Pro and Pro Max Wearing 'Titanium' Weigh 19g Less
'M-Shaped Hair Loss' Notch Disappears Even in Basic Model
Price Frozen... Korean Release Date Undecided
Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 series. For the first time in iPhone history, it features a USB-C charging port, and the notch, commonly referred to as the 'M-shaped baldness,' has completely disappeared. The Pro lineup uses titanium material to reduce weight.
On the 12th (local time), Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 series at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, USA.
The biggest change in the iPhone 15 series compared to its predecessor is the adoption of a USB-C charging port instead of the previous Lightning port. This is the first time a USB-C port has been applied to an iPhone. This change follows the European Union (EU) mandating that all electronic devices sold in Europe from next year must have USB-C ports.
The overall appearance is similar to the previous model. However, the base and Plus models have adopted the Dynamic Island instead of the notch. It is a pill-shaped punch-hole display that only cuts through the camera module area. Previously, only the premium Pro and Pro Max models had the Dynamic Island, but it has now been expanded to the standard models as well. The notch design has disappeared after six years.
In particular, the high-end Pro and Pro Max models feature titanium cases to reduce weight and improve the feel when held. The Pro weighs 187g, and the Pro Max weighs 221g, each 19g lighter than their predecessors. Apple explained, "It is made from the same premium alloy used in spacecraft, making it the lightest lineup in Apple's history."
The main camera is 48 megapixels. The base and Plus models have added a 2x telephoto zoom option. The Pro offers 3x, and the Pro Max provides 5x optical zoom. The Pro Max supports up to 25x digital zoom. The company stated that the camera upgrade delivers image quality equivalent to using seven professional-grade lenses.
The smartphone's brain, the application processor (AP), is the A16 Bionic chip for the base and Plus models, and the A17 Pro chip for the Pro and Pro Max models. The A16 Bionic chip was previously used only in the Pro and Pro Max models. The A17 Pro is the industry's first 3nm (nanometer) chip. The central processing unit (CPU) is up to 10% faster, and the graphics processing unit (GPU) is up to 20% faster than before. It outputs graphics more smoothly, enhancing immersion in augmented reality (AR) apps and games. It can also run console games that were previously impossible on smartphones. Emphasizing the gaming experience, game companies such as Ubisoft, Hoyoverse, and Capcom appeared at the announcement.
The base and Plus models will be available in five colors: Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Black. Storage capacities are 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The Pro and Pro Max models will be available in four colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium. Storage capacities for the Pro are 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB; for the Pro Max, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Some predicted that Apple would raise prices, but they remain the same as the previous generation. Prices start at ▲Base 1,250,000 KRW ▲Plus 1,350,000 KRW ▲Pro 1,550,000 KRW ▲Pro Max 1,900,000 KRW. Although the starting price for the Pro Max has increased, this is due to the removal of the 128GB model.
In over 40 countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom, orders can be placed starting on the 15th, with in-store sales beginning on the 22nd. In 17 other regions including Macau, Malaysia, T?rkiye, and Vietnam, purchases will be available from the 29th. The release schedule for Korea is undecided.
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