Follow live: Apple set to unveil latest iPhone, maybe other surprises
- 10 years ago
The big day has arrived for Apple fans and technology watchers.
The latest versions of the iPhone are expected to be revealed at the company’s special event and there may be other surprises too – with the iWatch and an electronic wallet function much speculated about.
In New York some people waited outside an Apple store overnight even though we have no idea when the new models will go on sale.
Two young women had one thing on their minds: “The new phones. Yes. Ready for an upgrade” Her friend added: “Same. I’ve only had mine for a year but I want the new one.”
One fan was interested in what health and fitness related apps might link the new phones and the iWatch: “I like everything Apple does and hopefully there is going to be a bigger screen on their iPhone; and then I’m interested in their wearables, so if I go for a run or a hike or a bike ride I can track whatever success, or lack of success I have.”
Another man hoped the company would address the iPhone’s battery life issues: “I’m looking for a bigger screen, faster processor and hopefully better battery.”
It has been four years since Apple introduced a completely new gadget, so this is also a big day for Chief Executive Tim Cook to see if he can match the wow factor of his predecessor, the father of the iPhone – Steve Jobs.
Cook, who is Jobs’ handpicked successor, had promised the company’s best product pipeline in 25 years was being readied.
That is why technology aficionados, investors and rivals will be watching so closely.
What might be unveiled
iWatch: Rumors of an Apple smartwatch go back several years, but Tuesday may finally be showtime. The watch, which will reportedly have a flexible screen and come in two sizes, will track its wearer’s health and fitness, double as an electronic wallet and of course, display messages.
The watch is not likely to go on sale until sometime in 2015 and Apple may not even reveal its price on Tuesday. But with rivals such as Google and Samsung already entering the smartwatch market, tech-watchers are anxious for Apple to show its cards.
iPhone 6: Smartphones are Apple’s bread-and-butter, representing more than half of its revenue, and the company is expected to introduce a pair of new models with bigger screens, a sleeker design and wireless payment capabilities.
The iPhone 6 will be available with 5.5-inch or 4.7-inch screens, a step up from the current models’ 4-inch screens. There is also speculation that some phones will boast extra-tough screens made from scratch-resistant sapphire material.
Mobile Wallet: Apple has reportedly struck deals with major credit card providers Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
The partnerships, as well as a special communication chip within the new iPhone and smartwatch, would allow consumers to use their gadgets at to pay for things they buy in shops, changing the shopping experience and extending Apple’s reach from the Web to real-world commerce.
Health: Apple’s launch of the ‘HealthKit’ data service earlier this year made it clear that it sees its products helping consumers manage personal health information.
By incorporating the HealthKit service into the iPhone 6, and by packing its smartwatch with sensors capable of monitoring physical movements and heart rates, Apple could lay the groundwork for a broader push into mobile healthcare.
You can follow the event in the live blog below from 18:45 CET, complete with minute-by-minute reaction to the eagerly anticipated launch
The latest versions of the iPhone are expected to be revealed at the company’s special event and there may be other surprises too – with the iWatch and an electronic wallet function much speculated about.
In New York some people waited outside an Apple store overnight even though we have no idea when the new models will go on sale.
Two young women had one thing on their minds: “The new phones. Yes. Ready for an upgrade” Her friend added: “Same. I’ve only had mine for a year but I want the new one.”
One fan was interested in what health and fitness related apps might link the new phones and the iWatch: “I like everything Apple does and hopefully there is going to be a bigger screen on their iPhone; and then I’m interested in their wearables, so if I go for a run or a hike or a bike ride I can track whatever success, or lack of success I have.”
Another man hoped the company would address the iPhone’s battery life issues: “I’m looking for a bigger screen, faster processor and hopefully better battery.”
It has been four years since Apple introduced a completely new gadget, so this is also a big day for Chief Executive Tim Cook to see if he can match the wow factor of his predecessor, the father of the iPhone – Steve Jobs.
Cook, who is Jobs’ handpicked successor, had promised the company’s best product pipeline in 25 years was being readied.
That is why technology aficionados, investors and rivals will be watching so closely.
What might be unveiled
iWatch: Rumors of an Apple smartwatch go back several years, but Tuesday may finally be showtime. The watch, which will reportedly have a flexible screen and come in two sizes, will track its wearer’s health and fitness, double as an electronic wallet and of course, display messages.
The watch is not likely to go on sale until sometime in 2015 and Apple may not even reveal its price on Tuesday. But with rivals such as Google and Samsung already entering the smartwatch market, tech-watchers are anxious for Apple to show its cards.
iPhone 6: Smartphones are Apple’s bread-and-butter, representing more than half of its revenue, and the company is expected to introduce a pair of new models with bigger screens, a sleeker design and wireless payment capabilities.
The iPhone 6 will be available with 5.5-inch or 4.7-inch screens, a step up from the current models’ 4-inch screens. There is also speculation that some phones will boast extra-tough screens made from scratch-resistant sapphire material.
Mobile Wallet: Apple has reportedly struck deals with major credit card providers Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
The partnerships, as well as a special communication chip within the new iPhone and smartwatch, would allow consumers to use their gadgets at to pay for things they buy in shops, changing the shopping experience and extending Apple’s reach from the Web to real-world commerce.
Health: Apple’s launch of the ‘HealthKit’ data service earlier this year made it clear that it sees its products helping consumers manage personal health information.
By incorporating the HealthKit service into the iPhone 6, and by packing its smartwatch with sensors capable of monitoring physical movements and heart rates, Apple could lay the groundwork for a broader push into mobile healthcare.
You can follow the event in the live blog below from 18:45 CET, complete with minute-by-minute reaction to the eagerly anticipated launch