In a world where technological innovation is constant, Apple has once again raised the bar with the announcement of the iPhone 15 series, being released on Sept. 22. This highly anticipated lineup boasts a plethora of features that set it apart from its predecessors, and it is clear the world is waiting for this innovative piece of technology.
The iPhone 15 series comes in two sizes, the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus, both starting at $799, catering to users who seek a fair balance between functionality, battery life and affordability. Additionally, for those wanting a more advanced experience, the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models are available, starting at $999.
While some people are head over heels to see the features of the new phone firsthand, others do not see much of a difference from the older iPhones.
“I am always interested in better camera quality because I take a lot of pictures, and the new customizable button is pretty cool,” said junior Makenna Etheridge, a psychology major. “I could use it to set my alarms easier. However, there’s not that much of a difference between this phone and the one I have now, so I probably won’t end up getting it.”
One of the most significant changes with the iPhone 15 is the adoption of a USB-C charging cord. While some users question the need for this change, it is clear Apple is moving towards this industry-standard connection. Offering faster charging and increased versatility across a range of devices, the USB-C cords can charge Apple products or your friend’s Android device.
Photography enthusiasts will benefit from the upgraded camera in the iPhone 15. With a 48-megapixel main camera, this device delivers sharper detail, vivid colors and enhanced low-light performance.
“I love how they’re introducing major camera upgrades,” said junior Caitlin Patch, a mass communication major. “I would love to get the new phone, mainly for the photo quality since I spend a lot of time doing work through social media.”
In terms of display, the iPhone 15 series sports the same screen sizes as the previous phone but introduces an ‘always-on’ display feature. This means the phone constantly displays the time and date, eliminating the need to wake the screen to check notifications. Furthermore, the inclusion of ProMotion technology with a higher refresh rate of 120 hertz ensures a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Apple has also innovated their designs, replacing the notch with a “Dynamic Island” for the non-Pro models. This Dynamic Island is at the top of the phone, surrounding the front camera, and displays music, the date, directions and more. It also hides the front-facing TrueDepth camera and other sensors, giving the phone a more modern and seamless look.
But what truly powers these remarkable features is the new A16 Pro chip, which Apple claims uses 20% less power than the A15 Bionic chip. This chip also holds 50% more memory bandwidth, ensuring that the iPhone 15 delivers top-notch performance and can successfully hold substantial amounts of information.
For those seeking advanced features, the iPhone 15 Pro models are the way to go. These models come equipped with an advanced camera system featuring telephoto capabilities and other premium functionalities, making the increased price tag seem more justified.
In a move towards personalization, Apple has replaced the traditional ringer with a customizable action button on the side of the phone. Users can personalize this button to perform various tasks, enhancing the overall experience.
In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 15 series is not only forward-looking with its USB-C port but also introduces an expansion of emergency SOS capabilities. Users will now be able to access Roadside Assistance, thanks to a partnership with AAA, or the American Automobile Association, even in areas with no cell service.
The iPhone 15 series will be available in a range of vibrant colors, including pink, yellow, green, blue and classic black. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB and a whopping 512GB, ensuring that buyers can select the capacity that suits their needs.
Social media has been buzzing with comments regarding the upgraded photo capture and the shift to USB-C, making it evident that Apple’s latest release has generated significant anticipation. Even Olivia Rodrigo, an up-and-coming Grammy winner and American songwriter, shot an entire music video on an iPhone 15 as part of a campaign. Not only did this campaign give viewers an inside scoop on how music videos are filmed, but they also subtly promoted the camera quality of the new iPhone.
Mark your calendars, as the series is set to hit stores on Sept. 22, at Apple and other supporting retailers. With its blend of innovative technology, refined design and user-centric features, the iPhone 15 series is assured to redefine the smartphone experience once again.
