In addition to the cooler weather and the possibility of leaves changing colour, there are three other consistent occurrences in the fall season: the ubiquitous pumpkin spice, the kickoff of football season, and the introduction of new iPhones. Apple adhered to tradition and recently unveiled the latest iPhone 15 lineup and other gadgets at its "Wonderlust" event, held at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, situated within Apple Park.
For those who have been following USA TODAY's live blog of the event, it is known that four new iPhone 15 models were presented, including the standard iPhone 15 starting at $799 and the iPhone 15 Plus starting at $899. These come in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes, respectively, matching the dimensions of last year's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. The premium options, iPhone 15 Pro starting at $999 and iPhone 15 Pro Max starting at $1,199, also maintain these sizes.
You may wonder why it's worth upgrading to these new models. As an attendee of the event, I had hands-on experience with the iPhone 15, and I'm here to provide you with the essential information if you're contemplating an upgrade.
USB-C: A Welcome Change
As anticipated, Apple has officially replaced its proprietary Lightning port with the more universal USB-C port. This transition allows iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even non-Apple devices to use the same charger and cable. Importantly, this shift was not solely Apple's decision but a response to new regulations imposed by the European Union, mandating standardized charging ports for consumer electronics by the next year. This move simplifies the charging process across various devices and brands, saving consumers money by eliminating the need for exclusive cables and likely reducing electronic waste in landfills.
Dynamic Island: Noteworthy Feature
All four iPhone 15 models now incorporate a "Dynamic Island" that replaces the notch found on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models from the previous year. This alteration not only increases available screen space but also displays contextually relevant information tied to the active app. For instance, it can show the arrival time of your Uber driver, provide gate information at an airport, or display the currently playing song, with the option to access more details by tapping. Dynamic Island supports numerous first- and third-party applications. While this feature represents more of an evolutionary than revolutionary step, new iPhone users are likely to appreciate it.
Improved Cameras in Pro Models
A compelling reason to consider an upgrade, particularly to the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, is the revamped camera systems that left photography enthusiasts excited during the event. These premium models share the same 48-megapixel camera as the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus but with a larger sensor for enhanced low-light performance, incorporating new computational photography techniques. Furthermore, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a 5x telephoto zoom, while the iPhone 15 Pro boasts a 3x telephoto zoom, enabling detailed long-distance shots and effective cropping without significant loss of image quality. Users can also switch between three popular focal lengths: 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm. In close examination, the photos and videos taken with these devices were truly remarkable.
In summary, the iPhone 15 family represents another impressive release from Apple, consistent with the company's annual tradition of incremental improvements. Given the incremental nature of these upgrades, it may not be necessary to upgrade every year, as the differences can be subtle. However, the transition to a titanium design for the Pro models offers improved durability and reduced weight. While a "nice to have" feature, it may not be a compelling reason for immediate upgrades.
Despite pre-event rumours, Apple has managed to maintain pricing levels similar to last year's models. Additionally, the replacement of the mute switch with a multipurpose Action button on the left side of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max may be convenient for quickly launching apps, though summoning Siri might still be a faster option.
For those considering an upgrade, it's advisable to explore the aggressive trade-in programs offered by Apple, carriers, or retailers to make the transition more cost-effective.
