Apple’s September showcase revealed the iPhone 14 lineup and iPhone 14 Pro models. The company also rolled out refreshed Apple Watch options, including the toughened Apple Watch Ultra, and a refreshed AirPods Pro model.
Apple packages each reveal with flair, but are these new devices compelling enough to replace your current gear? Should you swap in the iPhone 14, trade up to one of the new Watches, or invest in the upgraded AirPods Pro?
We’ll walk you through whether an upgrade makes sense or if you’re better off saving your cash for a future refresh.
Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 14?
Release Date: Sept. 16, 2022
Starting Price: $799
The iPhone 14 keeps a similar look to the iPhone 13, so those hoping for a dramatic redesign may be disappointed. Available finishes include blue, purple, Midnight, Starlight and red.
This year Apple offers the iPhone 14 with a 6.1-inch screen and the iPhone 14 Plus with a 6.7-inch display. If you enjoy streaming videos or gaming on the move, the Plus model could be appealing.
Key changes from the iPhone 13 to iPhone 14 include emergency SOS via satellite, crash detection, an improved front camera with autofocus and a video action mode for steadier footage.
If you’re already using an iPhone 13, there’s not much incentive to upgrade unless you particularly value the new safety capabilities.
The emergency SOS via satellite is especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts who might need to contact help beyond cellular coverage. Crash detection is also helpful, automatically reaching emergency responders after a severe collision.
The upgraded front camera with autofocus is a welcome improvement, though it may not be essential. The action mode for smoother video is handy for active recording, but again, not a must-have for everyone.
Our guidance is similar for iPhone 12 owners.
That said, if you’re using an iPhone 11 or older, the iPhone 14 could be a meaningful upgrade. You’ll get faster performance, access to 5G networks, tougher glass, a brighter HDR display and better low-light photography than older models provide.
Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 14 Pro?
Release Date: Sept. 16, 2022
Starting Price: $999
While the jump from iPhone 13 to iPhone 14 was modest, the iPhone 14 Pro introduces several substantial enhancements over its predecessor.
The overall silhouette remains close to the iPhone 13 Pro, but Apple replaced the familiar notch with a pill-shaped cutout on the front display. Color options this year include gold, silver, Space Black and Deep Purple.
That pill-shaped cutout—branded the “Dynamic Island”—takes the place of the old notch. Opinions will vary, but we see it as a meaningful aesthetic improvement.
The iPhone 14 Pro display also gained a notable feature: an always-on mode. When your phone is idle, you can glance at the screen for notifications without waking it fully.
If you struggle to see your iPhone 13 Pro in bright sunlight, the iPhone 14 Pro’s display peaks at 2000 nits outdoors—almost double the brightness of the prior model.
The Pro’s main camera steps up to 48 megapixels, offering four times the resolution of the earlier Pro generation. That’s a standout for photographers who like to crop images while preserving detail.
The iPhone 14 Pro also inherits the same safety and camera upgrades found on the standard iPhone 14, including emergency SOS via satellite, crash detection, action video mode and an auto-focusing front camera.
If you already own an iPhone 13 Pro, the upgrade may be tempting if you’ll regularly use the always-on display, need better outdoor visibility or want the new 48MP camera.
For anyone coming from an iPhone 12 Pro or older, the iPhone 14 Pro is likely a welcome jump forward thanks to features introduced in recent generations.
Those enhancements include ProMotion for smoother motion, expanded optical zoom capabilities, improved performance and macro photography tricks.
Should You Upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra?
Release Date: Sept. 23, 2022
Starting Price: $799
Apple unveiled three smartwatches: the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and the Apple Watch Ultra.
The Apple Watch Ultra marks a new path for Apple Watch: a rugged model built for demanding conditions. Targeted at adventurers and users in extreme environments, the Ultra features a titanium case for better durability and corrosion resistance.
The Ultra’s chassis is designed to shield the sapphire crystal edges from impacts and includes a larger digital crown and button ideal for gloved use. It’s water resistant to 100 meters, meets military-grade standards and carries an IP6X dust-resistance rating for harsh settings.
Apple Watch Ultra also introduces a night-mode watch face to protect night vision with a vivid red display. It’s also Apple’s brightest and largest display to date, reaching 2000 nits.
Other notable Apple Watch Ultra features:
- An action button for quick control of fitness functions
- Dual-frequency, improved GPS
- Louder dual speakers with a three-mic array
- A siren that can be heard up to 600 feet away
For longer ventures away from power, the Ultra packs a bigger battery that can last up to 60 hours in low power mode. Apple also introduced specialized bands suited for hikers, divers and runners.
The crash detection tech found on the iPhone 14 is also built into the Apple Watch Ultra, enabling the device to contact emergency services automatically after a serious car crash.
So, is the Ultra worth it? Most people will not need this level of durability. But if your activities involve diving, desert treks or mountain climbs, the Ultra could be a significant and welcome upgrade.
Should You Upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 8 or SE?
Release Date: Sept. 16, 2022
Starting Price: $399 (Series 8), $249 (SE)
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a modest evolution from the Series 7. Two headline features stand out: Apple’s crash detection and enhanced cycle tracking for people who menstruate.
The enhanced cycle tracking leverages a new temperature sensor to offer deeper ovulation insights. By reading temperature shifts during sleep, the Series 8 can provide improved period-tracking accuracy.
We’d mainly suggest the Series 8 for anyone who would benefit from more precise cycle tracking—people trying to conceive may find the ovulation notifications particularly useful.
If you own an Apple Watch Series 6 or older, upgrading is a matter of personal preference. If your current watch meets your needs, there’s no urgency to switch.
Upgrades from older watches typically bring a larger always-on display, letting you glance at the time without raising your wrist, plus newer health sensors that can monitor heart rate, heart rhythm and blood oxygen.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) adds crash detection as its main new feature. Owners of the first-gen SE can probably wait for the next refresh before upgrading.
Should You Upgrade to the New Apple AirPods Pro?
Release Date: Sept. 23, 2022
Starting Price: $249
Apple’s AirPods Pro have long been the company’s flagship earbuds, and they’ve now been refreshed with a second generation.
The new AirPods Pro deliver stronger noise cancellation—up to twice the reduction of the prior model. Transparency mode is now adaptive and can automatically dampen sudden loud noises.
One convenient addition is swiping the stems to change volume. Battery life improves too, with up to six hours per earbud on a single charge and a case that provides up to 30 extra hours.
Other improvements include:
- Personalized tuning for spatial audio
- A case that’s easier to locate via the Find My network
- Better sound quality from upgraded drivers and an improved amplifier
If you’re content with your current AirPods Pro, there’s no pressing reason to switch. But if you’ve wanted stronger noise cancellation or longer battery life, the new model is a solid upgrade.
How Do I Upgrade My iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods?
If you’re set on the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, the most reliable place to order is Apple’s online store. While the phones are available from Sept. 16, 2022, pre-orders opened on Apple’s website on Sept. 9, 2022.
You can also purchase the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro from carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and T‑Mobile. Place orders early—new iPhones often sell out quickly and go on back order.
Visit Apple’s website to buy the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Ultra. Select cellular-enabled Watch models may also be available through carriers.
The updated AirPods Pro can be ordered via Apple’s website. On launch day, many Apple products are also stocked by electronics and big-box retailers like Best Buy, Target, Staples and Walmart.
Alex Carter is a senior technology writer at Savinly specializing in consumer gadgets.
