The addition of a mobile payments service to Apple’s next iPhone could help to boost sales of the larger-screen phones and claw back market share lost to mobiles running on Google’s Android platform.

All the signs indicate that Apple intends to regain the attention of consumers who have drifted to Android with today’s launch of the iPhone 6 and possibly the long-rumoured iWatch, writes Chris Morris

Google is not immune to setbacks caused by the global shift to mobile computing.

APPLE posted a 78% surge in third-quarter profit as customers began flocking to the new iPad tablet computer and latest version of the iPhone.

Music lovers face a wait for the right to buy Beatles hits on Apple’s iTunes online store, despite the iPod maker’s truce in its dispute with the Fab Four’s guardian, Apple Corps, over the use of the iconic apple logo and name.

REACHING further into living rooms, Apple Computer has introduced a speaker system for its iPod music players and a revamped Mac Mini computer that will let users access music, video and photos across their home networks.

APPLE Computer, the maker of the iPod music player, had its share price target lifted 29% by Piper Jaffray & Co on expectations the company will keep gaining market share in music devices and personal computers.