Apple has presented a new line of iPhones, as well new editions of the Apple Watch and iPad. In addition, the company announced its subscription games service Apple Arcade will launch this month, and Apple TV+ will be available in November, starting at USD 4.99.
The new range starts with the 6.1-inch iPhone 11 with LCD screen at the lower introductory price of USD 699 compared to the iPhone XR. The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max represent the upgrade of the XS and XS Max models of year ago. They offer an OLED screen and advanced triple camera on the back, with the same prices as the XS models at introduction.
As usual, Apple has upgraded the display and processor for the new range, with the Super Retina XDR display promising up to 1,200 nits brightness and the Apple-designed A13 Bionic chip up to 20 percent more power than its predecessor. The camera on the Pro models also comes with new features such as an ultra-wide lens, night mode and enhanced portrait mode, and Apple added the new colour midnight green to the range.
The lower-cost iPhone 11 runs the same chip with a dual camera and will be available in a choice of six colours. All the phones come with gigabit LTE, IP68 water resistance, a faster Facial ID and iOS 13 with the haptic touch system.
The new iPhones start pre-orders on 13 September in over 30 countries and will be in shops from 20 September. They come with a choice of 64, 128 or 256 GB storage. The 5.8-inch iPhone 11 Pro starts at USD 999 and the 6.5-inch Max version costs from USD 1,199.
Apple Arcade, Apple TV+ priced at USD 5 per month
Apple also provided more details on its Apple Arcade and Apple TV+ services, first announced in March. The games service starts on 19 September on iOS for USD 4.99 per month, available in over 150 countries. It comes with a one-month free trial and then will automatically renew until cancelled.
Arcade will be available on iPads and Apple TV from 30 September and on Macs in October. The games service launches with over 100 games, which Apple says will not be available on any other mobile platform or subscription service, and the service can be used by up to six family members with Family Sharing.
Apple TV+ will launch on 01 November in over 100 countries, also for USD 4.99 per month after a seven-day free trial. Apple is giving all customers who purchase one of its devices a year free of the video service. In addition to Apple devices, the service is available on select Samsung smart TVs and will come to Amazon Fire TV, LG, Roku, Sony and Vizio platforms in the future.
Apple Watch in titanium with always-on screen
Apple's year-end hardware line-up also included the Apple Watch Series 5. The main innovation is the Always-On Retina display that never sleeps, only dims, so users can see the time and other information without having to tap the screen. It also comes with new location features such as a built-in compass, more activity options such as Cycle Tracking and Noise monitoring with watchOS 6, and international emergency calling in over 150 countries, plus a wider range of materials, including the new titanium.
The standard GPS model is available from USD 399 to order in 41 countries and regions to start, and the cellular model launches in 22 countries from USD 499. Both models will be available in stores beginning 20 September. In addition, Apple cut the price of the Series 3 Apple Watch to USD 199. WatchOS 6 will roll out to Series 3 and higher from 19 September and reach older models later this autumn.
Finally, Apple updated its most popular iPad model, with a larger 10.2-inch screen and an option for attaching a full-size keyboard. The seventh-generation iPad starts at USD 329 for the Wi-Fi model and USD 459 for LTE and is available with a choice of 32 or 128 GB storage in three colours. Pre-orders start in 25 countries, and the new tablet will be in shops on 30 September.
