Apart from the weather getting cooler and leaves changing colors, three other things you can be sure of every Fall are pumpkin spice, the start of football season, and the release of new iPhones.
Apple didn’t break tradition and recently unveiled the new iPhone 15 lineup and other devices at its “Wonderlust” event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California.
If you’ve been following USA TODAY’s live blog of the event, you might already know that four new iPhone 15 models were introduced on Tuesday. These include the standard iPhone 15, starting at $799, and the iPhone 15 Plus, starting at $899, both available in 6.1 and 6.7-inch sizes, respectively, which are the same sizes as last year’s models, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.
The premium options, the iPhone 15 Pro (6.1 inches, starting at $999) and the iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.7 inches, starting at $1,199), also share the same screen sizes as their predecessors.
So, you might wonder, why should you think about upgrading?
I had the chance to attend the event and spend some hands-on time with the new iPhone . What you should know if you’re considering purchasing one is provided below.
iPhone 15 Embraces USB-C: A Welcome Change for Tech Enthusiasts
As anticipated, Apple has officially replaced its unique Lightning port with the more universal USB-C connector.
This change allows iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even non-Apple devices to use the same charger and cable.
This change likely wasn’t Apple’s choice but was made in response to new regulations imposed by the European Union, which require consumer electronics to adopt a standardized charging port by next year.
While this transition was expected, it is significant as it simplifies the charging process across various devices and brands, saving consumers money by eliminating the need to buy additional (and exclusive) cables.
This change should also contribute to reducing electronic waste in landfills. I won’t lie; it was quite surprising to see a USB-C port at the bottom of the iPhone 15.
Chances are, you might already have USB-C cables at home, making this a compelling reason to consider the upgrade if you want to put those cables to good use.
On the other hand, if you have many Lightning cables, you might hesitate to upgrade to this iPhone series. In that case, you can purchase a USB-C to Lightning Adapter for $29.
The ‘Dynamic Island’ Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
All four iPhone models now feature a “Dynamic Island,” replacing the notch at the top of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models. Unlike last year, where only the Pro models had this feature, now everyone can enjoy it.
Why is this a noteworthy change? Dynamic Island not only provides more screen space but also displays relevant information tied to the app you have open. For example, it can show your Uber driver’s ETA, display your flight’s gate information at an airport, or reveal the song you’re currently listening to.
Moreover, you can tap on this area for further details. There are countless first- and third-party applications that take advantage of Dynamic Island.
While this may not be a groundbreaking change, it enhances the user experience, making it particularly appealing to new iPhone users who will find Dynamic Island quite handy.
Improved Cameras in the Pro Models
A third reason to contemplate an upgrade, especially to the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, is the enhanced camera systems that had photography enthusiasts in awe during Tuesday’s event.
These premium iPhone 15 models boast the same 48-megapixel camera as the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus but come with a larger sensor that captures more light. They also incorporate new “computational” photography techniques and offer a 5x telephoto zoom (on the iPhone 15 Pro Max) and a 3x telephoto zoom (on the iPhone 15 Pro).
This means you can capture more detailed shots from a distance or crop and zoom in on a photo without sacrificing image quality.
In Conclusion:
In summary, whether the new iPhone is worth it for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. The switch to USB-C offers convenience and sustainability, the addition of Dynamic Island enhances the user experience, and the improved camera systems in the Pro models cater to photography enthusiasts. Ultimately, it’s a matter of how these features align with your priorities and how much value you place on having the latest offering from Apple.
