Apple enter smartwatch market and reveal larger iPhones

Tech giants Apple unveiled its first new product line since the death of its co-founder Steve Jobs, introducing the Apple Watch to the world.

17:29 10 September 2014

Apple has officially entered the smartwatch market with the Apple Watch. It’s the company’s first new product line since the first iPad and the death of Apple co-founder and figurehead Steve Jobs. 

Apple also unveiled two new handsets that are larger than previous models: the iPhone 6 which a 4.7-inch screen and iPhone 6 Plus that features a 5.5-inch screen.

Analysts predict that Apple’s move to produce bigger iPhones should help prevent users from migrating to Android.

The Apple Watch, which comes in two sizes and which will not be available until early next year, is controlled by a “digital crown” found on its side. It allows content on its screen to be magnified or scrolled through. It can also act as a home button when pressed inwards. The device runs Siri – Apple’s voice controlled “personal assistant.”

‘Apple Watch is the most personal device we've ever created.’ said Apple chief executive Tim Cook.
‘It's also a comprehensive health and fitness device [and] is precise, synced to the internet, accurate to within 50 milliseconds.'

An observer says that Apple Watch has the potential to ignite the wearable tech sector.

"I'm sure that for many people, waiting to see what Apple did was a first step before going out and buy a wearable technology product, whether or not it's an Apple one they get," said Tim Coulling, senior analyst at research firm Canalys.

 

"The main benefit for Apple in going to a larger size of screen is not so much to woo people over to its devices, but to prevent its customers defecting, particularly to devices such as Samsung's Galaxy Note," said John Delaney, head of IDC's European mobility team.

"Watching video is definitely something that appeals on a bigger display, as well as gaming. And for business customers, having more space to do emails properly and look at and edit presentations helps," said Carolina Milanesi, chief of research at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.

iPhone 6 offers 326 pixels per inch and the iPhone 6 plus 401 pixels. New sensors include a barometer, which Apple said would help fitness apps distinguish whether the owner was running up a mountain or along a flatter surface.

Both the handsets will be available for sale on September 19.