Overview of the iPhone 14 Launch: Price Remains the Same, Plus Version Added

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max have shifted their design from the notch display to a pill-shaped cutout, while the mini version has been replaced by the 14 Plus with a 6.7-inch screen.

At the Far Out event held early this morning, Apple introduced four versions of the iPhone 14, three models of the Apple Watch, including the completely new Watch Ultra, and the second-generation AirPods Pro.

The iPhone 14 “Revives” the Plus Version

The iPhone 14 Plus (right) is a completely new version with a 6.7-inch display similar to the Pro Max but with the configuration and features of the standard version.

The standard iPhone 14 does not have many upgrades compared to the iPhone 13; however, Apple attracted attention by eliminating the mini version and replacing it with the Plus version with a 6.7-inch screen. Apple has not used the “Plus” name since the iPhone 8 Plus in 2017.

The two new iPhone models have similar configurations, both using the Apple A15 chip and the notch display like the previous generation. The cameras of both devices have been upgraded for low-light photography but still maintain a resolution of 12 megapixels, while the TrueDepth selfie camera also has 12 megapixels and can autofocus.

The starting price of the iPhone 14 in the US is $799, while the iPhone 14 Plus starts at $899. Users can pre-order starting September 9, with the standard version available from September 16, and the Plus version available later on October 7.

The iPhone 14 Pro Series Features a New Cutout Display Design

The cutout on the iPhone 14 Pro display.

Unlike previous generations, the two Pro versions have more upgrades in terms of appearance and internal configuration compared to the standard version. The “notch” display has been replaced with a pill-shaped cutout, which Apple calls Dynamic Island. The way the company customizes this area adds a lot of interest for viewers, transforming a hardware drawback into a highlight of the device. Notifications and settings pop up from either side of the cutout, such as battery life, headphone connectivity, and music playback.

Additionally, the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max also use a more powerful A16 Bionic chip, a brighter display, better battery life, and an upgraded rear camera with 48 megapixels instead of 12 megapixels like the current generation. Apple has also introduced an Always-On Display feature for both products, which shows dim images along with information while in lock mode, reducing refresh rate and brightness to save battery.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are priced at $999 and $1,099, respectively. Users can pre-order these products starting September 9 and receive them from September 16.

Apple “Forces” Users to Switch to eSIM

Apple has announced that the iPhone 14 models sold in the US will no longer have a physical SIM tray. Instead, they will use eSIM. The company explains that eSIM is safer and makes it easier to switch between carriers and different plans. However, this decision has sparked controversy as eSIM makes it more difficult to switch between different devices.

Currently, there is no information for other markets, but in Vietnam, it is likely that the devices will still come with a physical SIM tray while also supporting eSIM.

The iPhone 14 Can Send Emergency Messages via Satellite

The emergency messaging feature via satellite is available on all four iPhone 14 models. (Photo: The Verge)

All four iPhone 14 models can send messages and emit emergency signals when in areas without mobile coverage thanks to satellite connectivity. Apple states that it takes less than 15 seconds to send a message, as long as users are in a location “with a clear view of the sky.” However, this service is currently only available in the US and Canada and is free for the first two years after purchasing the iPhone 14.

The All-New Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra.

As rumored, Apple introduced a completely new smartwatch model called the Watch Ultra instead of Watch Pro. The product features a more durable design, capable of withstanding harsher environments and is aimed at extreme sports athletes. The 49mm titanium case and an additional button next to the traditional crown are highlights of the design. This model also includes an Oceanic Plus mode that allows for detailed monitoring of underwater dives.

The Watch Ultra boasts superior battery life compared to the standard version, lasting up to 36 hours on a single charge. A battery optimization feature allows this duration to extend to 60 hours. The new Apple Watch is priced at $799 and will be available starting September 23.

The Watch Series 8 with a New Temperature Sensor

The Apple Watch Series 8.

The Watch Series 8 features two new temperature sensors, one on the back and one underneath the display, designed to track women’s ovulation cycles. The watch checks the temperature at the wrist every 5 seconds and can detect even the smallest changes of 0.1 degrees Celsius. This data helps the device calculate cycles and monitor the owner’s health changes.

Apple has also introduced a crash detection feature that checks if the wearer has been in a car accident and provides an option to make an emergency call. The product includes a power-saving mode with extended usage time but will disable some functions such as the always-on display.

The Watch Series 8 is priced starting at $399 for the GPS version and $499 for the model with cellular connectivity. Users can order from today and receive the device from September 16.

The Apple Watch SE Returns

The Apple Watch SE.

After two years, Apple has reintroduced the most affordable version of the Apple Watch line. The second generation comes with an upgraded S8 chip, improving processing speed by 20% compared to the 2020 version. Some features of the device are also similar to the Watch Series 8, such as crash detection.

The product is priced starting at $249 for the GPS model, $299 for the version with eSIM, and will be available from September 16.

The Second-Generation AirPods Pro with Better Noise Cancellation

The second-generation AirPods Pro.

In addition to watches and phones, Apple also introduced the AirPods Pro 2022 – a product that CEO Tim Cook called the “most advanced AirPods ever.” In terms of design, the product now includes a built-in strap loop, still uses the Lightning charging port, supports Qi wireless charging, or can be charged with the Apple Watch charger and MagSafe. The case also features a speaker for sound alerts when needed.

The new AirPods Pro come with the H2 chip, which doubles the active noise cancellation capability. The earbuds offer 6 hours of battery life, a 22% increase from the previous generation, while the charging case can last for 30 hours, an increase of 6 hours compared to the old model.

The product is priced at $249, available for pre-order on September 9 before hitting the shelves on September 23.

iOS 16 and watchOS 9 Will Be Released on September 12

Nearly a week after the launch of the new iPhones, Apple will begin rolling out iOS 16 and watchOS 9 updates to users, coinciding with the release of the iPhone 14 models. iOS features many changes to the lock screen, including widgets and scrolling notifications, while watchOS 9 adds a range of new physical activity tracking metrics.

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