Apple’s Latest Product Announcements: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9, and More
Apple’s annual autumn product launch event didn’t bring many surprises, but it did deliver significant announcements. The company revealed four models of the iPhone 15, which ditched Apple’s proprietary Lightning charging port in favor of USB-C. Additionally, they introduced two new Apple Watches and a fresh pair of AirPods Pro, also transitioning to USB-C. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what Apple unveiled at its Wonderlust event.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Apple introduced the iPhone 15 with a 6.1-inch display and the iPhone 15 Plus with a 6.7-inch screen. These new models are powered by Apple’s A16 processor, offering improved performance and multitasking capabilities compared to last year’s versions. The most noticeable change is the inclusion of the Dynamic Island display cutout, previously exclusive to the pricier iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.
The Dynamic Island houses the iPhone’s camera and depth sensors, along with active call status, audio playback controls, and other interactive elements. This feature is primarily visual but proved to be useful in premium iPhones from the previous year.
Both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus feature an enhanced 48-megapixel main camera with an f/1.6 aperture and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with up to 2x optical zoom. These models also incorporate Apple’s robust Ceramic Shield display and offer increased peak display brightness, reaching up to 2,000 nits.
The most significant change, potentially controversial, is the transition from the Lightning port to USB-C for charging and connectivity. Apple has partnered with AAA to provide two years of iPhone-based roadside assistance via satellite with each new iPhone. Furthermore, Apple continues its commitment to sustainability with the use of recycled materials in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus’s construction.
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus come in various colors, including pink, yellow, green, blue, and black, all featuring aluminum bodies with color-matched back glass. The starting prices are $800 for the 128 GB iPhone 15 and $900 for the 128 GB iPhone 15 Plus, with preorders available starting on September 15 and sales commencing on September 22.
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
Apple also unveiled the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, featuring titanium frames to reduce weight and resist fingerprint smudges. These titanium models come in four colors: black, white, blue, and a “natural” finish.
Despite nearly identical dimensions of 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches, the new Pro models offer a thinner bezel, providing more screen real estate compared to the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro models introduce a revamped ring/silent switch, now functioning as an action button. This button allows users to adjust volume, trigger customizable actions like launching the camera or voice memos, and integrate it with the Shortcuts app.
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, Apple claims it to be “the fastest chip ever on any smartphone,” offering faster USB 3 transfer speeds and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for gaming. The Pro models maintain Apple’s tradition of providing top-tier camera features and incorporate improvements such as reduced lens flare and custom focal-length defaults.
Like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max adopt the USB-C standard for charging and connectivity. They also support a new video feature for spatial videos, enhancing the experience with Apple’s forthcoming headset, the Apple Vision Pro.
The starting prices for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are $1,000 and $1,200, respectively, for the base models. Preorders begin on September 15, and the phones will be available for purchase on September 22.
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the new S9 watch chip, promising smoother animations and faster Siri responses. It introduces a second-generation ultra-wideband chip to help locate misplaced iPhones, provided you have both a 2023 Apple Watch and an iPhone 15. The Series 9 also features a brighter screen, a new double-tap gesture for actions like answering calls, and an array of color options.
Apple is prioritizing sustainability by phasing out leather in accessories and introducing eco-friendly materials. The Series 9 starts at $400 for the Bluetooth/GPS model and $500 for the cellular version, with availability beginning on September 22 and preorders open now.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, featuring the advanced S9 chip, shares many features with the Series 9, including the double-tap gesture, on-device Siri, and the ultra-wideband chip for precision tracking of your iPhone. It boasts a brighter display, a new Modular Ultra watch face, and cycling-related features. Battery life remains consistent with the first-generation model.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $800 and is available for preorder now, with sales starting on September 22.
USB-C AirPods Pro
Apple is releasing a new version of the second-generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C carrying case, departing from the Lightning port. The company is also updating its classic wired EarPods to feature USB-C connectivity.
This article was edited by Tamas Nagy.
