iPhones and iPads and Upgrades… Oh My!

Historically, Apple’s fourth quarter is one of their busiest times, and 2022 was even busier than most.  

It all started in September when Apple announced 4 new iPhones, the iPhone 14 (6.1”), the iPhone 14 Plus (6.7”), the iPhone 14 Pro (6.1”) and the iPhone 14 Pro Max (6.7”).

The iPhone 14 and 14 plus got upgraded cameras, processors and a few other minor changes. But the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max got huge upgrades including a massive camera upgrade (from a 12 megapixel camera to a 48 megapixel camera), a superior processor update, and the brand new “Dynamic Island” which took the controversial “iPhone notch” and turned it into a new phone functionality with live updates and a seamless way to jump between apps.

Then without wasting a moment, Apple released the 2022 Apple Watch lineup, with an updated Apple Watch 8, the new Apple Watch SE (with a low $329 starting price), and a brand-new Apple Watch Ultra which features a larger screen, a rugged, durable frame meant for extreme sports and extreme weather, and a new powerful “Action” button integrated right into the body.

On top of those hardware updates, we also got the brand new AirPod pro 3 (with improved noise cancellation, upgraded sound and bass, a longer-lasting battery, a water-resistant body, and a touchable stem that allows you to easily adjust volume).

But Apple didn’t stop there… they also released the new iPhone operating system (iOS 16) which unlocks some powerful new capabilities for iMessage (marking a text as unread, on sending a text or email, and the ability to edit a text message after you sent it), as well as several updates including a brand new customizable lockscreen and significant updates and features to many of their stock pre-installed apps. (check out this YouTube video to learn more about iOS 16)

And just when we thought they were done. Apple released multiple upgraded iPads. The low-end iPad got a huge update (10th gen), losing the home button but gaining a ton of power. And the high end iPad Pro got an upgraded M2 processor, and a significantly improved Liquid Retina XDR screen. 

 In my opinion, the iPad lineup has gotten quite cluttered and complicated, and these new releases didn’t help. There are currently four separate iPad models and multiple sizes. To make sense of the new iPad releases, check out this article all about which iPad model is the right one for you.

We also got a brand new updated Apple TV with a powerful processor upgrade, new high definition capabilities, and believe it or not, a lower price ($129 instead of the previous models $179 price).

Then on October 24th Apple released the latest computer update (MacOS 13: Ventura) and a brand new (and groundbreakingly different) new iPad software update (iPadOS 16) that enables true multi-tasking on an iPad for the first time, in addition to a ton of other notable new features.

But there’s still one more major update… Apple is expected to upgrade the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and possibly even release the long-awaited professional-level MacPro all supporting the new Apple Silicon M2 chip. They have not officially announced these updates yet, but the rumor mill is almost certain they will come out before the end of the year.

With all these big changes, software updates, and hardware releases, it can be confusing to know what to buy, when to upgrade, how to use the new features, and more.

One of the best ways to stay on top of all these changes is to sign up for my MacWhisperer Academy. If you click this link, you can get in for the discounted limited-time price of $77/month (normally $147/month) and make sense of all these new changes.

Every month in the Academy we discuss a new technology (we are discussing how to use an iPad this month) as well as a live Q&A session where you can bring any issue, question, or challenge and get expert advice on how to solve it, how to make sense of it, or what you should purchase.

I hope to see you in the Academy!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. The MacWhisperer may earn a commission (at no cost to you) when you use our links to buy items.