Apple held its annual iPhone launch event on Tuesday at Apple Park, its Cupertino, California headquarters. Following the event, Apple’s stock experienced a 2% decrease for the day. The presentation was a pre-recorded video that commenced at 1 p.m. ET.
The company introduced the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, featuring USB-C charging, with prices starting at $799. Additionally, they unveiled the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, beginning at $999. Another significant reveal was the all-new Apple Watch, constructed with 95% titanium and boasting an impressive 72-hour battery life. Furthermore, updated AirPods with USB-C connectivity were showcased.
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus The Latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 Apple’s Most Powerful Watch Chip Yet Enhanced Satellite Roadside Assistance for iPhones USB-C Integration for iPhones Exceptional Lightness and Slim Design Thanks to Titanium Casing
Today marks the exciting Apple event day, featuring an array of new hardware, including the eagerly anticipated iPhone, Apple Watch, and possibly updates on Vision Pro. If you missed the live broadcast, don’t worry; we’ve summarized the key highlights below. We also provided live coverage from Apple Park.
Apple has officially introduced its latest wearable device. This smartwatch is powered by the new S9 chip, claimed to be 60% faster, accompanied by a 30% faster GPU. Preorders for the Apple Watch Series 9 will begin on Tuesday, and it will be available for purchase on September 22.
Internally redesigned for improved performance and functionality, it’s touted as the “most powerful watch chip yet.” Deidre Caldbeck, director of Apple Watch Product Marketing, highlights these key features:
- Dictation improved by up to 25%
- New features include health data access with Siri, Name Drop for sharing personal information with nearby users, and Double Tap for watch control using your index finger and thumb.
- Ability to locate your iPhone
- Doubled brightness
- Apple’s first carbon-neutral product
- Available in pink
- See the watch in its natural environment
- Starting at $399
In addition to the Series 9, Apple also announced an update to last year’s Apple Watch Ultra. Preorders for the Apple Watch Ultra will begin on Tuesday, with availability on September 22.
This new model also features the S9 chip, Double Tap functionality, on-device Siri, and precision-finding to locate your iPhone. Additional highlights include:
- New advanced display architecture
- Modular Ultra with customizable watch faces
- Power zones for data collection during exercise
- Water dive logging
- Starting at $799
Apple also unveiled the next generation of iPhone models. Preorders will commence on September 22, with in-store availability the following week. Here’s a quick overview:
- Super Retina XDR display and A16 Bionic chip
- Impressive peak brightness
- Available in two sizes: iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
- New contour edge design with embedded colors
- Enhanced camera system featuring 48 megapixels, auto portrait mode, and 4K recording capability
- Simplified connectivity for sharing locations with friends
- Voice isolation functionality
- Roadside Assistance and Emergency SOS
- Starting at $799
The iPhone 15 is described by Apple as the “most Pro iPhone we’ve ever created.” Preorders will open on September 22, and the devices will hit stores soon after. Take a look at the real-life appearance of these new models.
- Now available in titanium
- New software features designed with gaming in mind
- Improved repairability with a redesigned back glass
- Introduction of the new A17 Pro chip using a three-nanometer process
- Pro camera features multiple lenses, equivalent to having seven camera lenses with 48 megapixels
- Explore the “spatial videos” feature
- Lightning-fast speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second
- The silent switch has been replaced
- Starting at $999
The phone maker also showcased its new iPhone 15 Pro Max, featuring flagship camera capabilities, including:
- 120 mm-equivalent lens
- 25% larger sensor
- f/2.8 aperture
- 5x telephoto lens
- Starting at $1,199
Excitingly, the iPhone is now equipped with a USB-C connector, offering various possibilities.
And it’s not just the iPhone; AirPods are also getting the USB-C treatment.
AirPods AirPods aren’t missing out on the fun. The USB-C powered AirPods Pro 2 will be available for $249 starting on September 22. Additionally, users can purchase wired EarPods with a USB-C connector for $19.
Apple also unveiled two new tiers for iCloud+, its cloud storage subscription. Subscribers can now choose between storing 6 terabytes or 12 terabytes of data.
Apple confirmed in its iPhone press release that its latest operating system, iOS 17, will be released as a free software update on September 18. This means that even if you’re not upgrading to one of Apple’s latest iPhones, you can still update your iPhone and enjoy the new features.