Apple recently revealed its latest iPhone 15 lineup, along with several other updates during its September event.
We’ve gathered six important takeaways from this event to help you understand the highlights:
1. New iPhone Design Changes
The new iPhone 15 models have undergone subtle but significant design changes.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max now come with sleek titanium casings, making them slimmer and thinner.
They also feature an advanced 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor and a new telephoto lens for 5x optical zoom (exclusive to the Pro Max).
The Pro models have contoured edges and a customizable Action button for added functionality.
The basic iPhone 15 phones feature updated image stabilization for better photos and videos, improved optimization, and richer colors for portraits.
They also introduce the “Dynamic Island” tool, which replaces the notch with alerts, notifications, and controls.
The iPhone 15 comes in five colors and two sizes.
2. Pricing Remains Unchanged
Apple has decided not to increase the prices for the iPhone 15 lineup, which may encourage more users to upgrade their devices.
The iPhone 15 starts at $799, while the iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999.
You can pre-order them starting Friday, with in-store sales beginning on September 22.
3. Universal Charging with USB-C
One significant change is the shift to USB-C charging for iPhone 15 models, ending an 11-year era of Apple’s Lightning charging cable.
This move allows users to use the same USB-C chargers for iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, simplifying the charging process.
Apple claims that the new USB-C controller offers transfer speeds up to 20 times faster than USB-2 technology.
This change aligns with the European Union’s plan to standardize charging across devices by 2024.
4. Next-Generation Apple Watches
Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, featuring their in-house chip and ultrawideband connectivity.
This updated watch enables voice-activated health data logging, easy contact sharing, and automatic display brightening.
It comes in various colors.
Additionally, the rugged Ultra smartwatch line got an update with the S9 custom chip and improved tracking features.
5. Finger Gestures for Apple Watches
Apple introduced a unique way to control its new smartwatches, the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.
They include a gesture control called “Double Tap,” allowing users to tap their index finger and thumb together twice to perform various functions like answering calls, controlling music playback, and scrolling through widgets.
This feature is enabled by advanced technology and monitoring changes in blood flow when fingers tap together.
6. New iPhone Software Features
Apple’s next-generation software, iOS 17, will be available for download starting September 18.
It includes improved autocorrect accuracy, a Live Voicemail feature that transcribes voicemail messages in real-time, and a NameDrop tool for easy contact sharing.
The AirPods Pro will receive adaptive audio adjustments based on surroundings and a conversation mode that softens audio when speaking with others.
7. Apple’s Sustainability Efforts
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s VP of environment, policy, and social initiatives, announced that the Apple Watch Series 9 will be the company’s “first-ever carbon-neutral product.”
Apple is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and offsetting emissions with carbon buybacks.
Additionally, Apple is replacing leather in its products, including watch bands, with a new material called “fine woven.”
This material is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content, reducing its carbon footprint significantly.
These takeaways showcase Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and user experience, all while keeping its products accessible and user-friendly.
