Apple Event September 2023: iPhone 15, Apple Watch, iOS 17
It is that time of the year again, Apple has just held its September event, and has released the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and more. In this article we will break down the event and give you the highlights.
When was the September 2023 Apple event?
The September Apple event was held on Tuesday September 12th at 10:00 am Pacific Time (18:00 GMT). The event was held at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California.
How to watch the event?
If you were not among the members of the media have been invited to the event in person, then don't worry. Like with their recent events, Apple live streamed the event on the Apple website to viewers worldwide. You can watch the full event again below:
What products were announced?
The main highlight of the event was the release of the next generation of iPhones: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
The new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 plus feature a Super Retina XDR display and the powerful A16 Bionic chip, that was previously used in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. ensuring peak performance. They come in five eye-catching colours and offer an advanced camera system with 48-megapixel capability, auto portrait mode, and 4K recording. Enhanced connectivity, voice isolation, and features like Road Side Assistance and Emergency SOS also add to the appeal. Prices start at $799 for the iPhone 15 and $899 for the iPhone 15 Plus.
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
For those seeking the ultimate Pro experience, Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 Pro, available in titanium. This Pro level iPhone boasts gaming-focused software features, a more repairable back glass, and an innovative Action button. Powered by the new A17 Pro chip, it offers multiple lenses, effectively emulating seven camera lenses with 48 megapixels. Features like spatial videos (for future integration with the Apple Vision Pro) and lightning-fast speeds up to 10 gigabits per second are part of the package. Starting at $999, the iPhone 15 Pro is a top-tier choice.
Completing the lineup is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, featuring a flagship camera setup with a 120 mm-equivalent lens, larger sensor, and 5x telephoto lens. Starting at $1,199, it's a photography enthusiast's dream.
USB C integration
Notably, in order to comply with EU law, the iPhone is getting a USB-C port, promising enhanced capabilities and compatibility across various devices. AirPods are also in on the action, with USB-C-powered AirPods Pro 2 priced at $249, and wired EarPods featuring a USB-C connector available for $19.
Apple Watch Series 9
Alongside the iPhone 15 range, Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 9. The new Apple Watch boasts a new S9 chip, 60% faster performance, and a 30% speedier GPU. Notable features include improved dictation, the ability to access health data via Siri, and innovative functions like Name Drop and Double Tap. There is even a new gesture feature, where you pinch your index finger and thumb together to interact the screen (without touching it). The watch also introduces impressive upgrades like double the brightness and carbon neutrality. Plus, it comes in a stylish pink option. Pricing starts at $399.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
In addition to the Series 9, Apple announced the second generation Apple Watch Ultra. This new version packs the S9 chip, enabling features like the Double Tap, on-device Siri, and precision-finding to locate your iPhone. It also sports a new advanced display architecture, customisable watch faces, power zones for exercise data collection, and the ability to log water dives. Starting at $799, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a compelling upgrade.
iCloud+
Apple also introduced two new tiers for iCloud+, offering storage options of 6 terabytes or 12 terabytes for subscribers. Additionally, iOS 17, the latest operating system, will be released as a free software update on September 18, delivering new features to users, regardless of whether they upgrade to the latest iPhones.
iOS 17
iOS 17 was first announced during Apple's 2023 WWDC. iOS 17 is fully incorporated onto the new iPhone 15 devices.