The new 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus run on Apple’s A16 processor, which allows for faster performance and better multitasking in comparison with last year’s models, but the most obvious difference at first glance is the addition of the Dynamic Island display cutout, which was limited last year to the pricier iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. The Dynamic Island houses the iPhone’s camera and depth sensors. There you’ll also find your active calls, audio playback, and other interactive elements, and the area expands to show relevant information as needed. This is mostly a neat visual feature rather than a functional one, but we found it useful enough in last year’s premium iPhones. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus also get an improved, f/1.6 48-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with up to 2x optical zoom. Apple is introducing its tougher Ceramic Shield display to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, as well, and the screen will feature an increased peak display brightness of up to 2,000 nits. However, the biggest—and most potentially controversial—change is the iPhones’ charging cable. Say goodbye to the Lightning port and all of your old Lightning cables, because Apple is finally switching to USB-C, bringing the iPhone in line with the rest of its devices. Apple has also partnered with AAA for iPhone-based roadside assistance via satellite, which comes included with each new iPhone for two years. In addition, Apple is continuing to push its sustainability initiatives; the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus’s frames consist of 75% recycled aluminum, while their internals use 100% recycled copper and the battery uses 100% recycled cobalt. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will come in pink, yellow, green, blue, and black color options made of aluminum with color-matched back glass. The lineup starts at $800 for the 128 GB iPhone 15 and $900 for the 128 GB iPhone 15 Plus, and they will be available for preorder starting on September 15. The phones go on sale September 22.
The Apple Watch Series 9 runs on the new S9 watch chip, which Apple promises will make animations “super smooth.” Siri requests are also now processed on the watch itself instead of in the cloud, which Apple says will produce faster responses. You can also ask Siri for your health stats or input your health info with your voice in a new feature rolling out later this year. Battery life remains unchanged at 18 hours. The Series 9 has a second-generation ultra-wideband chip that will help you track down your iPhone when you misplace it (if it’s nearby). This feature will work only if you have a 2023 Apple Watch and an iPhone 15, however. The Series 9 has a much brighter screen that can go much dimmer—from 2,000 nits to 1 nit. That’s double the brightness of the Series 8. Apple is also introducing a new double-tap feature with the Series 9, which activates when you tap your thumb and index finger together twice; the gesture triggers actions such as answering or ending a phone call. The feature will be available next month, Apple said. The Series 9 comes in five shades of aluminum, including a new pink, as well as stainless steel. Apple also announced that it’s phasing out leather in all of its accessories, starting today. The company introduced a FineWoven material for Apple Watch bands that is made of 68% recycled materials and has a suede-like feel. Apple is working with Hermès and Nike to make new bands in more eco-friendly materials. The Apple Watch Series 9, which starts at $400 for the Bluetooth/GPS model and $500 for the cellular version, will be available to buy on September 22. You can preorder it today.