Apple set to launch hardware blitz

Los Angeles: Apple Inc is readying a clutch of new hardware for the coming weeks and months, including “Pro” iPhones, upgrades to iPads and its largest laptop in years. The tech giant is planning to announce three new iPhones at an event next month.

The handsets will likely go on sale in September, contributing to fiscal fourth-quarter sales. But the real test will come in the crucial holiday season. That’s when the company is banking on a combination of new hardware, software and services to drive revenue higher, following a huge miss at the end of last year.

Also coming in 2019

There will be refreshed versions of the iPad Pro with upgraded cameras and faster chips, an entry-level iPad with a larger screen, new versions of the Apple Watch, and the first revamp to the MacBook Pro laptop in three years. Updates to key audio accessories, including AirPods and the HomePod speaker, are in the works.

Beyond these unannounced products, Apple is gearing up to launch a refreshed Mac Pro and its accompanying monitor, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and Apple Watch software updates, as well as its Apple TV+ video and Apple Arcade gaming subscription services.

Apple plans to roll out the Apple TV+ movie and TV subscription service by November, part of a drive to reach $50 billion in service sales by 2020.

The company will introduce a small selection of shows and then expand its catalogue more frequently over several months, people familiar with the matter said. A free trial is likely as Apple builds up its library, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans aren’t public.

The iPhone maker is entering an increasingly crowded field, led by streaming pioneer Netflix Inc and Amazon.com Inc In the coming months, Walt Disney Co., AT&T Inc and Comcast Corp’s NBCUniversal will debut new offerings — all targeted at the growing ranks of viewers who are cancelling cable-TV subscriptions or watching on mobile devices.