On the back, Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max seem identical to last year’s iPhone 13 Pro, but don’t be fooled. Something unique and fantastic is happening on the screen of the iPhone 14 Pro. The display notch marked Face ID iPhones since the iPhone X in 2017 has been replaced with a pill-shaped screen cutout containing an updated TrueDepth camera system. That cutout alone will make some folks happier than the notch did. But one of the favorite additions is the space surrounding the cutout, which now displays system notifications and background activity.

Dynamic Island enlarges and shrinks when you receive a call to display the music you’re listening to, timers, and other notifications. Although it’s not the most creative name, it’s one of the most valuable features on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. 

Upgraded cameras, a speedier CPU, an always-on display, iOS 16, and additional safety features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite are all included in the latest Apple phones.

The 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999 (£1,099, AU$1,749), while the 6.7-inch 14 Pro Max starts at $1,099 – the exact costs of the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max in 2019. After spending some time with the phones, they are believed to be worth the price.

The new Pros are available in space black, gold, silver, and deep purple, which can seem like a dismal shade of gray or Grimace purple, depending on the light. The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max will be available for purchase on Friday, September 16, and are presently available for presale.

Functions of Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro

The iPhone 14 Pro differs from earlier generations only slightly on the outside; there is also the display cutout described before. The camera hump is slightly larger. Additionally, US models employ an eSIM rather than a SIM card slot, like the iPhone 14.  But what characterizes the phone is the oddly titled Dynamic Island. It is a simple method for keeping an eye on events without entirely diverting your focus from what you are doing, and it is effective in various settings.

Interactivity exists on Dynamic Island. For instance, a small waveform and a thumbnail of the album artwork show on either side of the cutout when music is playing. Spotify displays the music that is playing when you tap either side. You may press and hold the interface while on a FaceTime call to display controls. Tap on the TrueDepth cameras directly or off to the sides. 

Suppose you have more than one background activity running, such as listening to music and setting a timer. In that case, Dynamic Island divides into two sections, like a sideways lower-case letter i. The iPhone 14 Pro and Dynamic Island are good examples of Apple encasing a solid tool in a user-friendly interface. It’s terrible that it is only available on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. 

The iPhone 14 Pro has an Always-on Display

The iPhone 14 Pro runs iOS 16, introducing many new features, including ways to personalize your lock screen. However, one lock screen feature is exclusive to the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max: an always-on display.

When your phone is locked, the always-on display displays essential information as a low-power version of your lock screen. While most Android phones have had the functionality for years, Apple’s implementation may be the most beautiful.

The always-on display on the 14 Pro shows the time, date, widgets, notifications, and a shaded-out version of your lock screen’s wallpaper. When exhibited as an always-on display, your lock screen may seem drastically different depending on how it is configured. It is a lot of fun testing with different lock screen wallpaper and widget combos to see how they’d appear. The color background is also the most noticeable difference between Apple’s always-on display and Android phones, which display the clock and alerts in monochrome.

It does not turn on when you place the 14 Pro-face down, in a pocket, in a bag, or near another Apple device. There’s also an option in Settings to turn it off.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max Are the Most Significant Changes to Apple’s Phone Lineup

It would be better to have another method to make the always-on display more discrete, such as only showing the time and date. You could use a dark background as your lock screen for a simpler always-on display and select the date and time. The 14 Pro’s always-on display has a lot going on visually, which can be found distracting.

Combined, the Dynamic Island updated lock screen layout and always-on display makes the 14 Pro the most approachable iPhone for handling alerts and notifications. Expectedly the experience will only improve once live activities for the lock screen in iOS 16 are fully accessible. (The live activities feature shows real-time updates from applications on your lock screen, allowing you to track the progress of ridesharing or the outcome of a sporting event.)

iPhone 14 Pro Speed 

The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are not just quicker than any iPhone tested but also the quickest phones available today.

Final Thoughts 

Although Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max look like last year’s iPhone 13 Pro from the back, some unique upgrades still exist, including the features and characteristics explained above. You preorder both iPhone 14 Pro and Phone 14 Pro Max. But the delivery time differs. However, if you have a small budget, you can buy used iPhones at a lower price but with excellent features.