Apple event 2022: iPhone 14, Apple Watch Ultra, new AirPods Pro unveiled

Behold the new symbols of fall: Pumpkin spice and a new iPhone.

On Wednesday, Apple unveiled its latest smartphone, the iPhone 14, during its annual September event from its California headquarters.

The new iPhone 14 Plus with a 6.7-inch display join the iPhone 14, as well as the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. All four devices are available to preorder Friday, Sept. 9.

The iPhone 14, Pro and Pro Max will launch on Sept. 16, while the iPhone 14 Plus launches Oct. 7.

The iPhone 14 starts at $799, and the Plus starts at $899. The Pro models of iPhone 14 start at $999.

The phones were among several products revealed by Apple at its fall showcase, kicking off a busy period for the tech industry as the holiday shopping season approaches.

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"Our customers rely on their iPhone every day, and iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus introduce groundbreaking new technologies and important safety capabilities," said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, in a statement.

Meanwhile, iOS 16, the software update coming to all iPhones going back to the iPhone 8, will be available as a free download on Sept. 12.

The iPhone 14 features a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch display. It also boasts upgrades to the processor and cameras, as well as a new crash detection features which will alert emergency services and contacts in the event of a car accident. That includes an emergency SOS feature using satellites in case of emergency.

The Pro and Pro Max models will include an always-on display, providing information including time and widgets without having to wake the phone. They will also feature a 48-megapixel camera and Dynamic Island, a redesigned notch at the top of the phone which will display information when devices connect to your phone or you have other notifications.

Also announced Wednesday:

New AirPods Pro. The upgraded, high-end earbuds start at $249 and launch on Sept. 23. They feature an updated processing chip for better sound quality, along with upgrades to spatial audio, which provides a surround sound style experience.

The popular active noise cancellation feature is twice as good as the original AirPods Pro, according to Apple. The earbuds will now include an extra-small earbuds tip for comfort. Meanwhile, transparency mode helps reduce high-decibel noise nearby.

Apple Watch Ultra. Designed for more intense activities such as scuba diving, the Apple Watch Ultra is made from titanium with a flat sapphire front crystal and the largest display on an Apple Watch yet. There's also a new bright orange action button for additional functions. 

The watch has a second speaker for more volume and extra microphones. Every Ultra watch is built with cellular technology, and up to 36 hours of battery life on one charge. It can go up to 60 hours with a new battery optimization setting launching this fall. The watch's Night Mode can turn the interface bright red for better visibility in the dark.

Scroll down for a recap of Apple's announcements:

iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999, Pro Max at $1,099

Bigger, more powerful phones mean bigger prices. The iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999, while the Pro Max starts at $1,099. Both phones are available for pre-order Sept. 9, and they launch on Sept. 16.

What about the iPhone 14 Pro camera?

The new Pro models will have a 48-megapixel camera with a quad-pixel sensor, which Apple says can better adapt to the type of photo you're shooting. It's capable of capturing high-quality photos in any environment, the company claims. There's also a 12 megapixel 2X telephoto camera, and a new 12 megapixel Ultra Wide camera.

The flash has been updated, and can adapt depending on the type of photo you take. As for video, the Pro models get an improved Cinematic Mode and Action Mode for more stable videos.

More features on iPhone 14 Pro

The Pro and Pro Max models have new displays that are brighter and sharper than the previous models. They also include the always-on display that is supposed to minimize battery use and remain efficient.

Items such as time, widgets and live activities are always available. It boasts a new A16 Apple chip, focused on power efficiency, display and camera performance. Apple claims the chip is 40% faster than competing phones. 

Don't forget the iPhone 14 Pro

You thought there were only two iPhone 14s? The Pro models have surgical grade stainless steel, four colors: space black, silver, gold and deep purple. There's a new front design. And they ditched the bigger notch! Granted it's still there, but it looks more like a capsule.

This capsule can change shapes in a feature called the Dynamic Island. It provides subtle messages like your AirPods have connected or your phone is charging. It can also display background activity. Feels like a much more clever use of that space.

iPhone 14 starts at $799, iPhone 14 Plus at $899

The new iPhones start at $799. They're available for pre-order on Sept. 9. The iPhone 14 launches Sept. 16, while the iPhone 14 Plus launches Oct. 7.

So long physical SIM cards? Plus, new iPhone safety features

Yep, Apple is transitioning to electronic SIM cards (those tiny cards you get from wireless carriers). Another big feature coming to iPhone 14: crash detection. The phone will automatically notify emergency services and contacts in a crash, like Apple Watch.

The iPhone will also add emergency SOS via satellite. The phone will have specific technology so iPhone 14 antennae can connect to communication satellites when users point their phone in the satellite's direction.

New iPhone 14 camera arriving, too

The phone has a new 12-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor and faster aperture, along with improvements to taking pictures in low-light environments. The front of the iPhone gets a new 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera.

The phone's Deep Fusion technology will help improve photography in low-light spaces, providing more detail and color in your images. Video will get upgraded as well. A new action mode will make videos look more stable when filming active events.

Say hello to the iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus

Now for the big news: Apple announces the iPhone 14. There's an iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus has a 6.7-inch screen. It has a super retina custom OLED display, ceramic shield glass, aerospace grade aluminum body, and comes in five colors: midnight, starlight, light blue, purple and red. It will run on the A15 Bionic chip, so it may will run faster and better than previous models.

New AirPods Pro launch for $249

Customers can pre-order AirPods Pro on Sept. 9, with launch on Sept. 23. They start at $249, says Apple.

Touch controls on AirPods Pro

New controls on the earbuds will now let users adjust volume by swiping up and down along the side of the stem of the AirPod. The new AirPods Pro support up to 30 hours of listening time when you factor in the recharging case. A speaker has been added to the AirPod case to indicate when they're lost or on low battery. The AirPods Pro case can charge using an Apple Watch charger.

Listen up: New AirPods Pro are coming

Mark another square on your Apple event bingo cards: Apple CEO Tim Cook announced updated AirPods Pro, which he said are the company's most popular AirPods. The new Pro earbuds feature an updated processing chip for better sound quality.

There's a new low distortion audio driver and custom amplifier to provide more sound detail and clarity. Then there's spatial audio, which gives the impression the sound is coming from all around you. Users can personalize it to present sound as accurately as possible.

The popular active noise cancellation feature is twice as good as the original AirPods Pro, according to Apple. The earbuds will now include an extra-small earbuds tip for comfort. Transparency mode helps reduce high-decibel noise nearby.

Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799

Yep, not cheap. The Apple Watch Ultra starts at $799. Preorders are available Sept. 9 and the watch will launch on Sept. 23.

Why the Ultra is better for athletes

Apple says one of the biggest features of the Apple Watch Ultra is improved GPS accuracy. In dense conditions such as areas with high skyscrapers or tall trees, the watch has special technology to maintain accurate GPS results. The watch's action button allows for more precise workouts, and a new feature will automatically detect when you hit a running track.

Apple said it's built for extreme temperatures. There's also a redesigned Compass app with better views of your locations and ways to mark key points. Plus there's an 86-decibel siren built into the watch in case of emergency. 

Apple Watch Ultra unveiled

One of the first big rumors confirmed: the Apple Watch Ultra. The case is made from titanium to handle more rugged activities with flat sapphire front crystal and the largest display on an Apple Watch. There's also a new button in bright orange for additional functions. 

The Ultra has a second speaker for more volume and extra microphones. Every Ultra watch is built with cellular tech, and up to 36 hours of battery life on one charge. It can even go up to 60 hours with a new battery optimization setting launching this fall. The watch's Night Mode can turn the interface bright red for better visibility in the dark.

A new Apple Watch SE starting at $249

The budget-friendly intro to the Apple Watch is also getting an upgrade. It will be available in silver, midnight and starlight colors. It boasts most of the safety features of the main Apple Watch. The display is 30% larger of the Series 3 watch, and it's 20$ faster than the previous SE model. It will also support crash detection.

Apple clearly is pitching this as a great model for kids. It starts at $249 or $299 or a cellular model. Preorders open Sept. 9, and the watch launches Sept. 16.

Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399, or $499 with cellular

The watch will launch in multiple colors and styles, including midnight, starlight and product red for the aluminum models, and silver, gold or graphite for stainless steel models. Watches from brands Nike and Hermes will get updates too. It's available to preorder Sept. 9, and launches Sept. 16.

Apple Watch adds low power mode

The Apple Watch will get a low power mode to minimize battery-intensive features and add up to 36 hours of battery life. It's available for the Watch Series 4 or later through the WatchOS 9 update.

Apple Watch Series 8 Crash Detection

The new watch will add a feature that detects when you're in a severe car crash. Once detected, the watch automatically contacts emergency responders, sends off your location, then reaches out to emergency contacts. New tech can sense the force and timing of an impact to determine whether you've been involved in a front- or side-impact crash, a rear-end crash or a rollover.

Apple Watch Series 8 confirmed

The new Apple Watch Series 8 announced by COO Jeff Williams features a brighter, always-on display. It's also swim-proof and crack-resistant. Health sensors in the watch still include the ability to read blood oxygen levels and ECGs.

There's a new temperature sensor as part of advanced cycle tracking features for women's health. The sensor will provide an estimate of ovulation, as well as check nighttime wrist temperature to detect changes as small as 0.1 degrees Celsius. Apple notes all health data is encrypted end to end, controlled only by users.

Apple Watch as lifesaver

Before detailing changes to Apple Watch, the company plays a montage featuring users of the Watch and how it has impacted their lives. Most discuss the various health scenarios including falls and rapid heartbeats. In some cases, users dialed 911 to contact rescuers or family to seek help to save their lives.

All iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch

Apple CEO Tim Cook begins the event, saying it will focus on three products: iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. "Together, they provide a magical experience," said Cook.

Subscribe to your iPhone?

One hot rumor that could clear up after Wednesday's event: does Apple have plans to introduce a subscription option for iPhone? Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported Apple was working on a subscription service for the iPhone and other products, so much like Netflix, Apple TV+ or other monthly services, you would subscribe to your iPhone for a monthly fee.

How excited are iPhone owners for a new model?

About 14% of iPhone owners plan to upgrade to the latest iPhone when it releases, says a survey from website Savings.com. By comparison, only 10% of iPhone owners had planned to switch to iPhone 13 when it launched last year.

Among participants who said they planned to upgrade, the feature they're most excited about is improved, faster processors, followed by better storage and an upgraded camera.

The online survey conducted last month is based on 1,504 iPhone users in the U.S. ages 18 and older.

iOS 16 release: When can we expect it?

Even if you don't buy an iPhone 14, you can enjoy the illusion of getting a new phone with the arrival of iOS 16. 

This year's iOS offers some pretty key features, including the ability to unsend messages or edit them after they're sent. Once someone has sent a message in the Messages app, they have 15 minutes to edit or unsend it. Important caveat: Both the sender and receiver of the messages must have iOS 16 installed to take advantage of the feature.

iPhone owners also can customize their lock screens with new fonts and smaller widgets similar to what's available on Apple Watch.

Apple confirmed following its event iOS 16 will launch on Sept. 12.

How will iPhone 14 affect older phone prices?

While the arrival of a new iPhone and its features is a big deal, just as important is how will the new device affect how Apple prices all its older models.

The price of the iPhone should go up, especially for Pro models that will have better chip performance, said Thomas Husson, principal analyst at Forrester. With inflation rising and supply chain issues lingering, the pricing of older iPhones will be critical.

"The key point to look at is how Apple will evolve the pricing of the iPhone 13 and older ranges to maintain growth in a declining smartphone market and to keep the momentum in faster growing markets like India or Indonesia," said Husson. 

Apple store: 'Be right back'

As is tradition ahead of an Apple event, the company's online store is down. "Be right back," reads the message. "We're making updates to the Apple store. Check back soon." Of course, you didn't want to buy an iPhone today any way.

What time is Apple event?

The event starts at 1 p.m. ET, or 10 a.m. PT if you're on the West Coast.

How to watch Apple event live

If you want to watch it yourself, Apple will stream both on its website and through the Apple TV app. It will also stream on Apple's official YouTube channel.

What products can we expect from Apple event?

iPhone 14. Obviously. Reports suggest the new phone will receive a big camera upgrade and an always-on display. No more waking your phone to check the time. The question is how many models? Last year, consumers chose between iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Apple Watch Pro. The new smartwatch will have a bigger display and titanium casing, reports Bloomberg. It will also have a larger battery, said the report.

AirPods Pro 2. An updated version of Apple's high-end earbuds are also anticipated, reports Bloomberg.

Who is keynote speaker of Apple event?

Think of Apple CEO Tim Cook as a ringmaster of the Apple event circus.

Cook guides viewers through the myriad of device updates across its portfolio, as other Apple executives and employees break down how these new gadgets will change your life.

And don't be surprised if Cook thinks iPhone 14 is the best iPhone ever.

When will the iPhone 14 go for sale?

Apple will reveal this Wednesday. But if history offers any clues, last year Apple launched iPhone preorders the Friday after the event, with phones officially going for sale the week after. If Apple follows this pattern, expect preorders to open Sept. 9 with the new iPhones going on sale Sept. 16.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.