Yahoo Finance Apple event - as it happened: iPhone 14 Pro, new AirPods and Watch Ultra unveiled
Apple has held its biggest event of the year, announcing the latest version of its most popular product.
The company hosted a live streamed event to show off the new iPhone 14 range, revised Apple Watches and even a new update to its AirPods.
There were four new iPhone 14s: a small and large version of the Pro and non-Pro. Apple aslo introduced a new “rugged” or “Ultra” Apple Watch.
It began at 10am local pacific time (6pm BST) on Wednesday, 7 September, when Apple boss Tim Cook introduced proceedings with a pre-recorded segment from the Apple Park campus.
It was the first time media has been invited to the event since the pandemic. Recent editions involved Apple showing off its new products in spectacular, special effects-heavy livestreamed productions.
You can follow all the news and updates from the event as they happened right here.
Key points
Everything we know about the upcoming iPhone
Everything else we expect from September event
... and everything we are expecting to come at October event
How to watch live
Apple event- live: Everything Apple announced
20:01 , Anthony Cuthbertson
We’ve got stories on all the major announcements from today’s Apple event. You can read them all here:
Hello and welcome...
Monday 5 September 2022 11:26 , Andrew Griffin
... to The Independent’s live coverage of Apple’s iPhone launch, on Wednesday.
We’re expecting not one but four iPhone 14s (a big and small version of each of the Pro and non-Pro phones), as well as new Apple Watches (five of them, in all). There might also be more besides, such as new AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro 2 are coming?
Monday 5 September 2022 11:57 , Andrew Griffin
One of the late-breaking rumours is that the iPhone event will also see the launch of new AirPods Pro. They are expected to bring minor external changes but introduce a new processor and wireless audio standards that could make for much more high quality listening, according to rumours.
You can read the full report here.
A new display for the iPhone 14 Pro – and new things to put on it?
Monday 5 September 2022 11:59 , Andrew Griffin
Apple has long been rumoured to be dramatically changing the screen in the iPhone 14 Pro: introducing an always-on display, and getting rid of the “notch” at the top and swapping it for a much smaller cutout.
Now, we’re learning more about how that will work. It will allow for the introduction of a proper battery readout, as well as other changes to the lock screen, a new report claims.
You can read all about them here.
Everything we know about the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro
Monday 5 September 2022 12:01 , Andrew Griffin
What to expect from the Apple event
Monday 5 September 2022 12:02 , Andrew Griffin
This is everything we expect to be launched at Wednesday’s event. It also includes the things we don’t expect to come, but which might: iPads, Macs, augmented reality and more.
What Apple will announce at the event after this
Monday 5 September 2022 12:03 , Andrew Griffin
We may be just days from the September event. But it’s likely to be followed by another, in October – and here’s everything we’re expecting from that, including iPads and Macs.
How to watch along at home
Tuesday 6 September 2022 13:39 , Andrew Griffin
Here are all the details you need for watching along at home – on YouTube, or through Apple’s own website and services. It used to make it difficult, but not so much anymore.
(The big unknown is what live stream will look like – will Apple keep the glitzy, Hollywood-esque production of previous events, or go back to having its executives stand on stage, live and without special effects? I would imagine a bit of both. But we’ll find out tomorrow.)
Welcome to event day...
09:27 , Andrew Griffin
By the end of the day, we’ll know exactly what Apple has to offer to iPhone customers new and old.* In about eight hours, Tim Cook and his fellow executives will take the stage to reveal new phones, Apple Watches and more.
* We pretty much know what is going to be announced, though not the details of it. You can find all the information we have, here.
‘Apple Watch Pro’ may have been leaked in new pictures
09:46 , Andrew Griffin
One of the big things that is both expected and unknown about today is the introduction of the “Apple Watch Pro”. It seems pretty likely that it is coming today – but nobody knows exactly what form it might take. Rumours suggest it will be bigger, might be more rugged, and could bring extra features like an additional button.
Now what appear to be leaked images of cases suggest that it will be very big indeed. New images show what claim to be casings for the new device, compared with the existing and new Apple Watches.
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) September 6, 2022
Google announces launch for its new phone
09:47 , Andrew Griffin
With interesting timing, Google has said that it will be holding its own livestreamed event – on October 6. The event will probably see the release of a Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, as well as a watch, all of which have been teased by Google already.
The announcement of the event came just a day before Apple’s big launch.
iOS 16 release date
10:37 , Andrew Griffin
As well as all the hardware, today will probably be the day that we get a release date for iOS 16, the new software update for iPhones.
The changes are focused on personalisation, and are relatively modest. They are also likely to make more sense when the new phones come out: the new update changes the lock screen, for instance, in ways that seem set up for the new iPhone’s rumoured always-on display.
We probably won’t get a release date for iPadOS 16. That software update has run into issues, and been delayed – most likely we’ll hear about it at the October event, when new iPads are expected.
Apple Store goes offline
15:02 , Andrew Griffin
The Apple Store has gone offline, ahead of the event later on.
That’s all normal. The website seems to need to be taken down for Apple to make big updates to it, when new products come out.
There is something changed, though. The warning message that tells people they can’t use the site directs them to the livestream, which should at least explain what’s going on to anyone who visits.
Apple event to include satellite-enabled iPhone?
15:36 , Anthony Cuthbertson
One of the rumours surrounding today’s Apple event is that the iPhone 14 will include emergency satellite connectivity.
This follows a number of other smartphone giants like Huawei, which just unveiled the Mate 50 series capable of sending texts via satellite commnication, as well as smaller startups like the UK phone maker Bullitt.
The speculation surrounding Apple’s interest in the feature comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who said the Cupertino company has already completed the hardware development and has secured a satellite internet partner for the service.
Apple event - live: Tim Cook promises ‘stellar’ show
15:51 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Apple boss Tim Cook is already up and about ahead of today’s event.
He shared a photo at 6am this morning of a rainbow appearing to emanate from the rainbow stage at the centre of the Apple Park campus. He promises a “stellar” show for us.
Good morning! Looking forward to a stellar Apple event. pic.twitter.com/8rwWBwX79V
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 7, 2022
Apple event - live: Back to normal?
16:20 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Today’s event will be the first time Apple has held an in-person iPhone unveiling event since before the pandemic.
My colleague Andrew Griffin opened this week’s IndyTech newsletter (which you can sign up for here) mulling on what this means, not just for Apple, but for everyone.
There are lots of things Apple wants the new iPhone’s launch to be: anticipated, discussed, exciting, charismatic. There’s one thing it probably doesn’t want it to be: normal.
But normal is definitely what it feels like. That’s primarily because Apple is holding the event in person, marking the first time it has done so since before the pandemic.
Apple and other tech companies were among the world’s leading companies as the coronavirus crisis approached, and by shutting down offices and taking other measures they led where other less nimble businesses followed. Many of them were pioneering in their adoption of remote work, with some companies such as Twitter announcing that its staff could work from home forever if they wanted to.
But now those same companies are leading the charge to decide what we want our return to something like normal life to be. And Apple have suggested that the past looks a lot like the future: asking its staff to come back to the office, and asking the media to come back to its campus.
But what one of the many questions that will be answered during the Apple event is just how much that vision of normal life has been changed by the intervening period of very un-normal times. Will it hold onto the flashy, movie-like productions that have characterised Apple events during the pandemic? They have been entertaining in a way that the stage productions weren’t, and it would be a shame if Apple’s attempt to going back to normal went back to those events feeling ordinary.
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 expectations
16:27 , Anthony Cuthbertson
With the iPhone now 15 years old, there has been some grumbling in recent years that it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between the later models.
Rumours suggest that while the iPhone 14 Pro may see significant upgrades, the standard iPhone 14 will stay largely the same as the previous generation: same chip on the inside, same design on the outside.
This has inevitably led some to make fun of the anticipation surrounding today’s Apple event:
iPhone user when Apple announce the iPhone 14 tomorrow: #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/USgUGEc9KW
— Sancheezzzy ✵ (@Scoby20) September 7, 2022
Apple event - live: Thousands tune in to Far Out stream
16:31 , Anthony Cuthbertson
There used to be a time when Apple would only make the live streams of its iPhone events available to people who already own Apple products and software.
Fortunately, these days anyone can watch it on YouTube. The holding page is now available, and with 90 minutes to wait until it’s live there’s already more than 50,000 people waiting to watch. Keen.
Apple event - live: Charged up
17:02 , Anthony Cuthbertson
There’s just an hour to go until we get underway, and as the crowd begins to charge up, one of the questions still lingering about this year’s iPhone is whether it will finally adopt the near-industry-wide standard USB-C charger.
It’s already present on other Apple products, including Mac desktops and laptops, but could 2022 finally be the year that the iPhone gets it? There are also rumours that Apple might ditch the tech entirely and go for an all-wireless system. It would be a bold move but having been the first major smartphone maker to ditch the headphone jack, it wouldn’t be out of character.
Apple event - live: iPhone more dominant than ever
17:21 , Anthony Cuthbertson
One of the big stories this week was the iPhone market share in the US hitting an all-time high, demonstrating Apple’s dominance in its home market.
It was the first time ever that more than 50 per cent of smartphone users owned iPhones rather than Androids.
A separate report also found that Apple continues to dominate the global market for premium smartphones, despite inflationary pressures.
I’d be surprised if Tim Cook doesn’t make mention of one or both of these stats in his opening monologue.
Apple event - live: ‘Far out’annoucnements?
17:36 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The September 2022 Apple event is named ‘Far out’, potentially hinting at the unveiling of some device or technology that is still a way off.
Could it be the much-hyped Apple Car? Or perhaps a pair of augmented reality glasses that have long been in development? Or maybe something else entirely?
My bet is it’s a reference to the satellite technology I mentioned earlier, which will allow emergency calls from anywhere on planet Earth.
With less than half an hour to go until it kicks off, we don’t have long to wait to find out...
Apple event - live: ‘Good morning!'
17:50 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Just 10 minutes to go now until we see Apple boss Tim Cook walk onto the stage at Apple Park to kick off this year’s event.
Few things in life are certain: Death, taxes, and Tim Cook opening a keynote saying “good morning!”
Apple event - live: What to expect from the new iPhone
17:56 , Anthony Cuthbertson
If you can’t wait five more minutes (or probably more like 15 for the actually announcement to be made), you can read up on everything we know so far about what to expect from the iPhone 14 - including release date, specs and versions - right here.
Apple event - live: Stream begins
17:59 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Apple’s official live stream of the event is underway, playing some funky music while spinning around some star formations that come together to form the company’s logo.
You can watch the live stream at the top of this page.
Apple event - live: We’re off!
18:02 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Zooming through the galaxy we arrive to Earth, where the camera pans over to California and to Apple Park and Tim Cook, who is waiting to greet us.
“Good morning,” he begins.
Apple event - live: iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch
18:04 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Tim Cook confirms that the three main items on the menu this morning will be the iPhone, the AirPods and the Apple Watch.
We’re going to start with the Apple Watch.
Apple event - live: ‘best Apple Watch lineup yet'
18:10 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Tim Cook promises the “best Apple Watch lineup yet”, as he hands over to chief operating officer Jeff Williams to tell us all about the Apple Watch Series 8.
It’s swim proof, dust proof and crack resistant. Here’s what it looks like:
Apple event - live: Cycle tracking on Watch Series 8
18:14 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Menstrual cycle tracking updates are coming to the Apple Watch Series 8.
Among these is a wrist sensor that samples a wearer’s temperature every five minutes, which can help indicate ovulation and therefore improve people’s chance of conceiving.
Apple event - live: Watch Series 8 ‘Crash Detection'
18:18 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Apple Watch Series 8 includes two improved pieces of hardware that can sense when a wearer suffers a serious collision. The Crash Detect feature will allow wearers to contact emergency services from their wrist should they ever need to.
“We truly hope you’ll never need it, but hope you’ll feel a little bit safer every time you get in the car.”
Apple event - live: Watch Series 8 to get new straps and battery saving feature
18:20 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Apple Watch Series 8 will receive a new Low Power Mode, as well as a host of new cases and straps.
It’s going to start at $399 for the GPS version and $499 for cellular.
Orders open today, it will be available on 16 September.
Apple event -live: Watch Series 8 specs
18:23 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Here’s everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 8:
Apple event - live: Watch SE
18:25 , Anthony Cuthbertson
And here’s everything on the slightly cheaper Apple Watch SE:
Apple event - live: All new Watch Ultra
18:29 , Anthony Cuthbertson
And there’s another Apple Watch!
The Apple Watch Ultra has a titanium case to make it the most durable smartwatch Apple has ever created. It comes with a customisable Action button.
It also comes with a brighter screen and extra speaker, as well as a bigger battery that gets up to 60 hours of extended life.
Apple event - live: Watch Ultra specs
18:32 , Anthony Cuthbertson
You can read more about the Apple Watch Ultra right here.
Apple event - live: Watch Ultra
18:38 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Here’s all the specs for the Apple Watch Ultra, which will cost $799 and will be available from 23 September.
Apple event - live: Watch Ultra built for scuba divers
18:41 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Apple is really selling this for scuba divers. It may seem like a niche market but it’s one I was writing about recently with the launch of a new underwater communication app. Unfortunately, it’s currently only available for Android.
Apple event - live: Next generation AirPods unveiled
18:44 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Tim Cook is back to introduce “the most advanced AirPods yet”.
The AirPods Pro comes with a brand new H2 chip, with high-bandwidth connectivity. There is also a new low-distortion driver to offer a wider range of sound experiences.
Apple event - live: AirPods Pro specs
18:49 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Apple promises better battery life (6 hours), improved noise cancellation and touch controls, as well as precision finding. It can also be charged using a wireless charger for the Apple Watch.
Here’s all the specs for Apple’s new headphones:
Apple event - live: Onto the iPhone 14
18:52 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Tim Cook is back to introduce the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.
Here’s some screen specs to start off:
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 colours
18:54 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Here’s the colours the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus will come in:
Apple event - live: New camera for iPhone 14
18:59 , Anthony Cuthbertson
We’re told that 3 trillion photos were taken with iPhones last year. That makes the camera very important.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus comes with better autofocus, improved lowlight capturing and sensors.
Apple event - live: iPhone ditches the physical SIM
19:02 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The iPhone 14 will not have a SIM tray, as all models will use eSIM technology. This means users will instead set up the new phone within the software.
It also comes with the new Crash Detect feature mentioned earlier.
More info on the iPhone 14 and iPhone Plus here.
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 to feature satellite technology
19:05 , Anthony Cuthbertson
As predicted earlier, iPhone 14 antennas will be able to connect to satellites in order to send messages in emergencies. Far out.
With a clear view of the sky, users will be able to send emergency messages in as little as 15 seconds.
It launches in November in the US and Canada and will be free for users for two years.
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 specs
19:08 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone 14:
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 availability
19:10 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The iPhone 14 will be available this month starting at $799, with the iPhone 14 Plus starting at $899.
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 Pro unveiled
19:13 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Tim Cook is back to introduce Apple’s “most innovative Pro lineup yet”.
This is the one the Apple heads have been waiting for.
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 Pro to include Dynamic Island
19:18 , Anthony Cuthbertson
An interesting new feature for the iPhone 14 Pro is the ‘Dynamic Island’, which replaces the notch with a customisable section at the top of the screen. It can include live scores for ongoing sporting events, or vital statistics.
The front-facing camera still hides beneath.
I just missed the screengrab for the screen specs, but you can just about make them out here:
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 Pro camera upgrades
19:26 , Anthony Cuthbertson
There’s some big upgrades coming for the iPhone 14 Pro cameras.
It comes with a 48MP main camera lens, as well as brand new sensors to capture better scenes in lowlight and greater detail.
There is also a 12MP Ultra Wide camera and a Telephoto camera to create Apple’s “most powerful Pro camera system ever”.
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 Pro specs in full
19:29 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Here’s a roundup of all the main specs for the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple’s most advanced iPhone it has ever created.
Apple event - live: iPhone 14 Pro price and release date
19:32 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The iPhone 14 Pro will start at $999 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max at $1,099.
Both models can be pre-ordered on 9 September and have a release date of 16 September.
Apple event - live: iPhone lineup updated
19:33 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Here’s the full and updated lineup of iPhones:
Apple event - live: Tim Cook says farewell
19:38 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Back to the Apple boss to wrap things up and say goodbye.
There’s one final hidden message after the brief credits roll, showing a woman standing by a train, before disappearing in a bizarre glitch.
What was that exactly? We’ll hopefully have more on that soon...
Apple event - live: Keynote ends in mystery
19:46 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Here’s more on that mysterious ending:
Apple event ends with footage of woman disappearing
Apple event - live: Analysts react to iPhone 14
20:10 , Anthony Cuthbertson
We’ve heard from Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, to hear his thoughts on today’s Apple event.
Here’s what he had to say:
Rather than the strapline of ‘Far Out’ for this event, Apple could have said ‘We’ve Got Your Back’. Introducing features such as crash detection, emergency satellite messaging, enhanced health capabilities and more, it builds on its already established reputation for security and privacy.
Ben Wood
Apple event - live: iOS 16 release date announced
20:18 , Anthony Cuthbertson
The new mobile operating system for the iPhone is coming next week, Apple has said.
iOS 16 will arrive on 12 September, four days before the new iPhone lineup becomes available.
It brings a host of new features to the iPhone, primarily focused on personalisation. Many of those changes are focused on the lock screen, in a change that seemingly anticipated the iPhone 14 Pro’s always-on display.
You can read all about the new iPhone update here.
Apple event - live: Analysts warn of UK price hikes
20:39 , Anthony Cuthbertson
Apple managed to maintain year-on-year pricing parity for all four of its new iPhone 14 devices, though it only announced the cost of the phones in the US.
The strength of the US dollar - the pound is currently at its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 - means price hikes look likely for markets outside the US.
“Although iPhone pricing in the US has remained flat, we caution that in markets such as the UK, Apple will be obliged to increase pricing in local currency given the strength of the US dollar,” said Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight. “If it matched pricing from last year it would quickly find huge volumes being transhipped for profit.”
