Apple has unveiled its new iPhone lineup for 2023 – and as expected has killed off the lightning port in all four new models. Here’s a breakdown of what changes you can expect.
Key Takeaways
- The base models, iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, are set at AU$1499 and AU$1649 respectively.
- The upscale 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max carry price tags of AU$1849 and AU$2,199, respectively.
- The iPhone 15 brings the expected enhancements like a superior camera and boosted processing capabilities.
- The most notable shift is the introduction of the USB-C port for charging and data handling. This change is attributed to a regulation passed by the European Union the previous year, compelling Apple to replace its Lightning port and standardise with a common USB-C charger for all mobile devices.
- The smartwatch lineup has also seen an upgrade with the Apple Watch Series 9, touted as their inaugural carbon-neutral offering, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The keynote unveiling arrives at a pivotal moment for the tech giant. As the smartphone market experiences a deceleration, Apple witnessed a 2% decline in iPhone sales compared to the same period last year, during the third quarter of 2023. iPhones, along with Apple Watches and AirPods, made up roughly 60% of Apple’s substantial US$394.3 billion revenue in 2022.
Design & Structure
Made with aerospace-grade titanium, these are the lightest Pro models to date. The material, often associated with spacecrafts, emphasises durability without compromising on weight. The iPhones feature contoured edges, and to enhance personalisation, Apple has introduced a customisable Action button.
The aesthetic appeal hasn’t been left behind with four finishes – black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. Pre-orders are slated to commence on September 15, with devices available from September 22
Performance
At the heart of the new iPhones lies the A17 Pro chip, the industry’s maiden 3-nanometer chip. It’s expected to redefine smartphone performance with up to 10% faster CPU and a GPU that’s 20% faster. This chip also makes augmented reality (AR) and gaming more immersive. Notable titles like Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, Death Stranding, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be available, highlighting Apple’s push towards console-quality gaming on a smartphone.
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Charging & Connectivity
As we expected, the shift to USB-C has finally been made, offering 20 times the speed of USB 2. This change will not only expedite file transfers but also cater to powerful pro workflows.
Pro-Grade Camera System:
The iPhone 15 Pro series introduces a camera system that offers more creative control. The 48MP Main camera supports a new 24MP super-high-resolution default. This enables users to switch between three popular focal lengths – 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm. Additionally, while iPhone 15 Pro features a 3x Telephoto camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 5x optical zoom at 120mm.
Portrait mode has also been given a facelift, allowing users to capture in any mode and later convert images into portraits, offering an enhanced level of post-capture creative control.
Pricing and Availability
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be available in pink, yellow, green, blue, and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $1499 and $1649.
Both iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are available in four finishes – black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium.
The iPhone 15 Pro comes in storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with a starting price of $1849.
The larger iPhone 15 Pro Max offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with prices starting at $2,199.
Apple enthusiasts have a chance to save big on the upgrade. By trading in an iPhone 11 or later, customers can earn a credit ranging between A$300 – A$1255 when making the leap to the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Pre-orders for all four models start 10:00 p.m AEST on Friday, 15 September, with availability beginning Friday, 22 September.
iOS17 update
iOS 17 rolls out as a complimentary update on 19 September. Apple is also amplifying its iCloud+ offerings, introducing two new plans: 6TB for A$44.99 monthly and a whopping 12TB for A$89.99 monthly, catered to those with extensive digital libraries or those leveraging Family Sharing.
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 and the second iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra maintain its familiar aesthetics, but boast improved internals. They now offer a 30% boost in processing speed and more luminous displays. Additionally, these new models introduce a feature that allows users to execute commands, such as answering or hanging up a call and controlling music playback, by simply double-tapping their index finger and thumb.
New AirPods Pro (with USB-C)
Apple said the new AirPods Pro are updated with a USB‐C connector, “so it’s easy to use a single cable to charge Mac, iPad, AirPods, and the iPhone 15 line-up”.
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‐C) will be available for $399 from Friday 22 September.
Accessories
Complementing the iPhone 15’s launch are new accessories. The FineWoven Wallet and FineWoven Case with MagSafe are available at $99 in five hues fitting the iPhone 15 aesthetics: black, taupe, mulberry, pacific blue, and evergreen. Additionally, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max Clear Case are up for grabs at RRP $79 , along with a Silicone Case with MagSafe, available in an array of colours at the same price.
Apple also continues its tradition of providing subscription incentives. Purchasers of iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are eligible for three complimentary months of both Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness+ (for new subscriptions). Additionally, a half-year of Apple Music is available free with a new subscription.
