On Wednesday (9/9/2015), Apple unveiled several new or upgraded products that are intended for the enterprise and small business professional markets. Typically, the company uses such unveilings to tout its consumer products, but with lagging sales of the iPad, a device category Apple created, the company has begun a shift to developing iPads that solve business challenges, not just consumer-oriented activities. Here are some of the products Apple launched or announced at the event that are small business focused.

iPad Pro

iPad_in_Business_-_Apple 1

For business users, the iPad must serve as a tool for work, not merely a platform for media creation or consumption. The iPad Pro has a larger screen (12.9 inch diagonal) and enhanced features for speed and performance. Optional accessories include a smart keyboard that connects magnetically to the iPad Pro and a new Apple Pencil stylus that has responsive sensors built into its tip that supports the work of artists, engineers and others who who need precise, single-pixel accuracy.

iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus

iPhone_6s_-_Apple

Longtime users of SmallBusiness.com know we believe a camera is one of the most important marketing tools a small business can own and master. While keeping the focus on ease-of-use, Apple has still made a major upgrade on the raw specs of the cameras with the iSight upgrades. For example, the camera is going from eight megapixels to 12 megapixels. For those who aren’t camera wonks, that means 50 percent more pixels, which will enable it to provide faster, better autofocus. The new models also come with a flash that lights up three times brighter than typical smartphone flashes.

Apple Watch

watchOS_2_-_Apple 1

With the new Apple Watch operating system (Watch OS2) coming out next week, the device will begin to support native apps. This means that such apps will not have to be paired with a corresponding iPhone app to be functional. During the presentation, new apps were demonstrated including iTranslate that allows the user to speak into the watch’s mic and hear translations in over 90 languages. An app for physicians called AirStrip can monitor vitals on a patient.

New Pricing for iCloud Storage

The pricing falls in line with its competitors in the business-oriented cloud storage space.

  • 50 GB for $0.99 a month
  • 200 GB for $2.99 a month
  • 1 TB for $9.99 a month

Related Articles