Originally published September 2022. Updated slightly in October 2025 for clarity. In hindsight: the pill-shaped cutout became Dynamic Island, Always-On Display shipped, Emergency SOS via satellite arrived on iPhone 14 models, and “Apple Watch Pro” launched as Apple Watch Ultra. Apple did not debut a hardware subscription service.
Apple’s “Far Out” event kicks off in less than 24 hours, in case you didn’t know. Oddly, the hype around this event feels palpably higher than last year’s iPhone 13 “California Streaming” keynote and it’s pretty clear why.
I’m not going to say that the last few years of iPhone upgrades have been boring. But when you take a broader look at the previous four years, you’ll notice a trend that lacks mainstream appeal in being new.
A trip down memory lane, shall we:
iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max: The iPhone X, but with a few bonuses. Better cameras, greater emphasis on AR, new gold color; mostly internal upgrades.
iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro: A more refined iPhone XS experience with new materials, better performance, and the first Pro-grade camera system. Takeaway: a new-looking camera.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro: Flat edges, 5G, better cameras, better performance, new colors, LiDAR, and Pro features.
iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro: Smaller notch, better cameras, longer battery life, and ProMotion.
Outside the tech community, mainstream customers are simple: they see something new and get excited. It’s human nature and none of the last four iPhones truly had that “newness.”
The iPhone 14 Pro will look new. The pill-shaped cutout replacing the notch is undeniably Apple. But it won’t just sit as a pure hardware change. Apple’s tying it directly into the software, transforming it into something interactive. Think of it as a living part of iOS that blends hardware and software together. The always-on display will make its debut too, intelligently dimming and integrating with the redesigned Lock Screen in iOS 16 and Live Activities. Small change, big effect. It should be a sight to behold tomorrow.
To top it off, all signs point to Apple finally bringing satellite connectivity to the iPhone for emergencies. Needless to say, the new iPhones will sell like hotcakes regardless. Still, perception matters, and the buzz heading into tomorrow suggests Apple is about to reframe what “Pro” means.
Tomorrow’s event will be Apple’s most important since November 2020, when it announced the M1 chip. Across the board, with a new iPhone lineup, at least three new Apple Watches, and updated AirPods, there’s a lot to cover.
Let’s not forget services, either. We’re likely to see updates to Apple Fitness+, Health research studies, and perhaps the long-awaited Apple Music Classical app. A full-fledged hardware subscription service, though, still feels a little early.
As for the iPhone 14 Pro itself, I’ve seen an image of the front from someone testing the device. It looks great. The bezels are smaller, and the pill shape (soon to be known by another name, I suspect) looks better in person than in renders. I had no issue with the notch, but this feels like progress for the sake of design and that’s fine by me.
Beyond the iPhone 14 Pro, there’s the new Apple Watch Pro, a tougher, sport-focused model that will anchor the lineup. I’ll hold off on final judgment until we see it tomorrow, but expect something larger, more rugged, and unmistakably Apple in its execution.
Beyond the cutout, new cameras, and the always-on display, don’t expect a full design overhaul. Apple is saving that kind of reset for next year. But for now, this feels like the biggest iPhone leap since the iPhone X.
A few last notes before tomorrow:
Mark Gurman tweeted last night to expect some Apple Watch Pro watch bands, and while I have zero details on that, I do have watch band-related news. The core bunch of Apple Watch bands, including Solo Loop, Milanese Loop, Link Bracelet, and my favorite, the Leather Link, aren’t getting any updates. Same bands, same colors.
With new iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch Pro, the Apple Watch SE, and the new AirPods Pro, Apple is undoubtedly planning a staggered release for everything over the next few weeks. iPhone 14 is in stores on Friday the 16th, and if everything hits the shelves the same day, it would be hell for retail staff. Let’s hope for a more stretched release timeline.
Lastly, can we please get a Craig cameo? Seriously though, Craig demoing the always-on display and its tie-in with the redesigned iOS 16 Lock Screen makes sense. Plus, the memes.
