The month is September, otherwise known in the tech community as Techtember! The Apple Event, hosted at the beginning of the month, is known for showing off all of Apple’s latest consumer tech. As usual, we got the new iPhone 15, 2 new Apple Watches, and a new AirPods case, though a “groundbreaking” change (namely, the new USB-C charger port) was required by law from the European Union. Here are more details about the new products released in the “Wonderlust” event, as it is named, as well as some of Apple’s goals for the future.
iPhone 15 Lineup
The iPhone 15 (Plus, Pro, and Pro Max) was released at the event. The number one change that Apple made was the addition of the USB-C connector. If you aren’t familiar, the USB-C charger is a standard of USB created to further improve USB-A, which is bulkier and non-reversible in comparison. It did take 7 years since Apple forced it on all MacBook users for it to be added, however, its addition will be greatly appreciated over the 11-year-old Lightning connector that came out with the iPhone 5. People are extremely excited about this connector, as most users will be able to charge all of their devices with just one cable, instead of bringing different cables for separate devices. However, in true Apple fashion, speeds are said to be limited by not only the model of the phone but also by a custom cable, which will be sold separately.
Additionally, the iPhone 15 (Plus) now contains the same features that the iPhone 14 Pro (Max) contained last year. This includes features such as Dynamic Island, which is a new take on the camera notch at the top of the phone, allowing users to get quick information about calls, currently playing music, Uber ride locations, and many other supported apps. Apple also added a new second-generation ultra-wideband chip that gives more accurate readings when finding devices, a titanium frame, which has been proven to not be indestructible by YouTubers such as JerryRigEverything, and a 3x zoom camera on the Pro (5x on the Pro Max).
Apple Watches
The new Apple Watch Series 9 looks identical to the Series 8, 7, and older, but it's what’s inside that counts. The Series 9 now contains a faster processor than some smartphones! This is useful in day-to-day life as Siri now runs on the watch. This allows you to use it without an internet connection, as well as speed up some requests. There is a real-world need for this, such as in areas with spotty cellular reception as well as being able to start a workout quicker, instead of connecting to your phone, returning, and then starting your workout 10 seconds later. Series 9 also has a new gesture called Double Tap, allowing you to perform actions when your hands are occupied. This watch is also benefited by the additional features in watchOS 10.
The Ultra 2 Apple Watch has also been revamped, this time using 95% recycled titanium. This is because of Apple’s business goal for environment-friendly business practices. However, the watch has generally not been changed from last-gen, with most of its new features coming from the improvements on the Series 9. This time, the display goes down to 1 nit (very dark), rather than 2 nits, giving it improved battery life, as well as going up to 3000 nits (very bright) in the areas it is needed. This new generation of Apple Watch seems to be more focused on correcting some of the original bugs with the first Apple Watch Ultra. This watch also is helped by the features of watchOS 10.
WatchOS 10 has been mentioned a couple of times here, but what features does it add? Apple has focused, with the release of this new OS, on using as much of the screen as possible. Watch apps now have interactions on all parts of the screen. For example, Apple advertises the weather app as fitting as much information as possible, while remaining readable and keeping the slick user interface that they are known for. They have also redesigned most apps, keeping this design philosophy in mind. They also introduced Smart Stack, which are like widgets on the iPhone, but more easily accessible. Most of the other improvements that come with watchOS are quality-of-life improvements, such as improved cycling and hiking support, mental health reminders, and other iOS features.
Another one of Apple’s products announced here was a redesigned version of the AirPods case. However, this is insignificant, as the only change that was made was a switch to the USB-C charger, as mandated by the law of the European Union. They also talked about their goals for carbon neutrality by 2030 and advertised their Apple Watch bands to be made from recycled materials, as well as their products to be running off clean energy made using clean processes.
Though this Apple Event wasn’t as eventful as others, it seems Apple is focusing on the inside of their devices to add features in the future as well as pushing the latest update to their devices for as long as possible. Peculiarly, no new MacBook announcements were made, though expected around the end of the year.
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