Apple’s latest product release at the Apple Event 2023 officially launched the all-new iPhone 15, and the iPhone 15 Plus which comes with expansive displays that mirror the dimensions of the iPhone 14 series. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, valued at $999 and $1,199, respectively, introduce an innovative action button instead of the conventional Apple mute switch.
This multifaceted button is a significant departure and replacement and can be used for several functions. Unlike its physical counterpart, this button relies on haptic feedback, enabling a range of device functions. By default, the action button toggles between ring and silent modes, emulating the function of the mute switch. Despite the absence of a tactile toggle, distinct haptic feedback cues users into the active setting. This innovation empowers users to customize the action button, granting quick access to various functions.
Aside from silencing or unmuting, the button can also activate iOS 17 shortcuts, launch the flashlight, open the camera, record voice memos, provide translations, and activate accessibility features like Magnifier. Apple also assures that the Dynamic Island will offer visual cues, complementing the haptic feedback for seamless operation. The lingering question is whether the action button can be configured for multiple actions through different tap combinations, such as a single tap for the flashlight and a double tap for the camera.
Apple also emphasizes sustainability with the revelation that the batteries of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, are constructed entirely from recycled cobalt. While Apple has not officially disclosed the highly anticipated iPhone 15 release date, there are speculations that availability will be starting September 15, followed by the official retail launch on September 22.
Design, USB-C, and Other Features
The iPhone 15 Pro maintains last year’s screen sizes; a 6.1-inch display for the standard model and a 6.7-inch display for the Pro Max. However, Apple has achieved a sleeker look by slimming down the borders, resulting in a slightly smaller form compared to the iPhone 14 counterparts. The obvious upgrade is Apple’s transition from stainless steel to Grade 5 titanium. This switch improves strength and durability while reducing weightiness. Grade 5 titanium has superior resistance to corrosion and greater tensile strength compared to pure titanium. Apple equally opted for titanium over stainless steel for the sidebars in these shiny new premium models.
All models now sport an impressive 48-megapixel primary camera. The flagship Pro Max is made with a remarkable 5X optical zoom and 3X telephoto capability. With the Pro series, users gain the ability to capture “spatial” or three-dimensional videos which is very much ideal for compatibility with Apple’s forthcoming Vision Pro headset. In terms of improving safety features, the latest iPhones with Emergency SOS Satellite connectivity can now summon roadside assistance, a service initially launched in partnership with the American Automobile Association in the United States.
In compliance with European legislation, Apple shifted gears by adopting the USB-C charging standard, replacing the longstanding Lightning port for the new iPhones and AirPods Pro. Also, this alteration is claimed to simplify the process for professionals who want to transfer video content directly from their iPhones to their hard drives. Under the hood, the 15 and 15 Plus, priced from $799 and $899, are driven by the A16 Bionic chip, while the Pro iterations are built with the powerhouse A17 Pro Chip.
iPhone 15 Specifications
- Prices – The 128GB is sold for $799, 256GB is priced at $899, and 512GB goes for $1,099.
- Display size – 6.1 inches
- Refresh rate – 60Hz
- CPU – A16 Bionic
- Storage – 128GB
- Rear cameras – 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Front camera – 12MP
- Charging port – USB-C
- Battery life – 24 hours
- Colors – Pink, yellow, blue, black, green
The iPhone 15 Plus Specifications
- Prices – The 128GB is sold for $899, 256GB is priced at $999, and 512GB goes for $1,199.
- Display size – 6.7 inches
- Refresh rate – 60Hz
- CPU – A16 Bionic Chip
- Storage – 128GB
- Rear cameras – 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide
- Front camera – 12MP
- Charging port – USB-C
- Battery life – 24 hours
- Colors – Pink, yellow, blue, black, green
All-new iPhone 15 Pro
- Prices – The 128GB is sold for $999, 256GB is priced at $1,099, and 1TB goes for $1,499.
- Display – 6.1 inches
- Refresh rate – 120Hz
- CPU – A17 Processor
- Storage – 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Rear cameras 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto w/ 3x zoom
- Front camera – 12MP
- Battery – 4,852 mAh
- Charging Port – USB-C
- Size- 5.77 x 2.78 x 0.32 inches
- Weight – 6.60 ounces
- Colors – Black, Blue Green, Yellow, Pink
New iPhone 15 Pro Max Specs
- Prices – The 256GB is sold for $1,199, 512GB is priced at $1,399, and 1TB goes for $1,599.
- Display – 6.7-inch OLED
- Refresh rate – 120Hz adaptive
- CPU – A17 Pro
- Storage – 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Rear cameras 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto w/ 5x zoom
- Front camera – 12MP
- Battery – 4,852 mAh
- Charging Port – USB-C
- Size- 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches
- Weight – 7.8 ounces
- Colors – Black, white, blue, gray