With every launch, Apple fans and tech geeks around the world eagerly await the release of the next iPhone. Thanks to the numerous rumors circulating before the event, expectations for this year's latest iPhones were sky-high. Thankfully, the Cupertino giant didn't disappoint. In fact, Apple has gone the extra mile this year to introduce some amazing new features and stunning wallpapers to the iPhone 15 lineup. Here's a guide to the top 6 features of the new iPhone 15 series: USB-C, Action Button, and more.
There's a lot to uncover here - from the introduction of USB-C and Dynamic Island as standard across the lineup to the addition of exclusive features to the Pro series, there's a host of hardware upgrades on the iPhone 15. Let's take a look at the new features introduced to each model in the iPhone 15 series, as well as information on pricing, availability, and more.
1. USB-C: Goodbye LIGHTNING
Finally, Apple has abandoned the exclusivity it has held on the iPhone for years with the Lightning port. While the faster adoption can be attributed to pressure from the European UnionHowever, it is certainly beneficial to consumers in general.
Thanks to USB-C, you can now use the same cable to charge your Macbook, iPad, AirPods, and iPhone. Because USB-C is a common standard, you won't have to carry a different cable to charge your iPhone. In fact, users can also use a Type-C cable to charge AirPods Pro 2nd Gen or any other accessory using iPhone 15 the new.
However, it's worth noting that you'll still have to live with USB 2.0 speeds on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. For those unfamiliar, USB 2.0 is a data transfer protocol capable of transferring up to 480 Mbps.
If you want faster data transfer speeds, you should: Upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro seriesBoth Pro versions support USB 3.0, which offers speeds of up to 10 Gbps. This is 20 times faster than USB 2.0. However, users must purchase an optional USB 3.0 cable for higher speeds.
2. Dynamic Island for everyone
Dynamic Island debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro lineup and helped the iPhone stand out from the crowd. Apple has now brought this feature to the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus as well. Thanks to this, it's no longer Features Like Live Activities, it's limited to the Pro models. Aside from adding functionality, Dynamic Island looks much better than the older notch on the iPhone 14—especially when paired withSuitable backgroundIt also adds a sense of cohesion to the entire iPhone lineup.
Display sizes across the iPhone 15 series remain the same as the previous generation. The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro feature 6.1-inch panels, while the iPhone 15 Plus and 15 Pro Max feature larger 6.7-inch displays. However, peak brightness is upgraded to 1600 nits when playing HDR content and 2000 nits under direct sunlight.
Aside from this, Apple has reduced the bezels around the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, making the display more immersive than ever.
3. Design and construction
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus feature a matte finish, limiting the glossy glass to the camera island. Apple has blended the color of each iPhone 15 model across the entire back using a proprietary process. The glass on the back is also strengthened through an enhanced dual ion-exchange process and subsequently polished with nanocrystalline particles.
Apple also addressed the issues many users reported with sharp edges since the iPhone 12. The iPhone 15 series now features rounded edges, both on the regular and Pro versions. This makes them more comfortable to hold—especially for extended periods.
Titanium for Professionals
While the build materials remain largely similar to the standard iPhones, the Pro versions have received significant upgrades, starting with a new, strong, and lightweight titanium body—a first for an iPhone. Apple used grade 5 titanium alloys to increase strength and reduce weight.
The Pro models also feature a new brushed finish around the edges, giving them a more premium look. The titanium bands feature a new core structure made of aluminum bonded together using solid-state diffusion. The aluminum frame helps dissipate heat, making them less warm during intensive use.
Additionally, the Pro models also feature a new, easy-to-repair design. The glass back can be easily replaced in the event of damage, reducing e-waste and the amount of dent in your pockets.
4. Action button in PRO series
Along with the Lightning port, Apple also replaced the popular mute switch on the Pro models with an all-new Action button. Now, instead of a single-function toggle to switch between ringer and silence, you can use the Action button to quickly access important functions. Currently, you can activate the camera, flashlight, voice memos, and set Focus Modes Or set custom shortcuts.
All you have to do is press and hold the button until you get haptic feedback or see a visual cue in the dynamic island.
5. Cameras: ZOOM PRO MAX
Apple also made the camera precisely 48 megapixels Standard across the iPhone 15 series (with differences in sensor size and focal lengths). With the arrival of the 48-megapixel camera, iPhone 15 users can now enjoy ultra-high-resolution photos and the new 2x zoom option. However, it's worth noting that the 2x mode is a digital crop of the 48-megapixel sensor and not an optical zoom.
It has also been improved. Night mode photography The image mode across the lineup has also been improved. Smart HDR algorithms have also been improved, resulting in improved overall camera output.
Professional features for professionals
Meanwhile, there's plenty going on on the pro side. The main camera can now switch between 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm focal lengths. Users can set any of these options as the new default. In addition to 48MP ProRAW, the main camera can now capture 48MP HEIF images.
Apple also uses the LiDAR Scanner to improve Night Mode output. ProRes video can now be recorded directly to an external storage drive (thanks to USB-C) and can reach 4K resolution at 60 fps. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max also get new log encoding and ACES color profiles.
While the iPhone 15 Pro retains last year's 3x telephoto camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max gets a 5x telephoto lens with a 120mm focal length. Apple used an innovative quad prism design to include a periscope camera in an iPhone for the first time. A sensor-shift stabilizer is included to prevent camera shake when shooting with the telephoto lens.
The 5x zoom camera is a big upgrade considering the fact that many Android phones have had powerful zoom cameras for years now.
6. Processor upgrades
Apple continues its tradition, which began with the 14 series, of equipping vanilla iPhone models with last year's processors. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which features a six-core CPU and a five-core GPU. The processor also features a 16-core Neural Engine capable of performing nearly 17 trillion operations per second. In simple terms, this translates to better performance in everyday activities compared to the A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 14.
The A17 Pro delivers console-level performance for mobile
While the A16 didn't break any records, Apple did share the industry's first 17nm A3 Pro chipset for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple claims a 10% performance boost along with a two-times faster Neural Engine with A17 Pro vs A16 Bionic.
But the biggest upgrade comes in the GPU department. The integrated GPU is now 20% faster and features a new six-core design that promises increased peak performance with better efficiency. The A17 Pro also supports Hardware Accelerated Ray Tracing It's 4 times faster than software-based ray tracing. This means you get a better experience with augmented reality applications and improved gaming performance.
Speaking of gaming, the iPhone 15 Pro is so powerful that AAA titles like Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, Death Stranding, and Assassin's Creed Mirage will all make their way to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The A17 Pro also includes a dedicated AV1 decoder, which translates to a more efficient and high-quality video experience for streaming services.
Excited for the new iPhone
Apple has packed some impressive features into the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro models. Despite the improvements, pricing remains the same across the board. The standard iPhone 15 starts at $799, while the 15 Pro retains its $999 price tag.
While the iPhone 15 Pro Max is priced $100 higher than the iPhone 14 Pro, the base model gets a storage boost of up to 256GB. Users can pre-order the phones starting September 15 and purchase them in stores starting September 22. Are you excited to get your hands on the new iPhone 15 series? Let us know in the comments.
