This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice about Apple’s hottest product.
The iPhone turns 15 with the iPhone 14, one of the few new products announced at Apple’s event on Wednesday. To summarize: iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE and AirPods Pro 2nd generation. All will be available for pre-order in the coming weeks, with some shipping as soon as September 16th.
Apple announced the latest version of the iPhone operating system, iOS 16, at WWDC in June, and at the “Far Out” event we saw features like crash detection, the Always On display and Dynamic Island in action .
Want a detailed play-by-play summary? Check out our archived live blog.
Apple/Screenshot by Sarah Lord/CNET
The Plus expands to a 6.7-inch device from the standard 6.1-inch version. They have updated head dissipation, a 1,200 nits HDR display with Dolby Vision support, and have a new shade of blue on top of everything else. They inherit the Max’s battery life.
A new A15 Bionic chip hits all the cores for faster performance. Apple updated the camera system with a larger sensor (1.9 microns) and sensor-switching OIS on the 12-megapixel main camera. Apple says you’ll get better results in difficult lighting, and faster too. The new TrueDepth camera also boosts low-light photography and has faster and better focusing. Apple has introduced what it calls a Photonic Engine into the software for better image processing.
Action mode improves digital image stabilization for video and uses the full sensor.
As rumored, the iPhone has switched to eSIMs – no more physical SIMs are supported in the US. It also supports accident detection, thanks to new sensors, and adds an emergency SOS via satellite for when you’re off the grid, thanks to new antennas and an app that helps you stay connected while the satellite moves The latter comes free for two years.
The iPhone 14 starts at $799 (£849, AU$1,399), the Plus at $899 (£949, AU$1,579). Pre-order starts on September 9th, but the 14 will ship on September 16th and the 14 Plus on October 7th.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max side by side showing sizes
Pro Display XDR-like specs come to Pro displays with the Super Retina XDR. The new pro camera notch expands and contracts to accommodate notifications and information, which you can interact with, called “Dynamic Island.” Better brightness management and a variety of refresh rates are available to manage battery life and prevent the new Always On display from draining too much.
The new 4-nanometer A16 Bionic chip is faster and requires less power than the A15. A new display engine inside speeds up screen rendering, and updated image signal processing adds similar improvements in photo quality to lower-end models.
A 48-megapixel sensor with support for pixel sorting (4 pixels) allows better sensitivity in low-light photography at 12 megapixels. There’s a new 2x telephoto setting and a 48mm mode, plus support for 48 megapixels in ProRaw. Video also has an action mode and 24 frames per second recording.
They come in space black and deep purple, in addition to the traditional silver and gold.
Prices start at $999 (£1,099, AU$1,749) for the Pro, $1,099 for the Pro Max (£1,199, AU$1,899). You can book from September 9; are available on September 16.
Apple/Screenshot by Sarah Lord/CNET
New watch faces, a larger always-on display (thanks to smaller bezels), along with better durability are the highlights of the new series. There’s better menstrual cycle tracking thanks to a new set of features, including a new temperature sensor to get an ovulation estimate, among other things.
There are also new safety features, such as accident detection to provide automatic notifications to emergency services and contacts. It’s made possible by updated motion detection with a new gyroscope and accelerometer.
Low Power Mode disables some of the less-needed features, such as the always-on display, to extend the claimed 36 hours. International roaming will also be implemented on all cell models with WatchOS 9.
And quite new colors and bands.
Prices start at $399 (£419, AU$629) and include three months of Apple Fitness Plus for free. It’s available on September 16, but pre-orders are now open. WatchOS 9 will be available from Monday, September 12.
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Apple’s entry-level Watch gets bigger, faster and better for kids without an iPhone, and the back case now matches the finishes. It is made of many recycled materials. It also has the same sensors as the 8 Series to enable crash detection.
It can be pre-ordered now, shipping on September 16. Prices start at $249 (£259, AU$399).
Apple/Screenshot by Sarah Lord/CNET
“Extreme” is the slogan of this model. It’s the most durable yet, made of titanium, with a bezel to protect the screen from impacts. There are new bands designed for specific activities (alpine, trail and ocean). There’s a new action button for quick physical control, plus the controls are designed to be used when wearing gloves. An improved microphone, built-in mobile, a huge battery that will last up to 36 hours (which can be extended to 60 hours using a new optimization setting), plus a new complex face and night mode for better visibility outstanding
Inside, there’s a new GPS designed for better results in city environments and uses a microphone array for better pickup. It also has a bunch of new apps aimed at specific types of activities, like a dive computer and a navigation system.
Apple Watch Ultra will cost $799 (£849, AU$1,299) and automatically includes cellular. Pre-orders are now open and the Watch Ultra will be available on September 23rd.
Apple/Screenshot by Sarah Lord/CNET…