Apple introduces larger iPhones, new watch (8)

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK, Sept. 9 -- Apple Co. on Tuesday introduced two new smart phones, known as iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, plus a smart watch at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in the city of San Francisco, California.

CEO Tim Cook claimed the new products to be the best in iPhone' s seven-year history, which feature bigger screens, 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches diagonally. Previous iPhones have smaller screens, with iPhone 5 at 4 inches diagonally.

They are slightly slimmer than previous iPhones and have better battery life.

As iPhone smartphones have been Apple's flagship products in recent years, they are contributing about a half to the company's total revenues currently. The company, based in Cupertino, northern California, is ready to accept orders starting Sept. 12.

Apple Co. also unveiled a program called Apple Pay in the day, designed to allow owners of the new smart phones to pay at the register by tapping their phones. To address privacy concerns, the company promised that it would not store information about where and what consumers buy and how much they spend.

It also announced a brand new device, the first in four years. Known as Apple Watch, the new device will be on the market in early 2015 and come in two sizes and three styles. The wearable electronic device will work with iPhone 5 or newer models to collect fitness and health information and provide suggestions for owners with future applications, or apps.

The showing off of Apple's new products came at a time when doubts are raised whether Apple could still remain a trend-setter and innovator in the tech world following the 2011 death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Tuesday's event was held at the same venue where Jobs unveiled Mac computer 25 years ago.

Many of the features of Apple's new products highlighted Tuesday have been offered by other smart phone and electronics manufacturers. Sony, Samsung and several start-ups also launched smartwatches in the past two years.

Still, Apple Watch commanded the spotlight at the show, outshining the two new versions of iPhone. As Cook said "one more thing," the audience simply burst into laughter.

In New York City on the East Coast, fans have long pitched tents and folding chairs in front of the iconic Fifth Avenue Apple flagship store in hopes of getting the first glimpse of the new products. "I will buy a iPhone 6 once it is released," said Don Bernstein from North Carolina, while watching the live video of the show on his iPhone set.

Moon Ray told Xinhua she and her husband Jason had camped outside the Apple Store since nine days ago.

"We are here to promote our company's new app, Video Medicine, as it is a good platform," said Ray.