Apple never fails to stay up to date with the latest technology and features in their products. As the new technology reaches the public, Apple users are excited to get their hands on the new iPhone 14 models, AirPods Pro (second generation), Apple Watch 8, and the Apple Watch Ultra. But are they worth the hype?

A big feature drawing people to the new iPhone model is the latest color. Many are enlivened by the new “deep purple.” However, the iPhone is also available for purchase in gold, silver, and “space black.”  

Besides the new color, many ask what else is different about the models of the phone. Well, Apple has updated their display on home and lock screens and began running a new operating software called IOS 16, which provides new safety features and allows you to customize your lock and home screen to give it that personal touch. 

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the iPhone 14 Pro will start at “$999, and the bigger models start at $1099.” 

The price of the new models will remain the same as last year’s, which comes as a surprise to some people. Student Adrina Montoya shares her opinion on the new releases: “I’m excited to upgrade my current iPhone 12 and get the new iPhone 14 plus!” 

Along with the new iPhone, Apple announced the launch of the second generation of AirPods Pro, “the most advanced AirPods ever,” according to the company’s website. The new model is said to “unlock breakthrough audio performance” with upgrades to the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode (to reduce more external noise), touch control, and longer battery life.

Apple has upgraded from an H1 chip to a powerful H2 chip. This new chip allows their Bluetooth headphones to reduce loud environment noise like construction tools or loud speakers at a concert. Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, Bob Borchers, states, “AirPods revolutionized the wireless headphone category with an innovative design and incredible sound quality. With the new AirPods Pro, Apple raises the bar once again.” These headphones deliver six hours of battery life from a single charge and are priced at $249. 

The Apple Watch 8 is another new addition to the series. The watch introduces temperature sensing for deeper insights into the wearer’s health, crash detection for emergency situations, sleep stages, and new ways to work out with the enhanced workout app. “The future of health never looked so good,” Apple maintains. 

The series 8 watch starts at $399 and can be customized for more. Depending on the watchband and case, the pricing can go all the way to $749. 

Lastly, the Apple Watch Ultra has also been released: “the ultimate sports watch,” as claimed by Apple. It’s crafted out of titanium for ruggedness, corrosion resistance, and weight. The Digital Crown and side button have also been improved to make it easier to use while wearing gloves. 

The Apple Watch Ultra is priced at $799. For those who work out, the watch’s light stretchy band and convenient pull tab for making quick adjustments on the go are convenient. 

A common misconception is that when Apple releases products, the older generation models begin breaking down or not working as proficiently as they used to. But this “planned obsolescence” isn’t necessarily happening in your current iPhone or Apple product. What really happens is when older generations (such as an iPhone 5) no longer have Apple’s support because of the older technology and hardware in the phone, they cannot receive the new updates being produced, causing them to not work as well as they once did. 

Taking all of this into account, people begin to question if they should upgrade to the new Apple products. One of Apple’s technical advisors, Matt Gurule, states, “I personally still have the iPhone 12 and don’t plan on upgrading.” He explains this is because the iPhone he currently uses works perfectly for him.

If you enjoy taking lots of photos, videos, and documentation, the new iPhone 14 models might be a perfect fit. However, if you are the type of person to use your cell phone for simple calls and texts, the price of the new iPhone might be something you can skip.