Apple’s latest line-up of iPhones will boast better cameras, faster processors, and a longer-lasting battery – all at the same prices as last year’s models, despite inflationary pressure that has driven up the cost of many other everyday items.
That pricing decision, revealed Wednesday during Apple’s first in-person product event in three years, came as a mild surprise. Many analysts predicted Apple would ask its devout fans to pay as much as 15% more to help offset rising costs for many components.
The hoopla surrounding Apple’s new iPhone 14 models is part of a post-Labor Day ritual the company has staged annually for more than a decade. Wednesday’s event was held on the company’s Cupertino, California, campus at a theater named after company co-founder Steve Jobs.
After Apple CEO Tim Cook strolled out on stage, most of the event consisted of pre-recorded video presentations the company honed during previous events staged during the pandemic.
For several years, Apple’s new iPhones have mostly featured incremental upgrades to cameras and battery life, and this year’s models were no exception. Pricing for the standard iPhone 14 will start at $799; the deluxe iPhone 14 Pro Max will start at $1,099.
Beginning in November, all the iPhone 14 models will be able to send SOS messages via a new satellite feature – a safety measure intended to let users request help when in remote areas without a wireless connection.
All the iPhone 14 models also will include a motion sensor capable of detecting serious car crashes and automatically connecting to emergency services.
It appears Apple is anticipating a growing number of consumers will be prepared to pay an additional $200 to $300 for deluxe versions of the iPhone 14, said Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives.
The company’s Apple Watch Series 8, will include a new temperature sensor intended to help women retrospectively track their ovulation cycles in addition to the crash detection feature also debuting on the iPhone 14. The price for the latest Apple Watch, available in stores on September 16, will start at $399, the same as last year’s model.
To broaden the appeal of wearable technology, Apple is rolling out a Watch Ultra model designed to be more durable and offering a variety of special features tailored for hikers, scuba divers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Watch Ultra, available in stores on September 23, will carry a premium price of $799.
Apple also took the wraps off its next generation of wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2, its next generation of wireless earbuds, featuring personalized spatial audio, extended battery life, and a MagSafe Charging Case with a built-in speaker. The AirPods Pro 2 will also maintain its current model’s starting price of $249.
Source: Ghanafuo.com
