Apple's 'Far Out' launch event recap: here's everything that was launched

Tim Cook’s picture from Apple Park today

The iPhone 14, AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Watch Series 8 have been launched alongside a new Apple Watch SE and top line Watch Ultra.

Apple’s Tim Cook was clearly up early – he snapped the above picture of Apple Park. (Well, it was on his account, anyway). And Apple launched a bunch of rather cool stuff. Here we’ll recap everything the company launched today.

So how was the event? Analyst Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight says it makes sense for Apple to focus on what works best rather than move into segments like foldables or smart glasses. “These new categories are exciting, but are not highly sought after among users (yet). Ultimately, the iPhone remains a crucial product for Apple. It opens the door to the Apple universe and drives significant value.”

It’ll be interesting to see how well these devices sell, as Paolo Pescatore says. “With household bills all heading in the wrong direction, it still represents a real test of consumer appetite in forking out for these latest shiny devices. As well as the true power of Apple’s brand in a tough economic climate with everyone tightening their belts.”

Apple Watch Ultra

The $799/£849 Apple Watch Ultra is designed for more extreme sports to take on the likes of Garmin. It’s made from aerospace-grade titanium, which I think we can assume is strong. The front of the 49mm case has an easy-to-read brighter (up to 2000nits) and flatter screen, with a new customisable action button. In Paolo Pescatore’s words, “others have paved the way and now Apple wants a slice of the action at a punchy price point.”

Apple Watch Series 8

Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product Red, the Apple Watch Series 8 is an iteration of the Series 7, with a very similar design. There are also some new stainless steel versions, and brand-new straps. Apple promises an all-day 18-hour battery life, despite these new sensors a new accelerometer and gyroscope, which help to detect a high G-force for crashes – yes, it has crash detection and there’s a temperature sensor too. There’s also a new low-power mode you can use if you forget your charger.Series 8 will cost $399/£419 for GPS, or $499 for Cellular. Pre-orders are starting today, and the device will start shipping on Friday 16 September.

Apple Watch SE

Available in Silver, Midnight, and Starlight, there’s also a new version of the SE with updated internals – it now has the same S8 processor as the other watches. There are a few other changes – for example the back is made from a new nylon material. It’ll be. It comes with the new Crash Detection from the Series 8 and will retail for $249/£259 from next Friday after pre-orders today.

Apple AirPods Pro 2

We suppose the Watch SE was probably given least billing at the event, but AirPods Pro 2 were not far behind. Which is a shame, as we love this product! The new generation has Nura-style Personalised Spatial Audio and twice-as-good ANC as the original model. Using a new H2 chip, AirPods Pro 2 also now have Adaptive Transparency to instantly switch on for high decibel noises. There’s longer battery life, too – six hours in the buds and a total of 30 with the case.

Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Plus

Yes, the Plus is back! The 6.1in iPhone 14 and 6.7in iPhone 14 Plus may have last year’s A15 Bionic platform but the camera system is improved – the wide sensor is now f/1.5 aperture and there’s auto-focus on the selfie cam. You can grab the iPhone 14 from $799/£849, and the 14 Plus from $899/£949. There’s Midnight, Starlight, a light blue, purple, and Product Red. If you buy them in the US, there will be no SIM tray in favour of eSIM, but it looks like we’re keeping it in the UK – we’ve predicted the demise of the SIM for some time. “Take-up has been limited for now, but this will is now set to change as Apple will kickstart consumer adoption,” adds Paolo Pescatore. Also in emergency situations with no cellular service, you’ll be able to point your iPhone 14 towards a satellite if you’re outside – your iPhone will guide you. This will be US and Canada only for now. After two years this will be a paid-for extra feature.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max

The Dynamic Notch. Yes, that really is the name for the new cut-out in the iPhone 14 Pro display because it does a lot more than just stare at you; it’s integrated into the software as a sort-of new notification bar. The Island will expand for music controls, volume, Face ID and other background features. The new display goes up to 2000 nits while there’s a new A16 chip. The main camera is improved to a 48MP 24mm unit, while Apple says it offers twice the low-light performance. ProRAW is improved, while cinematic mode now works with 4K. You can grab the iPhone 14 Pro from $999/£1099, and the 14 Pro Max from $1099/£1199. Storage goes up to 1TB.

Recap the Apple Event here

About

Dan is Editor-in-chief of Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. Our Editor-in-Chief is a regular at tech shows such as CES in Las Vegas, IFA in Berlin and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as well as at other launches and events. He has been a CES Innovation Awards judge. Dan is completely platform agnostic and very at home using and writing about Windows, macOS, Android and iOS/iPadOS plus lots and lots of gadgets including audio and smart home gear, laptops and smartphones. He's also been interviewed and quoted in a wide variety of places including The Sun, BBC World Service, BBC News Online, BBC Radio 5Live, BBC Radio 4, Sky News Radio and BBC Local Radio.