The iPhone 15 Pro Max has been put up for display at the Apple Park in Cupertino. (Image: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)Apple iPhone 15 Pro launch event: Apple is all set to host its next iPhone launch at its headquarters in Apple Park, Cupertino. The weather here is a bit nippy with a hint of rain, in stark contrast to 2022 when the area was going through an unprecedented heatwave.
This time, Apple is expected to launch four new iPhones, with the focus clearly being on the Pro model which is expected to push the envelope on pricing as well as premium features with a titanium chassis and a better camera. There will be at least two new Apple Watches also on show. The jury is still out on where there will be a ‘one more thing’ this time and if yes what it would be.
Apple is facing a bit of pressure to sustain its numbers with new challenges emerging in markets like China. While it is second to Samsung in the number of units sold globally it still has the most people phone models across the world and makes more money than the Korean tech giant.
The iPhone 15 now resembles the pricier Pro models more than ever with its matte finish. Of course, aside from the sleeker looks, the finish isn't as prone to fingerprints anymore.
Apple's most environmentally friendly smartwatches are put up on display at the event venue. Featuring upgraded processors, the company promises significantly snappier performance across tasks on these.
We finally managed to get our hands on the iPhone 15 Pro Max amid the frenzy. The phone is not only notably lighter but also features perhaps the slimmest bezels we've seen on any smartphone to date.
The excitement for the iPhone 15 launch is palpable at Apple Park, where hundreds of Apple fans have gathered to witness the unveiling of the latest models.
Coming in 5 unique colour options, the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus are now more flamboyant than ever. Of course, for those who prefer less vivid colours, black is also an option.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max looks stunning in its new grey look and sleek titanium build. Be sure to check back here for when we describe what these devices feel like!
In case you missed anything, here's everything new that the latest and greatest iPhones bring to the table.
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro starts at ?1,34,900, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at ?1,59,900.
The iPhone 15 Pro models will be able to record Spatial Video using the primary and ultrawide cameras for a more immersive viewing experience on the upcoming Vision Pro headset.
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro might finally rival Android flagships with a 5x telephoto lens that'll let users closer than ever to subjects.
The 48MP sensors on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are larger than the sensors on the non-Pro models and is capable of shooting 48MP RAW images.
With advanced graphics features like ray-tracing, the iPhone 15 Pro models are being touted as the best mobile gaming platform by Apple. Console games like Resident Evil Village will be able to run natively on the iPhone.
The A17 Pro chip will be powering the Apple iPhone 15 Pro models, manufactured on the 3nm process. The chip is powered by 19 billion transistors and has micro-architectural design enhancements for performance and power cores. Apple claims the power cores match desktop performance, while the chip's neural engine is twice as fast compared to the predecessor.
The iPhone 15 Pro features a customisable Action Button. It will still allow muting functions, only you'll have to press the button instead of sliding it. The Action Button can also be configured for a slew of other functions.
Called the 'most Pro iPhones ever created by Apple' by Tim Cook, the latest iPhone Pro models feature titanium builds. These iPhones are also the lightest iPhones ever, with the slimmest bezels on any Apple handset.
The iPhone 15 starts at $799 while the iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899, which is the same as last year thankfully.
USB-C is coming to both the iPhones and the AirPods, meaning you can use just one charger now for all Apple devices.
Apple has unveiled its non-Pro iPhone models and they no longer come with the obtrusive notch! Like the Pro models, they now feature the pill-shaped Dynamic Island. The display has received a major revamp and now has a peak brightness of 2000 nits, which is twice as bright as its predecessor. The screen sizes have been retained at 6.1-inch for the iPhone 15 and 6.7-inch for the iPhone 15 Plus. Both models are protected by ceramic glass. Last but not least, they feature 48MP camera for finer details.
Apple Watch SE: $249
Apple Watch Series 9: $399
Apple Watch Ultra 2: $799
A new iteration of Apple's flagship smartwatch is here! It comes with an upgraded display with a peak brightness of a whopping 3000 nits, advanced metrics for runners with a customisable action button, and takes cycling to the next level by allowing Bluetooth accessory connection. The battery lasts for 36 hours in regular mode and 72 hours in power-saving mode. Lastly, it features 95 per cent recycled titanium.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the company's very first carbon-neutral product, and Apple promises that more products in the future will be the same way. Apple also promises that it'll not be using leather on its future products, instead using a new self-developed material called FineWoven.
By 2030, all Apple devices will have a net zero carbon impact: Tim Cook.
Apple Watch Series 9 uses its powerful neural engine to detect the subtle changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb are double-tapped. The double-tap gesture can be used to manage calls and a lot more. It will be available on the watch next month.
Apple Watch Series 9 has been "redesigned" on the inside and features the S9 chip, which is the fastest-ever custom silicon on any Apple Watch. It features a new neural engine and processes Siri commands offline.
Tim Cook: Apple Vision Pro has also captured the imagination of our remarkable developer community. We're extremely excited about what they're already showing us in our developer labs around the world. They're creating truly amazing experiences, that wouldn't be possible on any other platform.
We are all set inside Steve Jobs Theatre. The keynote will start any minute. A lot of it is expected to be pre-recorded as it has been in the past few years since Covid. Most of the guests are seated with Green and Yellow lanyads separating media from Apple's guests. The theatre has a capacity of about 500 people and there is not an empty seat to be found.
“The likely shift from iPhone’s charging port shifting from Lightning to USB-C will be marketed as a key consumer benefit, which is a paradox after Apple pushed back on this standard for many years. It will be interesting to see how Apple manages the transition given potential massive e-waste and the fact it has created a significant accessory ecosystem around Lightning cables," said Thomas Husson, VP and principal analyst of research firm Forrester.
If you are dreaming of buying a 2TB iPhone 15 Pro Max, you might be disappointed. Apple has not increased the storage capacity of its flagship phone this year, according to multiple sources. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will offer the same options as the previous generation: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
However, they might come with more RAM, either 6GB or 8GB depending on the model or the storage tier.
“The paradigm shift that Apple is working towards is the Vision Pro, but don't expect to hear much about that. The company is famously allergic to hype, and Apple will speak about spatial computing on its own terms. But the company is gearing up for spatial computing to enter the Apple ecosystem — the rumoured Ultra Wideband U1 chip on the new iPhone will better enable this integration," said Dipanjan Chatterjee, VP and principal analyst, Forrester.
With less than an hour for the Apple event, we thought it'd be a good idea to remind you where to livestream it. The Apple event will be live-streamed on the company’s official website, YouTube, and other major social media platforms like X. In India, the keynote will kickstart exactly at 10:30 PM.
The weather at Apple Park, Cupertino, is a bit nippy with a hint of rain -- a stark contrast to 2022 when the area was going through an unprecedented heatwave.
Dipanjan Chatterjee, VP and principal analyst of research firm Forrester gets to the bottom of why the iPhone Pro models could be dearer this year.
“We're likely to see price increases at the high end of the iPhone spectrum. This is not surprising. As iPhone growth stalls outside emerging markets, the increased price premium can offset the revenue impact of a volume shortfall. The inelasticity of their higher-end customers' brand preferences will ensure that current buyers absorb the higher price tag.
"What is less clear is whether the average buyer will see enough of a benefit to trade up to an even more expensive Pro. Rumours of an “Ultra” line of iPhones indicate the desire to carve out a premium line distinct from the Pro, whose boundaries with the base product are increasingly blurred,” he said.
The clock is ticking and the excitement is building. Our very own Nandagopal Rajan is about to enter the Apple Park in Cupertino, where he will bring you live updates from the Steve Jobs Theater. Stay tuned for the latest news and surprises from the Apple event.
Driven by EU regulation, the iPhones are finally set to hop aboard the USB Type-C bandwagon for a more seamless charging experience across devices. Apple is obviously rather late to the party, and OnePlus has taken to Twitter to remind users just that.
Thomas Husson, VP and principal analyst of research firm Forrester says that the iPhone 15 will leave rivals like Galaxy S23 behind.
“There is little doubt that the new iPhone 15 lineup will outperform the competition — mainly the Samsung Galaxy S23 — thanks to faster chips and processors, improved photo and video experiences, and some incremental innovative features leveraging iOS 17," he said.
Apple will launch iOS 17 for everyone after the beta testing phase is over. This is likely to happen in September, based on the past release dates of iOS updates in the same month:
- iOS 16 was released on September 12, 2022
- iOS 15 was released on September 20, 2021
- iOS 14 was released on September 16, 2020
- iOS 13 was released on September 19, 2019
- iOS 12 was released on September 17, 2018
Apple has a consistent pattern of releasing new iOS versions in mid-September and we expect iOS 17 to follow suit.
As we welcome the new devices, we also have to say goodbye to some of the features that we have grown accustomed to over the years. Here are some of the things that are likely going away with the iPhone 15:
Lightning port: The proprietary connector that has been used by Apple since 2012 is finally being replaced by the more universal and versatile USB-C port. This means you can use the same cable and charger for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices. It also enables faster data transfer and charging speeds.
Mute Switch: The iPhone 15 Pro models are ditching the mute switch that has been present on every iPhone since the original one in 2007. Instead, you can use the volume buttons or the Control Center to toggle the silent mode.
Notch: The infamous notch that has housed the Face ID sensors and the front camera since the iPhone X is expected to be ditched completely this year -- even with the non-Pro models -- in favour of the Dynamic Island.
With just 3 hours left for one of the biggest tech events of the year, Apple CEO Tim Cook has taken to Twitter to announce that "it's almost time!"
In the meantime, stay tuned for our on-ground coverage of the iPhone 15 event.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are set to introduce an innovative Action Button, replacing the familiar Mute Switch. This multifunctional button will offer users a range of customisable actions, from toggling silent mode and activating the flashlight to running shortcuts and launching the Camera app.
Image: mi_konstantin
This exciting addition promises to elevate user experience and accessibility while accommodating a diverse array of needs. The regular models will retain the trusty mute switch, though.
While the external design of the Watch 9 is expected to remain unchanged, speculations hint at the introduction of new colours. The real excitement, however, lies within the internal upgrades. Reports from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg suggest a substantial leap in processing speed, the most significant since Series 6. This boost in performance may lead to expanded usage of the temperature sensor introduced last year. Moreover, Apple plans to introduce a fourth-generation optical heart rate sensor, promising enhanced accuracy.
Apple will be making history by selling new iPhones made in India on the same day as the global launch, according to a Bloomberg report. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, which will be announced later today, are being manufactured in India since early August. This is a big achievement for Apple, as it reduces its dependence on China for production. Previously, iPhones made in India were delayed by several weeks or months after their debut. However, the most expensive models, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, are still being assembled in China. Apple aims to produce 7% of its iPhones in India.
Apple is launching its new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 today, but that's not all. The company is also introducing a new line of accessories made from a synthetic leather-like material called FineWoven.
One of them is a new band for the Apple Watch, which looks like a dull brown link bracelet with oval ribs. The band is said to be super comfortable and eco-friendly, but some may find it too boring for their taste.
Apple fans in India are eagerly waiting for the iPhone 15 event, and a few hours ahead of the launch, the Apple Store website in India has gone down, showing the familiar message "Be right back". Some speculate that this is a sign of new products being added, while others joke that it is a result of too many people refreshing the page. Either way, we hope the store comes back soon.
Sure, the iPhone Pro 15 and 15 Pro Max will get the maximum new features but we don’t think Apple will make the mistake of ignoring the base iPhone 15 model.
Here are the key specs we're expecting to see for baseline iPhone 15 models:
*Dynamic Island makes it to the standard 15 and 15 Plus (bye-bye notch!)
*6.1 and 6.7-inch screen sizes
*USB-C port
*A16 chipset
*Aluminium frame
*48-megapixel camera
*6GB RAM
Apple’s high-end iPhone Pro line is going to get all the attention during tonight’s event, especially the top-end 15 Pro Max model. It will be a big phone, but this time it will also get a potential price increase as well.
Here's what we expect we know about the Pro models
*6.1 and 6.7-inch screen sizes (Pro and Max)
*USB-C port introduced
*New A17 chip
*Periscope lens in Pro Max for advanced zoom
*Thinner and curvier than the last generation models
*Titanium chassis replaces stainless steel
*Programmable 'Action Button' for custom shortcuts
*Faster Wi-Fi 6E
*A jump to 8GB RAM
Along with the iPhone 15 series, Apple is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 9 and an improved Apple Watch Ultra, both based on the S9 processor. In terms of design, these watches may look identical to their predecessors. However, the new and efficient chip is reported to enhance the battery life and watchOS 10 is likely to introduce new fitness and health-centric features.
With just a few hours left for Apple's annual hardware launch event, the company has now collaborated with X, previously known as Twitter to change the animation of the like button, which now matches the Apple logo on the "Wonderlust" event invite. Liking a tweet with #AppleEvent will show the display an animation resembling a fading Apple logo.
Apple has renewed its contract with Qualcomm as the exclusive 5G modem and RF system supplier, which makes it evident that the iPhone 15 series, launching today is likely to feature a Qualcomm 5G modem as the company continues to develop in-house 5G networking chips for future iPhone models.
The more expensive iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro are likely to feature a new 5G mode paired with the A17 Bionic chip. Similarly, the entry-level iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro are likely to make use of the A16 Bionic and a previous generation 5G chip from Qualcomm. The current generation iPhone 14 series also features a custom 5G chip by Qualcomm.
Apple has one clear advantage — the loyalty of its users. Compared to other brands, Apple users are much more loyal and have a higher chance of being recurring customers, most of them over many generations of the iPhone.
Apple's flagship Pro lineup is said to consist of two models this year -- iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Starting with the build, these devices are reported to make use of titanium mid-frame, which makes them lighter and stronger. Similarly, they are also said to be based on the new A17 Bionic chip, which is reported to be the first Apple Silicon fabbed using TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm process.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is said to get all the attention and it is also the first iPhone that is likely to include a periscopic zoom lens, similar to the one on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. These phones are also expected to cost a bit more than their predecessors by at least $100.