Two new Apple Watches, updated iPads, a fitness-themed subscription service, and new packages were announced at Apple's usual September event. The Apple shares they increased during the event, but fell thereafter. They closed the session 0,2% up for the day.
Two new Apple Watches
In keeping with the event's “Times Flies” slogan, Apple began its virtual presentation by launching two Apple Watch models. The flagship device is the new 6 Series model, which for the first time features a sensor for measuring oxygen in the blood.
Other enhancements include an "always-on altimeter," which will show real-time readings on the watch face, and a new dual-core processor that offers performance improvements and faster loading time for applications.
The 6 Series model starts at $ 399 for the GPS version and $ 499 for the cellular version. It will be available from Friday and it is already possible to pre-order them from the Apple website. The company also announced a new low-cost model, which will be called the Apple Watch SE.
This device, which starts at $ 279 in the GPS version and $ 329 for mobile, offers Apple's new design with a reduced feature set. The SE has a 30% larger display than the Series 3 model, which Apple will continue to sell for a starting price of $ 199.
Its performance is up to twice as fast as the Series 3, Apple said. Apple is launching a family setup feature for Apple Watch in cellular version 4 or later that will allow adults to manage the wearable device from children or seniors who do not have their own iPhone.
The new iPads
In Tuesday's event, Apple boosted the performance of its entry-level iPad, while also making updates to its iPad Air line. The company's eighth-generation iPad will be the first in this entry-level line to feature Apple's “Neural Engine,” thanks to an A12 bionic chip in the device.
Apple said this chip gives the new iPad 40% faster CPU performance than the previous generation model. This 10,2-inch device is already pre-orderable and will be available from Friday.
The Wi-Fi model starts at $ 329 while the cellular version starts at $ 459. The newly announced iPad Air features a 10,9-inch screen, is larger than its predecessor, and has a faster A14 bionic chip that offers a massive performance boost.
The company calls the A14 Bionic its "most advanced chip" with a 40% increase in CPU performance over its predecessor. The chip uses "revolutionary 5-nanometer process technology," according to Apple's announcement.
The Air will be available next month for $ 599 for the Wi-Fi model or $ 729 for the cellular version. The device will be available in silver, space gray, rose gold, green and sky blue.
