Everything You Need To Know About The iPhone 15

On Sept. 22, Apple released the iPhone 15. The latest iPhone line — which includes the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max — comes with several improvements to both form and function. But does the new iPhone actually live up to the hype, and is it worth the steep price tag? Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone 15 models.

iPhone 15 And 15 Plus

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the latest products in Apple’s iPhone line, are designed to be more durable than the competition. Not only are both models equipped with a ceramic shield tougher than standard smartphone glass, but they are also water- and dust-resistant. What’s more, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are made of 75 to 100 percent recycled materials.

One of the most significant changes made to the iPhone 15 line is the switch to universally-accepted USB-C charging, replacing Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector. Those with multiple Apple products can now use the same USB-C cable to charge their iPhone 15, Mac, iPad and AirPods Pro 2nd generation.

Another change is the implementation of the Dynamic Island display — originally launched with the iPhone 14 series, but only available on Pro models — across the iPhone 15 series. Dynamic Island can improve multitasking, offering a dedicated space at the top of the phone for viewing time-sensitive notifications without closing out of current applications.

Additional features in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include:

• A new advanced camera system with a 48-megapixel (MP) camera, along with various upgrades to Portrait Mode and photo editing capabilities.
• A vibrant Super Retina XDR display with bright, rich colors and Dolby Vision support, thanks to OLED technology.
• Improvements to tracking and connectivity, including more precise location tracking, stronger phone call connectivity and voice isolation on calls.
• Various satellite services, including Find My, Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance, for areas without consistent cell coverage.
• The powerful A16 Bionic chip that offers all-day battery life.

CNET reports the enhanced features of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus “feel like a big step forward for those upgrading from an aging iPhone,” though those with an iPhone 14 Pro may find the models to function similarly.

The iPhone 15 starts at $799, while the iPhone 15 Plus — which is slightly wider and taller than the standard iPhone 15 — starts at $899.

iPhone 15 Pro And Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max both offer Apple’s most advanced smartphone features and upgrades to date. Made of Grade 5 titanium, the 15 Pro series is both lighter and more durable than previous stainless steel models. The substructure is also made of 100 percent recycled aluminum, making it more sustainable to produce as well as easier to repair.

The other major design change for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the Action Button. Reimagined from the previous ring/silent switch button with haptic feedback, users can now customize the button to switch easily between different actions, such as launching frequently-used apps to running customized shortcuts.

The iPhone 15 Pro series also comes with:

• Further enhancements to the iPhone 15 camera system, including an even more advanced 48-MP camera, improved low-light performance, up to 3x zoom (on Pro) or 5x zoom (on Pro Max) and a variety of focal lengths.
• Spatial video capture and compatibility with Apple Vision Pro for immersive 3D viewing. The spatial video capture feature is expected to release by the end of 2023.
• The A17 Pro chip, which includes a powerful neural engine for optimized on-device learning. The A17's processing speed and crisp graphics also allow for increased quality and breadth of mobile gaming.

Comparing the Pro and Pro Max, Wired found the Pro Max to have a longer-lasting battery life as well as a higher storage capacity (256 GB) than the iPhone 15 Pro — a potential consideration for users depending on their intended device use.

The iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999, while the Pro Max starts at $1199.

Additional Apple Updates For 2023

When Apple introduced the iPhone 15 series at its “Wonderlust” event on Sept. 12, 2023, the company also announced the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Here’s what you need to know about the latest in the Apple Watch lineup.

Apple Watch Series 9

PCMag describes the Apple Watch Series 9 as having “just enough improvement to remain the best smartwatch for iPhone users,” citing significant display and health tracking upgrades from the entry-level SE, as well as a more accessible price point than the Ultra 2.

Many of the Series 9’s upgrades are linked to the new S9 SiP (system-in-package) chip, made with custom Apple silicon. It can process machine learning tasks at up to double the speed of previous iterations, resulting in improved speed and overall performance. The SiP also boasts precision finding and a brighter display, and runs for up to 18 hours.

Other features of the Series 9 include:

• Advanced tracking capabilities, such as workout metrics, sleep stages and crash detection.
• Double Tap control, which allows users to enable various watch controls by tapping their thumb and index finger together twice. Double Tap is expected to go live with the release of watchOS 10.1, which 9to5Mac reports is in beta testing as of Sept. 28.
• Improved processing of Siri requests, now completed on-device to bolster privacy and increase speed.

The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Like the Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 also includes the new S9 SiP chip and subsequent performance improvements. This rugged wearable comes with additional features ideal for the active wearer, including:

• Apple’s brightest and most advanced display yet. This display is best viewed on the Ultra 2’s new Modular Ultra watch face, which shows real-time data such as depth and altitude.
• Improved metrics for exercise, such as cycling, running and diving.
• Altitude testing to ensure the Ultra 2 functions optimally no matter where users are.

Fans of the original Ultra’s design will be pleased to know the Ultra 2 looks nearly identical to its predecessor. However, T3 notes that “under the hood, the upgrades made the new watch faster, brighter and more intelligent.”

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799.

Apple 2030 Initiative

During the “Wonderlust” event, Apple also announced a new sustainability initiative: Apple 2030. This refers to Apple’s goal of complete carbon neutrality within the next seven years, and subsequent movement toward decarbonization in design, engineering and operations. In support of this, the tech company’s two latest smartwatches are made from 100 percent recycled materials, with options to build out a fully carbon-neutral Series 9 or Ultra 2 watch.

The use of leather is also being eliminated across product lines, including watch bands. In addition to previous offerings, like the eco-friendly Sport Loop band, users can choose from Apple’s newest sustainable watch band options:

• FineWoven. This durable textile, designed to replicate the look of leather, is composed of 68 percent recycled content.
• Hermès. The latest collaboration between Apple and Hermès includes two woven bands, a knitted band and a band made of molded rubber.
• Nike. Two new Apple Nike bands are now on market: one made of recycled material flakes, and the other created from repurposed yarn.

With several new products in the Apple line — all available ahead of the holiday season — it’s possible that new iPhones, Apple Watches and accessories could make their way onto many a wishlist. Will they be on yours?

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.