Apple Event 2020: Apple Watch, iPad Air Revealed But No New iPhone

During an online event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino , California on Tuesday, Apple unveiled a range of new devices, including smartwatches, iPads and subscription services.

But there was no announcement of the much-awaited iPhones. That is not shocking considering the coronavirus pandemic setbacks to Apple's supply chain.

Apple showcased the Watch Series 6, which runs on the latest OS WatchOS 7 bringing in new customization tools and features catering to health and fitness. Prices begin at AED 1,599.

The latest smartwatch will test blood-oxygen levels of users in around 15 seconds, and provides improved parental monitoring measures, sleep monitoring, and automated identification of hand washing.

Apple said three health studies that include using Apple Watch to discover how blood-oxygen levels can be used in future health applications were jointly conducted with researchers.

Both data will be available in the Fitness app, and over time the customer will be able to control fluctuations and see how their blood-oxygen level improves.

Apple claims the watch can be fully charged within 90 minutes, and the battery life has increased.

It has partnered with the Singapore government on the LumiHealth health initiative, a customized program which uses Apple Watch to promote healthy activity and behavior.

This initiative utilizes Apple Watch to enable Singaporeans and visitors to use customized alerts, services, exercise counseling and encouragement to follow healthier behaviors.

The business has also released a lower-cost Apple Watch SE smartwatch for budget-conscious consumers, beginning at Dh1,149.

Apple has launched the eighth-generation iPad, which includes a bionic A12 processor that Apple claims offers sophisticated machine learning and AI capabilities.

The iPad begins at Dh 1,349 and comes with a 26 cm display, integrated cameras and battery life for the entire day.

“The new iPad is an incredible value at a time when, more than ever, our customers need powerful and versatile ways to work, play, learn and connect with loved ones,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing.

The A12 bionic chip offers a 40% faster processor and double the graphics capability, Apple said.

“This makes the new iPad up to 2 times faster than the top-selling Windows laptop, up to 3 times faster than the top-selling Android tablet and up to 6 times faster than the top-selling Chromebook,” the company claimed.

Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch SE and iPad can be purchased from the company's site and from the Apple Store app.   Delivery of the goods will begin in the US and  28 other markets on Friday.

Apple has also unveiled a new iPad Air which starts at Dh 2,499 for premium customers.   It comes with a 27.7 cm screen, a new integrated touch ID sensor and the performance enhancing bionic chip A14.   This will be available for purchase from next month, they added.

Apple also introduced Fitness+, the first health and fitness experience designed for Apple Watch, to arrive this year, for wellness enthusiasts.

It implements Apple Watch metrics that enable users to display on their iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.

Users will perform exercises in studio format provided by world-class coaches and underlined with music by well-known musicians.

It also unveiled AppleOne, the best way to get all of Apple 's subscription offerings, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+ and iCloud, in one easy package.

Apple has been conservative on the expected launch date for the upcoming  iPhone 12. However, industry analysts expect the company to hold another online event to unveil the phones in the last week of this month.