A handout still image from the keynote video released by Apple inc. shows Apple CEO Tim Cook kicks off a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 15, 2020. – Apple on September 15, 2020 said it is packing TV, music, news and more in a subscription bundle as it increases its push into services tied to its iPhone “ecosystem.”
(Photo by Handout / Apple Inc. / AFP)

Apple on Tuesday said it is putting TV, music, news and more in a subscription bundle as it increases its push into services tied to its iPhone “ecosystem.”

An Apple One bundle to be available later this year will start at $15 monthly and include a freshly launched fitness service tied to Apple Watch.

The Silicon Valley titan made no mention of a keenly anticipated iPhone 5G considered vital to the company’s fortunes, with analysts expecting that debut next month, due to disruption in production caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The subscription bundle highlights Apple’s efforts to put more emphasis on digital content and services amid a sluggish global smartphone market.

The $15 Apple One bundle includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, the Apple Arcade game service and iCloud storage. A $20 family plan can be shared by up to six people.

An upgraded $30 bundle adds Apple Fitness+, Apple News+ and additional cloud storage.

An Apple One bundle to be available later this year

“With Apple One, you can access the best of Apple entertainment across all your favorite devices with one simple subscription,” said Apple senior vice president of internet software and services Eddy Cue.

The Fitness+ service introduced by Apple is tied to its smartwatch line-up, which was enhanced with a Watch SE at $279, a price lower than that of its flagship wrist devices.

Apple also unveiled its Series 6 smartwatch, starting at $399, and added new features including monitoring sleep and blood oxygen levels as well as detecting when wearers are washing their hands.

“Hand washing detective recognizes the motion and sound when washing your hands and encourages you to continue for the recommended 20 seconds,” Apple chief executive Tim Cook said during a presentation streamed from the company’s spaceship campus in Silicon Valley.

Apple touched on roles its smartwatch, services and iPad in working or learning remotely and staying healthy as the pandemic continues to disrupt people’s lives.

Apple Watch also serves as an anchor to the tech giant’s mobile software, since it synchs with the iPhone.

“The key part for Apple is to keep the base of iPhone users and sell them a ton of accessories like AirPods and get services,” said analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights and Strategy.

Apple also announced its eighth-generation iPad with its A12 Bionic chip starting at just $329, and a more powerful iPad Air from $499 with powered by the A14 Bionic chip.

–AFP