If you missed the Apple Event last night we have you covered. The two-hour event included loads of new announcements and updates from Apple regarding the Apple Watch, iPhone and even a big focus on USB C. If you don’t want to watch the full video, you can catch up on the five biggest announcements here.
iPhone 15 is Coming
Set to launch on 22 September, the iPhone 15 is Apple’s base phone in the lineup. The company has shifted the phone to USB C and it includes a few slight changes to the design. For example, the iPhone 15 now comes with the Dynamic Island which replaces the notch. The Dynamic Island was introduced in last year’s iPhone 14 Pro range and hides the camera and IR blaster away while adding activities and actions to the black cutout at the same time.
For the most part, the iPhone 15 looks pretty much the same as the 14 but Apple has added a textured glass finish to the back. The iPhone 15 comes with a new A16 chip and in two sizes. There’s the 6.1-inch model and a 6.7-inch Plus model. Both phones come with a 48MP main camera and a second-gen ultra-wideband chip. The phone starts at $799 for the 6.1-inch model and $899 for the 6.7-inch plus model.
iPhone 15 Pro is Too
The Pro range this year includes the predictable iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, they are not exactly the same. The Pro Max model includes a 5x telephoto lens whereas the standard Pro sticks to 3x. They both also include USB-C with up to 10Gbps of transfer speeds. There’s also a new action button on the phone which can be customized to do certain tasks.
The general build is also much lighter thanks to its new titanium frame. There are also thinner bezels around the display. Apart from that, you can expect the same experience as the 14 Pro but with a more robust 48MP camera system. The iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1199.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
The range of Apple Watches includes the Series 9 and Ultra 2. The Series 9 comes in a new pink colour. Both models include the new S9 chip for “better battery and performance”. Apple has also made the Watch Series 9 completely carbon-neutral by moving away from leather straps and introducing a new Fine Woven range instead.
Both new watches include a gesture action called “double-tap”. Users can tap their index finger and thumb together to do things like answer calls, turn off alarms and more. The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at $799.
USB C is More Than For Charging
Apple’s shift to USB C has been a long time coming and it is finally happening. But given that the charging standard is more capable and versatile than Lightning, you’ll be able to do much more with it. USB C lets users record video directly onto a supported SSD on the iPhone 15 Pro range, for example. So instead of having to transfer content across to your MacBook, you just unplug and plug in your SSD.
You can also charge devices with your iPhone now including your AirPods (which are also getting an upgraded USB C charging case). Apple says you’ll also be able to charge your Apple Watch from the iPhone too.
iOS 17 is Out Next Week
Lastly, Apple is rolling out its new iOS 17 update next week across supported iPhones. The update will add a number of new features to the iPhone including standby mode a new Journal app and more. On 18 September, you’ll be able to update all supported devices and move your watch over to WatchOS 10 and iPad over iPadOS 17.
Following that launch, Apple is releasing macOS Sonoma on 26 September. The operating system will launch across all supported devices on that date.
