News

Apple’s iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are new base model iPhones

Plus new Photonic Engine for cameras

Published

September 8, 2022

Rodneil Quiteles

Image by GadgetMatch

Size matters and Apple is going big with its new pair of base models of the iPhone 14. Instead of a mini, we’re getting an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Plus.

(Some) of the rumors were true

We expected the Mini biting the dust and, going by its sales, it might not be missed as much. But one rumor confirmed is that the base iPhone 14 models will use the A15 chip. It’s the same one found on last year’s models. Well, Apple is saying it’s slightly more powerful than last year’s, but they do share the same name.

It’s by no means a terrible chip, but if you want the latest and greatest, you have to go Pro.

Design-wise, it mostly also retains the look of the iPhone 13. You still get a notch, and at the back, your two cameras.

What’s new?

For starters, the Plus version. Instead of a tiny base model, we’re getting a supersized one. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1″ display while the iPhone 14 Plus comes in at 6.7″ inches. The larger display lends itself nicely to better media consumption. This is especially useful too if you like gaming whether that’s regular mobile games or ones available on Apple Arcade.

The dual-camera system has been revamped too. Yes, you’re still getting a 12MP main sensor but now you have a larger sensor and larger pixels. But most importantly is the Photonic Engine. It’s a feature that deeply integrates software and hardware to improve mid to lowlight performance. And this applies on the main camera, the ultra-wide camera, and even the TrueDepth (selfie) camera.

For video shooters, the iPhone 14 models are also getting Action Mode. This is enhanced stabilization for shooting high-octane shots.

Crash Detection isn’t just on the Apple Watch Series 8. It’s also coming to the iPhone 14. As an addition, there’s an Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that will contact emergency services should you, god forbid, figure in a vehicular accident.

One new thing that not many people may be happy with is the removal of the physical SIM tray, at least for the US models. Yes, the iPhone 14 will force you to move to an eSIM. Apple argues it’s more secure.

Pricing and Availability

The iPhone 14 will be available on September 14 while the iPhone 14 Plus is coming on October 7. Both models are available in Starlight, Midnight, a new shade of Blue, Purple, and the Product (RED) colorway.

Pricing are as follows:

iPhone 14

128GB – US$ 799 / SG$ 1299 / ₱56,990
256GB – US$ 899 / SG$ 1469 / ₱63,990
512GB – US$ 1099 / SG$ 1799 / ₱75,990

iPhone 14 Plus

128GB – US$ 899 / SG$ 1499 / ₱63,990
256GB – US$ 999 / SG$ 1669 / ₱72,990
512GB – US$ 1199 / SG$ 1999 / ₱80,990

SEE ALSO:

News

Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.