Apple is introducing the new iPhone 14 series, in which the pros are more different than ever from the "normal". This is especially true when it comes to performance and cameras. Otherwise there are no big surprises - except for the Apple Watch Pro and the euro prices.
While many tech companies are currently struggling to maintain their sales figures or not let them fall too low, analysts see Apple on the rise in the coming months. This is partly due to the prospect of being able to launch many new products on the market. This includes the iPhone 14 series and other devices that the company unveiled at its Cupertino headquarters on Wednesday. The euro prices, which are well above the dollar prices, are a shock.
First, new watches were in the limelight. The new 8 series comes in the old guise, but is equipped with a stronger chip, among other things, and its sensors can automatically detect car accidents and trigger an emergency call. The Watch 8 also has a slightly larger and brighter display.
Apple also presented a new Apple Watch SE, which is cheaper but has the same chip as the Watch 8 and can also use sensors to detect accidents.
The new models will be available from September 16th. The prices of the Apple Watch 8 start at around 500 euros, those of the Watch SE at around 300 euros.
The star of the Apple Watch squad is clearly the new Ultra model for extreme athletes. It has a robust 49-millimeter titanium case that flatly encloses a very bright display protected by sapphire glass. The battery should last up to 36 hours, after an update even 60 hours.
There is a second, individually adjustable button to facilitate operation with gloves, and an additional loudspeaker should enable conversations even in loud wind noise. All variants have mobile phone reception and a new GPS chip should ensure accurate positioning in all regions. Divers will find a new depth gauge in the Watch Ultra and the device is correspondingly waterproof.
The Apple Watch Ultra is available from September 23 and costs around 1000 euros.
It wasn't necessarily to be expected that Apple would also pull new Airpods Pro out of a hat, but after almost three years it was time for an update. The earphones have a new chip, new drivers and amplifiers should ensure better sound. With the front camera of an iPhone, users can now adapt 3D audio (spatial audio) to the shape of their ears.
The active noise suppression is said to be up to twice as effective, and the runtime with ANC activated is up to six hours longer than Apple's current Pro plugs. If you use the transparency mode with the second generation, it adapts to the volume of the environment. And finally: You can control the volume with swipe gestures. For an optimal fit, there are now additional extra-small silicone attachments, the charging case can be equipped with a carrying strap.
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 will be available from September 23 for just under 300 euros.
The standard model of the iPhone 14 with a 6.1-inch display is complemented by a model with a 6.7-inch screen, there is no new iPhone mini. The devices do not get a new chip, but the A15 of the predecessors. After all, their runtime should be longer and emergency calls are now possible with the iPhone 14 in remote areas via satellite.
There are also only slight upgrades for the cameras. It stays with wide and ultra wide-angle cameras with 12 megapixels (MP). However, the main camera (wide-angle) has larger sensors and pixels, making it more sensitive to light. In addition, the snaps should focus and release faster. The front camera has also been improved, but still looks through a wide notch in the display.
The iPhone 14 will be available from September 16, prices start at around 1000 euros for the model with 128 gigabytes (GB) of memory. The iPhone 14 Plus will only be available from October 7th from just under 1150 euros.
The bigger differences to the previous models are clearly the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple obviously wants to set them apart from the standard devices. This starts with the new A16 chip being reserved for them. It was manufactured using the 4-nanometer process and is said to be even more powerful than the A15 in every respect.
The 6.1 and 6.7-inch displays of the two devices shine brighter than their predecessors and have narrower edges. And they offer an always-on function, where the time and other information are also visible on the lock screen. This has been the norm for Android smartphones for a long time.
The elements of the true depth camera are located in a smaller display recess on the pros. It is "camouflaged" by a black area that displays notifications, alerts, and activities and can expand into a widget. Apple calls the new function "dynamic island".
The Pro models now have a 48MP main camera. As has been the case with other smartphones for a long time, four pixels are normally combined into one, more light-sensitive pixel. Apple also uses the higher resolution for digital zoom techniques. In Pro mode, however, it can also be used to record very fine details. The ultra wide-angle and telephoto cameras remain at 12 MP, but have larger sensors and improved lenses.
The iPhone 14 Pro costs just under 1300 euros with 128 GB, the iPhone 14 Pro Max even 1450 euros. Both models will be available from September 16th.
