Cheaper iPhone, Apple Watch on the Way

If you’ve been considering an Apple Watch, now might be a good time to buy.

The starting price of the Apple Watch Sport model of the wearable device has been slashed by about $50, Apple announced during its latest special event Monday, according to the Wall Street Journal. The almost 1-year-old product now starts at $299.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also announced new bands for the watches, noting that almost one-third of owners switch out the bands on their Apple Watches.

The Wall Street Journal noted that “one feature where the Apple Watch excels is how easy it is to swap the watch band. No tools or trips to a watch store necessary.”

A new Woven Nylon style of band comes in seven colors:

• Gold/Red
• Gold/Royal Blue
• Royal Blue
• Pink
• Pearl
• Scuba Blue
• Black

As the Apple Watch website describes the Woven Nylon band:

“Every Woven Nylon band is made from over 500 threads woven together in a unique, colorful pattern. Monofilaments connect four layers of the weave to create a single durable band with a comfortable, fabric-like feel.”

The Milanese Loop style of band, described as a “smooth stainless steel mesh,” is also now available in black. It was previously available only in silver.

Apple also announced a new take on an old phone Monday. The iPhone SE will replace the iPhone 5s, Gizmodo reports.

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone, iPod and iOS product marketing, announced Monday that 30 million people purchased an iPhone 5s last year despite the fact that it’s a 2-year-old phone.

This new phone, which will start around $400 for the 16GB model, is geared toward customers who like the prior generation of iPhones for their smaller size.

As Gizmodo puts it: “In all reality, it’s not a new phone. It’s basically a 6s trapped in a 4-inch 5s body, minus 3D Touch.”

According to an Apple press release:

Customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. will be able to order iPhone SE beginning Thursday, March 24, with availability beginning Thursday, March 31.

What’s your take on Apple’s newly announced products? Would you run out to buy one? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.