iPhone XS and XS Max Cases Join a New Lineup of Apple Watch Bands

By Ryan Christoffel

The new iPhone XS line and Apple Watch Series 4 are not available for pre-order until this Friday, and unlike in past years, when new device accessories became available immediately after Apple’s keynote event, this time the new cases and watch bands will also not go on sale until later this week. But eager purchasers can get a head start on scoping out exactly which accessories they’ll order by browsing Apple’s website. iPhone XS and XS Max cases and new Apple Watch bands are available to view, but you can’t order them until Friday.

One important note is that all Apple Watch bands are now designated 40mm or 44mm, to match the new Series 4 Watch, but they are all fully compatible with prior Apple Watch models which were sized 38mm and 42mm.

Here’s the full list of accessories you’ll be able to order starting this Friday.

Apple Expands AppleCare+ on iPhones with Optional Theft and Loss Coverage

By John Voorhees

AppleCare is Apple’s extended warranty program. Every iPhone comes with a 1-year limited warranty and 90 days of phone support. If you pay for AppleCare+, the price of which depends on your model of iPhone you buy, the warranty is extended to two years as is phone support.

AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage. Customers are entitled to two incidents during the two years and are charged $29 for new screens and $99 for other repairs, which is significantly less than the repairs would cost otherwise.

Today, Apple announced an extension of AppleCare+. Now, Theft and loss can be covered too providing additional value to customers. In addition to being available for the new iPhones announced today, theft and loss coverage will be available for customers with the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, and X according to Apple’s AppleCare site.

Theft and Loss coverage includes Apple’s new Express Replacement Service and 24/7 priority phone and chat access to AppleCare representatives for up to two incidents. Find My iPhone must be turned on for coverage to be effective. Replacement costs $199 for the iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and 8, $229 for the iPhone 6 Plus, 6s Plus, 7 Plus, 8 Plus, and XR, and $269 for the X, XS, and XS Max.

You can also follow all of our Apple event coverage through our September 12, 2018 hub, or subscribe to the dedicated September 12, 2018 RSS feed.

Apple Announces Release Dates for OS Updates, New iPhones, and Apple Watch

By John Voorhees

Apple announced release dates for updates to its OSes and new hardware at the keynote held in the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park today. Here are the dates for each:

iPhone XR:

Pre-Order Date: October 19, 2018
Ship Date and in stores: October 26, 2018.