Apple conducted its Far Out event and unveiled a number of new hardware products. Along with the anticipated upgrades to iPhones, it also unveiled a brand-new Apple Watch Ultra for fans of extreme sports. Additionally, it unveiled a number of new features intended to increase your personal safety in an emergency.
The 14-inch Pro/Max iPhone
This year, Apple made some significant adjustments to its phone portfolio that will likely irritate some people. It has separated its Pro line from the non-Pro line using different hardware for the first time. Apple used to use the same SoC in both phones, but the Pro was distinguished by having a ProMotion display, more camera settings, and other features. That alters this year. While the Pro model receives a brand-new A16 CPU manufactured on TSMC’s 4nm node, the ordinary 14 retains the A15 Bionic SoC from the iPhone 13
The new “notch” on the iPhone Pro is shaped like a pill. However, Apple has completely altered how it behaves; it is no longer a static shape. It serves as a notification hub called Dynamic Island and houses the front-facing sensors and cameras. To alert you to events like pairing a device, an incoming call, or when music is playing, the pill will grow in any direction. The controls for the app are opened by tapping the “island.” You can text while simultaneously keeping an eye on a timer, listening to music, and tracking two different activities (see below). An app slides into the island when you swipe up to close it. Apple says it’s a whole new way of interacting with the iPhone, and we believe it. It is definitely slick, and not something that was leaked previously.
The 48MP back main camera has also seen significant improvement. It’s a significant boost since that is four times the resolution of the iPhone 14 model. Along with the 120Hz ProMotion display, the Pro model will also have an always-on display. Apple claims that despite the A16’s higher efficiency, it can still operate continuously all day. It claims to be capable of lowering the display rate to 1Hz, allowing it to have a long battery life despite continuously being visible. Pre-orders for the Pro and Pro Max will commence on Friday, September 9, and they will be offered for the same price as their predecessors, $999 and $1,099, on September 16.
iPhone Plus 14
Those who had high hopes that Apple might introduce an iPhone 14 Mini will be bitterly disappointed to learn Cupertino is moving in the opposite route. People appear to prefer larger phones. Consequently, it now includes a 14 Plus so that individuals who desire a large phone have more options than only the pricey Pro Max version. It has the same hardware as the normal 14, has the same size as the Pro Max, and has a 6.7-inch display. The improved safety system (see bottom), the A15 Bionic silicon, auto-focus on the front camera, and a “activity mode” for stabilized video are some of the standout features of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. The base price of the iPhone 14 is $799, while the Plus model is $100 higher at $899. Pre-orders begin Sept.9, with the iPhone 14 also arriving on the 16th, but the Plus won’t arrive until Oct. 7.
Apple Watch Ultra
The new Apple watch was supposed to just be the Pro version, but it turns out that Apple went all out and made it the Ultra. It is entirely intended for use in harsh environments and for individuals who appreciate perilous experiences. It has a brand-new design with a titanium body enclosing a larger 49mm watch face. The buttons are all encased within the shell, and the display is secured inside the chassis to prevent breaks if it falls to the ground. The crown and side button on the right side are shielded from the elements by a projecting casing, and there is a new, programmable “action” button on the left side. All three controls are made to be usable even while gloves are on.
You can start a workout, set a waypoint, or move to a different triathlon leg with the new action button on the side. Apple has created a brand-new Wayfinder face for the Ultra that features a compass and precise position data. The 2,000 nits of brightness from the display helps with visibility at night, and you can even convert to an evil-looking all-red night mode. All of this is made possible using dual-band GPS, which Apple claims is more precise and reliable than the single-band technology it used in the past.
Speaking of bands, Apple created three new ones—Ocean, Trail, and Alpine—for particular purposes to ensure that it stays put. Each one features a unique locking mechanism to ensure that it won’t move even under difficult circumstances. According to Apple, the watch can operate in temperatures as low as -68°F and as high as 130°F. Its battery can last up to 60 hours because adventure can be time-consuming. It will only be available in GPS and Cellular for $799.
Emergency Services
Two new capabilities that Apple has incorporated to its iPhones may, in some circumstances, save your life. The first is self-explanatory and is referred to as crash detection. The phone can use its sensors to determine if you’ve been in a car accident and will then automatically dial 911 on your behalf. If you don’t tap the prompt asking if you’re okay, the phone will automatically ring EMS and inform your favorite people. It’s unclear how much time you have to decide on this.
If you don’t have mobile service, Apple has also provided a means for you to call for assistance through satellite. The phone will instruct you on where to position it after the signal is activated in order to communicate with an orbiting satellite. It will then relay the signal to ground-based stations before sending it to infrastructure it has built to convey the signal to local authorities. The majority of us have felt the anxiety that comes from being somewhere without cellular coverage previously, so this could be a lifesaver for people who are stranded in the wilderness.
Any purchase of an iPhone 14 will include two years of this service for free, according to Apple. Older phones (even the iPhone 13) won’t get it, and it’s unclear how much it will cost after that. All iPhone 14 models come with accident detection and satellite rescue.
The company also unveiled the Apple Watch Series 8 at the event, along with an updated SE model and redesigned AirPods Pro.
