Following the debut of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple is letting customers get ready for pre-orders, which will begin on Friday, September 9 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
With the Apple Store app on the iPhone, prospective buyers select their preferred phone, confirm their status with their carrier, add accessories, select an AppleCare+ plan, and add a preferred payment method to prepare for the iPhone launch. Payment in full and other payment options are supported.
iPhone Upgrade Program members can select their iPhones and go through all of the pre-approval steps that include checking upgrade eligibility, securing credit lines, and confirming other necessary information.
Apple says that the setup process will allow customers to pre-order their devices with the tap of a button on launch day. You can get ready for pre-orders until 9:00 p.m. on September 8.
The iPhone 14 models are priced starting at $799, and iPhone 14 Pro models are priced starting at $999. Pre-orders begin on Friday, September 9, with a launch to follow on September 16 for the iPhone 14, 14 Pro, and Pro Max, and October 7 for the iPhone 14 Plus.
The all-new Apple Watch Ultra is available to pre-order starting today in the U.S. and more than 40 other countries, with pricing set at $799. The high-end Apple Watch will launch in stores and begin arriving to customers on September 23, but some configurations are already facing lengthy shipping delays as of late Wednesday.
A quick spot check of Apple's online store in the U.S. reveals that models with a midnight Ocean Band and large green Alpine Loop face 3-4 week shipping estimates for orders placed on late Wednesday, while models with the Trail Loop in multiple colors face an even lengthier 6-7 week delay at this time. That said, there are still at least a half-dozen band options available with September 23 launch day delivery overall.
Inspired by the "most extreme activities," the Apple Watch Ultra features a durable design with a 49mm titanium case, a larger display with a flat sapphire crystal cover, new bands designed for the outdoors, water resistance up to a depth of 100 meters, a customizable bright orange "Action" button on the left side of the case, and more. A protruded ridge houses the Digital Crown and Side Button on the right side of the case.
A new info-dense Wayfinder watch face takes advantage of the larger display with support for up to eight complications and an integrated compass.
Apple Watch Ultra is advertised as having up to 36 hours of battery life per charge during normal usage. In a future watchOS 9 update, a new low-power setting with reduced frequency of GPS and heart rate readings will extend battery life to up to 60 hours.
With the 49mm case size and updated design of the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple was able to fit in a much larger battery. As a result, the Apple Watch Ultra is able to last for up to 36 hours on a single charge with normal use, and even longer with a new Low Power Mode and battery optimization options.
Apple defines "normal" use for the 36 hour metric as 180 time checks, 180 notifications, 90 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch Ultra via Bluetooth over the course of 36 hours. It also includes a total of eight hours of LTE connection and 28 hours of connection to iPhone over Bluetooth.
Actual battery life will vary significantly depending on what the Apple Watch is used for. Workouts that exceed 60 minutes will drain battery quicker, as will being on a cellular connection for a longer period of time.
Apple plans to introduce a Low Power Mode in watchOS 9 that will work on all Apple Watch models that include the Series 4 and later. With Low Power Mode, the watch will disable or limit features that include the always-on display, autostarting workouts, and heart health notifications.
The Apple Watch Ultra also has specific battery optimization functionality that needs to be set up to get the maximum battery life, and this option is set to launch later in the year.
When battery optimization launches, the Apple Watch Ultra will last for an impressive 60 hours, and it will be the first Apple Watch to offer more than 24 hours of battery life to let people go multiple days without charging. Apple says that multi-day "adventure" battery life is based on Low Power Mode and with workout settings enabled for fewer heart rate and GPS readings (which may be what battery optimization does). Apple used the following to test:
15 hours of workout
600+ time checks
35 minutes of app use
3 minutes of talk time
15 hours sleep tracking
5 hours connected to iPhone via Bluetooth
Standard Series 8 models and the Apple Watch SE continue to offer "all-day" 18-hour battery life, which can be extended to 36 hours with Low Power Mode.
Low Power Mode is set to launch with watchOS 9 on September 12, while battery optimization does not have a specific launch date as of yet. The Apple Watch Ultra is available for preorder today, and it is set to be released on September 23.
Apple today held its annual iPhone-centric event, debuting the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple also introduced the new Apple Watch Series 8 models, a revamped version of the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Ultra, and the AirPods Pro 2.
It took Apple more than an hour and a half to introduce all of the new devices during its "Far Out" event, but we've recapped everything in a quick 11 minute video for our readers who want a short but thorough overview of everything that's new.
We've also rounded up all of our event coverage, so make sure to check out our articles to avoid missing any details about Apple's new product lineup.
The Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra can be preordered starting today. Apple will accept preorders for the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and AirPods Pro 2 on Friday, September 9 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
With the iPhone 14 models, Apple is introducing a new Emergency SOS via satellite feature that is designed to allow emergency messages to be sent even when cellular and WiFi connections are unavailable.
We thought we'd highlight some of the features of the new satellite functionality for those of you who are curious about how it works.
When It Works
Satellite connectivity is available to be used whenever you are out of range of WiFi or cellular and need to send an emergency message.
Apple says that it was designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky, so performance may be impacted if there are trees or buildings that are nearby.
Messaging Options
You can't make phone calls using the SOS via Satellite feature, but you can send short text messages. The iPhone will actually front-load vital questions to assess your situation, and it will send that information to emergency personnel as soon as you're connected.
Apple created a compression algorithm that makes text messages three times smaller to speed up communication as much as possible.
If you're in an area where emergency services can receive text messages, the text message will be sent directly, otherwise it will go to a relay center with Apple-trained specialists that will be able to place an emergency call for you.
Accessing Satellite Connectivity
Using satellite functionality requires your iPhone to connect to a satellite in the sky, so the iPhone will walk you through where to point your iPhone to get it connected to the nearest satellite.
Time Delays
Apple says that if you have a clear view of the sky, a short message can be sent within 15 seconds, but it can also take several minutes if there are obstructions.
Find My Integration
Through satellite connectivity, iPhone users can share their location over Find My even when there is no cellular or WiFi connection, which provides additional security for those camping or hiking in remote areas.
Crash Detection
The iPhone 14 models have a new dual-core accelerometer that can detect G-force measurements up to 256Gs, and a new high dynamic range gyroscope, both of which are for Crash Detection. Crash Detection is a new feature that pairs with emergency satellite, as it allows you to get help even if you crash in a remote location.
Globalstar Partnership
According to an SEC filing submitted following Apple's event, Apple is working with Globalstar on the satellite connectivity feature. Globalstar will be Apple's satellite operator, and it has agreed to allocate 85 percent of its current and future network capacity to support Apple's iPhones.
Globalstar and Apple's contract says that Globalstar will provide and maintain all resources, including personnel, software, satellite systems, and more, and maintain minimum quality and coverage standards.
Pricing
Apple has not provided details on how much satellite connectivity will cost, but all iPhone 14 users will get two years of satellite connectivity for free.
Availability
Satellite connectivity will be available in the United States and Canada on all iPhone 14 models. International travelers who visit the United States and Canada can use Emergency SOS via satellite, except if they bought their phone in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao, as Emergency SOS via satellite isn't offered in those countries.
Apple says that Emergency SOS via satellite might not work in places above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Canada and Alaska.
Launch Date
Emergency SOS via satellite is set to launch in November.
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.
Safari Technology Preview release 153 includes bug fixes and performance improvements for Web Inspector, CSS, JavaScript, Rendering, Media, Screen Capture, WebGL2, Web API, Accessibility, and WebDriver.
The current Safari Technology Preview release is built on the Safari 16 update and it includes support for feature coming in macOS Ventura such as Live Text, Passkeys, Web Extension improvements, and more.
The new build of Safari Technology Preview is compatible with machines running macOS 13 Ventura, unlike prior versions of Safari Technology Preview, but it no longer works with macOS Big Sur.
Apple's aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.
The new AirPods Pro, despite featuring an all-new H2 chip and improved audio quality, do not appear to include support for lossless Apple Music audio.
The H2 chip is the successor to the previous H1 chip and delivers new features like improved Active Noise Cancellation, an improved Transparency mode, and better sound overall. One rumored new capability of the new chip was that it would support lossless Apple Music, but Apple's press release and tech specs page for the new AirPods Pro do not mention any lossless audio support, which seemingly rules out the capability.
We've asked Apple for more information regarding lossless audio support for the new AirPods Pro and will update this story if we hear back.
The new AirPods Pro do support Bluetooth 5.3, and while that standard does not directly support lossless audio, chip companies like Qualcomm have been moving in that direction. As of now, though, there is no indication that Apple has adopted it yet.
Regardless, the new AirPods Pro feature several new features, including improved audio, longer battery life, and a redesigned charging case. Priced at $249, the new AirPods Pro will be available to order starting September 9 and launch September 23.
Apple's "Far Out" event has wrapped up, and with it we have a new generation of iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro. We already covered all of the band accessories you can get for your new Apple Watch, and now we're looking at all of the new case options available for iPhone 14.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
Starting with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models, we have an array of the usual case styles this year. You can get the Clear Case ($49.00) for both models.
The iPhone 14 Silicone Case with MagSafe ($49.00) is available in Elderberry, Sunglow, Succulent, Lilac, Chalk Pink, Storm Blue, Midnight, and (PRODUCT)RED.
Moving to the Pro-level iPhones, you'll find a similar collection of accessories, including the Clear Case ($49.00) for both iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
Lastly, Apple has updated the iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe ($59.00) to come in all of the new leather color options: Ink, Umber, Forest Green, Midnight, and Orange.
The new 49mm Apple Watch Ultra will work with most existing Apple Watch bands, according to Apple's website. The device is compatible with bands designed for the larger 42, 44, and 45mm case sizes available for the Series 8 and older Apple Watch models.
It is not, however, compatible with some of the smaller bands that are designed for the 38, 40, and 41mm Apple Watch models. From the Apple Watch site:
You can match most bands with any Apple Watch Series 3 or newer case of the same size. The 41mm bands work with 38mm and 40mm cases; the 45mm bands work with 42mm, 44mm and 49mm cases.
The Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands are only compatible with Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 or newer. The 40mm and 41mm cases work with band sizes 1-9; the 44mm and 45mm cases works with band sizes 1-12.
Some bands, such as sport bands purchased for the 41mm Apple Watch, won't work with the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra, but bands designed for the larger Apple Watch models are compatible. Basically if you have a band you've used for the 42, 44, or 45mm Apple Watch models, it should work with the Apple Watch Ultra. Apple also suggests that all Braided and Solo Loop sizes will work with the new larger Apple Watch.
Conversely, the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band crafted for the Apple Watch Ultra can also be used with 44mm and 45mm Apple Watches, but not the smaller 40mm and 41mm models.
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro, which are equipped with an all-new H2 chip. The H2 is the successor to the H1, and it enables new features like improved noise cancellation, a new transparency mode, and better sound.
Active Noise Cancellation - The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 cancels twice as much noise compared to the original AirPods Pro.
Adaptive Transparency Mode - The H2 chip allows for on-device processing that reduces loud environmental sounds like a siren, construction work, or loud speakers at a concert without silencing noise entirely.
Improved Acoustics - Apple says the H2 chip provides an "exceptional acoustic experience" when paired with the new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier. The AirPods Pro offer richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies.
Personalized Spatial Audio - Apple touted personalized spatial audio as an AirPods Pro 2 highlight, with the feature being introduced in iOS 16. This isn't an AirPods 2 exclusive as it uses the TrueDepth camera on the iPhone, but it does work with the AirPods Pro 2.
Other AirPods Pro 2 features include touch controls for adjusting volume right on the AirPods themselves, an improved skin detect sensor that more accurately turns playback on and off, and an improved battery that lasts for a total of 6 hours, up 1.5 hours from the prior-generation model.
The AirPods Pro case also features IPX4 sweat and water resistance along with a lanyard loop, Memoji customization, Find My improvements, and a built-in speaker for locating the case should it be lost.
Notably, the AirPods Pro 2 do not feature support for lossless audio as was rumored because they still use Bluetooth functionality that does not offer the ability to play Apple Lossless Audio Codec files.
Following today's Apple event, media personnel have shared the first hands-on photos and videos of the new iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which both feature a notch replacement called the Dynamic Island, a new Deep Purple color option, an upgraded rear camera array with a 48-megapixel Wide lens, and more.
Aided by software, the new Dynamic Island can morph into different shapes and sizes for things such as incoming phone calls, alerts, notifications, Face ID authentication, timers, turn-by-turn navigation, and more. The Dynamic Island, which houses the Face ID sensors and the front camera, takes up less space than the traditional notch did on the iPhone 13 Pro and earlier models and is more useful given this new functionality.
The new Dynamic Island and its integration into iOS 16 is just one part of the story. The new Pro models also include an always-on display, an A16 Bionic chip for faster performance, and many other new features. Below are some photos and images from media personnel at Apple Park who had a chance to get some hands-on time with the new iPhones.
Some hands on time with the new iPhone 14 Pro and the Dynamic Island!
1/ 48MP camera is nuts. Mound is massive. 2/ Dynamic Island is very cool. Concerned about smudging selfie cam tho 3/ Digging the darker black stainless steel here 4/ Lightning again, no USB-C#appleeventpic.twitter.com/7EfRXGIpDc
— Input (@inputmag) September 7, 2022
Both the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available for pre-order this Friday, September 9, and will be available to customers starting Friday, September 16. Both models are available in Deep Purple, Space Black, Silver, and Gold, with pricing starting at $999 and storage capacity options ranging from 128GB to 1TB.
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro with H2 chip, which means the first-generation AirPods Pro have been discontinued and have not been kept as a lower-cost option.
The AirPods Pro are being sold alongside the AirPods 3 and the AirPods Max, with the AirPods 2 also in the mix as the cheapest AirPods. Pricing for the AirPods lineup is below:
The AirPods Pro 2 continue to be priced at $249, which was the price point of the original AirPods Pro earbuds. The AirPods Pro 2 will be able to be preordered on September 9, and will launch on September 23.
During Apple's "Far Out" event today the company unveiled new models of the Apple Watch and iPhone, and as is customary, we're also getting a fresh batch of accessories to match the new hardware.
Starting with the newest Apple Watch band styles, Apple introduced three bands designed for the Apple Watch Ultra. Still, Apple's website does note that the bands are compatible with 44mm and 45mm case sizes of previous generation Apple Watch models.
First is the Alpine Loop, which comes in Orange, Starlight, and Green. This band costs $99.00 and is made from two textile layers woven together into one continuous piece.
Next is the Trail Loop in Yellow/Beige, Blue/Grary, and Black/Gray. It also costs $99.00 and is made from a soft nylon weave with a pull tab for quick adjustments.
Last is the Ocean Band in Yellow, White, and Midnight. It's $99.00 and molded in a high performance elastomer with tubular geometry allowing it to stretch to a perfect fit, even over a wetsuit.
All of these bands are tailored for harsh environments and built to meet the needs of demanding athletes and outdoor hobbyists.
The next group of bands represent new colors for band styles that we've seen in previous years, Starting with the Solo Loop ($49.00) in Succulent, Sunglow, Midnight, Storm Blue, and Starlight.
New colors have also hit the Braided Solo Loop ($99.00), now available in Rainforest, Slate Blue, (Product)Red, Beige, and Midnight.
For the classic Sport Band ($49.00), you can get the new colors Elderberry, Slate Blue, Succulent, (Product)Red, Starlight, White, and Midnight.
Sport Loop ($49.00) gained the new Storm Blue, Starlight, Elderberry, (Product)Red, and Midnight colors.
Moving onto the Nike branded bands, the Nike Sport Band ($49.00) now comes in Bright Crimson/Gym Red, Olive Grey/Black, Black/Black, and Summit White/Black.
The Nike Sport Loop ($49.00) now comes in Game Royal/Midnight, Summit White/Black, Sequoia/Pure, and Black/Summit. These have the Nike "Just Do It" logo woven into the band.
Next, Apple also refreshed leather-style bands, starting with the Leather Link ($99.00). This one now comes in Umber and Ink, while the Modern Buckle ($149.00) comes in Umber, Ink, and Azure.
Lastly for bands are the Hermès models. The new Jumping Single Tour ($319.00) in Rose Texas/Rouge Piment and Rouge Sellier/Bleu Saphir.
The Diagonal Single Tour ($449.00) comes in Cuivre, Bleu De France, Gold, and Gris Meyer.
The regular Single Tour ($339.00) is available in Orange, Navy, Vert Rousseau, Rose Texas, and Noir.
Attelage Double Tour ($489.00) bands are available in Vert Rousseau, Béton, and Rose Texas.
The iPhone 14 Pro introduces two new color options: Space Black and Deep Purple, in addition to Silver and Gold carried over from previous generations.
This is the first time that the a "Pro" iPhone model has been introduced with two all-new color options. Deep Purple effectively replaces the iPhone 13 Pro's Sierra Blue, while Space Black appears to replace Graphite as a darker option.
While Apple usually introduces a striking polychrome color with its new high-end iPhone models, the change from Graphite to Space Black will be notable for enthusiasts who have clamored for a true black color option on the high-end models ever since the discontinuation of the iPhone 7 in Black and Jet Black. Space Black has been available on the Apple Watch for several years and is a decidedly darker color than Graphite.
It is not yet clear if the production process behind last year's Sierra Blue finish, which applies metallic ceramics across the surface to increase durability and create in a unique look, is used to make any of the iPhone 14 Pro's color options.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, on the other hand, are available in Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, and PRODUCT(RED).
Two headlining features of Apple's new AirPods 2 Pro earbuds won't be available to use on iPad and Mac when they first land in customers' hands on Friday, September 23, the company has revealed.
According to a footnote in Apple's AirPods Pro 2 press release, "Personalized Spatial Audio profiles and Find My will be available with iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura in October."
Support for the new features appears to be included in iOS 16, but with iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura not launching to the public until October, users on iPad and Mac will have to wait until those updates are released for full AirPods Pro support.
With Personalized Spatial Audio, users perceive sound individually, based on the size and shape of their head and ears. And with the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, users will be able to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio that delivers a listening experience precisely tuned just for them.
As for Find My, the new AirPods Pro 2 feature an updated charging case with a new speaker for Find My, which allows them to be located with the Find My app.
Update: This article has been updated to indicate that the features should work with iOS 16 on iPhones at launch, but they won't work on iPad or Mac until the new software updates for those platforms launch in October.
Pricing for the third-generation AirPods with a Lightning case is set at $169 in the United States, compared to $179 for the third-generation AirPods with a MagSafe case, so it seems like there is very limited value in choosing this new option.
Apple did not announce any other updates to the third-generation AirPods today, and the second-generation AirPods remain available for $129.
The new AirPods Pro feature an H2 chip for improved audio quality and up to 2x the amount of active noise cancellation, improvements to Transparency mode, a revamped charging case with Find My support and a built-in lanyard loop, Bluetooth 5.3, and more.
New images shared by media personnel in attendance at Apple's "Far out" event offer the first hands-on look at the all-new Apple Watch Ultra, which is designed for athletes and includes a new design with advanced features.
The Apple Watch Ultra features an all-new 49mm titanium case that is larger than previous Apple Watch models. The watch features a protruding housing on the right side for the Digital Crown and the Side Button and includes a new button on the left that Apple calls the "Action button." The button can be customized to control different functions of the Apple Watch, including starting and ending workouts.
Getting a lot of questions on Ultra size and fit. Here’s a different angle. The Ocean band felt big on wrist. The other two bands didn’t. pic.twitter.com/pjlQhnboat
— Neil Cybart (@neilcybart) September 7, 2022
Although it’s HUGE, it’s ridiculously lightweight. I thought I was holding a dummy model for a second.
Reader: I was not. pic.twitter.com/agzXRNZYV7
— Mikah Sargent (@mikahsargent) September 7, 2022
The new Apple Watch Ultra is considerably bigger than even the largest Apple Watch Series 8 with a 45mm case, so it may not appeal to all customers. For others, Apple today introduced the new Series 8, which includes a new body temperature sensor focused on women's health and the same design as the Apple Watch Series 7 from last year.
Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799 and is available to pre-order today ahead of a Friday, September 23 launch in more than 40 countries.
With the launch of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, Apple has discontinued some older iPhones that were available as low-cost options. Apple is no longer selling the iPhone 11, and the iPhone 12 mini has also been discontinued. The iPhone 13 mini remains in the lineup for those who want a smaller iPhone.
Apple's new iPhone lineup is as follows, with starting storage capacities:
iPhone SE - $429 (64GB) iPhone 12 - $599 (64GB) iPhone 13 mini - $599 (128GB) iPhone 13 - $699 (128GB) iPhone 14 - $799 (128GB) iPhone 14 Plus - $899 (128GB) iPhone 14 Pro - $999 iPhone 14 Pro Max - $1099
The iPhone SE continues to be the cheapest iPhone that's available at $429, and the iPhone 12 is now $100 cheaper at $599. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini have also dropped in price by $100.
Apple has discontinued the iPhone 12 mini, but it is available from Apple's refurbished store for just $439 for the time being. Refurbished stock is gone right now, but the discounted 12 minis should come back in stock in the future.
