It’s the one Keynote that iPhone users anticipate year after year after year — and, finally, that day has arrived. Apple‘s annual Fall announcement, this year called the Wonderlust Keynote, which debuts the new iPhone 15 series consisting of the iPhone 15, iPhone Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
These all come with upgraded specs, naturally, and with a couple of confirmed rumours, including the smartphone’s shift towards USB-C charging. Then, there’s news of the tech giant’s smartwatch lineup as well, particularly the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Ahead, a roundup of all the most exciting announcements from the event — particularly, the key points that’s got everyone talking.
1. The entire iPhone 15 lineup now offers USB-C charging
The biggest change, unsurprisingly to those who have been religiously following Apple rumours, is that the iPhone 15 now offers USB-C charging, something that consumers have been demanding for a while now.
The shift, as discussed by experts, is probably a result of the European Union’s new laws requiring universal USB-C charging compatibility by 2024; we think it’s great news as you won’t have to tug around different charging cables or scramble to find a lightning port in dire situations. Apple also announced that the AirPods Pro will now come with a USB-C charging case as well. Yay one-cable convenience!
2. Apple’s Dynamic Island feature is available across all models, new to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus range
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus now feature Apple’s much-touted Dynamic Island, a feature that was introduced in the previous lineup but only available to the higher-end Pro and Pro Max models. This means we get to say goodbye to the iPhone notch, and welcome a feature that lets us interact with important alerts and Live Activities such as Maps directions and real-time updates on food delivery and ride sharing.
More on the iPhone 15? A more powerful performance with the A16 Bionic chip that Apple had previously included with the 14 Pro. The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 15 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch display, with a 48MP main camera that shoots sharp, vivid pictures and videos; there’s also a new automatic Portrait mode feature that can detect when a person or subject is in frame so the phone’s camera can capture depth information for a bokeh effect, available across the iPhone 15 lineup.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be available in five new colours: pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. In 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $1,299 and $1,449 respectively.
Pre-orders begin Friday, September 15, 8pm, with availability beginning Friday, September 22.
3. A new Action button for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, designed with aerospace-grade titanium
This is Apple’s lightest Pro line to date, designed with state-of-the-art aerospace-grade titanium for enhanced durability, while they sport contoured edges, a refined brush texture, and the thinnest borders we’ve seen on an iPhone. The more muted colourways do make them feel like the serious siblings of the bunch — and they probably are, what with the responsibility of representing Apple’s best-in-class, top-of-the-line smartphone technology.
One of the interesting changes to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max has to be a new customisable Action button, in place of the previous single-function Mute button, which lets users personalise their iPhone experience. We’re now able to toggle between ring and silent, in addition to other options such as quickly accessing the camera or flashlight; activating Voice Memos, Focus modes, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier; or using Shortcuts for more options.
On to the main features though — the iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max are now run by the high-powered A17 Pro processor to handle its advanced functions, which allows for smoother graphics, as well as more immersive AR applications and gaming experiences. Then, there’s the best iPhone camera system yet, with a 48MP main camera built exclusively for the Pro lineup, and a new 24MP super-high-resolution default; the iPhone 15 Pro Max also comes with a 5x telephoto camera, the longest optical zoom ever on an iPhone.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in four new finishes, including black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. In 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities, from $1,649 and $1,999 respectively.
Pre-orders begin Friday, September 15, 8pm, with availability beginning Friday, September 22.
4. Apple Watch Series 9 is more powerful than ever, with a new touch-free ‘double tap’ gesture
Apple’s latest Watch Series 9, comes with new features, including an upgraded S9 SiP watch chip that’s more powerful than ever to increase its performance capabilities, a brighter display, and on-device Siri that can access health and log data. One of the big announcements though, is actually an environmental milestone for the tech company, as customers are able to choose a carbon-neutral option of the Apple watch upon purchase.
Another key feature is a new Double Tap Gesture, where Apple Watch users can easily control their device without touching the display; all you need to do is tap the index finger and thumb together twice to perform common tasks such as answering calls, play and pause music, snooze an alarm, or take a photo with the Camera Remote.
The Apple Watch Series 9, available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, in starlight, midnight, silver, (PRODUCT)RED, and a new pink aluminium case, as well as stainless steel in gold, silver, and graphite cases, starts at $599.
The Apple Watch SE is available in 40mm and 44mm aluminium cases, and is carbon-neutral when paired with a new Sport Loop band, starts at $379. Apple Watch Hermès is available in stainless steel in silver and space black.
The new Apple Watch lineup can be ordered today, with availability beginning Friday, September 22.
5. An upgraded Apple Ultra Watch 2, paired with carbon-neutral bands
Apple also unveiled its second-gen Apple Watch Ultra, with similar new features added to their rugged smartwatch, including the new S9 SiP and double tap gesture. There’s also a brighter 3,000-nit display, and even with the new advancements, we’re getting a healthy 36-hour battery life with regular use, and 72 hours in low power mode. Carbon-neutral bands are also introduced as part of Apple’s commitment to be carbon-neutral across its entire business by 2030.
As with its previous version, the smartwatch has been tested across extreme altitudes and depths, that is, from 500 meters below sea level, up to 9,000 meters so you can take this to the world’s tallest peaks. The watch is also approved for water sports, along with recreational scuba diving to 40 meters — and now freediving — with the Oceanic+ app that allows you to access critical diving data.
Apple has also designed a new Modular Ultra watch face to take advantage of the large display, which goes all the way to the outer edges to present real-time data, including seconds, altitude, or depth.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, $1,199. Available in 49 mm, is carbon neutral when paired with a new Trail Loop or Alpine Loop. It can be ordered today, with availability beginning Friday, September 22.
You must be logged in to post a comment.