Apple Unveils New, Larger iPhone 6, Smartwatch
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Apple's larger iPhones won't just have bigger screens. They'll have a new, horizontal viewing mode to take advantage of the larger display.
Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the new, larger iPhones at an event Tuesday in Cupertino, California.
PHOTOS: iPhone 6, Apple Watch Unveiling
"These iPhones, like the ones before it, have been recognized time and time again as the best phone in the world," Cook said. "We are launching the biggest advancement in the history of iPhone."
The iPhone 6 will have a screen measuring 4.7 inches, while the iPhone 6 Plus will be 5.5 inches. In both cases, app developers will be able to design apps that can be viewed differently when the phone is held horizontally.
Apple also introduced a system for using the phone to make credit card payments at retail stores.
In New York City, people have been camped outside the Apple store on Fifth Avenue for days for the chance to be one of the first in line when the new iPhone goes on sale later this month.
"I will get an iPhone," one woman told CBS 2's Alex Denis. "My mom is helping me; my boyfriend is helping me. They've been really good, they're bringing me food, bringing me whatever I need and I'm happy -- that's why I'm standing here on this line."
But many in line Tuesday morning were being paid to camp out by high-tech firms. One man in line representing a firm that makes portable chargers said he was excited about the new, larger screen.
"For me as a guy, I have big hands, fat fingers so when you try to type on the regular iPhone 5S, it's not very comfortable," he told 1010 WINS' John Montone.
The new phones will start shipping in the U.S. on Sept. 19, with advance orders to begin this Friday. Starting prices will be comparable to those in the past _ $199 with a two-year contract for the iPhone 6 with 16 gigabytes of storage.
However, the step-up models will have double the memory than before -- $299 for 64 gigabytes and $399 for 128 gigabytes. The iPhone 6 Plus phones will cost $100 more at each configuration.
Apple also unveiled a smartwatch on Tuesday, marking the company's first major entry in a new product category since the iPad's debut in 2010.
It's called the Apple Watch, rather than the iWatch that many people had been speculating. Cook said Apple had to invent a new interface because simply shrinking a phone wouldn't work.
Consumer electronics companies have yet to demonstrate a compelling need for smartwatches, while bracelets have largely been niche products aimed at tracking fitness activities. Apple's device looks to change that.
Much of the interaction would be through the dial on the watch, which Apple calls the digital crown. You use that to zoom in and out of a map, for instance, so you're not blocking the screen, which would have occurred if you were pinching in and out to zoom.
The new watch will come in a variety of styles and straps, with a choice of two sizes. Watches from competing vendors have been criticized for being too big for smaller arms.
There's speculation that the smartwatch won't be available until early next year, although Apple is expected to take orders during the holiday shopping season.
In New York, reaction to the Apple Watch was mixed Tuesday.
It's a little overload, but I still want it," one woman told 1010 WINS' Al Jones.
"To me, they don't even look that nice," Brian said. "I'll stick with what I have. I mean, I'm fine. I've got enough."
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