Just last month, during its annual September Event, Apple released the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Even before the release on September 18th, thousands preordered the phone and it became sold out online. Although the iPhone 7 closely resembles the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, it comes with significantly different and slightly controversial changes such as a virtual home button and removal of the audio jack.

The home button on past iPhones required clicking and after the iPhone 5s, the home button recognized fingerprints. But with the new iPhone, the home button is completely virtual and uses a vibration-based feedback system. When users utilize the home button, it vibrates as feedback and users no longer need to press the home button. This feature is also being introduced to MacBooks.

Another new feature is the necessary use of Air Pods. These wireless earbuds connect to a charging port and then connects to the phone through Bluetooth. It is also possible to use the Air Pods with other Bluetooth Apple devices such as Apple watches, laptops, and iPads. These Air Pods allow five hours of use and its charging case can charge a total of 24 hours. But this new addition has proved controversial as well.

These small Air Pods are easy to misplace, require charging every five hours, could potentially pose a choking hazard for children, and are relatively expensive at $159. Pros of this new feature include hands-free phone calls, no wires to untangle with regular earbuds, noise cancellation, and built-in Siri. If you do choose to purchase the air pods, you may still use regular earbuds—except it can only be connected to an adapter plugged into the charging port of the phone.

These new earbuds in fact do pose as a negative aspect of the new iPhone to many: “I can barely keep track of my earbuds now. I’m not sure I could handle wireless ones. They just seem like a huge hassle and I would constantly need to charge them as well,” explains Andrea Lan ’18. Although this is a significant technological advancement, it may also deter many consumers from purchasing this phone in the first place.

Some other technical improvements of the new iPhone include the first ever stereo speakers. They are placed on both the top and bottom ends of the phone and produce high quality sound. The camera has also been upgraded drastically. The camera is able to utilize 30% less battery than before. Photos are much sharper than before and the camera has been equipped with low light capabilities and takes photos 60% faster. But consumers should know that the camera on the iPhone 7 Plus does take slightly sharper photos than the iPhone 7.

The last new technical improvement is the battery life. The iPhone 7 lasts for about 14 hours on wifi and 12 hours longer on 4G, approximately two hours longer than the iPhone 6S.

These new improvements are extremely beneficial and definitely lure more consumers.

“The longer battery life will be super useful. My friends and I are constantly on our phones and the improved battery life can definitely sway people to purchase the new phone,” states Anthony Lan, ‘19.

Apple also introduced two new external feature for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The new iPhones are water-resistant and can withstand being submerged 30 minutes under water. Although this is a positive feature, it has lowered the production of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The phone is also offered in a variety of colors including matte black, glossy black, silver, rose gold and gold. The antenna bands have also been removed from the back and are now placed on the sides.

Apple has worked hard to create a notably improved iPhone. Although the sales have not reached those of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, thousands continue to purchase the new iPhone every day. Rumor has it that in 2017 Apple will release a brand new phone made of glass and with an OLED screen, but for now you can purchase the iPhone 7 starting at $649.