William Gallagher
Apple has launched its high-end iPhone 14 Pro models, each gaining the A16 plus improved cameras — and losing the notch in favor of a pill called the Dynamic Island.
The new iPhone Pro is the core of Apple's September 7 "Far Out" event, and the two high-end models have seen the greatest difference since 2021's iPhone 13 range. As expected, only the Pro models have gained Apple's A16 processor, so for the first time, the Pro models will be running on a newer chip than the regular iPhone lineup.
Apple has introduced an always-on display that shows content even when the phone is left inactive. Live Activities, the clock, widgets, and dynamic wallpapers will dim but still be readable using a 1Hz refresh rate.
The new Super Retina XDR display has an HDR brightness at 1600 nits, same as the Pro Display XDR. It peaks out at 2,000 nits on a bright day.
Notifications fit behind the Dynamic Island, which is what Apple is calling the new Face ID sensor housing. Animations and transitions use the sensor housing as a base for showing content that adapts to app events.
The A16 Bionic is more powerful while being more efficient. It uses a 5-core GPU for intensive graphical tasks.
Crash detection is also possible for the iPhone 14 Pro thanks to advanced gyroscopes. Apple also included a new satellite feature for making SOS communications in environments where cellular signal isn't available.
The main camera uses a new 48MP sensor that can capture photos in sharp 12MP image sizes. It combines four pixels into one large photo pixel to give it more light capture capability.
The larger sensor size also enables a 2x zoom at full size, thanks to cropping into the 48MP sensor without sacrificing quality. When using ProRAW, users can take full sized 48MP photos.
The Ultra Wide camera remains 12MP but has 3x more light capture capability. This allows for much better macro photography.
Cinematic mode can shoot in full 4K at 30fps thanks to the new image signal processor.
"Our customers count on their iPhone every day, and with iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, we're delivering more advancements than any other iPhone. iPhone 14 Pro introduces a camera system that empowers every user — from the casual user to the professional — to take their best photos and video, and innovative new technologies like the Always-On display and the Dynamic Island, which offers new interactions for notifications and activities," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Groundbreaking safety capabilities bring users even more security, offering help when they need it most. And with the incredibly powerful and efficient A16 Bionic chip and all-day battery life, this is the best iPhone yet."
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max come in Space Black, Silver, Gold, and Deep Purple colors.
Customers can purchase the iPhone 14 Pro starting at $999 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max starting at $1,099. Pre-orders begin on September 9, with orders shipping on September 16.
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
58 Comments
On first look, it's not jarring or ugly to me.
Designs change and sometimes to avoid becoming 'stale' they can be refreshing in their own way. Just a change almost for the sake of change.
Whether it's practical or functional or not is a different consideration but I'll give it the nod on first look at the image here.
The name is silly though.
Damn, the biggest surprises I’ve seen today were all related to price.
We're on the right track, and I'd be interested...but for the lightning port. I don't need this upgrade, so I'll likely be waiting another cycle. Maybe the iP15 comes with USB-C (or no port at all) and the always on lockscreen and dynamic island.
Maybe shop a deal in a few months, and weigh vs. trade in value. But it isn't an immediate press the buy button kind of day. Kinda disappointed.
Here we go again with the sharp edges, and now a pill. Apple, you can do better than this! You have known for years that we all want round edges and no notch, no pill, NOTHING but screen. And you CAN build it. You did it many years ago with the MacBook Pro front camera. You can do it with the iPhone now. Stop playing with camera sensors and other crap, and making customers buy worthless devices for years before you complete what we all really want.
Again… ROUND EDGES & TOTAL SCREEN. No holes, no pill, no notches!!!!!! When you build that iPhone, THEN I’ll upgrade my weak SE. Well be waiting.