Apple sees bigger as better for iPhones

Tech analysts predict Apple could sell up to 1.5 million new iPhones in Australia before the end of the year after the much anticipated iPhone 6 was released in California.

The tech world was abuzz yesterday after Apple revealed two bigger-screened versions of the ubiquitous iPhone - the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

But the big thrill for Apple's devoted fans came when chief executive Tim Cook announced its first move into wearable technology with the Apple Watch - its first new product since the iPad in 2010.

The watch, which Mr Cook said was "the most personal device we've ever created", will connect to a user's iPhone to give notifications such as messages and emails as well as various health functions.

The Apple Watch, which will be released in the US early next year for $US349 ($383), is yet to have an Australian release date.

The new phones, which are bigger, faster and have higher-resolution cameras, will hit WA and worldwide stores on September 19, but uber Apple fans can pre-order them from tomorrow.

Questions surrounded Australian prices for the phone with Australian Apple fans set to pay double the US retail price.

The top-of-the-range 128GB iPhone 6 Plus will set Australians back $1249. US-based Apple fans can pick up the same phone for $US499 ($545).

Despite the inflated prices, leading tech research firm Telsyte predicts 1.5 million iPhones could be sold by December 31 in Australia - about 100,000 a week.

Demand for the new phones is expected to inject an extra $500 million into the $20 billion a year mobile market.

Telecommunications companies have already moved to make it easier for users to pick up the new phones with Telstra and Optus offering credits of up to $450 to entice customers to break contracts to get one. Vodafone has not offered a similar credit plan.

Apple hopes the phone will take back the No.1 spot in the market from Androids. Latest figures give the iPhone 42 per cent and Androids 51 per cent.