Apple Stock News: iPhone 14 to Start at $799
Apple Stock News: According to new rumors out of East Asia, Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 will start at $799 for the base model, the same entry price as last year’s 6.1-inch iPhone 13. Apple will not raise the price of its upcoming entry-level flagship device to boost sales and offset falling demand amid a slowing global smartphone market, according to a post on the South Korean blog Naver account “Yeux1122”. The decision to impose a price freeze on the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 this year was said to have been made “at the highest executive level”, despite the company facing increased production costs and ongoing supply chain turmoil. If Apple does introduce the iPhone 14 at the same entry-level price as last year’s iPhone 13, it will be the second year in a row that the price of Apple’s basic flagship 6.1-inch iPhone model has remained unchanged. The basic iPhone 12 was launched in 2020 at the same price of $799.
Apple Watch Edition Begins Selling Out Ahead of Series 8 Launch
Apple Watch Edition models are selling out weeks ahead of the expected release of the Apple Watch Series 8. Several high-end Apple Watch Series 7 models with titanium cases are listed as “currently unavailable” on Apple’s online store in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and select other countries. In the US, the 41mm model is currently in the most scarce supply, but a few 45mm models are out of stock. The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 14 in September.
Apple plans to introduce a “rugged” model with a larger display and a more durable design for hiking and extreme sports, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the rugged model is said to come with a titanium case, it’s unclear whether it will be labeled Apple Watch Edition.
Apple Expands Apple TV Gift Card Offer to More Countries
Apple has extended its previously exclusive Apple TV gift card offer in the U.S. to more countries around the world, offering customers a gift card with the purchase of either an Apple TV medium 4K or Apple TV medium HD. The gift cards offered in the promotion can only be used for future Apple purchases, not for the Apple TV itself. Apple is rumored to be working on a new “Apple TV” that could launch this year, and the gift card promotion could be a means to clear inventory ahead of the new model.
Following the Apple Store going down in several countries, Apple has expanded the offer to more locations, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, and others. The promotion will run until August 15, including in the U.S.
AppleCare+ With Theft and Loss Coverage for iPhone Now Available in Three Additional Countries
Starting today, Apple is offering AppleCare+ with theft and loss insurance in three more countries, including France, Italy, and Spain. In addition to accidental damage coverage, the upgraded AppleCare+ plan includes coverage for up to two incidents of iPhone theft or loss every 12 months, with a service charge of €129 per incident. The plan itself costs up to 229 euros for two years, or up to 11.49 euros per month, depending on the iPhone model.
For example, if a customer’s iPhone 13 Pro Max is lost or stolen, and they have theft and loss insurance from AppleCare+, they can make a claim for a replacement iPhone at a cost of €129, Without having to buy the new iPhone 1,200 for more than 1 euro. In France, Italy, and Spain, theft and loss claims are handled by AIG, the insurer.
AppleCare+ with theft and loss insurance costs up to €60 upfront or up to €3 per month compared to a standard AppleCare+ plan. AppleCare+ Theft and Loss insurance require customers to enable “Find Me” when an iPhone is lost or stolen and throughout the claim process, according to Apple. In the claim process, customers will be required to erase the lost iPhone, disable it, and transfer ownership before they can get a replacement device.
