Apple Launches New Product That Supports Add-On Services From Multiple Operators, Here's The Price

Used iPhone phones can join the trade-in program with iPhones at a number of US carriers. (photo: doc. unsplash)

JAKARTA - Apple Inc launched the new iPhone 13 and iPad mini on Tuesday, September 14 local time that expands 5G connectivity and showcases a faster chip and sharper camera without raising the price of the phone.

The Cupertino, California-based company did not announce any blockbuster features or products. However, analysts expect customers who rely on older models like the iPhone X to be eager to upgrade.

To encourage exchange, participating wireless carriers are offering incentives ahead of the year-end holiday season that makes new phones free for some customers.

The iPhone 13 will have a new chip called the A15 Bionic that will enable features like automatically translating text. The phone also has a better display, longer battery life, and a Cinematic mode to change focus automatically when taking videos. Apple says the iPhone 13 will have a dedicated 5G antenna and radio component for faster speeds and will come in five colors. Read more

The phone will start at $699, and participating wireless carriers will offer discounts of up to $700 on eligible trade-ins. The iPhone 13 Pro starts at $999. At its peak, the iPhone 13 Pro Max which has up to 1TB of storage will start at USD 1.099, with trade-in offers up to USD 1.000. All three models will be available on September 24.

Prices are unchanged from last year, but some carriers such as AT&T Inc will offer the device at no additional cost with subsidies of up to USD 1.000 if customers swap out the previous model and sign up for an installment plan.

Verizon Communications Inc and T-Mobile US Inc offer similar deals but with slightly lower subsidies of up to $700. The largest subsidy will be given to customers who exchange the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models.

Ben Bajarin, head of consumer technology at Creative Strategies, said he expects the aggressive decline to intensify as Apple and carriers try to retain customers.

"That offering is unique to Apple, and it's the power they have to maintain this sales cycle for them and for carriers", Bajarin said.

The iPhone is Apple's most important product, but Apple has launched a web of other services and products that it considers locking customers into systems they love and would find it expensive to leave.

The Series 7 smartwatch will feature a larger screen and faster charging. It will start at $399 and will be available later this fall.

The company also updated the iPad Mini with 5G connectivity and a redesign that makes it look like the high-end iPad Air and Pro models. Bob O'Donnell, head of TECHnalysis Research, said the small tablet was Apple's most surprising announcement and could lure customers who want a device with 5G that can handle more powerful apps than a phone.