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.
With the new second-generation AirPods Pro, users will be able to use their Apple Watch charger to charge the newly redesigned charging case.
There are now three ways to charge the new AirPods Pro case, including with a Lightning cable, MagSafe wireless charging, and now with an Apple Watch magnetic charging puck. The original AirPods Pro case cannot be charged with an Apple Watch charger.
Apple says the new AirPods Pro provide longer battery life, with up to six hours of listening time per charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. The charging case now provides up to 30 hours of total listening time, versus up to 24 hours for the original.
The new AirPods Pro will be available to order this Friday, September 9, with pricing remaining set at $249 in the United States.
While the new iPhone 14 lineup does not include an iPhone 14 mini, Apple continues to sell the iPhone 13 mini, with pricing starting at a lower $599 in the United States. The device remains available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of storage in several colors.
Apple has discontinued the iPhone 12 mini following its event today, but refurbished models remain available on Apple's online store for the time being. Apple's pricing for refurbished iPhone 12 mini models now starts at $439 in the United States for the 64GB model, which quickly ran out of stock but could return soon, compared to $529 yesterday.
It's likely that Apple will completely phase out the iPhone mini models by time the iPhone 15 launches, so consider purchasing one now if interested.
The new iPhone 14 lineup consists of the 6.1-inch iPhone 14, 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus, 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, and 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max, leaving fans of smaller smartphones like the 5.4-inch mini model without a suitable option. Reports over the years indicated that the iPhone mini simply did not sell enough to receive another update.
Apple's new iPhone 14 Pro models are marginally thicker than the previous-generation iPhone 13 Pro models due to camera advancements.
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have a thickness of 7.85mm, whereas the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max measure in at 7.65mm. The increased thickness is largely the result of rear camera improvements on the iPhone 14 Pro models, which feature an upgraded 48-megapixel Wide lens and enhancements to the Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses.
Apple says the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max weigh 7.27 ounces and 8.47 ounces, respectively, which is only slightly heavier than iPhone 13 Pro models. The complete dimensions and measurements for iPhone 14 Pro models are listed on Apple's website.
iPhone 14 Pro models feature a new always-on display with a pill-shaped notch replacement called the Dynamic Island. The devices will be available to order starting this Friday, September 9 and launch in stores on September 16 across over 40 countries. Pricing for the iPhone 14 Pro models continues to start at $999 in the United States.
Alongside providing the first release candidate version of iOS 16 to developers, Apple today has also seeded new beta versions of iOS 15.7 for the iOS 15 operating system and macOS Monterey 12.6 for the Monterey operating system.
Both updates are release candidate versions, which means they could see a launch in the near future. The iOS 15.7 update has a version number of 19H12, while macOS Monterey 12.6 has a version number of 21G115.
Registered developers can download necessary profiles to install the updates from the Apple Developer Center, and can download the updates from there.
According to the iOS 15.7 release notes, the update provides security updates rather than new features.
Alongside the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro announcement, Apple today updated AppleCare+, introducing support for "unlimited repairs," up from two repairs per year.
Apple says that AppleCare+ for iPhone "includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection," with each one subject to service fees. Screen or back glass damage carries a $29 fee, while other accidental damage carries a $99 fee.
Accidental damage includes physical damage from handling due to unexpected and unintentional events, and it does not cover theft. Apple has a separate Theft and Loss AppleCare+ plan that covers two incidents per calendar year. AppleCare+ for the iPhone is priced at $79 for two years or $3.99 monthly.
Unlimited repairs are also available for the Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, with the feature applicable to every AppleCare+ plan.
Apple appears to have delayed its new iCloud Shared Photo Library feature for iOS 16, which is scheduled to be officially released on Monday, September 12.
In iOS 16, currently still in beta, Apple has introduced an iCloud Shared Photo Library that aims to make it easer to share photos with your friends and family.
With the new iCloud Shared Photo Library in iOS 16, a new option in the Photos app lets you create a shared library and then invite anyone with an Apple device to view the photos, contribute photos to the library, and edit the photos contained within it, including favoriting images and adding captions. There are no limitations, and all participants have the same permissions.
However, in a footnote at the bottom of its iPhone 14 press release, Apple says "iCloud Shared Photo Library will be available in a future software update." It therefore looks like the new Photos iCloud feature will not make it to the first official version of iOS 16. We'll update this article if we learn more.
