The curtain has been lifted on Apple’s latest marvel, the Apple iPhone 15, at the “Wonderlust” event held in Cupertino.
This 17th generation device is a blend of the familiar and the novel, retaining features like the Dynamic Island cutout, now a standard across the range, while also introducing a host of exciting new elements. One of the most practical, albeit not the most glamorous, upgrades is the updated port.
Apple iPhone 15 USB-Connector
After a few false starts, Apple has finally embraced the USB-C connector, a staple in the wider smartphone universe. This shift was partly driven by EU legislation enforcing connector standardization, a move that Apple initially resisted but ultimately benefits consumers. Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector, introduced over a year ago, was starting to show its age. It was never a standout performer, and Apple has already initiated the lengthy transition away from it, starting with the iPad line.
The Dynamic Island has been enhanced with a variety of new features, including airline information. The iPhone 15 boasts Apple’s Super Retina XDR display, measuring 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches for the Plus model. The primary camera is a 48-megapixel powerhouse, employing pixel binning to merge images into a high-resolution 24-megapixel photograph.
The phone also offers improved zoom with 2x telephoto “optical quality,” enabling closer shots without compromising image quality. Machine learning now automatically identifies whether a person or pet (limited to cats and dogs) is in the frame, and applies the bokeh effect accordingly.
Smart HDR Mode
The Smart HDR mode has also been enhanced, using depth sensing from the front-facing camera to differentiate objects in the image, resulting in a richer color spectrum. Under the hood, the iPhone 15 is powered by the new A16 bionic chip, equipped with a 6-core GPU. This chip also supports Ultrawideband, enhancing the FindMy functionality, akin to what we’ve seen in the new Apple Watch Series 9. Voice isolation has been refined to better filter out background noise in loud environments.
The existing satellite connectivity now includes a Roadside Service feature, developed in collaboration with AAA, to assist you when you’re out of signal range. The iPhone 15 is available in a palette of colors: yellow, green, blue, black, and yes, even pink.
About the Author / Author Expertise
John Biggs is an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and maker. He spent fifteen years as an editor for Gizmodo, CrunchGear, and TechCrunch and has a deep background in hardware startups, 3D printing, and blockchain. His work has appeared in Men’s Health, Wired, and the New York Times.
View Latest posts here