Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., talks about the new iPhone 6 and Apple WatchApple moved to recapture its role as a tech trend-setter today, by releasing its highly anticipated first smartwatch and two large-screen versions of the iPhone. The newest addition to the iPhone family is set to hit Hong Kong on September 19 while the Apple Watch will be available early next year.
Let’s take a quick look at these latest devices and see how they’re changing the game.
Apple Watch
Applications for the watch include map software that guides the wearer to destinations with gentle “taps” on the wrist.
Apple Watch will start at US$349 (HK$2,700), according to Cook, and it will work with iPhone 5 and newer models.
The iPhone 6 and 6-Plus
The iPhone 6 models boost screen sizes in what some see as the company catching up to a “phablet” trend combining features of smartphones and tablets.
Apple’s main rival Samsung has long had a range of larger handsets and has tried to market a smartwatch of its own.
LG recently released a large-screen flagship G3 model with cameras tricked out to delight selfie-loving smartphone users.
The iPhone 6 will have a screen of 4.7 inches and the 6-Plus will be 5.5 inches, allowing Apple to adapt to consumers who prefer bigger displays.
Along with iOS 8, the upgraded Apple operating system, a new payment system will be built into the new iPhones. Cook said this mobile wallet would replace an “antiquated payment process” with a new system that allows consumers to touch their phones to retail terminals to pay.
The new iPhone 6 will start at HK$5,588 when Apple starts taking orders for it on Friday, while the iPhone 6 Plus will go for HK$6,388.