iPhone 15 series with USB-C port launched

Apple introduces the iPhone 15 quartet with changes in the USB-C connection port instead of Lightning, 48 megapixel camera, titanium case for the Pro version.

The iPhone 15 launch event held on the morning of September 13 at Apple Park did not create many surprises, as most of the new products matched the rumors. Therefore, there was not much admiration and applause in the auditorium. However, the direct attendees were still excited about the technology event that is considered the most attractive of the year.

With a duration of about 80 minutes, Apple introduced the Watch Series 9, Watch Ultra 2 and four iPhone models 15 , 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Interspersed between product introductions, the company spent a lot of time talking about environmental protection solutions through the use of recycled materials on the device.

The highlight of the event was still the new generation iPhone models, with USB-C ports instead of Apple's proprietary Lightning port. This change was originally a way for Apple to comply with regulations in the European market, but is also considered suitable for the current situation, when most electronic devices use USB-C ports, helping users not need to bring their own charger for iPhone like before. However, previous iPhone users will not be able to take advantage of their old charging cables.

While all four phones use the new port, only the two Pro models are capable of high-speed data transfer.

*USB-C port on iPhone 15 Pro. Photo: Tuan Hung*

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

This is the first time Apple has used titanium on an iPhone, after a long time using aluminum and steel casings. The titanium rim covers the recycled aluminum frame, which is advertised to help improve the durability and grip of the device. The two products are also the lightest Pro iPhones ever, weighing 187 grams for the 15 Pro and 221 grams for the 15 Pro Max, 19 grams lighter than the previous generation.

After 16 years of using a volume toggle, Apple has switched to an Action button for the first time, allowing users to assign tasks and perform quick actions. The titanium material and button were used on the Watch Ultra model launched last year.

Both devices are equipped with the Apple A17 Pro chip on the 3nm process, with a six-core CPU, providing 10% faster CPU performance and 20% faster GPU performance than the previous generation. Although equipped with USB-C like the iPhone 15, Apple said the Pro version will support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps via USB 3.0 cable.

*Back photo of iPhone 15 Pro Max and 15 Pro duo. Photo: Tuan Hung*

At the event, Greg Joswiak, Apple's marketing director, affirmed that the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are the models with the best cameras of the company. Although still equipped with a triple camera cluster, the main camera has been upgraded to 48 "dots" resolution, 5x optical zoom. Combined with algorithms, Apple said users can create photos equivalent to seven separate lenses, from close-up, wide angle to super zoom.

Another special feature is that both models support 4K ProRes video recording and direct storage to an external memory device via a suitable USB-C connection. In addition, users can record spatial videos, for use on Vision Pro glasses later.

The iPhone 15 Pro comes in storage options from 128 GB to 1 TB, starting at $999, while the Pro Max starts at $1,199 for the 256 GB version. Users have color options of natural titanium, blue, white, black. The product will start to be pre-ordered from September 15 and will be delivered to users on September 22.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models can be considered a combination of the most outstanding features of the iPhone 14 versions launched last year. Specifically, the device still uses an aluminum shell, dual camera, 6.1 and 6.7 inch size. However, the "rabbit ear" design has been changed to a Dynamic Island screen like the Pro line. The device uses an OLED Super Retina screen with a brightness of 1,600 nits and can reach a maximum of 2,000 nits in sunlight, twice as high as the previous generation.

The product is equipped with the Apple A16 Bionic chip like the previous generation, but promises to "use all day" thanks to increased battery capacity. In addition to the USB-C port, the device also has an upgraded main camera with a resolution of 48 megapixels, supporting the creation of 2x zoom photos equivalent to optical zoom quality.

The iPhone 15 starts at $799, while the 15 Plus starts at $899. Users have color options including black, white, blue, rose gold.

*The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus duo on the Apple stage. Photo: Tuan Hung*

Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2

The two new Apple Watch models retain almost the same design as the previous generation, with upgraded configurations and features. The company also emphasizes the use of recycled materials and stops using leather for watch straps.

Both are equipped with the Apple S9 SiP chip, with a CPU with 5.6 billion transistors, a GPU 30% faster than the previous generation, integrated with a second-generation ultra wideband chip to improve positioning capabilities. In addition, the two watches also support voice commands to Siri to access health information, double-tap on the screen to perform tasks, such as quickly answering incoming calls.

The Watch 9 has an upgraded screen with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, twice that of the previous Watch 8. The product starts at $399 for the aluminum frame version, with color options including pink, gold, white, black, red, while the steel version comes in gold, silver and gray.

The Watch Ultra 2 still uses the same titanium case as the previous generation. The device's screen has also been upgraded to a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, 50% brighter than the first Ultra model. Apple says the device can be used continuously for 72 hours on a single charge when the device is in low power mode, supporting diving to a depth of 40 meters. The device has a starting price of 799 USD.