The excitement is always palpable when a new iPhone is launched, and this year was certainly no different. Apple’s annual iPhone release, usually in September, has become one of the most eagerly awaited tech events of the year. Even in a market where smartphones seem to have reached a saturation point, the iPhone 15 quartet, especially the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro models, have brought a host of exciting new features.
In a significant move, Apple made India-built iPhone 15 units available for purchase in India and other regions on the very first day of sales. What makes this even more noteworthy is that it marks the first time that iPhones manufactured in India have been launched on the same day as those produced in China.
1. USB C Connector Cable
One of the most exciting changes that iPhone enthusiasts will appreciate is the shift to USB-C charging. Apple has finally moved away from its iconic Lightning cable, opting for the more universal USB-C charging solution. This move was widely anticipated, especially in light of new EU regulations regarding charging standards. The switch not only adds convenience – no more need to carry multiple chargers for a short business trip – but it also significantly boosts data transfer speeds, as claimed by Apple (a whopping 20x improvement) with support for USB 3. However, it’s worth noting that USB-C charging is not an exclusive feature of the iPhone. In addition to this important change, let’s explore nine other exciting new features that are making their debut on the iPhone 15 series, which is now available in retail stores in India and key global markets.
2. Titanium Build
It all started with the Apple Watch Ultra back in 2022. Now, the latest additions to the Apple family, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, have embraced a sleek titanium design. Titanium, renowned for its use in spacecraft and its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, takes center stage here. These new Pro models have shed some weight, coming in at 10 percent lighter than their predecessors, making them not only more lightweight but also more pleasant to hold in your hand.
3. Go Green
The lightweight titanium design isn’t the only innovation in the new iPhone 15 series. Underneath this sleek exterior, there’s a substructure crafted entirely from recycled aluminum, a step in line with Apple’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. This year, Apple celebrated another milestone by introducing its first carbon-neutral product, the Apple Watch Series 9.
But that’s not all; the iPhone 15 devices come equipped with batteries that contain 100 percent recycled cobalt, further emphasizing Apple’s eco-friendly approach. Additionally, Apple has opted for a new woven fabric case, replacing its traditional leather back cases. These new cases are made with 68 percent post-consumer recycled materials, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions compared to leather alternatives.
4. Action Button
While we’ve seen smartphones incorporate a dedicated camera button before, Apple has taken it up a notch with what they call the “Action Button.” This feature initially won our hearts on the 2022 Apple Watch Ultra and has now made its way to the iPhone 15 Pro models. Interestingly, it replaces the traditional mute switch.
The Action Button serves as a versatile hotkey that you can customize for functions you frequently use. In our opinion, it shines brightest when set up as a quick launch key for the camera. It’s a handy addition for capturing those spontaneous moments without fumbling through menus.
5. Qi2 Wireless Charging
Although the new iPhones haven’t received official Qi2 certification, they do mark the debut of the Qi2 wireless charging standard. This fresh update introduces an extra ring of magnets, ensuring the precise alignment of charging coils. This development might translate into quicker wireless charging speeds for the latest iPhones. In fact, we’ve already witnessed several new Qi2 chargers hitting the market from brands like Belkin just this month.
6. The A17 Pro Chip
Apple is proudly touting their latest achievement in chip technology with the introduction of the A17 Pro, a groundbreaking 3-nanometer chip. This powerhouse is the driving force behind the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and marks a significant milestone in Apple’s history, particularly in the realm of GPUs (Graphics Processing Units).
The pro-class GPU within the A17 Pro is a game-changer, boasting up to a 20 percent increase in speed. This advancement promises to unlock entirely new user experiences. Notably, it features a brand-new 6-core design that not only boosts peak performance but also enhances energy efficiency, delivering a well-rounded upgrade in mobile device performance.
7. Console Gaming on Your Smartphone
During Apple’s Wonderlust event, where they unveiled the 2023 iPhones, they gave us a glimpse of the impressive potential of their new processor. One of the highlights was hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which proved to be a game-changer by performing four times faster than the traditional software-based ray tracing method.
What’s even more exciting is that the iPhone 15 Pro models will be the first smartphones to host console titles. Popular games like Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage will make their debut on a smartphone, showcasing the incredible capabilities of Apple’s latest hardware.
8. 4K 60 FPS Waw Video Recording
When it comes to the iPhone 15 series, some of the most significant improvements are in the camera department. Apple has made a notable change to the Pro Max model by increasing its base storage to 256GB. This boost in storage is particularly handy if you plan on shooting Raw videos at 4K 60 FPS. It provides greater flexibility and control, especially for professional videographers who demand high-quality footage.
9. 24MP Super-high-resolution Default
Apple has managed to strike a remarkable balance between image quality and practical file size with a groundbreaking industry-first feature on the iPhone 15. They’ve introduced a new default size of 24MP, offering super-high resolution without compromising on storage and sharing convenience.
The 48MP main camera, complemented by the magic of computational photography, captures stunning images at this elevated resolution. Additionally, a noteworthy feature we appreciate is the ability to snap portrait-style images without needing to switch to Portrait Mode. If there’s a person (or even a beloved pet like a dog or cat) in the frame, you can effortlessly transform these photos into portraits with a simple tap-to-focus option.
10. Tetraprism Design
The world of flagship smartphones has witnessed a fierce competition when it comes to zoom photography, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max is right in the thick of it. Its 12MP telephoto lens shines with a 5x zoom capability at 120 mm, making it an excellent choice for capturing wildlife and sporting events from a distance.
What makes this telephoto camera stand out is its innovative tetraprism design. This design ingeniously bends the light path four times before it reaches the sensor, resulting in exceptional image quality. Moreover, it boasts a combination of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and an autofocus 3D sensor-shift module, ensuring your shots are not only magnified but also crystal clear.