13th September 2023 – (Cupertino) During its highly anticipated “Wonderlust” event on Tuesday, Apple made an exciting announcement, revealing that the iPhone 15 will officially launch on September 22, the upcoming Friday. The new flagship phone will have a starting price of $799 in the U.S., while the larger-displayed iPhone 15 Plus, with an enhanced battery, will be available for $899. Apple also introduced the iPhone 15 Pro, starting at $999, and the high-end iPhone 15 Pro Max, priced at $1,199.
At the event, Apple showcased the latest upgrades of the iPhone 15, including a brighter screen, an advanced camera system, and the much-anticipated addition of a USB-C port. The iPhone 15 Pro will feature the new A17 Pro chip and a titanium chassis, making it the lightest Pro model ever.
Preorders for the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max will commence on Friday, offering trade-in deals for users with older iPhone models who wish to upgrade to the latest devices.
In addition to the iPhone lineup, Apple also unveiled its newest additions to the wearable category: the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Both smartwatches will boast brighter screens and innovative gesture features.
The iPhone 15 took center stage at the “Wonderlust” event held in Cupertino, California, where Apple presented its latest offerings. Alongside the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, other notable devices were introduced, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Among the notable enhancements is the expansion of Dynamic Island, an animated feature located at the top of the screen, which provides contextual information. This feature was initially introduced last year on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models and has now been extended to the iPhone 15 series. Another highly anticipated change is the replacement of the Lightning port with a USB-C port, allowing for wired charging and connectivity.
The iPhone 15 will be available at a starting price of $799 (£799, AU$1,499) for the 128GB model, while the 128GB iPhone 15 Plus will start at $899 (£899, AU$1,649) for carrier-activated purchases. Preorders are set to begin on Friday, with the phones hitting the market on September 22.
The Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone 15 appears to be a refined version of the one introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. Acting as a secondary display, it offers a convenient way to view media playback, sports scores, rideshare status, and other relevant information without the need to switch between apps.
Similar to the iPhone 14 lineup released last year, there will not be a “mini” version of the iPhone 15. Instead, Apple has launched a 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and a larger 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. The displays of these devices are brighter than before, reaching up to 2,000 nits of brightness.
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will be available in five vibrant colors: pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. The primary camera on the iPhone 15 now boasts a 48-megapixel resolution and introduces a new 2x telephoto zoom capability, although at a 12-megapixel resolution. This marks a significant improvement from the 12-megapixel camera system of the iPhone 14, although real-world differences can only be determined with further hands-on experience.
Apple has also introduced a new color-infused back glass for the iPhone 15, giving it a frosty and translucent appearance. This new matte finish is expected to be less prone to fingerprint smudges compared to the glossy finish of the iPhone 14.
Under the hood, the iPhone 15 series is powered by last year’s A16 Bionic chip, previously featured in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. While Apple has not disclosed specific battery sizes, the iPhone 15 line is equipped with larger batteries to enhance performance.
The new devices retain several key features from previous iPhone models, including 5G connectivity and satellite capabilities for emergencies. Notably, this year’s iPhones introduce the ability to request roadside assistance via satellite, with Apple partnering with AAA in the US. This feature is included in AAA membership, and Apple offers free satellite connectivity for two years upon purchasing an iPhone 15.
In addition to the USB-C port, the new iPhones are compatible with MagSafe and support new accessories that adhere to the Qi2 wireless charging standard announced earlier this year.
Overall, the iPhone 15 represents a significant leap forward compared to the iPhone 14, thanks to the inclusion of Dynamic Island, an improved camera system, USB-C charging, and a fresh design. While it may not match the capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro, it is undoubtedly the most substantial upgrade to the regular iPhone since the iPhone 12.