Apple has finally released the next generation of iPhones. Included in the new selection are the iPhone 15, starting at $799 and the iPhone 15 Pro, starting at $999. They are quite pricey, but if you have an iPhone 11 or higher, you can get $200-$650 in credit towards a 15. The pre-orders began on Sept. 15, and they began being sold in stores last Friday, Sept. 22.
These smartphones have the same sleek build as its most recent predecessors. The standard model sports an aluminum body with a glass back. It is currently available in five colors: black, blue, green, yellow and pink. The Pro model, on the other hand, is taking a brand new direction in its build. Instead of an aluminum body, the pro is made of titanium, which Apple claims makes it a light yet strong smartphone. The customization options for the Pro are less colorful: consumers have the option between blue, white, black and natural titanium bodies.
One notable aspect of the iPhone 15 lineup is the new charging port. In lieu of the old Lightning cable (which was frustrating to use in the sense that only worked for iPhones and was the only cable that was compatible with iPhones), these and every future Apple device will be compatible with USB-C cables. This decision is less of a voluntary surrender of its complete market control over its chargers and more because of a law set by the European Union (EU). In Dec.r 2022, the EU decided that, for consumer convenience, all small electronic devices must have USB-C ports.
A 48-megapixel camera also sets the iPhone 15 apart from older models. The 2X Telephoto lens allows the user to take zoomed-in photos without compromising camera quality. In portrait mode, shifting the focus between subjects can be done just by tapping the screen–even after the photo is taken.
On the line of software changes, the most noticeable one is the new Dynamic Island feature. According to Apple’s website, it “bubbles up alerts and Live Activities–so you don’t miss them while you’re doing something else.” Basically, it’s a more involved notification system. If you’re waiting for your rideshare, you will know how far away your driver is. If you’re waiting for a flight and need to triple-check that you’re at the correct gate, Dynamic Island is right there at the top of your screen.
Dynamic Island is sure to be useful, but it’s hard to find someone who will label it as anything more than mediocre. In his review of the iPhone 14 Pro, which also used the feature, Josh Ginter at The Sweet Setup called Dynamic Island “kind of neat, but not something you should upgrade… for.”
Overall, the new iPhone line isn’t too different from last year’s 14. There is a major difference in performance quality, though, as the 15 comes with an A16 Bionic processor. This gives the new smartphone a faster and smoother quality of graphics. In addition, iOS 17 will come with the new phone. This operating system upgrade includes numerous convenience features. For example, NameDrop is a way to quickly exchange contact information. Live voicemail shows a transcript when someone leaves you a message. A fun new personalization feature is the Contact Poster, which shows your custom poster to someone you’re calling.
If these new features sound appealing, then the iPhone 15 or the iPhone 15 Pro might be for you. Tens of millions of units have been sold already. Will you buy one too?
