Apple has announced two new handsets today: the iPhone 6, which has a 4.7-inch display, and the iPhone 6 Plus with a 5.5-inch display.
Both phones have an aluminium body, Apple’s new 64-bit A8 chip, an improved 8 megapixel camera and the new Apple Pay service, which combines NFC technology with payment information from Apple’s iTunes store. Customers in the USA will be able to use the new phones to make payments in retail stores from October, although UK availability of Apple Pay hasn’t been confirmed.
The new new devices will run iOS 8, which was announced earlier this year.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, said “iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are the biggest advancements in iPhone history. The iPhone is the most loved smartphone in the world with the highest customer satisfaction in the industry and we are making it much better in every way. Only Apple can combine the best hardware, software and services at this unprecedented level and we think customers are going to love it.”
Availability in the USA and the UK is due from Friday 19th September.
As well as the two new phones, Apple showed off the Apple Watch, which many had expected to be called the iWatch. It’s due to go on sale early next year and is compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models.
Features include answering calls, sending and receiving messages, communication with compatible apps and a link with Apple Pay. As well as offering voice control, the Apple Watch interface can be navigated by using the ‘Digital Crown’ on the side of the device. Pricing is from $349 (around £220).