Apple had its Wonderlust event and highlighted a range of new products and features that will upgrade the way we communicate, work, and play.
From the new iPhone 15 with 4 models to more advanced smartwatches, Apple is making a play toward the premium market.
Here are some top things that were announced that I’m most looking forward to getting my hands on.
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iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus will be available in 5 different colors – pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. These are the entry level regular 6.1” iPhone 15 and larger 6.7” iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 15 will start at $799, and the iPhone 15 Plus starting at $899, which are the same prices as last year’s newest iPhone models.
You can begin pre-ordering these models beginning Friday, September 15, with availability beginning Friday, September 22.
These are some of the newest features coming with iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
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The newest features coming with iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
All-day battery life
These new phones will operate with the A16 bionic chip, which helps to support the camera, live voicemail transcription, graphics-intensive games, and more.
This chip is faster and uses 20% less power than the A15 bionic. Plus, you’ll get all-day 18-hour battery life while using way less energy than older iPhones do.
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Dynamic Island
Dynamic Island is a feature that allows the pill-shaped cutout at the top of the screen to change size and shape to display different types of information and interactions.
This was first introduced last year with the iPhone 14 Pro models to a crowd that chuckled outloud at Apple’s headquarters. Once you got it in your hands, the dynamic island feature is no laughing matter and instead a smart way to display relevant information in a centralized spot on the display.
Dynamic Island will now come to all models of iPhone 15. Everyone will now be able to expand their alerts, control their music, see their next direction in Maps, and more with Dynamic Island.
You can track a pizza delivery and follow a game at the same time. It’s been such a hit with iPhone 14 Pro users because it can expand and adapt to all your alerts and live activities.
Credit: Apple
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Apple just revived AAA Roadside Assistance with a huge breakthrough
We’ve all heard of the SOS Emergency feature that Apple has previously introduced by now. With the new iPhone 15 models, Apple will also introduce a feature called Roadside Assistance available via satellite no matter how remote you find yourself needing car help.
It uses the same technology as Emergency SOS, and all you have to do is text Roadside Assistance and select the help you need. It will connect you with a satellite that can then reach out to the nearest roadside assistance company that can help you when you don’t have service. This feature is launching in the U.S. with AAA (American Automobile Association).
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iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
When you put the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in your hands, they are easily the most refined premium iPhone models by feel alone. The brushed polish finish is like butter with softer edges that are dramatically more comfortable to hold on top of taking on a higher end look.
The iPhone 15 Pro starts at the same price as last year’s newer models at $999, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max will start at $1199 with 256GB of storage.
Here are some features we can expect with these new models.
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Credit: Apple
Features we can expect with iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
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Titanium design
The new titanium design of these two models makes them strong and durable yet also lighter than any other pro mode, so you don’t even feel like you’re carrying a heavy item.
These models will also have the thinnest borders ever on an iPhone, making them look sleek with increased display size coming closer to the newly softened edges yet not increasing the body sizes. The iPhone 15 Pro measures in at 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max is 6.7 inches.
Action Button replaces the previous side mute switch
You know the silent ring that’s come with pretty much every iPhone in the past? Well, you no longer will have that switch to silence your iPhone with the Pro and Pro Max models.
Instead, you’ll have an Action Button that you press and hold down to put your phone on silent or turn the ringer on.
You can also perform other actions like starting a voice memo, launching your camera, activating live speech, or using shortcuts with the Action Button.
A17 Pro chip is fast
These models will also operate with the A17 Pro chip to improve overall performance. Users will get up to 20% faster peak performance, as this is the fastest chip ever to be used on any iPhone.
This is especially great for gamers because it unlocks a new level of gaming experiences and performances.
Games that were once only available on consoles, PCs, and Macs will soon be available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
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Camera set now 48MP resolution
All iPhone 15 models will be getting huge upgrades when it comes to the quality of their cameras.
Credit: Apple
48MP cameras
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will get 48MP main cameras that have things like new focus and depth control, which can let you focus from one subject to another even after taking the photo.
Night Mode updated
Night Mode has also been updated on these cameras to capture vibrant colors and true-to-life rendering of skin tones.
Videos will have a 2x Telephoto feature
Plus, videos will have a 2x Telephoto feature that will allow continuous zoom so that you can shoot a video like you would a movie with 4K Cinematic Mode.
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will get a more advanced 48MP main camera lens
An even more advanced 48MP main camera with a larger sensor than the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is built for shooting sharp photos and videos. The best ever 5X Zoom feature will be exclusive to the bigger iPhone 15 Pro Max making this the first time Apple has created such a distinction between the two top models.
The size of the iPhone Pro Max allows designers the additional room to reimagine the all new camera. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is now equipped with the best camera of any smartphone.
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Apple Watch Series 9
Along with all the great things coming with these new iPhone models, Apple is also introducing brand-new smartwatches with some killer features. Same design on the outside gets a big upgrade in the inside.
Credit: Apple
The new Apple Watch Series 9 has been completely redesigned on the inside thanks to the new S9 SiP chip. This chip boosts the performance and capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 9, making it 30% faster than the Series 8 chips.
Apple Watch 9 will have an all-day 18-hour battery life, dictation that’s up to 25% more accurate, and more.
The Watch Series 9 and the less expensive Apple Watch SE are both available to order today, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 22. Apple Watch Series 9 will start at $399, while the Apple Watch SE will start at $249.
New features with Apple Watch Series 9
Access health data with Siri
You can now access your health data with Siri, like your sleep patterns, whether you took your medications for the day, the steps you take, and more, all by simply asking Siri rather than having to search through various apps. WatchOS 10 uses name drop where you can share your contact right away.
Precision finding
This new feature allows you to precisely find exactly where your iPhone is located as long as it has the same chip as the Series 9.
It shows you both the distance and direction to your iPhone, with haptic and audible feedback guiding you to the precise location of your iPhone should you ever have trouble finding it.
Double Tap
This is probably the coolest new feature of all. The Series 9 watches now come with a feature called Double Tap.
Simply tap your index finger and thumb together twice while wearing your watch to perform simple commands.
These commands can be anything from answering and ending calls, stopping a timer, playing and pausing music, or snoozing an alarm.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple’s highest-end Watch gets a sequel. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will come with the same features as Series 9 but with a few extra updates.
Credit: Apple
Apple Watch Ultra 2 features
Brighter than ever
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a brightness level of up to 3,000 Nits, which is the brightest display Apple has ever created.
This will help you to see your display clearly at any time of day.
Longer battery life
The battery life on this watch is quite impressive, lasting up to 36 hours with regular use and 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Great for runners and bikers. tested across large ranges of altitudes, and also has a depth app so that you can review your dives.
Environmental initiatives
As part of Apple’s 2030 plans to be carbon neutral across its entire business, the company is already running 7 years ahead of schedule with these new iPhone and Watch models being created with sustainable products.
Credit: Apple
The iPhone 15 models and the Apple Watch Series 9 models were built using far less greenhouse gas emissions by using recycled and renewable materials.
For Series 9, the team at Apple used recycled aluminum for the cases and recycled gold, tin, copper, and more inside the watch itself. 100% recycled cobalt was used in the battery, and the band is also made with 82% recycled yarn. Starting this year, all Apple Watch manufacturing is powered by 100% clean electricity.
The iPhone 15 model enclosure uses 75% less aluminum and 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. Plus, it uses 100% recycled copper foil in the main logic board and in the MagSafe charger. Starting this year, all Apple Watch manufacturing is powered by 100% clean electricity. Leather will also no longer be used in any Apple products.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
It may be time to upgrade to a new iPhone 15 phone. Americans will enjoy subsidized pricing with a trade-in available from most major wireless companies. In some cases, you could end up with a free iPhone 15 model based on this financing arrangement.
Check with your wireless carrier or Apple to see what incentives are helping the Cupertino company bolster sales in an otherwise soft smartphone market globally.
Is there anything you wish Apple would have given more information about at today’s event?Let us know by commenting below.
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