The second Apple Event of 2022 was held today. The event, titled “Far Out,” gave an exclusive look at several new launches, including the next generation of iPhone. If you missed it, have no fear—our recap has everything you need to know about what Apple has planned for the far out future.
Tim Cook opened the event on a sprawling green Apple campus, explaining the connectivity between iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch. Software and hardware are designed to work together with integration only Apple can do, according to Cook.
Apple Watch Series 8
To begin, Cook dove into the world of Apple Watch. Apple Watch is designed not only for convenience, but to improve people’s lives. A number of individuals share how Apple Watch’s life-saving technology has impacted them.
This year, Apple is launching the “best Apple Watch lineup yet.” Apple Watch Series 8 is designed with the most advanced sensors with a big, brilliant display. The narrow borders enable the largest screen possible. You’ll also enjoy new watch faces. Additionally, it’s also swim proof, dust proof and crack resistant. The new devices will feature a temperature sensor to support women’s health. An entire suite of cycle tracking features, including ovulation notifications, support women and, by extension, their families. Instead of manually taking your temperature and journaling, the Series 8 does this automatically for you, offering more accurate predictions of last ovulation. It’s important to protect such sensitive health information: cycle tracking data is encrypted end to end on the device and can only be accessed with your password, Touch ID and Face ID.
Next comes safety. Series 8 features the new Crash Detection. When a crash is detected, your watch will help you contact emergency services, provide your location and contact your emergency contacts. 2 new motion sensors and a new g-force accelerometer can detect the extreme impact associated with a car crash. It can detect front impact, side impact, rollovers, and rear-end collision. Moreover, Series 8 can detect crashes in passenger vehicles, SUVs and pickup trucks.
Despite this amazing advancement, Apple Watch Series 8 still boasts all-day 18-hour battery life. However, if you travel often or don’t have a charger handy, you’ll enjoy the new Low Power Mode, which offers 36 hours of battery life on a full charge. International Roaming will be available on more than 30 carriers with all Series 8 models. The Apple Watch Series 8 will come in Midnight, Starlight, Silver and Product Red finishes as well as three stainless steel finishes. New bands with Nike and Hermes add some flair to the latest generation of Apple Watch. Prices start at $399. Series 8 is available September 16.
Apple Watch SE
The second generation Apple Watch SE is marketed as perfect for beginners. Available in Silver, Midnight and Starlight, they’re made of completely recycled aluminum. Fall detection and Crash Detection keep you safe, while compatibility with AirPods lets you easily listen to your music anywhere. It’s also 20% faster than the previous generation of Apple Watch SE, with a 30% larger display. Family Setup keeps your family connected, even for younger children who don’t have their own iPhone, giving them greater independence and parents greater peace of mind; you can use your iPhone to pair watches for young ones who don’t have their own phone yet. Prices start at $249. Apple Watch SE is available September 16.
Apple Watch Ultra
Next came arguably the most exciting Apple Event announcement: Apple Watch Ultra. The new Apple Watch Ultra is designed for your most extreme adventures. Apple partnered with extreme athletes and adventurers to create an extremely durable design. This is the most rugged Apple Watch ever. A titanium case protects from edge impacts, while the biggest, brightest display on Apple Watch means you can read the face, even in the harshest sunlight. For maximum connectivity, each Apple Watch Ultra has cellular built in. It also has the biggest battery of any Apple Watch with up to 36 hours of battery life on a single charge. With Night Mode, the UI turns red for better visibility in the dark. There are features for every athlete, with extremely accurate metrics that can stand up to difficult environments like cities with tall buildings or dense forests.
Apple Watch Ultra now boasts the most accurate GPS of any smartwatch. An upcoming feature will also be able to detect when you’ve arrived at a running track, ideal for marathon runners or triathletes. The redesigned Compass app is more precise, perfect for the desert or a frozen tundra. The app creates a path of where you’ve been, keeping you safe in case you get lost. Additionally, an 86 decibel siren alerts others to your location should you get lost or injured. With WR100 water resistance, your watch can be safely submerged. Furthermore, an exclusive Oceanic+ app collaboration with Huish Outdoors turns your watch into a dive computer whether you’re a recreational scuba diver or free diver. Hikers, extreme athletes and adventurers, this one is for you. Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799 and is available starting September 23.
AirPods
Next, Tim Cook introduced the next generation of AirPods Pro. The brand new H2 chip delivers high-bandwidth connectivity and audio experiences that only Apple silicon can deliver. You’ll be able to hear more detail and clarity across a range of frequencies. And with Spatial Audio, you’ll feel like you’re actually on-stage with your favorite artist performing around you. With iOS 16, you can personalize Spatial Audio with the True Depth camera because we each perceive audio in our own way. Sounds are tuned just for you for a truly immersive experience. Active Noise Cancellation reduces unwanted noise on the go; the new generation of Pro can double the amount of noise cancelled compared to the original AirPods Pro. H2 also powers Transparency Mode to take it to the next level. Adaptive Transparency dynamically reduces loud noise, made possible because the H2 chip processes at 48,000 per second.
The sensor on AirPods Pro is also upgraded with to touch control; adjust the volume with a light swipe up or down. The new Pro also has an even longer battery life, with 6 hours of listening on a single charge and 30 hours with the charging case. Additionally, a new extra-small ear tip offers a comfortable fit for an even wider range of users. Now, the most popular AirPods are even better. They start at $249. Pre-orders start September 9 and they will be available September 23 with free engraving.
iPhone 14 & iPhone 14 Plus
Apple Event culminated with Tim Cook announcing the newest generation of iPhone. The iPhone 14 is 6.1″, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus is 6.7″. A new lock screen and iCloud shared photo library add even greater convenience to the iconic smartphone. Keep better track of your fitness goals in the updated Fitness app with the new Enhanced Workout Summary. An updated internal design upgrades thermal performance. The Super Retina display with OLED offers 1,200 nits of peak brightness for a stunning, vivid display. Like the iPhone 13 models, iPhone 14 features Ceramic Shield screen and water and dust resistance for greater durability and shatter resistance. Additionally, iPhone 14 has all-day battery and iPhone 14 Plus has the best battery life ever in iPhone.
The A15 bionic chip with a 5-core GPU is a powerhouse, offering power efficiency, privacy and security. This makes the iPhone 14 even faster, great for gaming. The 16-core neural engine produces more advanced machine learning. A15 also supports the image signal processor, essential for the new camera system.
A New Camera System for iPhone
The iPhone 14’s camera sets the standard, with a 12MP main camera and larger sensor for a serious upgrade. Its faster aperture allows better motion freezing, brighter colors and realistic textures. There’s also a 49% improvement for low-light photography. The Ultra Wide camera is best for wider shots. iPhone 14 has a new 12MP TrueDepth front camera for front-facing shots with faster aperture for a 38% low-light improvement and, for the first time, AutoFocus. The new front camera now boasts a hybrid system that focuses faster for better selfies and group shots at any distance.
Low lighting is a challenge for any photographer. Deep Fusion uses the neural engine to combine multiple frames in a single image, preserving textures. Apple takes this technology to the next level by applying Deep Fusion earlier in the photographic process on uncompressed images to retain more information and detail. This process makes possible Apple’s biggest low-light advancement yet: Photonic Engine. This enhanced image pipeline dramatically improves low-light photo beyond what can be provided hardware can accomplish. Moreover, it benefits every camera—even the front camera. The new iPhone 14 family is a massive upgrade to the updates we saw with the 13 at the Apple Event in March.
Enhanced Video on iPhone 14
Additionally, iPhone 14 improves video, too. New Action Mode stabilizes video and easily toggles on and off, no extra gear required. Action Mode uses the full sensor to stabilize videos of movement like running. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR.
eSIM on iPhone
Digital SIM cards? You heard that right. eSIM lets you easily transfer a cellular plan or get a new cellular plan, digitally. It’s also more secure; someone cannot remove the physical SIM card if your iPhone is lost or stolen. You’ll enjoy faster setup and activation, and with support from major carriers, it’s never been easier. Now, all U.S. models no longer have the SIM tray.
Emergency SOS Via Satellite
You deserve to be safe, even without cell service. One of the most groundbreaking announcements in this Apple Event is Emergency SOS via satellite. It shows where to point your phone to connect to a satellite for emergency help. A new algorithm compresses messages, making them easier to reach emergency services via satellite. This technology has the potential to save lives and give iPhone users greater peace of mind. It’s available for free for 2 years when you purchase an iPhone 14. The newest generation of iPhone also features the new iOS 16, with features like editing and unsending iMessages and a new, customizable lock screen. iPhone 14 and 14 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively. They’re available in 5 colors: Midnight, Starlight, blue, purple and Product Red. Pre-orders start September 9. iPhone 14 launches September 16, and iPhone 14 Plus launches October 7.
iPhone 14 Pro & iPhone 14 Pro Max
Additionally, Tim Cook announced the new Pro line, which he calls the most innovative yet. Ceramic Shield and water resistance make the new generation of Pro even more durable than its predecessors. It’s available in 4 shades, including a new deep purple. This generation also introduces a new front design. The new TrueDepth camera uses less area on the screen to free up more display. But one of the coolest new features of this fall’s Apple Event is Dynamic Island, exclusively on iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. This dynamic display keeps you posted on the score of a sporting event or lets you know how close your Lyft is. This space surfaces alerts and background activity that is helpful, rather than distracting. Each action features a unique display in Dynamic Island so you can easily see what you’re doing. Moreover, actions are fluid and responsive for ease of use.
Powered by the new A16 Bionic chip, there are 3 areas of improvement: power efficiency, display and camera. 16 billion transistors and a 4 nanometer process delivers greater efficiency and performance. Thinner borders and more active area make an enhanced display. The new iPhone 14 Pro models have a never-before-seek 2,000 nits peak brightness to combat powerful sunlight. Additionally, the new lock screen offers greater personalization with widgets.
The lock screen now has Always-On display, no need to raise or tap. Essential info is always accessible, including the date and time. New technologies make the display power efficient so as to not drain battery life. Apple’s photographic technology maintains accurate skin tones even when the screen dims.
Pro-Level Cameras
The Pro lineup also features an overhauled camera system, including a new 48MP main camera with quad-pixel sensor to improve light capture. The new sensor optimizes for detail using each pixel individually. The sensor also optimizes for detail in the new ProRAW. With ProRaw, pros can enjoy greater control at 48MP resolution. Photographers will be able to reframe photos while maintaining high resolution, too. The 12MP Ultra Wide camera has a larger sensor and 100% Focus Pixels that, with the Photonic Engine, produce up to 3x improvement in low-light photos. Macro photography improves as well. Of course, the Pro models also feature AutoFocus on the front camera just like the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus. iPhone 14 Pro features updated Cinematic Mode for professional-quality video from your iPhone. The iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1,099. Pre-orders begin on September 9.
Apple Event September 2022: Final Thoughts
Another exciting Apple Event is behind us. The announcement of the Apple Watch Ultra is huge, and we’re also incredibly excited about the advancements for AirPods Pro. Of course, all the great new iPhone features on iPhone 14 will shake up the industry. The stunning colors, improved performance and enhanced safety features really take the next generation of iPhone to the next level. If you want to look back on Apple’s announcements this year, check out our recap of the March 2022 event. Additionally, you can visit our Apple store in the Abt atrium to speak with our experts.
2 Comments
Michael Huynh
September 8, 2022 at 5:38 pmWhen the iphone 14 pro’s available , let me know please. Thank you.
Michelle Stephens
September 9, 2022 at 10:41 amHi, Michael! The iPhone 14 Pro is available starting September 16. Thank you for reaching out.