{"id":1200498,"date":"2022-09-08T05:57:08","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T05:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/09\/08\/watch-apple-unveils-new-gadgets-despite-supply-chain-woes\/"},"modified":"2022-09-08T05:57:08","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T05:57:08","slug":"watch-apple-unveils-new-gadgets-despite-supply-chain-woes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/09\/08\/watch-apple-unveils-new-gadgets-despite-supply-chain-woes\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH: Apple unveils new gadgets despite supply chain woes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cupertino, California \u2013 Apple launched new smartphones on Wednesday at prices similar to recent models despite inflation and supply chain woes, while unveiling a premium digital watch with a price tag to match.<\/p>\n
While a 90-minute presentation at the company\u2019s California headquarters did not include any surprise reveals, the tech giant did unveil new digital identification system to obviate the need for a physical sim card.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s newest smartphone, the iPhone 14, costs $799 (over R13\u00a0800) for the base model \u2013 the same price as the current version, while a premium iPhone 14 Pro Max will go for $1\u00a0100 (over R19 000).<\/p>\n
The set of updated products, which also includes new earbuds, is designed to keep customers loyal to its lucrative technology ecosystem.<\/p>\nGuests look at the new iPhone 14 at an Apple event at their headquarters in Cupertino, California, US. Picture: Reuters\/Carlos Barria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\u201cApple continued its strong growth in the first half of 2022, driven by robust demand for the iPhone 13 \u2013 which was the best-selling smartphone worldwide,\u201d said Le Xuan Chiew, an analyst at Canalys.<\/p>\n
The ability to keep the iPhone prices flat reflected the benefits of diversifying the supply chain to India after China\u2019s zero-tolerance Covid policies crimped production there, the analyst said.<\/p>\n
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said the launch event underscored Apple\u2019s logistics strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cTaking a step back, launching 3 new core hardware products within the Apple ecosystem despite the biggest supply chain crisis seen in modern history is a major feat for Cook & Co especially with the zero Covid shutdowns in China seen in April\/May,\u201d Ives said.<\/p>\nA view of the new iPhone 14 at an Apple event at their headquarters in Cupertino, California. Picture: Reuters\/Carlos Barria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Features of the new iPhone 14 include a more durable battery and new photographic capacities to capture \u201cultra wide\u201d scenes and low-light settings.<\/p>\n
The phones also contain an \u201cemergency SOS\u201d function to enable messaging to emergency services when outside wi-fi coverage.<\/p>\n
The iPhone 14 Plus comes in a giant 6.7-inch (17cm) screen that offers a better experience when playing games or watching videos.<\/p>\nNew products exhibited at an Apple event at their headquarters in Cupertino, California, US. Picture: Reuters\/Carlos Barria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Company officials touted new digital watch products with enhanced features. The Apple Watch Series 8 \u2013 which can monitor body temperature and other body functions \u2013 prices at $400.<\/p>\n
The company also unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra, at $800 (around R6900) , which includes a battery with enough lifespan for hardcore athletes \u201cto\u00a0complete a long-course triathlon,\u201d according to an Apple press release.<\/p>\nApple\u2019s Deidre Caldbeck showcases enhanced features of the new Apple Watch lineup during a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, US. Picture: Brooks Kraft\/Apple Inc.\/Handout via Reuters <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Neil Saunders, analyst at GlobalData Retail, described the new offerings as having \u201cincremental improvements rather than groundbreaking new innovations,\u201d and the company \u201chas done enough to drive demand by persuading consumers to upgrade and indulge in its new products\u201d.<\/p>\n