Apple iPhone 12 and Watch Series 6 to launch on September 15

The Cupertino-based tech giant will unveil new products virtually

(FILES) In this file photo Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks on-stage during a product launch event at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California on September 10, 2019. Apple said on September 3, 2020 it would give developers until next year to comply with a software change expected to stymie targeted advertising in iPhone and iPad apps. An update coming to Apple's iOS mobile software includes a requirement for apps to ask users' permission to collect and share device-identifying data used to make ads more relevant.
 / AFP / Josh Edelson
Powered by automated translation

Apple will launch its new iPhones and a slew of other products on September 15, the company announced on Tuesday.

"Time Flies. Please join us for a special Apple event from Apple Park," the media invite received by The National said.

The Cupertino-based tech giant is facing delays because of supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak. It officially confirmed production glitches in July when its chief financial officer Luca Maestri said during an earnings call that this year’s launches will be a “few weeks later”.

Here is what to expect from the upcoming Apple event that will be held virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Apple’s first 5G iPhones

The new iPhones 12 series will be Apple's first 5G-enabled handsets.

Fifth-generation components, which promises internet speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second – more than 100 times faster than what 4G offers, will raise production costs by up to $100 (Dh367).

However, the iPhone manufacturer will offset the price by cutting on supply chain expenses as it aims to attract budget-conscious customers, according to analysts.

Many smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, LG and OnePlus already sell 5G-enabled phones.

(FILES) In this file photo iPhone 11s are displayed  inside the Apple Store at Fifth Avenue on September 19, 2019 in New York City. Apple said on September 3, 2020 it would give developers until next year to comply with a software change expected to stymie targeted advertising in iPhone and iPad apps. An update coming to Apple's iOS mobile software includes a requirement for apps to ask users' permission to collect and share device-identifying data used to make ads more relevant.
 / AFP / Johannes EISELE
Last year, all three new models of iPhones were revealed and launched together. AFP

Prices and specs

The entry-level phone in the new series will be 13.7-centimetre iPhone 12 that will be priced at $649, at least $50 cheaper than the entry-level handset in Apple’s 11 series launched last year.

The flagship device of the new series, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, with a 17cm screen, will cost $1,099. The iPhone 12 Max and iPhone 12 Pro, both with 15.5cm screens, will be priced at $749 and $999, respectively.

Battery size will vary between 2,227 milliampere hours and 3,969-mAh. Smaller battery is always a major drawback for Apple users as it’s usually over 4,300-mAh in premium handsets of other companies.

New iPhones without adapter and earbuds

The new iPhones may come without a power adapter and wired earbuds, according to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at Hong Kong’s TF International Securities.

Removing the in-box accessories will balance the cost of the 5G components and help Apple sell its new iPhones at a lower price, according to Mr Kuo. It will also reduce the size of packaging, thereby cutting down on freight charges.

Cheaper offerings may help Apple compete with rival mid-range smartphones from Samsung and Huawei and meet its goal of 200 million shipments this year.

The cheaper iPhone XR, which retails from Dh1,800, was the best-selling smartphone of 2019, according to the technology researcher Omdia. The company shipped 46.3 million devices of the model last year, surpassing its previous best sales record of 30 million units for the iPhone SE in 2016.

Availability

Apple will begin initial production of its 5G iPhones in mid-September, narrowing the production delay to just weeks instead of months, Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asian Review reported.

Mass production is expected to begin between the end of September and early October.

However, the new iPhones will reach consumers in phases.

The company will start shipping iPhone 12 and 12 Max in the week starting October 19, while Pro devices will be sold in November, according to Jon Prosser of YouTube channel Front Page Tech.

Mr Prosser, who is widely viewed in the technology industry as a reliable source of information on forthcoming products, has more than 284,000 subscribers to his channel.

Last year, all the new iPhone models were revealed and launched together.

Apple displayed a refurbished logo on the media invite. Courtesy Apple
Apple displayed a refurbished logo on the media invite. Courtesy Apple

Watch Series 6

Apple, which accounted for nearly half of all smartwatches sold in the first half of this year, will focus more on health-conscious users.

The new smartwatch will come with an embedded sleep tracking feature and an enhanced electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality. The company is also developing an application to accurately measure the blood oxygen saturation levels.

Google-owned Fitbit, one of Apple’s main competitors in the wearable sector, is offering a similar feature but cannot measure the exact oxygen saturation level.

_______________

The rarest Apple collection in the Middle East