Apple Unveils iPhone 15 Lineup

Apple unveiled new iPhones that are now switched to USB-C cable instead of its proprietary Lightning connector. The switch was made to comply with forthcoming European regulations.

In addition to its latest iPhones, USB-C will now power the charging case of Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro device. The company stated customers with its latest smartphones will also be able to charge AirPods and Apple Watches from their phones using the new port. It previously switched to USB-C for its iPad and Mac devices.

The iPhone 15 lineup features the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Max, as well as the titanium-made iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Both Pro models are powered by an A17 Pro chip, which Apple stated enabled the fastest performance in any smartphone while noting suitability for mobile gaming and improved graphics. They feature an Action Button, which replaced the ringer switch on the left side of previous devices.

While it still operates the ringer, the button also allows users to run shortcuts, bring up accessibility features, open the camera, and turn on the torch, among other potential functions. Both Pros are equipped with Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion and are compatible with the always-on display and new StandBy mode featured in iOS 17.

Both high-end models feature Apple’s best cameras to date, due to an upgraded 48-megapixel camera designed to take better low-light photos. They use Apple’s AI systems to take full-resolution HEIF photos and feature Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion, 6.1 inches on the Pro and 6.7 inches for Pro Max, which are the same sizes for the new iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.

Pricing for the 15 Pro starts at $999 with 128GB of storage while the Pro Max costs $1,199 with 256GB of storage. The iPhone 15 starts at $799 for a 128GB model and the 15 Plus at $899, also for a 128GB version. All four will be available for advance orders on 15 September, with shipping scheduled for 22 September. Apple also announced a new satellite-based roadside assistance feature one year after rolling out a space-powered SMS messaging service.

Also announced were the Watch Series 9 and the second generation of its flagship Watch Ultra, with both having the same dimensions as their predecessors. They come with Apple’s S9 SiP chip, which an executive stated increased the GPU by 30% for improved effects and longer battery life. One of the new watch features is a double tap, a one-handed gesture to control the device without touching the display. The Watch Series 9 is the company’s first carbon-neutral product. Apple also used 100% recycled cobalt in the battery for the first time. Series 9 pricing starts at $399 and the Ultra 2 is $799.