iPhone 15 launch: Apple adopts USB-C and boasts better cameras

iPhone 15 launch: Apple adopts USB-C and boasts better cameras

By Alifereti Sakiasi
Wednesday 13/09/2023
The iPhone 15 Pro has new A17 Pro chip with ray tracing for games. Photograph: Jeff Chiu/AP

Apple has announced that the iPhone 15 makes its long awaited switch to USB-C, while gaining much extended camera zoom for its most expensive Pro model.

The new line of smartphones for 2023 was unveiled Tuesday by the chief executive, Tim Cook, alongside several new Apple Watches and AirPods Pro 2 earbuds with USB-C charging, all of which the firm hopes will tempt customers to switch or upgrade and buck its recent share price slide.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus

iphone2-sm

The regular and plus-sized version of the iPhone 15 resemble the outgoing models with aluminium sides with new contoured edges, glass backs and fronts. The dual camera system has a significantly improved 48-megapixel main sensor similar to last year’s 14 Pro models, which provides a 2x optical zoom, too.

The new models will also have the smaller “dynamic island” cut out at the top of the screen that replaced the older-style notch in the 14 Pro last year. It houses the selfie camera and Face ID system in a more aesthetically pleasing and useful segment capable of showing alerts. They also have screens that are twice as bright at 2,000nits for better outdoor readability.

The USB-C port will enable charging and compatibility with adapters made for Macs, iPads, Android devices and PCs. It can also be used to directly charge AirPods or an Apple Watch from the handset. The phones will have the A16 chip that debuted in the Pros last year.

The iPhone 15 will cost £799 ($799) and the 15 Plus £899 ($899) in store on 22 September.

iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max

iphone-sm

The high-end versions of the iPhone gain the most upgrades this year. The 15 Pros have smaller bezels around the screen, frosted back glass and new titanium sides that replace the stainless steel of previous models.

The titanium makes the iPhones more durable and lighter, while a reworked 100% recycled aluminium internal design will make it easier to repair, matching the regular iPhone 14 models from last year.

The mute switch that has been on every model since the first iPhone in 2007 has also been replaced. The new action button is still capable of muting the phone, but also performing other actions such as switching focus modes, launching the camera or other things.

A new A17 Pro chip will boost performance, including a 20% faster GPU with ray tracing for games, while the USB-C port will have faster USB3 data speeds and connectivity.

Both Pro models have improved main and ultrawide cameras with better low light performance and detail capture. But only the most expensive 15 Pro Max will gain a new 12MP telephoto camera featuring a 5x optical zoom to meaningfully close the gap to distant objects. The new camera uses a similar folded lens to that found in top Samsung and Google phones for the last couple of years, but with enhanced stabilisation.

The iPhone 15 Pro will cost £999 ($999) and the 15 Pro Max £1,199 ($1,199) in store on 22 September.

FEATURE NEWS
Calls made to reinstate paternity leave and expand family care leave to primary caregivers
Calls are being made to reinstate paternity leave and to remove the restriction of family care leave to immediate family members only. While propos...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Trump signs slew of executive actions after being sworn in
Donald Trump has signed a series of executive actions, including one revoking 78 of Joe Biden’s presidential actions, hours after officially ...
32 minutes ago

Some members of the Group of 16 approached me, I won’t reveal the names as he may kick them out - PM
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed that some members of the Group of 16 led by Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu had earlier approached him ...
36 minutes ago

UniFiji formally lodges complaint with Online Safety Commission regarding personal and racist attacks
The University of Fiji has lodged a complaint against individuals from an educational institution disseminating false information designed to ...
2 hours ago

Macroeconomics of Climate Change Course will strengthen our policy-making and decision-making – Prof Prasad
As we stand on the frontline of climate change, we face unprecedented challenges that test our resilience, adaptability, and strategic ...
2 hours ago

No automatic progression policy in education system - Manumanunitoga
The automatic progression for students in the education system is not a policy. This has been highlighted by the General Secretary of the Fijian ...
3 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Pryde reinstated as DPP
Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde has been reinstated to his position after a tribunal investigating the allegations ...
3 hours ago

Virgin Australia crew members allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed outside Nadi nightclub
A man has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of one of the Virgin Australia crew members in the early hours of New Year’s Day, near a ...
16 days ago

Lynda Tabuya dismissed as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says in light of the recent events concerning the conduct of Lynda Tabuya, and in consideration of the Oath she has ...
25 days ago

TOP