Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller introduces the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro during a product launch event. Picture: Josh Edelson / AFP)
Apple unveiled its iPhone 11 models Tuesday, touting upgraded, ultra-wide cameras as it updated its popular smartphone lineup and cut its entry price to $699 (R10,300).
The newest handsets come as Apple seeks to spur new upgrades in a slumping global smartphone market.
The new iPhones are “jam packed with new capabilities and an incredible new design,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook told a launch event in Cupertino, California.
The iPhone 11 will be available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB models in purple, green, yellow, black, white and red starting at $699. Picture: Apple
The surprise from Apple was the reduction in the entry-level price at $699, down from the starting level of $749 (R11,000) for the iPhone XR a year ago even as many premium devices are being priced around $1,000 (R14,700).
Apple additionally unveiled a more expensive “Pro” model of the iPhone 11.
It also set launch dates for its original video offering, Apple TV+, and its game subscription service as part of efforts to reduce its dependence on the iPhone.
The TV+ service will launch November 1 in more than 100 countries at $4.99 (R75) per month and will include a “powerful and inspiring lineup of original shows, movies and documentaries”.
The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max will be available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB models in midnight green, space gray, silver and gold starting at $999 and $1,099, respectively. Picture: Apple
Apple is featuring scripted dramas, comedies and movies as well as children’s programmes in the service, which will compete against streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon.
“With Apple TV+, we are presenting all-original stories from the best, brightest and most creative minds, and we know viewers will find their new favorite show or movie on our service,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of video.
Apple said customers who purchase an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch or Mac will get the first year of the service for free.
The company’s online gaming subscription service, Apple Arcade, will launch next week, offering exclusive titles for mobile and desktop users.
Apple TV+. Picture: Apple
The new service, which will also cost $4.99 per month, will include more than 100 game titles made for Apple devices.
“You can’t find these games on any other mobile platform or subscription service, no games service ever launched as many games, and we can’t wait for you to play all of that,” product manager Ann Thai told the Apple media event.
Apple also unveiled updates to its iPad tablet and Apple Watch smartwatch.
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