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Apple killed OS X today and binned its $10,000 BlingWatch too

It's 'macOS' from now on. Oh and watch out for scratches on the Darth Vader Black iPhone 7

Amid all the glamour and excitement of the the iPhone 7 launch, Apple snuck out a few other nuggets, some of them a little unhappy.

Reg readers administering Macs need to know that come September 20th Mac OS X is dead. It'll be replaced on that day by macOS Sierra and probably spur a download frenzy, accompanying social media meltdown and maybe some nasty WiFi messes at your place of work.

The good news is that you can ask Siri to help: she lands on the desktop in this macOS release. If you've gone all-in on Apple, you'll soon be able to Cut something on an iPad or iPhone and Paste it into a document on a Mac. Those of you who've bought an Apple Watch and are still wearing it – both of you – will be able to wave it at your Mac to log on.

Speaking of the Watch, the US$10,000 gold version of the timepiece has quietly vanished from Apple's price lists. Which goes to show that people who can afford that kind of thing can afford that kind of thing because they're not stupid enough to spend ten grand on a watch that just isn't heirloom-grade kit.

Another item that didn't make the keynote is the “Jet Black” iPhone colour – which looks like Darth Vader Helmet Evil Shiny Black to El Reg. Whatever it's called, Apple's fine print for the device warns it needs a case if it is to look its most evil. Scroll to the bottom of this page to find Cupertino's disclaimer.

The high-gloss finish of the jet black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone.

Apple also kept news of iPad price cuts off the podium. As we've previously reported, the the tablet market is sinking fast. Apple's still way ahead, but Android Nougat is predicted to nudge things along nicely.

Might that be why all iPads have had their storage doubled? And why the price of the iPad Pro is down US$50 for 128GB models and $100 for 256GB models? iPad Minis have also had their options trimmed: the fourth version of the device used to come in 16GB, 64GB and 128GB models but now only offers 32GB and 128GB variants.Ye olde iPad Mini 2 used to offer 16GB and 32GB models, but now offers only a 32GB model. Simplifying the range doesn't exactly scream huge demand.

Vulture South will attend its local Apple store next Friday, September 16th, to see if fanbois and fangrrlz show up to shop for these shiny new iToys with their usual fervour. Watch this space. ®

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