Even an embarrassing glitch at iPhone X launch can't knock Apple off the top

This year's iPhone launch event hit a rocky patch when Apple exec Craig Federighi went to demonstrate the iPhone X's facial recognition technology, Face ID, which replaces the fingerprint scanner as a security mechanism. "Unlocking it is as easy as looking at it and swiping up..." he said, waiting an agonising few seconds while the device refused to unlock. He tried a second time – again, nothing – before switching to a back-up phone. The technical hitch, which came after the 10th anniversary edition of the iPhone had been revealed with huge fanfare, caused a temporary crash in Apple's market value. The stock soon rallied, however, as analysts described this year's launch event as putting Apple in an "extraordinarily strong" position.