iPhone 14 at its 2022 Far Out event in a variety of new formats. This new smartphone advances several existing elements s expect from past versions, like an upgraded camera, as well as introduces new features that fundamentally change the experience the iPhone offers.
The iPhone 14 hits a bit faster than recent entries in the series as it becomes publicly available on Sept. 16, 2022. Pre-orders begin Sept. 9, so Apple iPhone s looking to upgrade immediately should check out all the new features and decide which of the many new formats the phone comes in works best for them.
Expanding Dimensions
The iPhone 14 comes in four different formats, including iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The first two maintain the iPhone 13 design but abandon its size. The base models now expand from the previous 5.4-inch form factor to 6.1-inch for the base and 6.7-inch for the Pro. This increases the screen size by 21%.
This certainly requires s to potentially ditch their favorite smartphone mounts if they're looking to upgrade their base models. The price goes up as well, with the iPhone 14 starting at $799 and the iPhone 14 Plus starting at $899, with the fully loaded Pro Max coming in at $1599.
Dynamic Island
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max both offer a major change in the iconic phone's design. They ditch the notch on the top front part of the phone for a new interactive notification bar. Called Dynamic Island, this feature presents notifications and creates a virtual task manager that s access with a simple touch and hold.
This replaces the standard notch which arrived with the iPhone X. Apple continued to refine the element with each new iteration, but this feature represents the biggest update so far.
Dual Camera System
Choosing the best and most affordable smartphone with a camera sometimes proves challenging. The iPhone 14 looks to make the choice easier for s with a new dual camera system. The main 12-megapixel camera uses a larger sensor to take in more light, producing sharper images with more detail than ever before.
The phone also features a new front-facing camera that improves low-light performance that's always challenging for selfies. This new front-facing camera also includes autofocus for the first time.
eSIM
Another major design change for the new iPhone involves the SIM card tray. All four versions abandon the standard SIM card for eSIM, meaning s will potentially need to upgrade their plans for this feature. This feature allows s to install eight or more eSIM profiles on any one iPhone as well as switch between them.
This change only applies to the United States, however. International s buying the new iPhone 14 continue with a physical SIM card tray as usual, per Apple's press release for their new products announced at Far Out.
Emergency Satellite SOS Service
The new phone introduces a feature likely to quickly rank among the best iPhone features for s while traveling. Emergency satellite SOS mode relies on satellites to let s continue to use their phones while outside the range of cell towers or networks. This proves essential in potential emergency situations where someone needs to send a text.
The new feature allows s to send brief texts beyond a network. This service also works in concert with the Find My application. Emergency satellite SOS mode kicks off in November and will be free to s for two years, after which presumably a fee will become standard.
Crash Detection
iPhone 14 goes beyond even emergency texts to detecting potential car crashes. Crash Detection, a new health and safety feature for both iPhone 14 and Watch 8, uses sensors and microphones to identify accidents before they even happen. The feature uses an algorithm built off information in earlier Watch models to produce this stunning utility.
The motion sensors, along with an improved gyroscope and accelerometer, monitor motion while a is riding in a vehicle and will work to anticipate incidents before they occur. The feature works best when the iPhone and Apple Watch are paired, working together to best capture the moment.
Always On
iPhone 14 also introduces a feature previously only Android phones could do. The iPhone lock screen remains illuminated in the Always On feature so s can always keep tabs on notifications, updates, or live updates on their calendar for that day.
Always On keeps the lock screen on but in a low power state to conserve energy. According to Apple, the feature utilizes an LTPO display that reduces the refresh rate to 1hz, similar to Apple Watch. This prevents the battery from running down, but Apple also increased the overall battery health of the device.
All-Day Battery Life
Apple claims that the iPhone 14 provides all-day battery life and the best battery life ever for s. That bold statement comes backed with some data for s to consider. The battery lasts up to 26 hours on video playback on the iPhone Plus and 20 hours on the base model. For comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro, among the best phones for battery life, lasts 22 hours.
This comes along with improved thermal health for the iPhone 14, continually refining the hardware's performance along with the software to create a more sustainable and durable experience for s.
New Colors
Varying color always plays a role in the best Apple products and that continues with the new iPhone. The base iPhone 14 versions come in midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and red. Purple, red, and blue all differ substantially from previous models and in the case of purple, brings a new color into the mix altogether.
The iPhone 14 Pro models differ from the base version in their color. They come in Deep Purple, Gold, Silver, and Space Black, continuing popular colors s enjoyed on previous models.