Apple Inc. has finally launched its rumored upsized iPhones, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, at its launch event today. Here is a recap of the event highlights, including new product specs and features.

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

The iPhone 6 is only 6.9 mm thick while the 6 Plus is a bit thicker at 7.1 mm. The 6 features a 4.7” display while the 6 Plus comes with a 5.5” display. Both handsets feature a new Retina HD display.

The cover glass of both devices is ion-strengthened, rounded on the edges to seamlessly connect with the anodized aluminum enclosure at the back. The iPhone 6 is said to be 50 percent more energy efficient than previous models. Both phones uses Apple’s proprietary A8 chipset that is able to sustain performance-intensive tasks and is 50 times faster than the original iPhone.

• Price and availability

Apple has introduced new features such as VoLTE, which is voice-over-LTE and WiFi calling. T-Mobile will be the first carrier to sell the new iPhones in the US, with pre-selling starting on September 16 and official sales beginning September 19.

The iPhone 6 starts at $199 with a two-year contract and the 6 Plus starts at $299 with a two-year contract. Both devices are available in Gold, Silver and Space Gray. The price of older iPhones have dropped — the iPhone 5c is now free with a two-year contract while the 5S is now at $99 with the same contract.

• Other new features

Other new features for the iPhone 6 line include landscape view capabilities on the Home screen, new landscape view on native apps, and new sensors for the camera, though the iSight camera remains at 8MP, using focus pixels for better photos.

While most features of the two new iPhones are similar, the iPhone 6 uses digital image stabilization while the 6 Plus uses optical image stabilization, which makes use of the phone’s gyroscope for better image stabilization and faster focusing.

• Apple’s digital wallet

The new iPhones are also equipped with Near-Field Communication (NFC) chips to support Apple Pay, a new service that aims to centralize and simplify retail purchases. Though NFC technology has been around for some time, adoption has been slow. That could all change, now that Apple has partnered with big names in the retail industry to help them push Apple Pay.

Macy’s Inc., Macy’s Bloomingdales, Walgreen Company, Staples Inc., Subway – registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates, Inc., McDonald’s Corp., Apple Retail Stores, Walt Disney Company and Whole Foods Market Inc. are just some of its retail partners ready with apps. Others such as Target Corp., Uber Inc., and OpenTable Inc. are working on integrating Apple Pay into their apps for easy payment options.

• iOS 8

As for iOS 8, it will be available for download on September 17 and will be compatible with the iPhone 4S,  5, 5c, 5s, iPod Touch 5th gen, iPad 2, iPad with Retina Display, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina Display.

The Apple Watch debuts

Apple Watch

Apple has finally revealed the Apple Watch. Interestingly enough the new smartwatch is not called the iWatch, which would fit better with Apple’s broader device nomenclature. But unlike other smartwatches, this one looks quite good.

The Apple Watch has a different user interface as it utilizes the crown, or the round thing that sticks out on the side of your watch, to navigate the device. Called the digital crown, you can use it to zoom in or out of the screen, and press it to get back to the home screen or activate Siri. You can still use swiping and tapping gestures on the screen to pan or select actions.

What makes the Apple Watch unique is its Digital Touch feature, which allows users to communicate with other Watch users without calling or texting them. They can send vibrations by tapping on the screen, doodles, or even your heartbeat. The Apple Watch is also a comprehensive fitness and health tracker and has four photosensors on the back that allows it to track your activities and movement throughout the day and monitor your heart rate. Ready to work with the Apple Watch are dedicated apps to help wearers achieve fitness goals.

The Apple Watch will be available in early 2015 starting at $349. It has other features such as Quick Words which lets you to quickly respond to text messages with responses based on the question, will have the Apple Pay feature, and will be compatible with the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c, and 5.

And finally, to make up for the long wait for the Apple Watch, U2’s latest album, “Songs of Innocence,” will be available for free on iTunes, iTunes Radio, and Beats Music until October 13, 2014.

Images via Apple, Inc.