Get ready for new iPhones, AirPods, and more.
iPhone 15, carbon neutrality, and…Octavia Spencer? There were tons of exciting announcements during Apple’s 2023 Wanderlust Event, ranging from new product drops to sustainability initiatives and even a surprise appearance from Mother Nature herself (played by Spencer, naturally).
If you didn’t have time to watch the tech giant’s movie-worthy showcase, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the newest iPhone, AirPods, and more, all revealed during Apple’s livestream on September 12.
What updates will the new iPhone 15 have?
A faster, sleeker iPhone will be available for preorder on September 15 and for purchase in-store and online on September 22. The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the brand’s newest iterations of the beloved iPhone. All four will feature a sharper 48-megapixel camera that takes higher-resolution photos, with an improved zoom range, too.
Apple
The iPhone 15 pricing will begin at $799, and the 15 Plus will begin at $899.
In terms of size, the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro will have a 6.1-inch screen, and the 15 Plus and 15 Pro Max have larger 6.7-inch screens. (These are the same dimensions as the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, respectively.)
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will be available in five different colors: black, blue, green, yellow, and pink. The body of the phone will be made from glass on the front and back with aluminum sides. According to Apple, the “ceramic Shield front cover continues to be tougher than any other smartphone glass.” This means it’s water- and dust-resistant, too, so it’s a durable model all around.
The Pro and Pro Max versions of iPhone 15, which are the higher-end models of the new iPhones, will be available in four different titanium finishes: black, white, blue, and natural. It’s important to note that there’s never been a titanium body on an iPhone (it’s normally aluminum or glass), meaning that this is the most durable and lightweight metal Apple has ever used to date.
Apple
The iPhone 15 Pro begins at $999 and the 15 Pro Max begins at $1,199, the same price as the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max last year.
In addition to new finishes, these Pro models also boast a new A17 chip. To put it in layman’s terms, this phone will be incredibly fast and responsive. Think quicker autocorrect suggestions, smoother graphics, and even enhanced energy efficiency.
Apple switches to USB-C
Yes, you’ll need a new charger again. But, for once, it seems Apple’s change is meant to make our lives easier. This switch will be music to any Apple devotee’s ears because the new charging port is the same as the one on many other Apple products. The switch to USB-C will make it easier to charge your iPhone, AirPods, iPad, and Macbook interchangeably, without four different cords hanging and tangling at your bedside. Since all of these devices now use the same type of cable, you no longer need to lug around a variety of cords to power all your devices.
AirPods will get upgraded features
It’s no secret we love our AirPod Pros, but we’re the first to admit no product is perfect, although these headphones come close. But the new model features some improvements we’re happy to see. Not only will they also have USB-C charging capabilities, but the second-generation AirPod Pros will have additional dust resistance and Lossless Audio with Apple Vision Pro. Along with iOS 17, all AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will gain access to new audio experiences like noise-canceling that automatically adjusts depending on noise levels around you, auto-adjusting volume when AirPods detect you talking, and volume levels that change based on your listening habits and environments.
The best news? The design and fit your ears have finally gotten used to won’t be affected by these upgrades.
Apple
The updated AirPods Pro Second Generation with the MagSafe Charging Case are $249. Pre-order starts September 12 and in-store availability begins on September 22.
Apple’s first carbon-neutral products
Talk about wrist candy: Apple’s newest Apple Watch lineup is stacked with new attributes that’ll make your attachment to smartwatches and fitness trackers even stronger. The Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch SE are Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral products, which is a huge step in the right direction in terms of the company’s commitment to be entirely carbon-neutral by 2030.
The new Watch series is the most powerful model yet, featuring an S9 SiP, which means you’ll enjoy enhanced health data, faster Siri, a brighter display, and advanced tap gestures to manage notifications and app usage. Now if you want to answer or end a call or silence an alarm (or more) from your Watch, you simply have to tap the screen with your thumb and forefinger twice. Apple calls it a “magical new double tap gesture,” but we’re calling it an easier way to hang up on spam calls or snooze your morning alarm.
Apple
The Apple Watch SE model starts at $249, Series 9 watches start at $399, and the Ultra 2 starts at $799. All are available for online order today and in-store purchase September 22.
With a goal to go entirely carbon neutral by 2030, the unveiling of the new Apple Watch Series 9 was pretty exciting. That’s not the only goal Apple has though: It hopes to “be carbon neutral for every product by the end of the decade, including the global supply chain and the lifetime use of every Apple device.”
We’re going to hold them to that goal, and we hope other brands will take similar steps in reducing their environmental impact.
What we didn’t get from the Apple announcement
There was no word on new MacBooks, iMacs, or iPads for now. We also didn’t hear about new AirPods or AirPods Max, but we’ll settle for the updated AirPods Pro in the meantime.
