Cupertino, Calif. — Tech industry leader, Apple Inc., has unveiled its iPhone 15, marking a departure from the traditional Lightning connector to introduce the universal USB-C charging ports. The announcement came at the company’s annual fall product launch event held at their headquarters.
The technological shift, a first since the introduction of the Lightning connector in 2012, is touted as a response to the increasing data-transfer speeds and standardization across the company’s devices, including iPads and MacBooks. The move was also partly driven by a European Union law passed last year, requiring all smartphones sold in the region to feature a USB-C interface for charging by the end of 2024. Wireless charging will also continue to be supported by the newly launched iPhones.
The fresh additions include the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, starting at $799, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus priced from $899. Notable features include a ceramic shield for extra durability, a 48-megapixel main camera, and a choice of five vibrant colors. Like the previous iPhone 14 models, the 15 series will also showcase Apple’s unique Dynamic Island, an animated notification display that responds in real-time to alerts.
Alongside the standard variants, Apple also introduced the iPhone 15 Pro starting from $999 for the 128 GB version, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max priced from $1,199 for the 256 GB variant. These high-end models flaunt a titanium design, new contoured edges, a new customizable action button, upgraded cameras, and the debut of the A17 Pro chip designed to elevate mobile gaming.
Preorders for the full iPhone 15 range will commence on Friday, September 15, with retail availability slated for the following Friday, September 22. In a move first seen with the iPhone 12 launch in 2020, the company will no longer package a power adapter with the smartphone. Instead, they will include a USB‑C-to-Lightning cable compatible with USB‑C power adapters and computer ports.
Meanwhile, the release event also announced the second-gen AirPods Pro, priced at $249, adopting the USB-C charging and offering enhanced dust resistance features. The second-gen AirPods Pro also added lossless audio support for Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro AR/VR headset, set to retail at $3,500 and scheduled for an early 2024 release, according to CEO Tim Cook.
Capping off the product launches, Apple unveiled the Watch Series 9 starting at $399. Among the device’s new features include “double-tap” control mechanisms, on-device Siri, advanced iPhone-location capabilities, a brighter display, and enhanced apps, watch faces and fitness features. The model stands as Apple’s first “carbon-neutral” product, highlighting the company’s commitment to having all its products carbon-neutral by 2030.
