Overnight Apple held its latest launch event for its three mobile focused products – the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods Pro.
The new iPhone 14 features four new models across standard and Pro lines, the Apple Watch gets a Series 8 update plus a new Ultra model, and the new 2nd Generation AirPods Pro get a big performance upgrade. Across the board, big new safety features are a hallmark of the 2022 range.
iPhone 14
The new iPhone 14 line now drops the mini size in favour of a new iPhone 14 Plus option, giving buyers the choice of 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes. These models receive the A15 Bionic chip from last year’s iPhone 13 Pro, plus new larger camera sensors with a big boost to low light performance across all cameras.
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models are the same two sizes, with the new A16 Bionic chip and major camera upgrades also pushing low light performance to new levels. The main camera has seen the biggest upgrade, with a 48-megapixel sensor that is 65% larger than in the iPhone 13 Pro. This sensor also delivers a new Action Shot video mode that will greatly improve stability when moving quickly – without the need for a gimbal.
All iPhone 14 models also offer far brighter screen performance without reducing battery life, while the new iOS 16 adds Always On display to the iPhone 14 Pro for immediate visibility of all the new lock screen widgets.
The iPhone 14 Pro also moves away from the ‘notch’ front camera design to a cutout pill area that Apple has turned into a new ‘Dynamic Island’ notification zone, which widens and animates in various ways to deliver alerts and notifications as a more stylish overlay that is less of an interrupt to what you’re doing.
Apple has also revealed new crash detection for iPhone that will automatically call emergency services if it detects a vehicle crash and you don’t respond to its alert. In the US and Canada, it has also launched Emergency SOS via Satellite, but no timing has been revealed for Australian launch.
The iPhone 14 (from $1,399), iPhone 14 Plus (from $1,579), iPhone 14 Pro (from $1,749), and iPhone 14 Pro Max (from $1,899) are available to pre-order from Friday, September 9, and will be available September 16.
Apple Watch Series 8 & Apple Watch Ultra
The latest Apple Watch continues the focus on health and fitness, with the Series 8 update offering a brighter display, temperature sensing, new Workout modes and an upgraded compass app that includes wayfinding and backtrack features. Like the iPhone 14, new sensors add crash detection to the Series 8 alongside the existing fall detection features.
The new Apple Watch Ultra is a new edition for those who want to push their limits, with a titanium body and sapphire front crystal display designed for more rugged performance. The Ultra display is up to twice as bright as the Series 8, and includes dive computer capabilities, more accurate dual-frequency GPS, and wider operating temperatures for extreme heat or cold.
The Apple Watch Ultra also features a new ‘Action button’ that offers fast access to many features, like Workout controls, marking Compass Waypoints, or beginning a dive. Plus there is also an 86-decibel siren to attract attention from up to 180 metres away.
The Apple Watch SE has also been updated with a larger and brighter screen and new safety features such as compass backtrack and crash detection.
The Apple Watch Series 8 (from $629), Apple Watch SE (from $399) and Apple Watch Ultra ($1,299) are available to order immediately. The Series 8 is available September 16 and the Ultra arrives September 23.
The new AirPods Pro
Apple says the AirPods are now the most popular headphones in the world. The AirPods Pro upgrade the flagship model with a new chip that brings Spatial Audio to the wireless earbuds as well as active noise cancellation up to two times better than the first generation. The transparency mode will also now reduce loud ambient sounds to maintain clarity.
A new personalisation feature means the iPhone TrueDepth camera can be used to build an image of your ear that creates a unique Spatial Audio profile. Touch controls have also been upgraded with new capacitive controls to slide up and down to control volume.
Find My features also now work to help find AirPods if they’ve been dropped, and both the AirPods and the AirPod charging case can now make sounds if you’re trying to find them. The case also includes a cable loop to secure them where needed.
The new AirPods Pro ($399) are available to order from September 9 and purchase on September 23.