Apple unveils outdoor watch and new iPhone

MOSCOW, 8 Sep — PRIME. Apple on Wednesday held its biggest new product launch this year. The company has refrained from raising prices on its best-selling iPhone models and has focused on security improvements rather than flashy new specs. The exception was the new watch, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.

In an attempt to increase the appeal of its devices, the iPhone maker has bet on safety technologies such as the ability to detect a car accident and call rescuers from a remote mountaintop. Apple positions itself as a brand that helps users to experience new emotions and seek adventures with a guarantee of safety.

The iPhone line, which accounts for half of Apple’s sales, has seen improvements to cameras and battery life. The new processor model appeared only in iPhone Pro smartphones.

Prices for the premium iPhone 14 models have remained the same as last year’s iPhone 13 models. But Apple has ditched the cheapest option, the iPhone Mini. Thus, the most inexpensive smartphone model now costs $100 more than last year.

The iPhone 14 will cost $799 and the iPhone 14 Plus will cost $899. Pre-orders can be placed from September 9th. The iPhone Pro will cost $999 and the iPhone Pro Max will cost $1,099 and will be available on September 16th.

Apple said the emergency alert (SOS) feature via satellite will work with emergency services. The company also said that users will be able to use the FindMy app to report their location via satellite if they have no other connection.

If you purchase an iPhone 14, the service will be free for two years. What happens after this period, Apple did not report.

Shares of Globalstar Inc jumped 20% on Wednesday after it announced it would become the satellite operator for Apple’s emergency alert service.

The company also revealed a trio of new Apple Watches, including a new extreme sports and diving watch Ultra designed to take on dedicated sports watches like Garmin and Polar.

“Apple is competing in a consumer segment where loyalty to existing products and suppliers is already high and will have to prove its worth over time,” said Canalys analyst Runar Bjorhovde.

The $799 Ultra model features a larger battery for longer performance during events like triathlons, improved water and heat resistance for outdoor use, and improved GPS tracking for sports.

All watches – including last year’s Series 8 and the updated, cheaper SE model – and new iPhones will have the ability to detect when a user has been in a serious car accident and call emergency services.

Apple was up 0.9% on Wednesday, while the S&P 500 was up 1.8%.