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iPhone 7, 7 Plus now in red

Dubai - 9.7" iPad, Watch bands get update; new video app Clips introduced

Apple made a slew of announcements on Tuesday, bannered by the unveiling the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in a red aluminium finish, marking over a decade of collaboration with Product(RED) and further boosting the fight against AIDS.
According to Apple's UAE website, the new variant - which will come in the 128GB and 256GB options - will be available for order "starting at 7:01pm" on Friday and will start shipping by the end of March across 40 countries, including the UAE and India.
Every purchase of the red iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will contribute to Product(RED)'s global fund to support HIV/AIDS programmes, with the aim of delivering an AIDS-free generation.
The special-edition smartphones will sell from Dh2,999 for the iPhone 7 and from Dh3,499 for the iPhone 7 Plus.
"Since we began working with (RED) 10 years ago, our customers have made a significant impact in fighting the spread of AIDS through the purchase of our products," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement.
"The introduction of this special-edition iPhone ina gorgeous red finish is our biggest Product(RED) offering to date."
 
9.7-inch iPad update
Apple also announced that its 9.7-inch iPad is getting an upgrade with a brighter Retina display, better performance and its most affordable prices ever.
Orders also begin at the same time of the red iPhone 7 devices. Prices start at Dh1,299 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model and Dh1,799 for the 32GB Wi-Fi + cellular option.
Customers who would be purchasing the iPad from Apple will be offered free personal setup.
 
Clips app launched
The company also introduced Clips, a new app that makes it easier for users to create videos on iPhones or iPads - akin to those found in Snapchat, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Clips, though, has a standout feature: Live Tiles, a "breakthrough" feature that lets users create animated captions and titles using only their voice.
The app is free and availability will begin in April. It will run on at least iOS 10.3, and will be compatible from the iPhone 5s; new 9.7-inch iPad; all iPad Air and Pro; iPad Mini 2; and the sixth-generation iPod touch.
 
Spring Apple Watch bands
Lastly, Apple announced new bands for the Apple Watch, giving a more personal touch to the wearable.
For the base Apple Watch, new colours are available for sport bands and the new woven nylon priced at Dh199, and classic buckles at Dh599. The new colours for the Nike+ version are to be sold separately, and is priced at Dh199.
For Apple Watch Hermes, the new leather bands will be made of Zephyr Epsom and Fauve Barenia for 38mm, and Lime Epson and Colvert Swift for 42mm. Prices start at Dh1,299.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com