Apple flew past the $1,000 price barrier when it unveiled its new iPhones at the Steve Jobs Theater on Wednesday. The firm launched waterproof 5.8-inch iPhone XS and 6.5 inch iPhone XS Max models, as well as a more affordable 6.1-inch iPhone XR device.
The iPhone XR 64GB model starts from $749 (a price cut on the starting price of the iPhone 8) in the U.S. and will be available to order on October 19, and shipping on October 26. Meanwhile, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max 64GB models start from $999 and $1099, respectively.
Apple’s new price cuts now bring the price of the iPhone 8 to $599 and iPhone 7 to $449. The tech giant has officially killed the home button in its latest devices as it starts using Face ID for its security unlock systems.
The company has also confirmed that both models will be available in Space Gray and Silver color options, with Gold being the newest addition to the iPhone Xs lineup in 2018. The latest iPhone Xs models are similar to the iPhone X that was launched two years ago, with greatly reduced bezels, a notch housing the front-facing camera, and an edge-to-edge OLED display.
The XS Max is the biggest iPhone ever made by Apple at 6.5 inches, while the 5.8 inches Xs seems the direct successor of iPhone X. The California-based company also announced its first major design overhaul of the Apple Watch series since its introduction about three years ago.
Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams highlighted the health benefits of the new Watch that can automatically notify users of an elevated heart rate. “Apple Watch has become an intelligent guardian for your health. In these areas of staying connected, exercising and monitoring your health, we’re taking Apple watch to the next level,” said Williams.
The screen of the new Apple Watch is 30 percent larger, compared with last year’s model. Apple also said that the watch is 50 percent louder than the previous model. The new watches start at $399 for the normal version and $499 for the model with cellular connectivity, and will be available to order on September 14.
Shares of Apple ended Wednesday’s regular session at $221.07 after going down $2.78, or 1.24%. The stock later climbed marginally during the extended trading session after the launch of the new devices.
Apple Inc. Company Profile
Apple, Inc. engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of mobile communication, media devices, personal computers, and portable digital music players. It operates through the following geographical segments: Americas, Europe, Greater China, Japan, and Rest of Asia Pacific.
The Americas segment includes both North and South America. The Europe segment consists of European countries, as well as India, the Middle East, and Africa. The Greater China segment comprises of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The Rest of Asia Pacific segment includes Australia and Asian countries not included in the reportable operating segments of the company. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Ronald Gerald Wayne, and Stephen G. Wozniak on April 1, 1976. Its headquarters are based in Cupertino, California. –CNNMoney