Intro
Today was Apple's Far Out event, introducing the world to the latest iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. While the camera and screen improvements in iPhone 14 will surprise exactly no one, there was still an impressive amount of exciting news. Rather than trying to come up with more fluff for this introduction, I'll just get right to the fun part.
iPhone 14
As it has done in the last couple years, Apple introduced four new iPhones. The news wasn't all good, though, at least not for fans of iPhone Mini. This year, the lineup consists of iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. If you have a 12 or 13 Mini and enjoy the small size, I'm sorry to say you'll either have to keep it or brace yourself for a larger phone. Still, big isn't necessarily bad, so let's dig into what these new phones have to offer.
For the first time since Apple introduced the Pro and non-Pro iPhone models, not all of them have the same processor. It used to be that iPhone Pros had better cameras and screens, but were powered by the same chips as their cheaper cousins. However, iPhone 14 uses an A15 processor, the same as what's in iPhone 13, but with an extra graphics core. Meanwhile, iPhone 14 Pro sports the A16 processor. That's a lot of numbers and chip names, isn't it? Bottom line: iPhone 14 has a processor that's almost the same as what's in iPhone 13, while the big upgrades to the processor are found only in iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
One interesting feature shared by all four phones is satellite communication. While you can't yet make calls or browse the web from anywhere in the world, you can now call (well, text) for help if you're out of range of any cellular coverage. Any iPhone 14 model is able to direct you where to point the phone so it gets the best view of a satellite. It will then send a compressed text message to emergency personnel, and will let you continue to text back and forth. In some cases, a voice relay service may be used. You can also use the same system to send a location update to your Find My friends, so they can at least see where you are when you're out of cellular range. While this will eventually be a paid feature, users will get two years for free with the activation of any iPhone 14. Only the U.S. and Canada are covered initially, but Apple plans to roll this out to more locations in the future.
All models also gain the ability to detect a car crash. I'll get into this more in the Apple Watch section, but basically, your phone will call for help if it thinks you've been involved in a crash.
One other commonality among all four of the new phones is one I didn't expect: no SIM tray. At least in the United States and nearby regions, all iPhone 14 variants will support eSIM, and that's it. Other regions will continue to use both eSIM and physical SIM cards, at least for now.
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 has a screen size of 6.1 inches, and iPhone 14 Plus is 6.7 inches, which are the same sizes as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max, respectively. Both have the same notch cutout at the top. Really, the upgrades over iPhone 13 are mostly in the afore-mentioned CPU tweaks, and some bumps to the cameras. Low light performance has improved, the front camera can now auto-focus, and there are other changes that, as always, up the iPhone's camera game. That's basically it, though. It sounds like iPhone 13 owners don't have much reason to upgrade this year.
If you do decide to upgrade, you can pre-order on September 9, with availability from September 16 for the iPhone 14, and October 7 for the iPhone 14 Plus. The prices are $799 for iPhone 14, and $899 for iPhone 14 Plus. As always, add more for more storage. These phones come in starlight, midnight, purple, blue, and (Product) Red.
iPhone 14 Pro
The screen sizes of this year's Pros match their cheaper counterparts: iPhone 14 Pro is 6.1 inches, and the Pro Max is 6.7 inches. This, though, is where the similarities end.
Staying on displays for a moment, the Pro has a new cutout at the top. While I couldn't find a good visual description, here's what I've pieced together about this interesting take on the notch.
It sounds like Apple has a pill-shaped cutout in the top center of the display. This houses the speaker, Face ID, proximity sensor, and other electronics. The screen is black on either side of this area, while in the center are pixels. Think of an ellipse, with a black line around the edge and screen in the center. This central ellipse portion is what Apple is calling the Dynamic Island. Strange name aside, the idea is pretty neat. The island can be used for several kinds of information: it can show album art, which can be tapped to show playback controls; it can show a live update notification, letting you watch a Lyft ride's progress; it can show when an app starts using your location or microphone; and a lot more.
iPhone 14 Pro has an always-on display, just like Apple Watches have offered for a few years. Updates to the display controller let the screen refresh itself as slowly as once per second, keeping the screen on without killing the battery. Combined with iOS 16's lock screen customization options, this should prove extremely helpful to those who can see the screen.
Speaking of stuff best appreciated by the sighted, let's get the camera upgrades out of the way. TL;DR: they're better, especially in low light, and can record even better video. The longer version: seriously, these cameras really are better. While one focus was certainly low light images, another was video recording. iPhone 14 Pro can record 4K video at 24 frames per second, and now offers an impressive-sounding stabilization mode. Apple went so far as to claim this "action mode" is so good, you will no longer need a gimbal. I'm skeptical, but that's what they said.
Prices haven't really changed. You can get iPhone 14 Pro for $999, and Pro Max for $1099. Preorders open on September 9, with availability from September 16. Your color options are silver, gold, space black, and deep purple.
Apple Watch
As expected, today saw the introduction of Apple Watch Series 8, and we also received a couple extras. Apple Watch SE has been updated with the same chip found in the Series 8, and that's mostly it. The bigger surprise was Apple Watch Ultra, a watch aimed squarely at extreme sports enthusiasts.
There were also a couple software surprises for older Apple Watch models. The cellular Series 5 and newer will soon gain international roaming support, while the Series 4 and newer will get a new low power mode. When this mode is turned on, some background activities are paused, such as automatic workout detection and background heart rate readings. Apple says that an Apple Watch in low power mode will last up to 36 hours.
Apple Watch SE
This is the least exciting update for some people, but the SE certainly became more compelling today. While it still lacks an always-on display, it does now have the same chip as the Series 8. This lets it support irregular heartbeat notifications, car crash detection, and other features. It also means that this SE should receive software updates much further into the future than the old SE, or even a Series 6 or 7. Finally, Apple says that it's about 20% faster than the old SE it replaces.
Apple Watch SE is available in aluminum, and no other casing materials. It comes in midnight, starlight, and silver, and starts at $249. It can be pre-ordered today and will start arriving on September 16.
Apple Watch Series 8
The Series 8 is no faster than the Series 7, and it looks no different on the outside. It has the same physical design, the same screen, the same side button and crown, and the same size and material options. Don't worry, though, there are changes, they're just not on the outside.
Internally, things get more exciting. First, the Series 8 now includes a body temperature sensor. Well, actually, there are two sensors, one near your skin and one near the display. Apple says this offers more accurate readings, presumably since it can measure the ambient temperature to factor that into how warm your skin is. We don't yet know for sure if users can take their temperature whenever they want, or if the sensor is more for tracking changes over time than for giving specific readings. You see, when Apple talked about this feature, they focused on an unexpected area: ovulation. Combining temperature data taken while the user sleeps with the increased menstruation information supported by the upcoming watchOS 9, Apple is able to come up with when a user was most likely ovulating. Apple Watch can't predict this data, but you can look back at your recent history and see when ovulation probably happened. Alerts about irregular menstrual cycles will also be available, with Apple saying they wanted to support this since irregular cycles can indicate many serious health conditions.
The other internal change is the motion sensors. Apple has replaced the old set of sensors with two new ones that can track motion far faster. They can also take readings at up to 256 Gs. Why? Just as Apple Watch has been able to detect a fall and summon emergency services automatically, it can now detect car crashes. Apple says that front, side, and rear impacts are detectable, as are rollovers. Data from the new motion sensors is combined with noise from the microphone and even barometric data, and it's all run through AI right on the watch. If the AI thinks you've been in a crash, it will show an alert. If you don't cancel the process, it will notify your emergency contacts, then call emergency services to your location. As noted above, iPhone 14 and 14 Pro also have this feature.
Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399 for the 41MM aluminum version, with prices seeming to match those of the Series 7. The aluminum casing comes in starlight, midnight, silver, and (Product) Red; the stainless steel in graphite, silver, and gold, and that's it. The titanium casing is no longer an option. You can pre-order today
Apple Watch Ultra
The Ultra is Apple's first attempt at making a watch specifically for extreme conditions. First, it's huge, at least as watches go. The screen is 49mm diagonally, which is 5mm larger than the 45mm Series 8. Second, it's rugged, with a titanium body and a special screen meant to easily resist impacts and scratches. Third, it's ruggedized, to the point where it can act as a dive computer. Fourth, it includes a customizable button, dual speakers, three microphones, and a larger battery.
Apple Watch Ultra is meant to be the companion for anyone in need of sports and fitness tracking, who doesn't want to worry about damaging their watch but still wants the features of watchOS. Are you lost? Try turning on the 87-decibel siren, or maybe retrace your steps with the new Backtrack feature. This lets you follow a route of GPS waypoints back out of the wilderness. Speaking of GPS, there is dual-band GPS on this model, which Apple says gives better signal near tall buildings and in other places where regular GPS fails. Are you in a triathlon? Use the action button to immediately switch workout types without having to interact with the screen, and use the bigger display to see more of your metrics at a glance. Is it bright out? No problem; the screen can get as bright as 2,000 nits, which should be visible in even direct sunlight. Will you be away from electricity for a while? Enable low power mode, and your Apple Watch Ultra's battery life will go from 36 hours all the way to 60. Do you enjoy diving? Apple Watch Ultra can keep working as deep as forty meters, and can be your dive computer while you're under the water, with pressure and temperature sensors.
The crown and buttons are designed to be used with gloves; the speakers and microphones are meant to let calls be audible, even in high winds; the screen is designed so the casing protects its edges; and the whole thing is made from titanium. It even has special bands, designed for oceans, hiking, and biking. The waterproofing is better than any other Apple Watch, so you can perform extreme water sports without worrying about damaging the watch. Basically, this thing is built like a tank, will last well over a day on a charge, and is meant to accompany you into extreme conditions.
Apple Watch Ultra only comes in a titanium casing with a 49mm screen, and all models include cellular connectivity. Your color options are, well, just titanium. With one color and one size, at least you won't be stuck wondering which model to get.
AirPods Pro 2
Finally, we have to talk about AirPods Pro. Apple released an update to these today, and there are a lot of things to like.
First, let's talk about the case. It has a loop for a lanyard or other strap, a speaker, and enough juice to provide thirty hours of playback. It also charges via Lightning or wireless, as before, but it can now charge using an Apple Watch charging puck--one fewer cable to carry. The speaker I mentioned is used to sound low battery and charging alerts, which is a great feature for those of us who can't see the LED indicator. It also lets Find My play a sound in case you lose the case.
The AirPods Pro received an even more impressive update. They can play audio for six hours, not five, and the stems now have a capacitive portion. Slide a finger along this area to change the volume without needing to touch your phone. If you always found the Pros to be a bit tight, you'll love the new extra small ear tips included in the box. Spacial Audio can now be customized to your ears and head shape, which should make it sound better and more realistic.
Speaking of sound, the active noise cancellation has been greatly improved: Apple claims AirPods Pro can now remove up to twice as much external sound as before. When you're using transparency mode, the sounds around you are sampled at a much faster rate. If any are too loud, your AirPods will lower the volume on those sounds to avoid hurting your ears.
AirPods Pro are available for $249, and still only come in white. You can pre-order yours starting on September 9, and they will be available from September 16.
That's All For Now
Apple Watches, new iPhones, and AirPods Pro updates are the big announcements from today. Are you planning to get anything? I'm really liking the new AirPods, but I'm not yet sure whether they're worth it for me. If the Series 8 watch can provide accurate body temperature readings, it might be handy to have instead of having to find an accessible thermometer. I'd bet that some of you are considering whether an Apple Watch is finally worth checking out, now that the latest chip is in a relatively cheap package in the form of the new SE. Nothing about the new iPhones is a big draw for me, but I imagine some people are interested in the satellite emergency SOS feature, or the more powerful chips in the Pro models. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Comments
The new "low power mode" with Voiceover?
Hi,
I'm not planning to get anything new that was announced at today's event, but I do have a curious question.
Do you, or anyone else on this wonderful forum happen to know if the new, "Low Power Mode" will be accessible with Voiceover, as it is on the iPhone?
"Power Reserve" never was, & it always bothered me.
Voiceover isn't a resource hog on the watch, is it?
For those who are curious, I have a series 7, Wi-Fi plus cellular, 45 mm.
re, low power mode
I'm glad to say that unlike power reserve, low power mode is accessible!
no graphite?
i want the graphite pro, how come they don't offer it any more?
Upgrading
I will upgrade my iPhone X to iPhone 14.
Also upgrading
I am going to upgrade from the iPhone 11 Pro to the iPhone 14 Pro. My current Pro is nearly 3 years old.
A bit far out for me
A bit far out from what I was hoping for so at least in that respect they did well on the event title. I won't be upgrading from my iPhone 13 having fully expected that I would be. Might purchase a new watch as I'm still on the Series 4 - ultra, perhaps, though that'll probably be very expensive. Naught else.
Am I the only one disappointed about touch ID? I would have liked to have that back. I realise the foregoing sentence will probably trigger the usual suspects' invaluable advice to 'get on with life and stop worrying about touch ID when I have a success rate of 101 out of 100 with Face ID'. such advice is superfluous to Bingo's requirements. I, too, am very proficient with Face ID; but I would have liked touch ID back as I would have been even more proficient. Oh well, them's the breaks as the former prime minister said.
A15 Chip Old Tech, Apple Watch Ultra
Hello Everyone. As for me, I was highly annoyed that Apple chose to recycle the last year's A15 chip into their new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14+ devices this year. Personally, I feel like this is a way for them to push everyone into purchasing the pro lineup, if they want the latest A16 chip. I don't like this version of consumer manipulation, for lack of a better way to describe this ploy. Shame on
Apple for this latest decision.
Regarding the Apple Watch Ultra, I am really intreagued because of the GPS and compass updates, as well as the hardened hardware. As a blind person, GPS and compass are two things that I view as making the Apple Watch a one stop shop, meaning that I think we can use the Ultra as a true GPS unit, without utilizing another third party device such as the Trekker from Humanware. Since both the GPS and the compass are receiving massive increases in accuracy, it stands to reason that this should interpret to much better navigation abilities for those of us who rely on solid, turn by turn directions, when walking to a destination. I will be watching this forum, in hopes that someone is able to test drive this and report their findings for a Trekker replacement.
I am also impressed with the new hardened hardware on the Apple Watch Ultra. I don't know about you guys, but my poor Apple Watch series 3 has seen better days, because of daily bumps in life. It's about time that Apple has ruggedized the watch. Surely, sighted people also smash their watches into stuff like we do.
As a woman, with smaller wrists, I'm a bit concerned of the size on my frame. But, I haven't seen one yet. For me, it's not the appearance, as much as just managing the size increase. If my checkbook permits, I will be upgrading to the Apple Watch Ultra. My series 3 is in need of replacement. Not certain that I will be able to, however.
Though I'm not a diver, for obvious reasons, I'm quite impressed with the metrics the watch can provide for those in need of a fully functioning dive computer.
If someone reading this post does have the opportunity to purchase the Apple Watch Ultra and utilize it's capabilities in navigation, please be sure to report your findings here. I truely hope that this watch will replace the Trekker or similar device.
thanks for reading my long post.
a nice lil upgrade
I'm happy that the prices of the phones didn't increase. It's a little disappointing to see last year's chip in the standard iphones, but it's probably an unfortunate byproduct of the chip shortage. Nice thing is they're getting the 5-core GPU version, for those who so rely on those parts of the SoC. Everything else seems like a nice upgrade. Apple's really pumping those research dollars into their camera tech. The AOD on the pro models is cool. Not sure if we'll get any use out of it, but it might help save even more battery since the display can go down to 1Hz now instead of 10.
The Apple Watch Ultra seems pretty cool, but it's too rich for my blood. I'm really not fond of the scare tactics that they're using. Better buy a watch before you get into a car crash... or keel over from low oxygen levels. That aside, it is cool tech. I wonder how the new low power mode will interact with Voiceover, if at all. The limit of 256Gs on the accelarometer stood out to me. I wonder if it's an 8-bit ADC or an upgraded MEMS chip or both.
AirPods Pro 2 sound like a very nice upgrade. I hope they fixed that annoying crackling problem that had happened with the pressure sensor. The case has a speaker now! It'll be really nice to stop squinting at a tiny LED.
iOS 16 is a nice upgrade too. We'll see how many accessibility bugs they managed to squish. My only real beef is the fact they saved the purple color for this year and not last. I like purple. Ah well. I'll wait for the impending EU-mandated USB C switch in a year or two... unless Apple decides to go portless.
I will be upgrading as well.
Apple Watch ultra.
iPhone 14 pro max.
Maybe later I will get the AirPods Pro.
Although, for now, I am pretty happy with my AirPods Max.
Apple Watch Ultra
I have never been able to justify an apple watch before, but this year, I think I may take the plunge and get the Apple Watch Ultra. The idea of it having better speakers really appeals to me since I have significant hearing loss. I don't really care for how big it is, but all the features already discussed here make it sound like the best way for me to enter the world of apple watch. I have some questions, though, so will probably contact Apple before making the purchase. I've tried to find answers myself, but so far, I can't tell if the ultra has the temperature senser, fall detection, etc. If it does, it's definitely the watch I want, even if I'm not in the least bit athletic. I'd probably go for the ocean band because it comes in blue, and neither of the other bands sounded all that great to me. I'm hoping that I'll be able to hear some demos of this watch before I buy it: ideally a sound comparison between a normal apple watch and the ultra to confirm that I really would be able to hear it more clearly.
AirPods Pro
I got my new AirPods Pro back in July, and I have to say, I love them. They are definitely Worth the upgrade, in my opinion. I was using the original AirPods that I got for Christmas a couple years ago.
Re: Apple Watch Ultra
To my knowledge, the Apple Watch Ultra has the temperature sensor, fall and crash detection, and other standard Apple Watch features.
RE: Apple Watch Ultra
Good Morning Missy. I watched the Apple Watch Ultra presentation. All indicators seem to validate that, since this is their newest watch, packed with all the latest tech, and the highest price point, I believe it will have all the things you mention and much more. Having two speakers is going to be a much needed improvement. Granted, I only have the series 3, so I would hope that the single speaker has already deen much improved, but I've not been able to verify this. Two speakers should improve sound quality by lots. I agree with you that this would be a really good time to finally put some cold, hard cash on the table and grab the newest toy. I can't wait to hear of your experiences.
Note: There is an app onboard the iPhone that you don't see until you start the setup process for the Apple watch. It is called watch and pops up during this process. this is where you will control all the adjustments for the watch. HTH
13 pro or iPhone 14
Not sure which I will get. Have 12 pro but thinking of the 13 pro if the price is good. If not 14 iPhone. Not interested in the 14 pro.
RE: Where are the speakers…
I didn't hear them indicate where the speakers are located. I'm thinking on the 9 O'clock position, if a lefthanded user like myself, but can't be certain.
Try it in person
Remember something that i'm not sure everyone will understand. Especially with a hearing loss, i'd go to an apple store and try the ultra out. It might be to heavy for your wrist. i hope not, but that's a use case factor. If you hear it with headphones on, through a podcast, it might not be near a mic well enough for you to clearly get a good idea of how loud the speakers are. I'm considering the series seven or eight. If i buy the eight, it's the latest one,I just wonder how long watch os will be supported. I'd hate to have the watch be discontinued after say two years when I spend a good amount of cash on it. whatever you decide good luck
WatchOS Support
The Apple Watch 3 does not get WatchOS 9 this year. It is the first version it does not get. So it would appear that you can expect a new Apple Watch to get about five years of updates if the trend holddds. This would be really good for the Apple Watch SE second generation which has the same chip as the Series 8. Of course, I am much more intrigued with the Ultra for the two speakers and the maybe more accurate GPS.
Ultra
Is very light. Is not heavy unlike the steel watch. I think the speker is on the other side next to the buttons. The 45 mg ban will work on the ultra.