ICYMI: All The New Announcements In The Apple' Far Out' Event
As one of the most anticipated tech events today, the Apple' Far Out' event last Wednesday did not disappoint with its stacked product lineup. The 90-minute show unveiled new updates to several Apple products, namely the renowned iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods series, along with a few software features that make using Apple products the most seamless yet. In case you missed it, here's the roundup of everything announced during the event.
Apple Watch Series 8
The eighth instalment in the Apple Watch Series is priced from $599 and $749 for the base GPS model and cellular version, respectively, and offers some brand new features like crash detection. This impressive safety feature utilises the device's built-in gyroscope to detect if a car crash occurs and immediately notifies emergency services along with the user's exact location.
The Apple Watch Series 8 also features two built-in temperature sensors that can monitor the user's sleep and ovulation cycles with a 0.1℃ sensitivity for the most accurate temperature data. These features are a combination of the hardware built into the Apple Watch Series 8 and the software capabilities of WatchOS 9, which will debut alongside Apple's latest wearables on 16 September 2022.
Apple Watch SE 2
As the best choice for those searching for a more affordable Apple wearable to go with their iPhone, the Apple Watch SE will soon be getting an updated version. In line with previous naming conventions, the much improved Apple Watch SE 2 comes loaded with WatchOS 9 at $379 for the GPS model and $449 for the cellular version, with the same availability as the Apple Watch Series 8.
The latest improvement on Apple Watch SE 2 is the new S8 processor, which Apple claims to be 20% faster than the previous generation and has the same crash detection feature found on its pricier sibling.
Apple Watch Ultra
The larger Apple Watch Ultra is the wearable targeted toward fitness enthusiasts launching at a later date on 23 September 2022 at a steep price of $1199 for all models owing to its build quality featuring a titanium casing complete with 100m water resistance and bigger battery. The bigger size means Apple also had more room to design a Digital Crown that users with gloves will likely appreciate. Last but not least, the addition of the Action Button lets users track a race while running, set waypoints when hiking, and use the GPS for retracing one's steps. Apple claims it is enough to last a long-distance triathlon without losing its heart rate and GPS capabilities.
AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods Pro 2 looks near similar to the original and has the same tech under the hood (active noise-cancelling and Bluetooth) but with a newer H2 processor that can do personalised spatial audio, a feature that lets users take advantage of their iPhone's True Depth cameras and analyse their ears to build their unique audio profile.
Battery upgrades are also due for the earbuds and the case itself, with the former now getting up to six hours of battery life thanks to a redesigned audio driver and the latter now providing 30 hours of playback. Lastly, the case also gets another notable improvement with the signature Apple Find My feature. The AirPods Pro 2 is available starting 23 September 2022 at $359.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
The newest generation of the iPhone lineup starts with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the former base model retaining its 6.1-inch screen while the latter comes with a 6.7-inch screen. The iPhone 14 is priced from $1299, while the Plus version will start from $1499 with availability starting on 16 September 2022 and 7 October 2022, respectively.
The most notable improvement in both is Apple's A15 Bionic processor found in the last-gen iPhone 13 Pro. The two also feature an upgraded 12MP camera housed in an aluminium body and Apple's Ceramic Shield glass protecting the display.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
The flagship iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max feature the new and upgraded A16 Bionic processor made from a 4nm manufacturing process, meaning more power packed in a smaller footprint. The Pro model is priced from $1649, while the Pro Max starts from $1799. Availability for both starts on 16 September 2022.
Besides more power, these flagship models also come with other improvements, namely the 48MP camera sensor with improved low-light performance and the same motion sensors inside the Apple Watch Series 8 for the crash detection feature.
Both devices have thinner bezels than the base models, feature a Super Retina XDR display that can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, and the always-on display feature that lets the screen dim down and reduce its refresh rate to 1Hz.
Switch to eSIM technology
All iPhone 14 models sold in the US will only support eSIM technology, while other regions still feature a nano-SIM card slot.
Out with the notch, in with Dynamic Island
Dynamic Island will replace the infamous iPhone notch on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models. This tiny pill-shaped cutout is what Apple claims will seamlessly unite software and hardware and serves as a hub for apps running in the background. Dynamic Island features a slew of controls that can be used for easy multi-tasking, like answering calls, checking sports scores, and tracking ride-sharing services.
Conclusion
Apple's Far Out Event has certainly unveiled many innovations that many tech enthusiasts are eager to try, from new safety features to changes like Dynamic Island that are certain to influence other brands.
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