The company ditches the Lightning port, introduces titanium sides, adds a new 5x zoom for flagship models, and unveils the Apple Watch Series 9
Apple has revealed the eagerly anticipated shift to USB-C for the iPhone 15, accompanied by significantly extended camera zoom for its premium Pro model.
The CEO, Tim Cook, introduced the new lineup of smartphones for 2023 on Tuesday, alongside various Apple Watches and AirPods Pro 2 earbuds featuring USB-C charging. The company aims to entice customers to switch or upgrade, countering its recent decline in share prices.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
The standard and plus-sized variants of the iPhone 15 maintain the design cues of the preceding models, featuring aluminum sides with newly contoured edges, glass backs, and fronts. The dual camera system boasts a significantly enhanced 48-megapixel main sensor, akin to last year’s 14 Pro models, offering a 2x optical zoom.
These new models will retain the smaller “dynamic island” cutout at the top of the screen, introduced in the 14 Pro, replacing the older-style notch. This segment accommodates the selfie camera and Face ID system, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and functional space capable of displaying alerts. Additionally, the screens are twice as bright at 2,000 nits, enhancing outdoor readability.
The inclusion of a USB-C port facilitates charging and compatibility with adapters designed for Macs, iPads, Android devices, and PCs. Additionally, it allows direct charging of AirPods or an Apple Watch from the handset. The phones will feature the A16 chip, which premiered in the Pro models last year.
The iPhone 15 will be priced at £799 in the UK, $799 in the US, and $1,499 in Australia, while the 15 Plus will be available for £899, $899, and A$1,649. Both models will be in stores starting on September 22.
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
The premium editions of the iPhone receive the most enhancements this year. The 15 Pros feature reduced bezels around the screen, frosted back glass, and new titanium sides, replacing the stainless steel from previous models.
The use of titanium enhances the iPhones’ durability and reduces their weight. Additionally, a redesigned internal structure made of 100% recycled aluminum simplifies the repair process, aligning with the design of the regular iPhone 14 models from the previous year.
The traditional mute switch, present since the inaugural iPhone in 2007, has been replaced. The new action button retains the ability to mute the phone while also offering additional functionalities such as switching focus modes or launching the camera.
Furthermore, an upgraded A17 Pro chip will enhance performance, featuring a 20% faster GPU with ray tracing capabilities for gaming. The USB-C port will support faster USB3 data speeds and connectivity.
Both Pro models feature enhanced main and ultrawide cameras, delivering improved performance in low-light conditions and capturing finer details. However, the highest-priced 15 Pro Max will exclusively introduce a new 12MP telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom for distant object capture. This new camera incorporates a folded lens similar to those found in top Samsung and Google phones over the past few years but with enhanced stabilization.
The iPhone 15 Pro will be priced at £999 in the UK, $999 in the US, and A$1,849 in Australia, while the 15 Pro Max will be available for £1,199, $1,199, and A$2,199. Both models will be in stores starting on September 22.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
Apple’s primary smartwatch undergoes one of its most significant internal upgrades in years, with the Series 9 maintaining a similar appearance to its predecessors – the Series 6, 7, and 8 – albeit with new color options. The Series 9 incorporates a higher percentage of recycled materials, rendering some versions carbon neutral when combined with offsets purchased by the company.
These new watches feature Apple’s first genuine processor upgrade since 2020, utilizing the S9 chip to enhance speed and enable the processing of common Siri requests locally. The screen is now twice as bright at 2,000 nits, enhancing outdoor readability, and introduces a hands-free gesture for actions like answering calls and silencing alarms through a double tap of the thumb and index finger.
The top-tier smartwatch, the Ultra 2, also adopts the faster S9 chip and introduces new features, along with a remarkably brighter 3,000-nit screen for improved outdoor visibility. The case now incorporates 95% recycled titanium, aligning with carbon-neutral practices.
The Apple Watch Series 9 will be priced at £399 in the UK, $399 in the US, and A$649 in Australia, while the Watch Ultra Series 2 will be available for £799, $799, and A$1,399. Both models will be in stores starting on September 22.