the iPad mini G2 Apple Pencil support).
USB-C on the iPad Mini. Come on Apple ... you are so close. Just adopt it across the line.
The front-facing 12MP ultrawide camera for iPad and iPad Mini (adding center stage) makes so much sense. In my usage, the front-facing iPad camera is way more important than the back-facing camera.
If I were in charge, I would have made the iPad mini's back-facing camera flush with the device, even if that meant a lower quality back-facing camera.

The Apple Watch

I kind of love that the rumor mill got the flat sides wrong. I wasn't sure I'd like a flat-sided Apple Watch.
The rumor mill wasn't, however, wrong about production delays. They don't have a sales date at this point except "later this fall".
Hopefully, the new bike rider features can keep Stephen Hackett alive longer.
Quick charging will be a helpful feature. If you can fully charge your watch in under an hour, it will make it even easier to sleep with it on. I did note this will require you to buy a "quick charge" cable.
That dark feeling that overcame you when they announced the continued sale of the Apple Watch 3 was a moment where every Apple Watch developer in the universe cried out in agony. I wish they could have price-dropped the Apple Watch SE and drop the Apple Watch 3. Friends don't buy friends the Apple Watch 3
No Ceramic, but titanium remains. I bought the Titanium Apple Watch Series 5, and I still wear it every day. It looks pristine.

Apple Fitness Plus

I use it often and got a thrill out of seeing some of my favorite Apple Coaches in the video (Team Betina!)
I thought with the inclusion of Tai Chi workouts, they'd be adding Tai Chi to Apple Fitness Plus. Sadly, no.
I know Apple Fitness is easy to make fun of, but it resonates with me for the reasons in the video. I don't have to go to an expensive gym and deal with all of that, yet I still get good workouts.

The A15 Bionic Processor

I've never understood why they add the "bionic" moniker.
Apple continues to crush everyone with chip design. They have a 5nm process and didn't even really brag on it. 15 Billion transistors ... in your phone!
I know this is not a giant iPad, but wouldn't it be awesome if it was?

PICTURE

iPhone 13

I'm glad the iPhone Mini is coming back. But I don't know anyone that currently owns an iPhone Mini and plans for their next phone to be an iPhone Mini. In the end, I think it is the battery life that spoils the fun.
Starting at 128G. Amen.
Midnight and Starlight are the new Space Grey and Silver.

iPhone 13 Pro

I like the new Sierra Blue, though I'll likely buy the silver ... ahem ... starlight one.
I was hoping they'd have an always-on screen with at least the time.
The faster refresh rate is very noticeable to me on the iPad. I'm super curious to see how it feels on the phone. Apple also did a good job explaining why this won't crush your battery.
I feel like those giant camera lenses are going to matter. I can't wait for Austin Mann to get his hands on one of these and report in.

Cinematic Mode

Yes!
There still isn't as much separation (bokeh) as you'd get with a fancy camera system, but if it performs as demonstrated, it will be great.

A Few More Points

Did you catch the part that the new Mag Safe wallet has built-in Find My? Yes, please, but for everything Apple makes.