iPhone 15 series with USB-C port launched

Apple introduces the iPhone 15 quartet with changes in the USB-C connection port instead of Lightning, 48 megapixel camera, titanium case for the Pro version.

The iPhone 15 launch event held on the morning of September 13 at Apple Park did not create many surprises, as most of the new products matched the rumors. Therefore, there was not much admiration and appreciation in the auditorium. However, the attendees were still excited about the technology event that is considered the most attractive of the year.

With a duration of about 80 minutes, Apple introduced the Watch Series 9, Watch Ultra 2 and four iPhone models 15 , 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. In between the product introductions, the company spent a lot of time talking about environmental protection solutions through the use of recycled materials on the device.

The highlight of the event was still the new generation of iPhone models, with USB-C ports instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning port. This change was originally a way for Apple to comply with regulations in the European market, but it is also considered suitable for the current situation, when most electronic devices use USB-C ports, helping users not need to bring their own chargers for iPhones like before. However, previous iPhone users will not be able to take advantage of their old charging cables.

While all four phones use the new port, only the two Pro models are capable of high-speed data transfer.

*USB-C port on iPhone 15 Pro. Photo: Tuan Hung*

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

This is the first time Apple has used titanium on an iPhone, after a long time using aluminum and steel casings. The titanium rim covers the recycled aluminum frame, which is advertised as helping the device improve durability and grip. The two products are also the lightest Pro iPhones ever, weighing 187 grams for the 15 Pro and 221 grams for the 15 Pro Max, 19 grams lighter than the previous generation.

After 16 years of using a volume toggle, Apple has switched to an Action button for the first time, allowing users to assign tasks and perform quick actions. The titanium material and button were used on the Watch Ultra model launched last year.

Both devices are powered by the 3nm Apple A17 Pro chip, with a six-core CPU, providing 10% faster CPU performance and 20% faster GPU performance than the previous generation. Although equipped with USB-C like the iPhone 15, Apple said the Pro version will support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps via USB 3.0 cable.

*Back photo of iPhone 15 Pro Max and 15 Pro duo. Photo: Tuan Hung*

At the event, Greg Joswiak, Apple's chief marketing officer, confirmed that the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are the models with the company's best cameras. Although still equipped with a triple camera cluster, the main camera has been upgraded to 48 "dots" resolution, 5x optical zoom. Combined with algorithms, Apple said users can create photos equivalent to seven separate lenses, from close-up, wide angle to super zoom.

Another special feature is that both models support 4K ProRes video recording and direct storage to an external storage device via a suitable USB-C connection. In addition, users can record spatial videos, for use on Vision Pro glasses later.

The iPhone 15 Pro comes in storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, starting at $999, while the Pro Max starts at $1,199 for the 256GB version. Users have color options of natural titanium, blue, white, black. The product will start being available for pre-order from September 15 and will be delivered to users on September 22.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models can be considered a combination of the most prominent features of the iPhone 14 versions launched last year. Specifically, the device still uses an aluminum case, dual camera, 6.1 and 6.7 inch sizes. However, the "rabbit ear" design has been changed to a Dynamic Island screen like the Pro line. The device uses a Super Retina OLED screen with a brightness of 1,600 nits and can reach a maximum of 2,000 nits in sunlight, twice as high as the previous generation.

The product is equipped with the Apple A16 Bionic chip like the previous generation, but promises to "use all day" thanks to increased battery capacity. In addition to the USB-C port, the device also has an upgraded main camera with a resolution of 48 megapixels, supporting the creation of 2x zoom photos equivalent to optical zoom quality.

The iPhone 15 starts at $799, while the 15 Plus starts at $899. Users have color options including black, white, blue, rose gold.

*The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus duo on the Apple stage. Photo: Tuan Hung*

Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2

The two new Apple Watch models retain almost the same design as the previous generation, with upgraded configurations and features. The company also emphasizes the use of recycled materials and stops using leather for watch straps.

Both are equipped with the Apple S9 SiP chip, with a CPU with 5.6 billion transistors, a GPU 30% faster than the previous generation, integrated with a second-generation ultra wideband chip to improve positioning capabilities. In addition, the two watches also support voice commands for Siri to access health information, double-tap the screen to perform tasks, such as quickly answering incoming calls.

The Watch 9 has an upgraded display with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, double that of the previous Watch 8. The product starts at $399 for the aluminum frame version, with color options including pink, gold, white, black, red, while the steel version comes in gold, silver and gray.

The Watch Ultra 2 still uses the same titanium case as the previous generation. The device's screen has also been upgraded to a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, 50% brighter than the first Ultra model. Apple says the device can be used continuously for 72 hours on a single charge when the device is in low power mode, supporting diving depths of 40 meters. The device starts at $799.