Apple unveiled its next-generation smartphone, the iPhone 15 series, on the 12th (local time). For the first time ever, it introduced a 'USB-C' charging port, and applied titanium to the premium models. Contrary to expectations, the prices were also frozen.
On the same day, Apple held an event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, showcasing new products including the iPhone 15 series and Apple Watch. The iPhone 15 series consists of the 6.1-inch (15.4 cm) base model, the 6.7-inch (17.0 cm) Plus, and the premium models: the 6.1-inch Pro and the 6.7-inch Pro Max, similar to the previous generation.
Although it was initially expected that prices would increase by about $100 due to inflation, the prices remained unchanged. The base model starts at $799 (128GB), the Plus at $899 (128GB), and the Pro starts at $999 (128GB). The Pro Max starts at $1199 (256GB).
The iPhone 15 series adopted the 'USB-C' charging port, the same as Samsung Electronics' Galaxy series, replacing the previous Lightning port. This change follows the European Union's (EU) mandate requiring all electronic devices sold in Europe to use USB-C starting in 2024. This is the first time USB-C has been applied to the iPhone. When the Apple presenter on stage said, "USB-C has become a universal standard, so we are introducing it to the iPhone," the audience erupted in cheers.
The M-shaped 'notch,' which had been criticized for resembling hair loss, has completely disappeared. The 'Dynamic Island,' introduced in last year's iPhone 14 premium models, is now also installed in the base and Plus models. Additionally, titanium is applied to the Pro and Pro Max models, boasting a more robust body. Apple explained, "This premium alloy, used in spacecraft, has the highest strength-to-weight ratio compared to any metal," and described it as "the lightest lineup in Apple's history." The bezel around the edges has also become thinner.
For the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models, the AP, which acts as the smartphone's brain, is the A16 Bionic chip used in the iPhone 14 Pro. The 48-megapixel main camera supports 2x optical zoom. The company explained that it automatically adjusts depth without manual settings.
The premium models are powered by the industry's first 3-nanometer chip, the A17 Pro. Camera functions have also been improved, with the Pro model featuring 3x optical zoom and the Pro Max featuring 5x optical zoom.
Additionally, Apple explained that the iPhone 15 can call emergency services via satellite. This service will be provided free of charge for two years to iPhone 15 users.
Pre-orders will begin on the 15th in more than 40 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. In-store sales will start on the 22nd.
Meanwhile, Apple’s stock price on the New York Stock Exchange was trading about 1.7% lower than the previous close as the market approached the close.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
