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Apple Introduces iPhone 14, Apple Watch Ultra, and More

By Laura Tucker
Apple Event Iphone 14 Featured

September is always an exciting month for those in the Apple ecosystem. Since 2012 and the iPhone 5, a new iPhone has been released every September, save for 2020, when the pandemic and supply issues held it back a month. This year is no different, with Apple introducing the iPhone 14 series, Apple Watch 8 series, and the new AirPods Pro.

Also read: iPhone Is Most-Shipped Smartphone, Toppling Samsung

iPhone 14 Series

Once again, the Apple rumor mill has held true with regard to the new phones and new features. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are 6.1″ and 6.7″, respectively. They’ve managed to upgrade the camera system once again, adding a Photonic Engine that Apple calls an “enhanced image pipeline.”

Apple Event Iphone 14 News

The two models include the new iOS 16, the A15 Bionic chip, 5-core GPU, and eSIM. The iPhone 14 Plus promises “the best battery life ever in an iPhone.” The Ceramic Shield front cover will keep both models safer from spills, accidents, and dust.

It’s safer than ever to have an iPhone, as the 14 and 14 Plus include Crash Detection and Emergency SOS that works via satellite, the first smartphone to have this feature. The high dynamic range gyroscope is coupled with a dual-core accelerometer that can detect G-force measurements up to 256Gs. A severe car accident can be detected, with the phone automatically dialing emergency personnel if you are unable. The Emergency SOS will help you connect through satellite and also find you help.

The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus will start at $799 and $899, respectively, and will be available in five colors for preorder on September 9. The iPhone 14 will be in stores on September 16 and the iPhone 14 Plus on October 7.

Apple Event Iphone 14 Pro Max

The 6.1″ iPhone 14 Pro and 6.7″ iPhone 14 Pro Max include all the same benefits, with the most obvious difference from the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus being the Dynamic Island that features the Always-On display, along with the new Super Retina XDR to keep the Lock Screen and widgets always available. Background activities, such as Maps and Music, remain visible and interactive.

The A16 Bionic is the “fastest chip ever in a smartphone” and powers the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. The 6-core CPU is up to 40 percent faster than other smartphones. The Pro has a camera system with the first 48MP Main camera on an iPhone and the Photonic Engine.

The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max will be $999 and $1099 and available in four colors for preorder on September 9 and will be in stores on September 16.

AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

While we’ve had three generations of the AirPods, this is only the second generation of the AirPods Pro. Apple reports that they are “raising the bar again” with the 2nd Gen.

Apple Event Iphone 14 Airpods Pro

The 2nd Gen AirPods Pro are powered by the new H2 chip, which enables on-device processing. There are upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and Spatial Audio. They cancel up to twice as much noise and provide a richer bass and clearer sound.

Personalized Spatial Audio is added to immerse you more in your audio. Using the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone, you can create a personal profile that creates a Spatial Audio experience just for you based on your ears, head, etc. Touch control has been added as well, allowing you to control the volume and playback from the stem.

The AirPods Pro also provide 1.5 more hours of listening time. The new charging case is water- and sweat-resistant, and a speaker built into the charging case allows you to locate it easier with Precision Finding. It has a lanyard loop and can be personalized with Memoji.

The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) will be $249, available for preorder on September 9, and will be in stores on September 23.

Apple Watch Series 8

The crowning jewels of the release seem to be the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE. They were featured first in the Apple Event, and much time was spent showcasing their many features.

Apple Event Iphone 14 Apple Watch 8

Much of the fuss was about Crash Detection, the same new feature in the iPhone 14. A more powerful gyroscope and accelerometer were added, with crash test labs simulating accidents to create the algorithm that will detect whether you’ve been involved in a car accident. Your location is shared with emergency personnel and your emergency contacts.

There is also another feature added to women’s cycle tracking. A sensor tracks your temperature through your wrist every five seconds during your sleep. The temperature can add perspective for those tracking ovulation.

Outside of that, the other big change is a Low Power Mode that can give you up to 36 hours on your Apple Watch Series 8.

Apple Event Iphone 14 Watch Se

The second generation of Apple Watch SE keeps the same design in the case, but the back is now made of a nylon composite to make it lighter.

The Apple Watch Series 8 will start at $399 and the Apple Watch SE at $249. They are available for preorder today and will be in stores on September 16.

Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Pro, or rather, what is officially named the Apple Watch Ultra, brings the same features as the Series 8 and more. It includes a customizable Action button that allows you to assign an action to it. It also has better battery life, with up to 36 hours of normal use. The Low Power Mode can give you up to 60 hours.

Apple Event Iphone 14 Watch Ultra

The case of the Apple Watch Ultra is made from aerospace-grade titanium, which protects the Retina display and is twice as bright as any other Apple Watch. Three built-in mics improve the sound in voice calls, even in challenging conditions and environments. New bands specifically designed for athletes and runners are included too.

New positioning algorithms and precision dual-frequency GPS provides the most accurate GPS in an Apple Watch, with precise distance, pace, and route data. watchOS 9 will provide such metrics as stride length, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, etc. Triathlon and duathlon athletes will get much use of the Multisport workout that switches between workouts automatically.

A redesigned Compass app provides greater data to explorers and hikers, as does an on-wrist operating temperature. It’s also designed for water sports and is certified to WR100 and EN 13319, a standard for dive accessories. It even includes a depth gauge.

The Apple Watch Ultra is $799, available for preorder today, and will be in stores on September 23.

Of course, these devices come with iOS 16 and watchOS 9, and both will be available as a free software update on September 12.

Image credit: Apple Newsroom

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Laura Tucker Avatar
Laura Tucker
Laura has spent more than 20 years writing news, reviews, and op-eds, with the majority of those years as an editor as well. She has exclusively used Apple products for the past 35 years. In addition to writing and editing at MTE, she also runs the site’s sponsored review program.

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