Apple unveiled four new devices
US technology firm Apple unveiled three new iPhones and the latest version of its Apple Watch.
At a launch event at its Cupertino headquarters in California, the company announced two main variants of its flagship smartphone – the iPhone XS and XS Max.
The XS replaces last year’s iPhone X with a 5.8-inch OLED display, new A12 processor and dual 12MP cameras on the rear with some additional features including a smart HDR mode to make shots look sharper and adjustable focus.
It is priced from t $999 with 64Gb, 256GB and 512GB variants available.
The XS Max has a 6.5-inch OLED display with the same features and is priced from $1,099 for the 64GB variant and $1,499 for the 512GB variant.
Both feature a stainless steel design available in gold, silver and space gray and feature dual-SIM support.
Apple said it had taken pre-orders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE from Friday, September 14 and the devices would be available in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar from Friday, September 21.
A third cheaper iPhone
Apple also unveiled a third cheaper device, the iPhone XR.
This follows a similar format to the previously launched iPhone 5C in using less expensive materials including an LED rather than OLED 6.1-inch display and glass and aluminium instead of steel body.
The internal specifications are similar to the other two devices, with the same A12 processor, although notable changes include the removal of Apple’s 3D Touch feature and a single, rather than dual, 12MP camera on the rear.
It is priced from $749 for the 64GB variant and $900 for the 256GB and comes in white, black, blue, yellow, coral and red.
“iPhone XR makes it possible for even more people to have the great experience of the latest iPhone X technology, in beautiful new designs, at a more affordable price,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing.
Pre-orders in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi and the UAE began on Friday, October 26.
New Apple Watch
The other major announcement was for a new Apple Watch.
The Series 4 comes in 40mm and 44m variants, both with 30 per cent larger screens than their predecessors.
There is also a more powerful S4 chipset, an improved accelerometer, haptic feedback from the digital crown, a 50 per cent louder speaker and a new electrocardiogram machine.
In addition, the heart rate monitor will now measure for low activity and atrial fibrillation, which is a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm.
Pricing starts from $399 and it is available in silver, black and gold variants.
Pre-orders began on September 14 for the cellular version and available in the UAE from September 21.
The non-cellular version were available to order from September 14 and available from September 21 in Saudi and the UAE.
