Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
It comes in gold, silver and space grey and you can drop it into a filled bathtub without fear.
Apple’s latest iPhone, the XS, also has a 14.7-centimetre screen that grows to 16.5cm with the XS Max. Both also have face ID technology for greater security.
There is a new formulation of its glass screen, the most durable ever for a smartphone, with organic light-emitting diodes for sharper display.
The highly anticipated unveiling of the new products from the American technology company yesterday also included a video featuring a woman running to Apple HQ through all manner of obstacles with a suitcase under her arm, to the theme of Mission: Impossible.
This paved the way for chief executive Tim Cook to arrive on stage, channelling all the vibes of Apple’s late founder, the legendary Steve Jobs, who became renowned for these annual events.
“iPhone X changed the history with 98 per cent customer satisfaction rate,” Mr Cook said. “Now we are taking it to the next level with iPhone XS. It is by far the most advanced iPhone we have ever created.”
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Read more:
Apple announces three new iPhones: Here's what you need to know
Apple Watch takes a steer towards health
Apple iPhone launch event 2018 - as it happened
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Apple also introduced a lower-priced version of the phone, the Xr, in funky colours.
The Apple Watch Series 4 is redesigned and re-engineered to help users stay connected and manage their health in new ways.
While retaining the original design, the fourth-generation Apple Watch’s display is over 30 per cent larger and seamlessly integrates into the thinner, smaller case, while the new interface provides more information with richer detail.
It comes with an electrical heart rate sensor that can take an electrocardiogram (ECG) using the new ECG app.
“We’re thrilled Apple Watch has become an essential part of peoples’ lives,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.
Listen: Business Extra Podcast
Consumers in the UAE, where smartphone penetration is up to 99 per cent as per Statista, want a noticeably better experience from the new iPhones.
"The Middle East is one of the significant markets for smartphone manufacturers and Apple will be certainly looking forward to offer best experience through its new iPhones," Roberta Cozza, research director with Gartner's personal technologies team, told The National.
“Apple is clearly not after increasing market share but it will certainly try to win hearts with cutting-edge technology and immersive features.
“Features-wise, we can’t expect something really breakthrough but it all depends on how it engages the consumers of this region.”
Mandy Singh, a freelance animation expert, who has been using iPhones for more than six years, said she would need a compelling jump in the user experience to buy one of the new devices.
“I spent Dh4,600 on buying Apple X and now certainly need a very strong trigger to go for an upgrade,” Ms Singh said.
“I am specifically looking for the new iPhone that will come with 6.5-inch screen and a revamped Siri.”
Apple also introduced 512GB memory in its new iPhone. Samsung had introduced the same memory in its latest Galaxy Note 9, which was launched last month.
"The UAE is one of the important markets for smartphones," said Abbas Ali, managing editor of TechRadar Middle East.
“Many trends are being set here. It’s all about experience and today’s consumer is very discerning. He only needs the best when it comes to smartphone.”
iPhone XS and XS Max will be available in 64, 256 and 512GB capacity starting at Dh4,229 and Dh4,649, respectively. While iPhone XR will be available in 64,128 and 256GB models in white, black, blue, yellow, coral and red starting at Dh3,179.
Customers will be able to pre-order iPhone XS and XS Max from September 14 and pre-orders for iPhone XR will begin on October 19, but so far Etisalat and du have been coy on the details.
In the third quarter of 2018, which ended on June 30, Apple posted an increase in revenue of 17 per cent from the same three months last year.
Global sales accounted for 60 per cent of the quarter’s revenue.
It was Apple’s best June quarter ever, and fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
if you go
The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
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The biog
Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito
Favourite city: Cape Town, South Africa
Hobby: Running. "I like to think I’m artsy but I’m not".
Favourite move: Romantic comedies, specifically Return to me. "I cry every time".
Favourite spot in Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat beach
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
MATCH INFO
Manchester United v Everton
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
When: Sunday, kick-off 7pm (UAE)
How to watch: Live on BeIN Sports 11HD
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Bahrain%20GP
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Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.