Yesterday , Apple held an event where it unveiled the new iPhone 14 series, along with three new Apple Watch models, an update to the popular AirPods product line (AirPods Pro 2), and a new feature that could save lives when cell service is unavailable.
Let's take a closer look at what Apple presented yesterday.
iPhone 14
Apple introduced four new smartphones, including the new iPhone 14 with display and the iPhone 14 Plus with a larger 6.7-inch display.
The new iPhone 14 comes with better camera features than previous models, featuring a 12MP main camera with larger pixels, a faster aperture, and improved sensors. For the first time, the front camera features autofocus, allowing it to focus at a wide range of distances in low light for better selfies. It also features a new action mode that allows users to keep videos steady while on the move.
Apple is using the same chip as last year's iPhone 13 Pro model (the A15).
The new Pro series features an always-on display and the ability to receive notifications and activities through what the company calls “the dynamic island,” the notch at the top of the phone that is now considered a feature. The Pro series also comes with a 48 MP camera!
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What’s more interesting, though, is that the new iPhone 14 series eliminates the need for a physical SIM card and instead uses a digital “e-SIM” card. Users will be able to store multiple e-SIMs on the same device and have multiple mobile plans and phone numbers on the same phone. This feature also eliminates the risk of someone removing the physical SIM card if your iPhone is lost or stolen. Apple said that all US iPhone models will no longer have the SIM slot.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro will be released in five colors: midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and red.
As for price, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus will start at $799 and $899, respectively. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max start at $999 and $1099, respectively. Analysts had expected price increases for the new iPhones (compared to last year's models), but this did not happen, which was a pleasant surprise for many.
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"We had predicted that inflation, increased manufacturing and component costs, and other expenses such as more expensive shipping would have led Apple to raise retail prices," said Leo Gebbie, principal analyst at CCS Insight.
New Apple Watch
In addition to the new iPhone 14 series, Apple also introduced three new smartwatches at the event: Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE , and Apple Watch Ultra.
The Ultra model is designed to help users track workouts, scuba diving, and triathlons. The device runs for about 36 hours on a single charge, is more water resistant, and features an improved compass that can work at night, in the ocean, and in other conditions.
At the lower end, Apple has updated the SE to be up to 20% faster than the previous version. It starts at $249 for GPS models and $299 for cellular models.
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And in the middle is the Apple Watch Series 8, which starts at $399. Like previous models, it's aimed at motivating users to stay active and fit. Apple highlighted the new watch's capabilities for health , with updated cycle-tracking tools that can predict ovulation. data is stored on each device and can only be accessed via a passcode or Face ID.
AirPods Pro 2
Apple also introduced the latest generation of AirPods Pro. The new AirPods Pro will offer six hours of listening time on a single charge. Each earbud, as well as the case itself, makes a noise to help you find them. A slight up and down movement on the earbuds will increase or decrease the volume.
AirPods Pro now come with improved noise cancellation technology (can cancel twice as much noise compared to the original version).
The AirPods Pro 2 cost $249.
Satellite connectivity for emergencies
One of the most interesting things Apple introduced yesterday was a new feature that could save people's lives. It's the new Emergency SOS that's designed and built specifically for iPhone 14 devices to connect to satellites when cellular service is unavailable. Through a satellite connection, users will be able to send and receive information to get help in emergency situations.
Source: edition.cnn.com
