Apple reveals its new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, and they come with a new design, longer battery life and a switch from Lighting to USB-C.
Announced at the Apple “Wonderlust” Event 2023, the four flagship iPhone models include the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Similar to the iPhone 14 launch, the more significant upgrades are reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro models, including a new A17 chip and a redesigned “Action” button.
Cameras were also in the spotlight at the event, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max getting a new periscope lens that allows for up to 6x optical zoom.
Wondering when you can get your hands on the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro and what upgrades they offer? Find out below.
See more:
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: Price
For those thinking about nabbing the next-gen iPhone models, the good news is prices are staying the same. As for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, prices will see an increase.
Here’s a breakdown of the prices:
- iPhone 15: from NZ$1,649 ($799)
- iPhone 15 Plus: from NZ$1,849 ($899)
- iPhone 15 Pro: from NZ$2,099 ($999)
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: from NZ$2,499 ($1,199)
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: Release date
The iPhone 15 models have just been announced, and are set to be available on Friday, September 22.
Pre-orders are available on Saturday, September 16 through apple.com.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that without an Apple retail store NZ, customers will need to pre-order the iPhone 15 to make sure they get it on the release date.
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus: What’s new?
Keeping in line with last year’s launch, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes as the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus but with a few notable updates.
This year’s new iPhone comes with USB-C instead of Lightning, thanks to a new EU regulation that the tech giant can’t ignore. No more Lightning cables; you’ll now be able to charge the iPhone 15 using the same USB-C cable Android phones use.
The standard iPhone models also feature the Dynamic Island. We have yet to see the full potential of the company’s new pill-shaped notch, originally found on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, so a new arrival may bring new updates. Another design update includes a frosted glass back instead of the usual glossy finish. It comes in Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue and Black.
The iPhone 15 models come with an A16 chip, which we saw in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. It’s hardly a surprise, as the tech giant introduced this chip strategy with its latest models. It comes with a 5-core GPU and 6-core CPU.
Finally, the 15 and 15 Plus are get the same 48-megapixel rear camera found on the iPhone 14 Pro models. That means standard models can capture more light for better picture quality. Along with an update in computational photography, Apple claims you’ll get more detail in pictures, better lightning quality and even change what’s in focus after a picture is taken.
Display-wise, you can also expect a Super Retina XDR display, thinner borders and Dolby Vision support. HDR brightness reaches 1,600 nits, and up to 2,000 nits.
Satellite services, like the Emergency SOS feature, will come free for two years with the iPhone 15.
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max: What’s new?
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max get even bigger updates. They come 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes. They come in Black, White and Blue.
First and foremost, it now comes in a titanium casing. They’re durable, using Grade 5 titanium, but the iPhone 15 Pro is also the lightest Pro yet, and it also comes with thinner sides. Interestingly, it’s the same alloy used on the Mars Rover. Pretty neat!
Say goodbye to the mute switch. An “Action button” is replacing the mute switch, similar to the feature found on the Apple Watch Ultra. Instead of just muting the iPhone, it will be able to perform multiple functions, such as turning on the flashlight, taking a picture, launching an app or accessing different shortcuts. It’s an easier way of accessing features on the iPhone.
In terms of display, you can expect the same Always-on Display and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate as the iPhone 14 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro models will also be equipped with the new A17 Pro Bionic chip, which is said to be built on a 3-nanometer chip. That means better performance. Thanks to the USB-C cable, it comes with USB 3 support, so it can bust out 10GB transfer speeds. With a new GPU onboard, it allows for ray-tracing, which brings better performance for gaming. In fact, Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4 Remake can be played right on the iPhone 15 Pro. Ubisoft will also be bring Assassin’s Creed Mirage to the iPhone early next year.
It’s a shame the standard iPhone 15 models aren’t tipped to be getting the same, but it appears to be Apple’s new strategy to stretch the gap between the standard and Pro iPhones.
Cameras also see a significant upgrade, with the tech giant a 48-megapixel main camera with a wider lens. It can shoot in 24mm, 28mm and 35mm. What’s more, it comes with better low-light photography, which means enhanced night photos. Thanks to the 12MP telephoto lens (which is also on the iPhone 15 Pro), the iPhone 15 Pro Max is set to exclusively boast a new periscope zoom lens, which allows for up to 5x optical zoom at 120mm focal length. There’s also a improved 12MP ultra-wide lens. The cameras will be able to capture Spatial Video, which is more for the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset.
