Apple testing its popularity

New devices offer big features, hefty price tags

CUPERTINO, Calif.

has broken the $1,000 barrier with its latest, and most expensive, phone, the iphone X.

With a price starting at $999 and a host of new features, the phone will be a big test for both Apple and consumers. Will people be willing to shell out really big bucks for a relatively fragile device that’s become an essential part of daily life?

On Tuesday, CEO Tim Cook called the iphone X “the biggest leap forward” since the first iphone.

Apple also unveiled a new iphone 8 and a larger 8 Plus with upgrades to cameras, displays and speakers.

Those phones, Apple said, will shoot pictures with better colors and less distortion, particularly in low-light settings. The display will adapt to ambient lighting, similar to a feature in some ipad Pro models. The speakers will be louder and offer deeper bass.

Both iphone 8 versions will allow wireless charging, a feature already offered in many Android phones, including Samsung models. Some Android phones have also previously eliminated the home button and added edge-to-edge screens.

AApple shares were mostly flat after the announcement, down 64 cents to $160.86.

Apple’s latest Watch has built-in cellular service. The number on your phone will be the same as your iphone. The Series 3 model will also have Apple Music available through cellular service. It won’t need a new plan, but it will require a data add-on to your plan.

Apple is also adding more fitness features and says it is now the most used heartrate monitor in the world.

A new version of the Apple TV streaming device will be able to show video at “4K” resolution — a step up from high definition — and a color-improvement technology called high-dynamic range, or HDR.

Apple said it’s been working with movie studios to bring titles with 4K and HDR to its itunes store. They will be sold at the same prices as high-definition video, which tends to be a few dollars more than standard-definition versions.