Apple Inc. (AAPL, Financial), the tech giant, is all set to hold a special event on the March 9. Maybe it is to announce a new iPad? Or a new iPhone? Or maybe the upcoming Apple Watch. Although many details are not divulged about the agenda of the event, Apple sent out invitations to the media for the event to be held in San Francisco. That's it. This leaves the world gasping to know what the tech giant has to reveal. The words “Spring Forward” were lashed across the invitation card. This refers to the annual to daylight savings time. U.S. citizens literally move their time ahead, and IE move their watches an hour ahead. In 2015 the shift in time will start a day before the special happening.
Apple reckoner
Founded by Steve Jobs, Apple is the American MNC that develops and designs computer software, consumer electronics like phones, PCs as well as online services. Apple currently has over 437 retail stores in around 15 countries and is headquartered at Cupertino, California. Apple just recently became the only U.S. company to have a value of over $700 billion. The Interbrand Best Global Brands report, in its 2014 edition named Apple as the world's most valuable brand with a value of $118.9 billion.
Revenue metrics
On January 27, the tech company announced its financial results for the fiscal 2015 first quarter ended December 27, 2014. The quarterly net profit was posted as $18 billion or $3.06 per diluted share. Revenue during this quarter was $74.6 billion. The gross margin increased from 37.9% last year in the same quarter to 39.9% this quarter. Cash dividend of 47 cents per share of Apple's common stock was declared by the BOD.
The upcoming special event
It is not known what will be revealed during the special event. It is possible that a new music streaming service will be revealed. Speculations are rife that the company may even reveal Apple TV. The TV has live TV features and will enhance your home to be a new "smarter home." The 12-inch iPad Pro or Macbook Air with Retina Display could also be revealed. More than this, it is speculated that Apple will show off the Apple Watch. The Apple watch was announced by Tim Cook last September in a star-studded event. It also introduced the iPhone Plus and the big-screen iPhone 6. The Apple Watch, a low-end device, will cost around $349. After the "magical" iPad was announced in 2010, the Google watch will be entering a new product category altogether. The watch was expected to be shipped in April this year.
The watch is said to come in three different categories –Â the luxe Apple edition watch, the Apple Watch Sport and the base-level Apple watch. The Apple Watch Sport will mainly be based on fitness. The standard version will be stainless-steel built. It is also said that the Apple Watch sport will have an iodized aluminum case. Obviously something great is expected from the Apple Edition watch. And here it is. What should come as no surprise is the Apple Edition watch expected to be built from bits of rose gold or 18-karat gold. The main utility of the watch is that it will enable users to pay for in-store purchases, check emails and monitor health information. After the announcement was made, Apple shares rose by $0.88 to $129.67. Information about the battery life or any other features hasn't been revealed yet. Cook said that the creativity and software innovation efforts put in the watch are too mind-boggling. No wonder lay people at large are waiting for the launch of the watch with high hopes. We are sure Apple won't let us down and will live up to our expectations. Surely, the world of technology is changing at a very rapid pace.
