Apple empire strikes back with two new iPhones
1 min read
A year ago, it seemed that Apple was at risk of being knocked off the top spot in the smartphone world. The company had just gone through a management change and the iPhone 5 stumbled just as competitors were getting ready to launch new offerings.
Now, however, Apple appears ready to go back on the offensive, announcing the launch of a number of new products, starting with the new iOS 7 and iTunes radio next week.
The iPhone series has also been revitalised and expanded to include two new handsets. The iPhone 5c is a lower end, lower cost model designed for emerging markets, while the iPhone 5s is a high end model featuring the new A7 chip for 'blazing fast' processing.
Perhaps the most significant new feature however is a new fingerprint security technology, which may shore up Apple's reputation as a cutting edge technology innovator.
These releases come at an opportune time for Apple, with two of its competitors distracted. Neither Windows 8 nor Blackberry X set the world on fire with their launches, which has put both competitors into some turmoil.
Microsoft is also going through the process of purchasing and then integrating Nokia, while Blackberry is up for sale and has announced more layoffs, leaving just Samsung as Apple's main competitor.
After today's parallel launch event in Beijing, only time will tell if the new iPhones will translate into sales and profits for Apple, and help the company gain back some much needed market share.
Colin Cieszynski is a Senior Market Analyst for CMC Markets.