Apple Event 2023 Launches: Familiar Faces With Some Key Changes
Farewell, lightning port and display notch. Welcome, USB-C, Action Button, and Double Tap.
In a whirlwind showcase, Apple unveiled its latest lineup of products during the 2023 "Wonderlust" event. While the event held its usual charm, there were no earth-shattering surprises, as many of the anticipated features and adjustments had been rumoured beforehand.
iPhone 15 Series
The spotlight of the event shone brightly on the iPhone 15 series, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Notably absent from the lineup was the new iPhone SE, with rumours suggesting its possible appearance next year. A headline-grabbing move was Apple's decision to retire the Lightning port across the entire iPhone 15 series, conforming to the European Union's mandate for USB-C charging.
While this change may render existing Lightning accessories less versatile, it promises greater compatibility across devices, including Macs, iPads, iPhones, and the new AirPods Pro case. The move to USB-C also delivers faster data transfer rates, which could be advantageous for users connecting their phones to computers. Additionally, the iPhones now offer satellite connectivity for emergency situations.
Screen sizes remained consistent, with the iPhone 15 and Pro featuring 6.1-inch displays and the Plus and Pro Max boasting 6.7-inch screens. The iPhone 15 showcases a redesigned aesthetic with rounded edges, housing a dazzling 2,000-nit Super Retina XDR display, twice as bright as its predecessor when viewing Dolby Vision content.
The camera system received a significant overhaul, with a 48MP main camera, ultrawide lens, and TrueDepth front camera enhancing photography capabilities. A noteworthy feature is the phone's ability to seamlessly transition into portrait mode without manual adjustments, thanks to advanced machine learning capabilities.
Under the hood, the iPhone 15 runs on the A16 chip, offering improved performance and filtering out background noise during calls. The phone will be available in multiple vibrant colours, starting at $799, with pre-orders opening on September 15 and in-store availability on September 22.
iPhone 15 Pro Series
The iPhone 15 Pro series introduces substantial changes, including a titanium body for durability and a lighter overall design. Notably, an "Action button" debuts on an iPhone for the first time, serving as an upgraded mute switch with customisable functionality.
Powered by the new A17 Pro chip, featuring a 3nm design with 19 billion transistors, the iPhone 15 Pro series boasts improved performance. A 16-core neural engine, dedicated ProRes engines, and support for an always-on display enhance its capabilities. Additionally, an AV1 video decoder promises improved video streaming and compatibility with modern AAA games.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the phone's ability to capture 3D spatial videos for use with Apple Vision Pro headsets. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a 5x telephoto zoom lens with a 120mm focal length equivalent.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models start at $999 and $1,199, respectively, with pre-orders commencing on September 15 and shipping scheduled for September 22.
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 introduces an upgraded chipset, the S9 chip, boasting 5.6 billion transistors and a GPU that is 30 per cent faster than its predecessor. The addition of a second-gen ultra-wideband chip enhances precision in locating misplaced iPhones.
The display reaches a remarkable 2,000 nits and introduces a new gesture called "Double Tap." This feature, powered by the S9 chip's neural engine, allows users to perform primary actions in apps with a simple double-tap gesture.
Siri experiences are enhanced with on-device processing, speeding up responses and enabling health-related queries. The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for cellular connectivity, with pre-orders available immediately and shipping beginning on September 22.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 shares many features with the Series 9, including the S9 chip, Double Tap gesture, on-device Siri processing, and the second-gen ultra-wideband chip. Despite its brighter display, it maintains the battery life of its predecessor, offering up to 36 hours of usage.
With a screen 50 per cent brighter than the previous model at 3,000 nits and automatic night mode activation, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 promises enhanced visibility. It starts at $799 for the GPS and cellular connectivity model, with pre-orders open now and shipping starting on September 22.
In conclusion, Apple's 2023 iPhone event showcased a blend of anticipated features and improvements across its iPhone and Apple Watch series, providing users with a range of exciting options for the year ahead.
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