The new lineup of iPhone 14 models and Apple Watches that Apple Inc. is likely to introduce on Wednesday will test how willing people are to upgrade technology in the face of inflation and economic doom.
At an event dubbed “Far Out” at its Cupertino, California, headquarters, analysts anticipate Apple will reveal that the most recent iPhones can send emergency alerts through satellites. Analysts anticipate a family of iPhone 14 models with minor improvements, such as marginally better cameras, CPU chips, and pricing that are at least $100 more expensive than those of last year’s models.
Undoubtedly, the most valuable listed business in the world will continue to sell some older or less sophisticated models at lower costs, but up to this point, Apple’s relatively well-off fan base has demonstrated a greater willingness to continue paying despite significant inflation. However, amid a difficult time, the new models will serve as Apple’s main source of sales throughout the Western countries’ holiday shopping seasons. According to Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi’s email to investors, “Apple is not immune to economic hardship.”
When WiFi and mobile networks are unavailable, this year’s iPhones might be able to send emergency messages using a satellite internet link. The messaging features would probably be basic, but other businesses are working on features that are similar. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, announced last month that T-Mobile would utilize its satellites to directly connect phones to the internet.
The assurance that comes with being able to transmit emergency texts, according to Bob O’Donnell of TECHnalysis Research, may persuade Apple users to update their phones for the satellite capability.
Even though it’s not something you do frequently, he added, it will alter how you view what you do with your phone.
Analysts anticipate Apple to unveil a new line of watches, including the Series 8 Watch and an improved SE cheap model. They also anticipate the release of a brand-new, high-end wearable called the Apple Watch Pro, which is expected to target rivals like Garmin Ltd. with new functions for athletes.
Although accessories like the Apple Watch have increased sales from Apple’s current customer base, the iPhone continues to be the company’s main revenue generator, accounting for 52.4% of all sales in its most recent fiscal year. Since the release of the Apple Watch in 2015, investors have been keeping an eye out for Apple’s next significant product category.
An early preview would be unusual for Apple, which usually waits to reveal its product plans until right before its products are released. Meta Platforms Inc. is developing a competing headset named Project Cambria and investing billions of dollars in it.
But Apple could need to give developers time to get accustomed to it in order to offer appealing apps for a new headset. People will need much more time to develop a novel and fundamentally different kind of platform, according to O’Donnell.
