Apple took to the global stage this morning to officially debut the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro to consumers.
The latest products were introduced in a live stream from the now iconic Steve Jobs Theatre at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, in addition to the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Apple emphasised their efforts to become more environmentally conscious throughout its launch, with the company’s goal to make every product carbon-neutral by 2030. The beginnings of this can be seen in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, using more recycled content in the manufacturing of the products. This includes a 100% recycled aluminium substructure and 100% recycled cobalt in the batter. Both models also meet the new high standards of efficiency implemented by Apple, as well as being free of mercury PVC, and beryllium. Even down to the packaging being 99% fibre-based, Apple has put sustainability at the forefront of their company moving forward.
The launch features four models, the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The standard and Plus models will be available in a range of colours, as the classic black scheme will be joined by a pastel colour palette of pink, yellow, green and blue. The Pro and Pro Max will be released with a more limited colour range, coming in shades Midnight (black), Starlight (cream), and a new deep blue.
In addition to the varying colour options, the Pro and Pro Max have been designed with a new aerospace-grade titanium outer body. The premium alloy has made the iPhone 15 Pro more durable by having one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any metal. The reduced weight of the new material has also made the model the lightest Pro produced so far by Apple.
All variations of the iPhone 15 have been fitted with innovative design features that make them more available for everyday use. The most noticeable feature is the new charging port design, changing from the lightning connector to the universally recognised USB-C port. This change means that the iPhone will be compatible with cables from users’ other devices, allowing them to charge their iPhone and transfer data more easily.
Apple has also added the Dynamic Island function from the iPhone 14 Pro to the iPhone 15 and Plus, allowing users to check alerts and current activity from a section of the upper screen that is accessible from the Home Screen or whilst in apps. Apple has integrated the function of the Dynamic Island into the physical design of the Pro and Pro Max in the addition of an all-new Action button. Replacing the single-function switch used to turn the phone on silent, the new button can be customised by users to complete numerous actions, such as opening the camera or torch; activating options from the control pad like Voice Memos, Focus modes, Translate, and Magnifier; or can be combined with Shortcuts to complete even more functions. The button functions by holding it until visual cues in the Dynamic Island confirm that the intended action is launched.
As is standard with new iPhone iterations, Apple has upgraded the cameras for the iPhone 15 and Pro models. The 48-megapixel main camera allows users to capture greater detail images, increasing light capture and improving focus to create an overall higher image quality. This combination of data gives the iPhone 15 the best resolution and quality in a non-Pro device.
Meanwhile, on the iPhone 15 Pro and Max, users can switch between three pre-set focal lengths on the main 48mp camera lens. These give the camera an advanced zoom ability without affecting the size of the camera lens and further enhance Night Mode and low-light photography. Apple has also completely renovated the Portrait photography for the Pro, renaming the feature ‘Next Generation Portraits’. For the first time, users will be able to switch to Portrait mode automatically, simply witching over when there is a figure in the frame or if the user taps them into focus. The Pro will register depth information to allow users to turn photos into portraits from within the Photos app.
More noteworthy features in these new models include improved audio quality for phone calls and Facetime, both by Apple and on third-party apps. This can be further improved when users select Voice isolation, this cuts out loud background noise to make conversations clearer. Apple has also begun to introduce Roadside Assistance starting in the US. Using satellite technology to connect to AAA, users experiencing car trouble will be able to contact help without being connected to Wi-Fi or cellular service.
All variations of the iPhone 15 will be available for pre-order at Apple and all major retailers and telcos from September 15. The iPhone 15 is set to be priced at $1,499, and $1,649 for the Plus. While the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max will cost $1,849 and $2,199 respectively.