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The iPhone 6, the smartwatch and new potential for enterprise apps

In Apple's storied history, there are a few recurring events, and one of those is the mythical product unveiling. It first began in January 1984, when Steve Jobs mounted a stage in California to introduce the world to Macintosh. Accompanied by much fanfare - including triumphant music and a video introduction from the computer itself - the event set the precedent for Apple's unique, even inimitable, approach to marketing. A few days ago, in Cupertino, California, the company did it again, this time revealing two new products that, even if they lack the earth-shattering newness of the Macintosh, are sure to turn heads and make quite an impact. Those products are the iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch, and both hold significant new possibilities for enterprise app development.

The iPhone 6 as the ultimate business companion
The most anticipated announcement at the unveiling event was the release of the iPhone 6, and on that front Apple did not disappoint. But while many people accurately predicted that the sixth-generation iPhone would be announced, few anticipated the fact that there will actually be two versions: one which is the current iPhone size (4.7 inches) and another which clocks in at 5.5 inches. This latter model - called the iPhone 6 Plus - has been making waves ever since it was introduced to the world, with Business Insider reporting that it's already sold out.

The phone marks Apple's first foray into "phablet" territory - a larger-style phone that can just as easily serve as one's tablet. The current gold standard for phablets is Samsung's Galaxy Note 4, but if precedent is any indicator, then Apple's new device will give the Samsung model a run for its money.

While the news of Apple's phablet is notable for everybody out there, it should be particularly of note to business app developers. Indeed, the larger display size of the iPhone 6 Plus opens up new possibilities for the functional capacities of business apps on iPhones. With more screen size, the possibility to create more detail-oriented apps will arise. While this is certainly an exciting prospect, it may leave some organizations intimidated about how to jump-start such development. Fortunately, HTML5 Form offers a means of creating apps that is straightforward, user-friendly and easily navigable. Unlike native code - which can be esoteric, particularly to new users - HTML5 caters to developers at every skill level by offering a solution that is intuitive and easy to handle.

Smartwatch presents app possibilities as well
The iPhone 6 Plus isn't the only product to come out of Cupertino that suggests new opportunities for business apps. Apple CEO Tim Cook also used the public forum to introduce the world to Apple's upcoming smartwatch.

"Our goal has always been to make powerful technology more accessible. More relevant. And ultimately more personal," said a release on Apple's site. "Apple Watch represents a new chapter in the relationship people have with technology. It's the most personal product we've ever made, because it's the first one designed to be worn."

It's a device that, according to New York magazine, will be the first mechanism where you can access apps right on your wrist. Of course, the size of the smartwatch demands a different approach to apps, and the responsibility will fall on app developers to create programs that people will actually want to use.

"Better, cooler apps will be built for these watches," the article stated. "Apps for work, for commerce, for killing time on the subway platform."

It's up to businesses to decide how they'll leverage the watch for new apps.

MESCIUS inc.

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