New iPhone and Apple Watch - does anyone care?
Chris Hogan, 1st October 2018, Household
A new iPhone and Apple Watch went on sale in the UK at the end of September but the overall impression seems to be that no one is really that bothered. So what's new and is an upgrade worth it?
The launch of the new iPhones followed what's become standard for Apple, a major new model is launched, then souped-up versions are launched halfway through the model's life. That's what we saw at the end of September, a half-life upgrade where the phones are improved, but largely the same.
Perhaps that's why the launch was such a non-event. At the grand reveal at the Apple store in the centre of Birmingham, for example, the early opening, extra security guards and rows of crowd control barriers were almost embarrassments, as very few people turned up on the day.
New iPhone X models
Apple launched three new versions of the iPhone X, less than a year old. That phone has been replaced by the XS, XS Max and XR but Apple are still actively selling the iPhone 7 and 8 so the company seems to be hedging its bets.
The XR hints even more at concerns about the over-saturated mobile phone market as it's a lower cost model, something Apple hasn't tried since 2013. It has a cheaper LCD screen, only one camera and an aluminium case, available in six colours, as opposed to the stainless steel of the XS models.
XS and XS Max
Now the flagship models of the iPhone range, the XS (apparently pronounced "ten-ess", not "excess") and XS max really only differ in size - they are roughly comparable to the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models.
They have new, faster processors, improved battery life and much better cameras, with wide-angle and telephoto capabilities. The bezels are much thinner too, giving the new phones a sleek, classy look and feel. But they otherwise offer very little that's different - has the iPhone simply already become the best it can be?
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch was a major new step forward, although Watch fans aren't nearly as large in numbers as iPhone fans.
The new model has a smaller case but a bigger screen. It's those thinner bezels doing their work again, and they also allow the watch face graphics to stretch all the way to the edge. But the main changes are new features to position the Watch as a health monitor, trying to edge out the likes of Fitbit, Samsung's Gear watches and Garmin's Forerunner.
The electrocardiogram is said to be able to diagnose heart rhythm disorders and it can also tell if you've fallen over, calling an emergency contact if you are still down after a minute.
Are the new models worthwhile?
Watch fans may well be keen to upgrade as the new version is neater, better looking and more capable.
But a new iPhone? You might be better off buying an 8, or an original X, in a few months' time, as prices are bound to slip.
