The iPhone 15 series, featuring USB-C ports, has been launched.

VnExpress•13/09/2023

Apple introduced the four iPhone 15 models, featuring a change from Lightning to USB-C connector, a 48-megapixel camera, and a titanium casing for the Pro version.

The iPhone 15 launch event, held on the morning of September 13th at Apple Park, didn't offer many surprises, as most of the new products matched the rumors. Therefore, there wasn't much excitement or applause in the audience. However, attendees still seemed enthusiastic about what was considered the most anticipated technology event of the year.

Lasting approximately 80 minutes, Apple introduced the Watch Series 9, Watch Ultra 2, and four iPhone models: the 15 , 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. Interspersed between the product presentations, the company dedicated significant time to discussing its environmental protection solutions through the use of recycled materials in its devices.

The highlight of the event was still the new generation of iPhones, featuring a USB-C port instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning port. This change was Apple's way of complying with regulations in the European market, but it is also considered appropriate given the current situation, as most electronic devices now use USB-C ports, eliminating the need for users to carry separate chargers for their iPhones. However, previous iPhone users will no longer be able to use their old charging cables.

Although all four phone models use the new connector, only the two Pro versions are capable of high-speed data transfer.

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

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

This marks Apple's first use of titanium on an iPhone, following a long history of using aluminum and steel casings. The titanium bezel encases a recycled aluminum frame, advertised as enhancing durability and grip. Both models are also the lightest Pro-series iPhones ever, weighing 187 grams for the 15 Pro and 221 grams for the 15 Pro Max, 19 grams lighter than their predecessors.

After 16 years of using a toggle switch to change sound modes, 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 used in this design were also featured on the Watch Ultra released last year.

Both devices are equipped with the Apple A17 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process, featuring a six-core CPU, delivering 10% faster CPU performance and 20% faster GPU performance compared to the previous generation. Although both feature USB-C like the iPhone 15, Apple states that the Pro version will support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps via USB 3.0 cable.

*Rear view of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 15 Pro. Photo: Tuan Hung*

At the event, Greg Joswiak, Apple's chief marketing officer, asserted that the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are the company's best camera models. While still equipped with a triple-camera system, the main camera has been upgraded to 48 megapixels with 5x optical zoom. Combined with algorithms, Apple claims users can create photos equivalent to those taken with seven separate lenses, from close-ups and wide-angle shots to super zoom.

Another notable feature is that both models support 4K ProRes video recording and direct storage to external memory devices via a compatible USB-C connection. Additionally, users can record spatial videos for later use with the Vision Pro glasses.

The iPhone 15 Pro comes with storage options from 128 GB to 1 TB, starting at $999, while the Pro Max starts at $1,199 for the 256 GB version. Users can choose from natural titanium, blue, white, and black colors. Pre-orders will begin on September 15th and deliveries will start on September 22nd.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus can be considered a combination of the best features from last year's iPhone 14. Specifically, the devices still use an aluminum casing, dual cameras, and screen sizes of 6.1 and 6.7 inches. However, the "notch" design has been replaced with a Dynamic Island display similar to the Pro series. The devices use a Super Retina OLED display with a brightness of 1,600 nits and can reach a maximum of 2,000 nits in sunlight, double that of its predecessor.

The product is equipped with the Apple A16 Bionic chip like its predecessor, but promises "all-day use" thanks to an increased battery capacity. In addition to the USB-C port, the device also features an upgraded main camera with a 48-megapixel resolution, supporting 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 on the Apple stage. Photo: Tuan Hung*

Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2

Apple's two new watch models retain almost the same design as their predecessors, with upgrades in specifications and features. The company also emphasized the use of recycled materials and discontinued the use of leather for watch straps.

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

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

The Watch Ultra 2 still uses the same titanium casing as its predecessor. The device's screen has also been upgraded to a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, 50% brighter than the first Ultra model. Apple states that the device can be used continuously for 72 hours on a single charge in low-power mode and supports submersion up to 40 meters. The device starts at $799.