Exciting Highlights from Apple's Far Out Event: A Personal Take
Written on
Chapter 1: Reflections on the Event
While Apple unveiled an array of impressive gadgets and enhancements, there's only one that truly excites me.
Let me clarify that I won’t be upgrading my devices this year. This decision isn't due to a lack of excitement surrounding Apple's new iPhones and Apple Watches; rather, it's simply because I don’t find myself in need of any new devices at the moment. That said, there is one standout feature that I am looking forward to, but first, I want to share my thoughts on some other key highlights from the event.
Section 1.1: Apple Watch Ultra
In my opinion, the new Apple Watch Ultra leaves much to be desired in terms of aesthetics. While I appreciate the flat display, the overall design—particularly the shape, size, and the bright orange accents—doesn't resonate with me. However, I do admire its features and applaud Apple's effort to target the extreme sports market. The Apple Watch had a bit of an identity crisis initially, but focusing on fitness has proven to be a wise move. Despite this, the Ultra model isn’t for me.
Section 1.2: Dynamic Island and the iPhone 14 Line
The discontinuation of the Mini model saddens me. Still, I understand the appeal for those who prefer larger phones. Introducing a Plus model without the Pro price tag is a smart strategy for Apple. Beyond the removal of the Mini, nothing about the non-Pro line particularly excites me. The more affordable models deliver a great value, offering many premium features without the premium price.
I’m working on another article discussing how Apple turns challenges into opportunities. The Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone 14 Pro exemplifies this. The Notch was never popular, and while we adapted to it, it was never loved. Likewise, many Android devices feature similar cutouts. Apple has transformed this pill-shaped gap into a functional aspect of the phone, which I find to be quite clever. Although this feature alone wouldn’t prompt me to upgrade, it’s nice to see Apple surprise us with unexpected innovations.
Chapter 2: My Favorite Announcement
Despite the impressive new designs of the Apple Watch and updated iPhones, my favorite announcement was the new AirPods Pro. At first glance, they look similar to the previous version, but the sound quality and noise cancellation have significantly improved. However, the most exciting new feature for me is the ability to adjust the volume by sliding my finger on the AirPod while wearing it.
This simple change will profoundly impact my daily life. I often struggle to adjust the volume without my phone in hand, and this new feature will make it much more convenient, especially while doing tasks like washing dishes or cleaning the garage. I have always preferred squeezing the stems of the AirPods over tapping them, and this volume sliding feature will be a small but significant improvement in my daily routine.
The Far Out event was enjoyable. Apple excels at creating excitement around its products. Although the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro don’t differ significantly from their predecessors, Apple has a knack for making us want to upgrade. As I’ve mentioned before, I am not looking to replace my iPhone 12 Mini or invest in an Apple Watch just yet—truthfully, I’d rather wait for a Series 7 to get the Titanium option, which is now exclusive to the Ultra model.
While I may not be purchasing anything right away, I am genuinely excited about the direction Apple is heading. I anticipate that the iPhone 15 will undergo a complete redesign, which could be thrilling, and I hope some features from the Ultra model will trickle down to other Apple Watch variants. As for my future purchases, I may consider getting a set of AirPods Pro eventually, as my current pair is still relatively new. I plan to replace my 12 Mini with a 13 Mini, but that might wait until next year; for now, I am content with what I have.
Explore every Techuisite story and other writers on Medium by becoming a member through the following link:
(Using this link will directly support Paul Alvarez and the Techuisite publication)