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New iPhone 14, AirPods Pro 2, Apple Watch Series 8: What you need to know

Forget the rumours – the iPhone 14, AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and Apple Watch Series 8 are officially here.

Image: Apple.
Image: Apple.

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After months of rumours and leaks, Apple has finally revealed its latest line-up of products – and there’s plenty to be excited about.

In addition to four iPhone 14 models, Apple has also announced the arrival of the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and three new smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 8.

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If you missed all the details, we’ve broken down everything you need to know below, including where you can pre-order each of the new products.

QUICK LINKS

Introducing the iPhone 14 line-up

Where to pre-order the iPhone 14 line

Introducing the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Is it worth buying the new AirPods?

Where to pre-order the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Introducing the new Apple Watches

Where to pre-order the new Apple Watches

INTRODUCING THE IPHONE 14 LINEUP

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Image: Apple.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. Image: Apple.

This year’s iPhone line-up has done away with the ‘mini’ model and instead includes the iPhone 14 (from $1,399), iPhone 14 Plus (from $1,579), iPhone 14 Pro (from $1,749) and iPhone 14 Pro Max (from $1,899).

As we expected, the iPhone 14 isn't massively different from the iPhone 13, even in terms of price. It features a 6.1-inch OLED screen and runs on an A15 Bionic chip, though it now has a 5-core GPU for 18 per cent faster performance.

While it keeps the 12MP camera of its predecessor, it does have a bigger sensor for improved lowlight photography. There’s also Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite (launching in November) and an improved battery life.

The iPhone 14 Plus meanwhile includes all the same features as the iPhone 14, but arrives with a bigger battery and a larger 6.7-inch screen. Both models will be available in five colour options: Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight and Red.

RELATED: Classic features ditched from new iPhone

iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Image: Apple.
iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Image: Apple.

RELATED: Fans all saying the same thing about new iPhone

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max meanwhile bring about some notable changes. Available in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes respectively, both models will run on a new A16 Bionic chip and will sport 48-megapixel main cameras – a huge step up from the 12MP camera Apple has previously favoured.

Each design has also done away with the infamous display notch in place of the “Dynamic Island” – a cut out which shifts in shape and size to display notifications, depending on what you’re currently doing.

For the first time on iPhone, each model will also have an Always-On display and will come with up to 2,000 nits for better use in sunlight, which is twice the brightness of the iPhone 13 Pro. Like the rest of the line, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will also feature both Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite.

Both models will be available in four colour options of Black, Silver, Gold and a new Deep Purple.

WHERE TO PRE-ORDER THE IPHONE 14 LINE

All four iPhone 14 models are now available for pre-order. Whether you’re looking to buy outright or grab one on a plan, we’ve rounded up where to secure one below.

iPhone 14 pre-order cost

iPhone 14 – from $1,399

iPhone 14 Plus – from $1,579

iPhone 14 Pro – from $1,749

iPhone 14 Pro Max – from $1,899

Amazon Australia

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

See all device deals at Amazon Australia.

The Good Guys

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

See all deals at The Good Guys.

Vodafone

HOT DEAL: Save up to $1,300, which includes a $150 bonus trade-in credit when you trade-in an eligible device, purchase a new iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max and stay connected to a Vodafone Infinite plan over 12, 24 or 36 months.

Pre-order iPhone 14

Pre-order iPhone 14 Plus

Pre-order iPhone 14 Pro

Pre-order iPhone 14 Pro Max

See all device deals at Vodafone.

Optus

Pre-order an Apple iPhone 14 and get bonus value up to $540 with Optus Upgrade and Protect included when you stay connected on a Promo Plan for 36 months.

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

See all device deals at Optus.

Telstra

Get up to $1,000 in bill credit when you trade in an eligible device for the new iPhone 14.

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

See all device deals at Telstra.

Harvey Norman

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

See all device deals at Harvey Norman.

Apple

Get up to $1,105 in credit towards your new iPhone when you trade in an eligible device.

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Pre-order Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

See all device deals at Apple.

INTRODUCING THE AIRPODS PRO (2ND GEN)

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). Image: Supplied.
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). Image: Supplied.

In one of its more exciting announcements, Apple has finally revealed the second generation of its popular AirPods Pro earbuds (priced at $399).

Complete with a new H2 chip and a new low-distortion audio driver, Apple has promised “even better sound quality” and greater clarity across a wider range of frequencies. The buds will also come with ‘Personalised Spatial Audio’, which essentially means you can use the camera on your iPhone to measure the size of your head and fine tune the audio to be more immersive.

In a press release, Apple has also said that the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have “double the noise-cancelling power of their predecessor,” and have an Adaptive Transparency mode which reduces loud environmental noise, such as passing vehicles.

Image: Apple.
Image: Apple.

If you’ve found the AirPods Pro buds too big for your ears in the past, you’ll also be able to find a better fit thanks to a new extra small ear tip (included with the pair). This will give you four ear tip sizes in total to play with, which should make the pair comfortable for most users.

Additional features include Touch control for quick volume adjustments, music selection and answering phone calls; Siri voice assistance; and a built-in skin-detect sensor to more accurately turn playback on or off.

Battery life is also up 33 per cent from the AirPods Pro, which means you’ll now get six hours of listening time (up from 4.5 hours on the original) and more than 30 hours with the charging case.

IS IT WORTH BUYING THE NEW AIRPODS?

While there’s little difference between the AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) in terms of design, the new iteration comes with better audio capabilities and double the noise cancellation. The 2nd Gen will also have more ear tips included, making them a better fit for those with smaller ears.

You’ll also now get up to six hours of listening time and up to 30 hours with the charging case (up from 24 hours on the AirPods Pro), which means you’ll get a better overall listening experience.

If you’ve only just invested in the AirPods Pro, there’s still enough to like about the originals to make them worth holding on to. If you’re looking to upgrade from an older pair of earbuds though, we’re expecting the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) to be one of the best pairs of wireless earbuds available – especially for iOS users.

Given that the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are also set to retail for the same price as the originals too, we think they’ll be worth the purchase.

WHERE TO PRE-ORDER THE AIRPODS PRO (2ND GEN)

The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)are available now for pre-order. They retail for $399 and will officially launch on Friday 23 September here in Australia. See where to get them below.

Amazon Australia

HOT DEAL: Pre-order Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) – $319

See all headphones deals at Amazon Australia.

The Good Guys

Pre-order Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) – $399

See all headphones deals at The Good Guys.

Harvey Norman

Pre-order Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) – $399

See all headphones deals at Harvey Norman.

Apple

Pre-order AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) – $399

See all deals at Apple.

Prefer the older AirPods generations? See all the best deals across AirPods models this week.

INTRODUCING THE NEW APPLE WATCHES

While we expected the announcement of a Series 8 Watch, Apple actually surprised us with details of three new Watch models. Along with the Apple Watch Series 8, we’ll also be getting a new Apple Watch SE and an Apple Watch Ultra. Let’s start with the Ultra.

Apple Watch Ultra. Image: Apple.
Apple Watch Ultra. Image: Apple.

At 49mm, the Apple Watch Ultra is bigger and more rugged than previous versions, confirming rumours that it has been designed for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts. Apple has said that the Watch Ultra will have the brightest display of any watch yet, along with the best battery life, reaching up to 36 hours during normal use. It will also have a low-power setting to extend battery life up to 60 hours.

Additionally, there’s a customisable action button, three built-in microphones, Cellular support and a built-in dive computer. There’s also three band options to choose from, so you can tailor the Watch to suit your needs.

The Trail Loop band is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date and is both soft and flexible, making it great for those who want to make quick-fit adjustments without taking it off. The Alpine Loop band meanwhile features a G-hook fastener for a more secure attachment, while the Ocean Band is designed to fit over a wetsuit and stay secure during extreme water sports.

Prices for the Apple Watch Ultra start from $1,299.

Apple Watch Series 8. Image: Apple.
Apple Watch Series 8. Image: Apple.

The Apple Watch Series 8 meanwhile keeps the same design as the Series 7, but includes a new skin temperature reader for advanced sleep and menstrual cycle tracking. It also comes with an Always-On Retina display, fall detection, Crash Detection and international roaming.

While Apple is promising up to 18 hours of battery life, there’s also a low-power mode which can be used to extend the battery to 36 hours by disabling auto workout tracking and the Always-On display.

Prices for the Apple Watch Series 8 start at $629.

Apple Watch SE (2022). Image: Apple.
Apple Watch SE (2022). Image: Apple.

Finally, the Apple Watch SE (2022) offers a more affordable experience, with prices starting at $399. While it doesn’t have the Always-On display or the temperature sensor, you’ll still get Crash Detection and Emergency SOS, along with standard features like Activity tracking and high and low heart rate notifications.

WHERE TO PRE-ORDER THE NEW APPLE WATCHES

All three Apple Watches are now available for pre-order and will be officially available from Friday 16 September. You can secure yours below.

Apple Watch 2022 pre-order cost

Apple Watch Ultra – from $1,299

Apple Watch Series 8 – from $629

Apple Watch SE (2022) – from $399

Amazon Australia

Pre-order Apple Watch Ultra GPS + Cellular (49mm, Black Trail Loop, S/M)

Pre-order Apple Watch Ultra GPS + Cellular (49mm, Orange Alpine Loop, Small)

Pre-order Apple Watch Ultra GPS + Cellular (49mm, Green Alpine Loop, Small)

Pre-order Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS, All styles)

Pre-order Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular, All styles)

Pre-order Apple Watch SE 2022 (GPS, All Styles)

Pre-order Apple Watch SE 2022 (GPS + Cellular, All styles)

See all device deals at Amazon Australia.

Apple

Pre-order Apple Watch Ultra

Pre-order Apple Watch Series 8

Pre-order Apple Watch SE (2022)

See all device deals at Apple.

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Lauren Chaplin
Lauren ChaplinConsumer Technology Writer

Lauren is a consumer tech expert with five years’ experience in reviewing and writing about laptops, mobile phones, headphones, televisions and all the gadgets that make our lives easier. A former finalist in the Australian IT Journalism Awards, she previously worked at comparison site Finder as the Senior Shopping Writer where she reported on everything from tech gadgets to the latest home products. When she’s not busy testing new tech products, you’ll find her road testing the latest game releases. Prior to starting her career in journalism, she completed a Bachelor of journalism at the University of South Australia and worked as a media advisor for JB Hi-Fi where she sold the very products she now writes about.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/checkout/tech/electronics/phones/what-you-need-to-know-about-apple-event-product-launch-2022/news-story/9ebf8738b283d5c5c2ef32aaa9eb31ef