Why the Apple launch is a one-of-its-kind event

Apple is breaking away from its earlier launch strategies in more ways than one

Apple product launches are always fraught with anticipation. Long lines outside Apple stores are legendary, and stories of people camping overnight to be first in lne for a new Apple product are rife. In terms of audience draw, an Apple launch is every marketer's dream come true. The launch of the iPhone6 and likely the iWatch is going to be get just as crazy as they come -- except that Apple has broken away from a number of its own rules for this one. Read on to see what Apple is doing differently this time. 

Live Launch event: 

 

The highly-anticipated new iPhone6 launch day is upon us. A visit to Apple’s home page will greet you with the a countdown timer to today’s special event. This is the first time the Apple will be live-streaming an event from its website. Earlier, Apple provided live video feeds for its event to select members---typically technology websites and blogs.  A lot of people had to catch the announcements on these websites and blogs. However, for the first time tonight anyone will be able to tune in live to see Apple’s latest offering. Apple will go live at 10 a.m. PDT (Pacific Daylight Time). That’s about 10:30 pm India time. Live streaming video requires Safari 5.1.10 or later on OS X v10.6.8 or later; Safari on iOS 6.0 or later. Streaming via Apple TV requires second- or third-generation Apple TV with software 6.2 or later, the Apple website says.

 

A Whole New Category: 

 

It is not every day that a company like Apple ventures into new product categories. But today is one such day. It is widely expected that Apple will unveil a new product – the iWatch, a wearable extension for an iDevice, largely your iPhone. This is the first time since the iPad launch in 2010, that Apple will try its luck in a new segment. Other companies including Samsung have had a shot at this category – with the Samsung Gear – but with little success. Everyone is betting on Apple to crack this segment.

 

Breaking the mould: 

 

Apple has so far been hesitant to break the 4 inch-screen-size-mould. That could change today. Apple is expected to unveil two new iPhones. According tech blogs and sites dedicated Apple rumours and deciphering Apple-speak, the new iPhone screen sizes will be 4.7 and 5.5 inches. If the rumours are true, this will be the first time Apple will launch a two differently iPhones at one event. Yes, last year did launch iPhone 5c, along with the new iPhone 5S; however, the former was nothing but the iPhone 5 in colourful plastic bodies.

 

Welcome the new OS: 

 

Apple is among the very few companies that generates interest not just with its new hardware but also with its software offerings. In fact, it is the only company that puts out a fully vertically integrated consumer electronic product – including design, production, software, hardware, even retail. The company is expected to roll out its newest operating system – the iOS 8. Apple had announced the new version for its mobile devices iPhone and iPad in July this year. iOS8 will bring a new keyboard to the iPhone; it will also make notifications more interactive and streamline photo sharing, among other things. The update will be available for iPad 2, iPhone 4S and subsequent new models in the respective categories.