The iPhone 14 series launch was an important event for Apple considering the impact of iPhone sales on profits, but it will have a far-reaching impact on others in the industry as these devices could change the dynamics of how we view and use our smartphones. The iPhone has always set trends in smartphone design, and some of the notable features that Apple has introduced in the iPhone over the years have been difficult for OEMs to match. We still remember how Apple introduced the notch and Face ID, which many companies like Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, started copying with their handsets. While they don’t have the latest Face ID technology, they managed to provide a facial recognition feature that is still prevalent, even though the big notch has now all but disappeared.
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have received a redesign which is the first major change for Apple since the iPhone X. Although late to the party, Apple has now switched to a hole-punch display but instead of being seen as a copycat, the new “Dynamic Island” is beyond what Android phonemakers have managed and presents an all-new user experience. There are other features that Apple has brought with its new iPhone 14 Pro models that OEMs may be forced to replicate in their future smartphones. Here are five things that solidify Apple’s position as a trend-setter and game changer in the smartphone market, and two that the company still needs to work on.
Five things Apple did with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
1.) eSIM-only iPhone
Apple announced at the ‘Far Out’ event that the iPhone 14 models sold in the US will not have a SIM tray and will only support eSIM. This is probably one of the most underrated features that started with the Google Pixel 2 and was later popularized by Apple. According to a Report According to Counterpoint Research, companies such as Samsung, Huawei and Motorola are among 14 OEMs following Apple and launching smartphones with eSIM functionality. With the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max debuting as the first eSIM-only smartphones, it won’t be long before competitors jump on the bandwagon.
“We believe the launch [the iPhone 14 series] eSIM support is an inflection point for the industry, facilitating the transition from physical SIM cards to eSIM. The e-SIM-only iPhone will not only embed eSIM in the minds of many consumers around the world, but will also drive other OEMs to move to eSIM in the future,” said Ankit Malhotra, research analyst at Counterpoint.
2. Hole-punch cutout: dynamic island
As already mentioned, Apple is probably the last company to introduce a hole-punch display. But she deserves credit for making “Dead Zone” useful. We’ve discussed this in detail on our weekly podcast, Orbital, specifically Apple’s efforts to implement software features around the pill-shaped cutout into something fresh and interesting.
Apple calls it Dynamic Island, perhaps giving the impression of an island in the middle of a vast body of water. The bullet-shaped cutout expands seamlessly to integrate notifications, notifications and background activity updates in one interactive place. It can work with all kinds of apps and use machine learning algorithms to surface the right information. You can also touch and hold to control your music, monitor timers, and view incoming calls — all without switching between apps or swiping down to see notifications.
We spoke to IDC analyst Navkendra Singh about this feature. He says that no Apple user would mind the high quality but the company was mocked for it. “Apple was like, ‘You wanted a pill [pill-shaped cut-out], we give you more.’ They did brilliantly, nobody saw it coming and I would say only Apple can do it,” he added. Asked if we can expect other OEMs to follow Apple’s lead in this regard, Singh said, ‘Yes.’ Because Android is easy to customize. “We may not see it in Android 13, maybe not in Android 14,” he said. Gadget 360,
Apple puts it best: “Welcome to the shapeshifting, multitasking, head-turning, game-changing iPhone experience.”
Oranges will try to become apples, but can they?
3. New 48-megapixel camera
Apple has always painted itself as the flag bearer of smartphone videography, and despite many attempts, no other smartphone has come close to the video production capabilities that the iPhone can offer. Although late to the party, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max managed to raise the bar once again. Its Cinematic mode now shoots video in 4K HDR at 24 fps — the film industry standard — so it delivers high-quality video to smartphones, Apple says. For smooth handheld videos there’s an Action mode, which uses the phone’s motion sensor and larger sensor to crop videos, resulting in improved stabilization.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are the only phones in the world that let you shoot, view, edit and share video in ProRes or Dolby Vision HDR. duration.
4. SOS satellite communication
Apple has added a limited form of satellite connectivity to all iPhone 14 series handsets. This will allow users to send SOS messages when there is no cellular connectivity. For example, if you’re a hiker who’s lost in the woods or has an injury that immobilizes you, you could, in theory, use your iPhone 14 to send an SOS message and it could aid in your rescue. The feature is free for the first two years and will be available in Canada and the US.
5. Crash detection
iPhone 14 models can detect car crashes thanks to a new accelerometer that Apple says can sense extreme acceleration or deceleration up to 256 Gs. A new barometer can detect potential changes in cabin pressure due to deployment of airbags and changes in direction, and the loud sound of an impact can also be used to detect accidents. In such a case, the new iPhone will call emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.
While this feature may not seem necessary to some, young readers in counterpoint research explain it better. “These are features (crash detection, SOS) that companies don’t look at [from a] Scale approach. In fact, even one life saved by the use of technology is a success. So I guess the idea is to apply technology with a larger global impact rather than looking at the regional landscape,” Pathak said Gadget 360,
We can draw parallels between Apple Watch and iPhone 14 series crash detection and SOS features. Millions of people use the Apple Watch but only a handful of cases have been reported that highlight the use of the technology to save lives.
“Hey [the feature], I am sure, if used in India will lead to meaningful developments, although operational challenges need to be addressed. what [happens] After the SOS communication is completed, what happens after the crash is detected? Do we have a fast response team like other countries? So things like that,” said Pathak, explaining the feasibility of the feature in India.
When asked if this gives Apple an edge over other OEMs, Pathak noted that users can buy the iPhone 14 specifically for this. “It would be a good thing to have from the user’s point of view. Huawei, and other brands like the Bullitt Group (Britain-based rugged phone maker) have already announced satellite-based connectivity services,” he added.
Apple needs to get two things right
1. USB Type-C port and fast charging
One of the annoyances of owning an iPhone over the years has been the unavailability of a USB Type-C port. We may see this in the future, as Apple is testing it for the iPhone 15. Apple may soon have to change the connectors on its iPhones sold in Europe, as EU lawmakers agree to a single charging port for mobile phones, tablets. and cameras. With the introduction, we can also see an increase in data transfer and charging speed.
2. Price
The prices of the Pro models are going up in India, limiting them to a niche market. In our first impressions of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro Max, we mentioned how Apple’s new Pro phones cost significantly more in India than in the US.
On the one hand, this may not be a problem for iPhone Pro model buyers; According to Navkendra Singh. “Price doesn’t matter to Apple and people won’t buy an iPhone. Apple is doing well in terms of sales. Apple will still sell the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini. As usual, the volume n-1 (previous-gen model), will be powered by the iPhone 13 series. Especially iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro,” he said.
On the other hand, potential iPhone buyers may be disappointed that the most attractive features and benefits, such as Dynamic Island, the new always-on display and camera capabilities, are limited to the most expensive models. With prices rising, many Indian buyers will find it hard to justify buying the iPhone 14 Pro, even if they were willing to pay for the latest and greatest in the past.
“As far as the iPhone 14 series is concerned, the iPhone 14 Plus looks a bit expensive for a non-Pro model. The Dynamic Island feature will not make people buy the iPhone 14 Pro or the iPhone 14 Pro Max,” highlighted Singh. Asked which of the new iPhone models will account for the lion’s share of sales, Singh said he expects the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro to do well during the festive season.
