The new “emergency SOS via satellite feature” allows users to establish a connection with a satellite to send messages from remote locations. Minor upgrades include tweaks to cameras and battery life, while the iPhone Pro lineup has a newly-upgraded processor chip. The Apple Watch Ultra is reportedly the company’s , “most rugged and capable watch ever.” According to Apple, the watch is intended for people interested in outdoor adventuring, water sports and endurance training. The Ultra offers 60 hours of battery life, a compass and a new Oceanic Plus app for scuba diving.
Apple’s biggest annual product launch occurred on September 7. According to Reuters, this year’s announcement was primarily concerned with safety enhancements and a brand-new adventure watch. Apple focused on safety features like the capability to detect a car accident or call for help from a far-off mountain. The functions are designed to allow users to experience thrill and adventure while having their phone operate as a safety net. According to Ben Bajarin, head of consumer technology at Creative Strategies, “the greater emphasis on safety—safety as a service—is incredibly interesting as a value proposition.” (Reuters)
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With a 26.4% percent of the market for basic watches and smartwatches during the second quarter of this year, Apple maintained its position as the market leader, far ahead of Samsung’s 8.9% share. But during the second quarter, Samsung really started to chip away at Apple’s dominance. According to Canalys, whereas Apple Watch shipments increased only 6% in the second quarter, the Korean manufacturer reported a 58% year-over-year increase in watch shipments.