Apple’s iPhone-centric fall event is rapidly approaching, and fans are eagerly anticipating what the tech giant has in store for them. Based on months of rumors, we have a good idea of what to expect at the upcoming “Wonderlust” event on September 12.
First and foremost, Apple will continue its four-iPhone lineup in 2023, with the standard iPhone 15 models available in 6.1 and 6.7-inch sizes, similar to last year. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will closely resemble the design of the previous iPhone 14 models, with one major change – the introduction of a USB-C port. This move comes in response to regulatory changes in Europe that demand standardized charging ports, and USB-C technology will be implemented worldwide. This shift will allow for charging compatibility between iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Another significant design change for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus involves the removal of the notorious notch. Instead, the new models will adopt the Dynamic Island display that was first introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, resulting in more screen real estate. However, features such as the ProMotion refresh rate and always-on display will remain exclusive to the Pro models. Additionally, the glass back of the iPhone 15 models will feature a frosted finish, departing from the glossy glass backs of previous models.
Apple plans to introduce new color options for the iPhone 15 lineup, including blue, a coral shade, light greenish yellow, white, and black. Rumors also suggest the inclusion of color-matched braided USB-C cables with each new iPhone. Camera technology will receive substantial improvements, with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus expected to feature a 48-megapixel main camera, delivering higher-resolution images and enhanced low-light performance. The Ultra Wide camera, however, will remain the same as the previous iPhone 14 models. The iPhones will also incorporate new Qualcomm 5G modem chips, promising improved signal quality, lower latency, and better power efficiency.
As for the Pro iPhone models, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will receive more substantial updates. Besides sporting a thinner and curved bezel design, these models will introduce a new titanium chassis, departing from the stainless steel used in previous iterations. The titanium chassis will come in silver, titanium gray, black, and dark blue colors, featuring a more matte finish and a potential 10% reduction in weight.
Some speculation surrounding button changes on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max did not materialize, but Apple is expected to replace the mute switch with a versatile mute button similar to the Apple Watch Ultra’s Action button. This new button will have multiple functions, including toggling Silent Mode, activating the camera or flashlight, launching apps, and more. USB-C will also be present in the Pro models, with rumors suggesting support for faster transfer speeds.
Camera enhancements for the iPhone 15 Pro models will focus on improving low-light performance. Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will introduce a periscope zoom function for the telephoto lens, potentially increasing optical zoom capabilities to 5x or 6x. The Pro models will feature the new A17 chip, providing notable performance and efficiency improvements compared to the A16 chip found in the standard iPhone 15 models. Additionally, the Pro models will support Wi-Fi 6E technology for faster wireless connectivity and potentially offer up to 2TB of storage. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are anticipated to come with 8GB of RAM, a bump from last year’s 6GB.
However, these enhanced features may come at a cost. It is rumored that Apple plans to increase the prices of the Pro models, potentially adding $100 to the starting prices of $1,099 for the iPhone 15 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Moving on to the Apple Watch, this year’s update will focus mainly on internal improvements, with no significant design changes or new health-related features expected. The Apple Watch Series 9 will feature a new S9 chip built on A15 technology, delivering improved performance and potentially extending battery life. The optical heart rate sensor will receive an update, and an Ultra Wideband chip, known as the “U2” chip, will improve location precision. There may also be a new pinkish color option for the aluminum version, and Apple might introduce a new band made of woven fabric with a magnetic buckle. Additionally, there have been rumors of Apple phasing out leather bands in favor of more eco-friendly options.
As for the Apple Watch Ultra, updates are expected to be minimal, with the device getting the same S9 chip as the Apple Watch Series 9, the updated Ultra Wideband chip, and the new heart rate sensor. Rumors hint at a potential weight reduction and the introduction of a black titanium color option.
Apple’s AirPods lineup is also set to receive updates. The highly anticipated AirPods Pro 2 will feature a USB-C connection, and improved sound quality is expected. However, details regarding specific features remain scarce.
With the upcoming event just days away, anticipation continues to build among Apple enthusiasts. All eyes will be on Apple as the tech giant unveils its latest innovations, including the iPhone 15 series, Apple Watch updates, and AirPods improvements. Stay tuned for further updates and coverage as the event unfolds.