Apple unveils next-generation Watch
Apple’s new smartwatch features a display that extends further towards its edges.
The firm said the Watch Series 4’s usable screen is now more than 30% larger despite the device itself having similar dimensions to its predecessor.
It also gains the ability to detect if its wearer has fallen and to take electrocardiogram heartbeat readings.
Apple is also expected to unveil new handsets based on its iPhone X design later at its California press event.
Apple overtook Xiaomi and Fitbit to become the world’s bestselling wearable tech company in the second half of 2017 thanks to strong demand for the last generation of its smartwatch. It has held on to the top spot ever since, according to IDC.
“The reason it performed so well is that many network operators are only willing to focus on smartwatches with their own [built-in cellular] connectivity,” commented IDC’s Francisco Jeronimo.
“That’s why they are shipping about as many watches as the whole Swiss watch-making industry.”
New iPhones
There had been concerns that the relatively high £999 entry price of iPhone X would limit its appeal when it was announced a year ago.
But Apple said it had consistently proven more popular than either of the lower-priced iPhone 8 models. Market research firms suggest it also outsold rival companies’ flagship devices.
That helped propel Apple to become the world’s first company with a market capitalisation above $1tn (£768m).
However, China’s Huawei still managed to overtake it in terms of overall smartphone market share in the April-to-June quarter, putting Apple into third place.
“Huawei was able to overtake it because Apple is not playing in the mid and low ends of the market,” commented Francisco Jeronimo from IDC.
“But Apple is very well positioned in the premium segment, and we don’t expect that to change over the next 18 months.”
iPhone demand grows despite Chinese gains
| Manufacturer | Smartphone shipments year-to-June 2018 | Year-on-year change | Market share in Q2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | 307.5 million | -1.9% | 21.0% |
| Huawei | 174.7 million | +14.9% | 15.9% |
| Apple | 217.5 million | +0.9% | 12.1% |
| Xiaomi | 116.7 million | +81.9% | 9.5% |
| Oppo | 111.9 million | +0.6% | 8.6% |
| Vivo | 93.4 million | +8.6% | 7.9% |
| Lenovo | 47.0 million | -9.1% | 3.0% |
| Others | 377.4 million | -23.1% | 22.0% |
| Industry total | 1.45 billion | -2.6% | 100% |
Source: IDC
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