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Apple unveils iPhone 13, new iPad mini

epa09468365 A handout photo made available by Apple Inc. shows Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiling the new iPhone 13 during the Apple Special Event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, USA, 14 September 2021.  EPA/APPLE INC. HANDOUT Images cannot be altered or modified in any way, in whole or in part, that disparages Apple. MANDATORY CREDIT: APPLE, Inc. HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiling the new iPhone 13 during the Apple Special Event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, USA, 14 September 2021. (EPA/APPLE INC.)

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 13 and a new iPad mini, expanding 5G connectivity and showing off faster chips and sharper cameras.

While the Cupertino, California-based company did not announce any blockbuster features or products, analysts expect customers hanging onto older models like the iPhone X will be eager to upgrade.

The iPhone 13 will have a new chip called the A15 Bionic that will power features like automatically detecting when the phone's camera is pointed at text.

Apple said the iPhone 13 will have custom 5G antennas and radio components for faster speeds and will come in five colours.

The phone will start at $A1349 in Australia.

The iPhone 13 Pro starts at $US999 ($A1365) in the US and the Pro Max starts at $US1099 in the US.

"The competition is still playing catch-up to our chips - not just from last year, but even from two years ago," said Kaiann Drance, an Apple iPhone marketing executive.

The Series 7 smart watch will feature a larger display and faster charging.

It will start at $US399 in the US and be available later in the northern hemisphere autumn.

The company also updated its iPad Mini with 5G connectivity and a reworked design that makes it look like the higher-end iPad Air and Pro models.

Apple also updated its base-model iPad with a new camera for working and learning from home.

Both will be available next week.

Apple shares were down 0.5 per cent, in-line with a slight downturn in broader markets.

"It seems like there's nothing really revolutionary announced, but of course, as usual, they announced enough improvements to at least generate some enthusiasm among consumers," said Rick Meckler, partner at family investment office Cherry Lane Investments.

Apple last year introduced its iPhone 12, which featured a new look and its first devices with 5G connectivity.

This year, analyst expect modest hardware upgrades and a deeper focus on 5G.

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