Far Out ... and beyond!

September 10, 2022

The rugged Apple Watch Ultra and the iPhone 14 Pro's clever UI enhancement known as the Dynamic Island totally stole the show at Apple's Far Out event this week.

Those two head-spinners -- one a hardcore piece of hardware, the other a surprisingly versatile software workaround that turns a negative (the "pillhole") into a positive -- embody the sort of innovation that keeps me hooked on Apple gear.

We've got loads of coverage of the Far Out event and its aftermath in this week's edition, so I won't waste more of your time fanboying out about my faves.

Enjoy your weekend (and I hope you got those preorders placed)!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

News and opinion

Apple definitely over-delivered with Wednesday’s Far Out event. The rumor mill’s constant churn of leaks and speculation gave us a solid framework for our expectations, but Cupertino’s hardware and software wizards still whipped out a few stunners.

More iPhone 14/Pro headlines:

More Apple Watch headlines:

More AirPods headlines:

After months of beta testing, Apple confirms September 12, 2022, as the final release date for iOS 16 and watchOS 9. The operating systems will add several new features to iPhone and Apple Watch.

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max represent the best of what the company has to offer customers this year. But if you already own the iPhone 13 Pro, should you upgrade?

Apple is reportedly working on at least three AR/VR headsets. The company will first launch the “Apple Reality Pro” headset, which would directly rival Meta’s upcoming Quest Pro headset.

One of the bigger surprises at Apple’s Far Out event wasn’t in the hardware itself, but in its pricing. As in, it didn’t go up as it often does, at least in the U.S. market — despite rising inflation and the supply chain backups we heard so much about.

The repository celebrates the Apple co-founder’s life and strives to share his values.

How-tos

The Apple AirTag is arguably among the company’s most useful product releases in recent years. Once you set up an AirTag, it gives you powerful options for locating it (and whatever you attach it to). Put one of Apple’s tracking tags on an item like a keychain or luggage, and you can easily track its location from your iPhone, Mac or iPad. Here's how to get started.

Deals

You have to keep your gadgets charged to enjoy them. This Six-in-One Wireless Charger Stand can keep them all juiced up, and it currently costs just $49.99.

There are many reasons to run your own website, whether it’s to advertise your work, sell cool crafts or post pictures of your cooking. Luckily, building one doesn't need to be a pain.

It’s annoying running into obstacles online, but you can get past them with Offcloud. You can bypass internet restrictions with a lifetime subscription, on sale for $39.99 (regularly $699).

Plus, more software deals:

For many people, the internet has some role in almost every facet of their life. Bored? Stream something. Working? Do research online. Got kids? They probably need the internet, too, but it’s up to you to ensure they don’t see all of it.

Reviews

It’s Bibi Garvey’s time to shine this week on Apple TV+’s dark, depraved and hilarious comedy Bad Sisters.

Plus, more Apple TV+ recaps:

Accessories-maker Laut just released a dozen new iPhone 14 cases, screen protectors and camera lens shields in the Cult of Mac Store. They cover a range of styles and applications.

A deeply cynical PR stunt from former first lady Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea, Gutsy attempts to preach to a very specific choir while celebrating everything human about someone who at this point couldn’t be less relatable.

The PowerA Moga XP5-i Plus has the same basic design as an Xbox controller, but with a focus on Apple devices. It stands out from the crowd with a built-in battery for recharging your handset while you play. Plus, PowerA added a couple of useful buttons.

The name of the game here is value. Like some of EarFun's other earbuds, these offer quality sound and features found in more expensive earbuds. But the product is not without drawbacks.

Setups

Some computer setups go for splashy color while others like to be monochromatic — often basic black or white. In this one, an iOS and macOS software developer sets a Studio Display in a black-and-white scheme that hides an M1 MacBook Pro.

This setup displays an innovation we’ve seen from time to time, but not as often as we’d expect. It’s a custom keyboard wrist rest built to fit a Magic Trackpad in its middle section.