Apple Inc unveiled the iPhone 13 and a new iPad mini on Tuesday, expanding 5G connectivity and showing off faster chips and sharper cameras.
While the Cupertino, California-based company did not announce any blockbuster features or products, analysts expect customers hanging onto older models like the iPhone X will be eager to upgrade.
The iPhone 13 will have a new chip called the A15 Bionic that will power features like automatically detecting when the phone’s camera is pointed at text. Apple said the iPhone 13 will have custom 5G antennas and radio components for faster speeds and will come in five colours.
The phone will start at $699, and participating wireless carriers will offer up to $700 off for qualifying trade-ins. The iPhone 13 Pro starts at $999 and the Pro Max starts at $1,099, with trade-in offers of up to $1,000.
All three models will be available from September 24.
“The competition is still playing catchup to our chips — not just from last year, but even from two years ago,”
said Kaiann Drance, an Apple iPhone marketing executive.
The Series 7 smart watch will feature a larger display and faster charging.
It will start at $399 and be available later this autumn.
The company also updated its iPad Mini with 5G connectivity and a reworked design that makes it look like the higher-end iPad Air and Pro models. Apple also updated its base-model iPad with a new camera for working and learning from home. The base model iPad starts at $329, and the Mini starts at $499.
Both will be available next week.
“It seems like there’s nothing really revolutionary announced, but of course, as usual, they announced enough improvements to at least generate some enthusiasm among consumers,” said Rick Meckler, partner at family investment office Cherry Lane Investments.
Apple last year introduced its iPhone 12, which featured a new look and its first devices with 5G connectivity.
This year, analyst expect modest hardware upgrades and a deeper focus on 5G.