(Stay tuned to this post throughout the day to keep up to date with the latest info about Apple’s iPhone 6. For real-time updates, make sure to follow @ShellyPalmer.)

Apple’s (AAPL) first major unveiling at its Tuesday event was two new iPhones: the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Both phones are available for pre-order this Friday, September 12, and will be available on September 19. Pricing is as follows:

iPhone 6

• 16 GB: $199 with two-year contract.
• 64 GB: $299 with two-year contract.
• 128 GB: $399 with two-year contract.

iPhone 6 Plus

• 16 GB: $299 with two-year contract.
• 64 GB: $399 with two-year contract.
• 128 GB: $499 with two-year contract.

The iPhone 5S now starts at $99 with a two-year contract, while the 8 GB iPhone 5C is now free with a two-year contract.

The iPhone 6 has a 4.7″ screen (1334x750px), while the iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5″ screen (1920x1080px), and both screens are a new level of quality: Retina HD. Both phones are also thinner than any Apple has ever released (6.9mm, 7.1mm respectively).

Both phones are powered by a new A8 chip. That means they’re stronger and more energy-efficient than ever before. They also have awesome new cameras that make it easier than ever to take great pictures. You can shoot 1080p video at either 30fps or 60fps, or slo-mo video at 120fps or 240fps.

There is a one-handed mode of sorts — Apple is moving the buttons lower to the bottom (and putting the power button the side for easier access.)

Software is getting an upgrade to match the bigger screen hardware. The iPhone’s keyboards will have dedicated cut, copy and paste buttons.

Apple also showed off how some of its proprietary apps will take advantage of the phones’ bigger screens. They’ll react just like they do on iPad, with some (like Stocks) operating for the first time ever in landscape mode. Mail will let you pop-out a new message you’re composing. Messages even got a nice touch in that your contacts will have an avatar next to their name. One of the nicest upgrades is that the iPhone’s home screen can now be viewed in landscape mode, too.

(Photo via The Verge.)

Apple Pay

The second major reveal at Apple’s event was Apple Pay: the company’s take on mobile payments. We collectively spend $12 billion a day with our credit cards, which Tim Cook (rightfully) pointed out is an antiquated system

Apple Pay is powered by NFC (near-field communication), which is embedded in the phone along the top. You’ll be able to use any credit cards you already have on file with iTunes, or you can take a photo of a new credit card and add it to your phone. At participating retailers, you’ll be able to hold your phone up to a chip at checkout, with your thumb on the Touch ID sensor, and pay in a snap. Speaking of participating retailers, there are more than 22,000: Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Whole Foods, Disney, Staples, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Subway, McDonald’s and more.

Apple Pay also makes shopping online easier. In apps that have Apple Pay enabled (like Target), you can buy items with a single touch. That means no need to enter credit card information or billing/shipping address. It’s all just there.

Apple Pay may also be more secure, because your credit card number is never actually given to the merchant; instead, it uses a one-time payment number and a “dynamic security code.” Apple also isn’t keeping track of where you shop, what you buy, or how much you spend: “We are not in the business of collecting your data.” Apple Pay will start in the U.S. with American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Apple has also partnered with the big 6 banks.

“Apple has a long tradition of introducing breakthrough products with features that really matter to people,” said Ed McLaughlin, chief emerging payments officer for MasterCard. “ApplePay, combined with MasterCard’s payments technology, gives consumers an easy, secure and private way to shop. We have been a pioneer of mobile commerce innovation for years – including the world’s first contactless and mobile payment solutions. We’re thrilled that MasterCard cardholders will soon be able to make payments from their iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, knowing that every purchase is secure and offers all the same guarantees and benefits they’ve come to expect from using their MasterCard.”

Lose your iPhone? No worries! You can suspend all payments through “Find My iPhone.”

Also, Apple Pay will work with one other device… the Apple Watch.

One More Thing… Apple Watch

Apple saved the most-leaked item for last. Called Apple Watch (not iWatch), the device will be available in early 2015 from $349. Personalization is key; Apple designed six different straps for the Apple Watch, with a clasp that easily lets you swap between bands. Not only that, but Apple designed two different sizes for the Apple Watch, because one size does not necessarily fit well on every wrist. There are also three collections — the standard Apple Watch, the fitness lover’s Apple Watch Sport and the fashionista’s Apple Watch Edition (with 18k gold!). That means two sizes, three faces, and multiple bands… “millions” of unique designs, according to Tim Cook.

Apple knew it couldn’t take the iPhone interface and shrink it down onto your wrist; gestures like pinch-to-zoom would completely obstruct the screen. The solution? Add functionality to a feature that’s always been on watches: the crown (the rotatable dial on the side). Apple’s calling the Apple Watch’s crown a “digital crown,” and you can use it to zoom in or out, or scroll through a list. Tapping the side of the crown returns you to your home screen, just as you’d expect. The Apple Watch’s screen can also differentiate between a touch and a press, giving you ultimate control over the screen on your wrist. And your pal Siri has also made her way to your wrist, letting you search by voice like you do on your iPhone.

The Apple Watch will also work with third-party apps. (WatchKit helps developers create apps and features specifically for the watch.) Initially, notifications will just pop up on your watch (like someone wants to be your Facebook friend), but companies like Facebook can make those notifications much more visual and interactive through WatchKit. The MLB app will let you see live scores; Honeywell will let you change your thermostat; Starwood Hotels will let you check in and unlock your room with nothing more than your watch.

Another cool feature of the Apple Watch is wordless communication through ‘digital touch.’ You can send messages to other Apple Watch users through pictures or animated emojis. Want sushi? Draw a blue fish.

Apple Watch senses that you’re raising your wrist, and will then activate the display. Hello, battery savings! Speaking of battery, the Apple Watch also has inductive charging — a MagSafe charger attaches to the back of the device’s face. There was no real mention of the Apple Watch’s battery life, though, which is troubling.

The watch’s apps were designed for “lightweight interaction.” This is not a device that will replace your phone (in fact, it requires the iPhone … anything iPhone 5 or newer will do), but will be able to do a lot of the basic and mid-level functionality of that device. The Apple Watch is a perfect health complement to your iPhone. It’s able to track your pulse, and can use your iPhone’s GPS and Wi-Fi to give you a complete look at your health. You’ll also be able to keep track of your calendar, contact, music and more from your wrist. Nothing is further than a swipe up, down or side away.

iOS 8

Unveiled earlier this year, Apple finally put a date on iOS 8 — it’ll be available on Wednesday, September 17. It’ll work on the following devices:

• iPhone 4s
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 5c
• iPod touch 5th generation
• iPad 2
• iPad with Retina display
• iPad Air
• iPad mini
• iPad mini with Retina display

One Last, Last Thing…

Apple is releasing U2’s newest album, Songs of Innocence, will be available to every iTunes customer for free, beginning now.

(Photo via The Verge.)