What to expect from today’s Apple iPhone 15 release, ‘Wonderlust’

September has become known as Apple-release month,  and this year is no exception. Apple will today be releasing four new iPhone models, new Air Pods and two new watches. However, this launch will be the first since the common-charger legislation was passed last year at EU level, of which Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba was its rapporteur. A change which Apple was not too keen on, given that by law, charging points will need to be changed from from ‘Lightning’ to USB-C by December 2024.

With the official launch being live-streamed at 18:00 on YouTube, apple.com or the Apple TV app, the launch is set to be called ‘Wonderlust’.

The launch of brand-new products was not enough for Apple, as it is expected to release new software for its iPhone (iOs 17), iPad (iPadOS 17) and Watches (watchOS 10) next week, as well.

Upgrades to both the watches and the AirPods are considered to be “minor” with the most notable one being the transition to USB-C for its charging port.

What new features are expected on the new iPhones?

Bloomberg has been in the forefront in reporting latest Apple releases and updates, with Mark Gurman giving insight on leaked information.

As the years go by, tech companies made notable changes to the size and weight of devices making them lighter and more compact to appeal to the everyday user.

According to leaked information from the Bloomberg report, iPhone 15s will be 10 per cent lighter than its previous model. This means that the iPhone Pro could weigh only 185 grams, down from 206 grams, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be weighing 216 grams, down from 240 grams. On the other hand, the Pro Max of the clan is expected to weigh more than the iPhone 14 Pro. Both the Pro and Pro Max will look larger because of a one-third reduction in their bezel sizes, the frontal frame around the screen.

The weight changes were attributed to the material being used, titanium chassis. The brushed finished look was chosen specifically to reduce the sighting of fingerprints giving the phone a cleaner look, especially with the introduction of rounded corners.

Luckily for Apple users, battery life is also expected to be extended. Wireless charging will be faster for all the new models whilst iPhone 15 Pros will have more battery life than the 23-29 hours that offers the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max respectively.

Apple will be introducing a new ‘U2’ ultrawide chip to all its new models. This is the first time that the company has upgraded this feature since its original introduction in 2019, with the iPhone 11 Pro. This makes the ‘Find my iPhone’ feature more accurate.

Whilst most tech-companies strive to continuously improve camera quality, as this is one of the most major factors into choosing one brand and not the other, Apple are said to be one of the best in the market. This year, the quality is said to be optimised even further as the zoom (telephoto) and ultra-wide cameras will be more than 12 megapixels. Despite not enough information about how advanced it will be, the report states that the Pro Max’s periscopic zoom lens will have the option to zoom up to 6x optical zoom.

Controversies: Upping prices, delays and discontinued merch

With all these factors considered, iPhone prices are expected to increase. Barclays analyst Tim Long, reported that the Pro and Pro Max’s increase by a staggering $100 (€93) and $200 (€186.72) respectively.

Therefore, making the prices of the:

• iPhone 15, starting from: $799 (€745.87)
• iPhone 15 Plus, starting from: $899 (€839.22)
• iPhone 15 Pro, starting from: $1,099 (€1,025.92)
• iPhone 15 Pro Max, starting from: $1,299 (€1,21.62)

The biggest issue pertaining to the upcoming release of Apple is the delays. It is being reported that the iPhone 15 Pro Max can be delayed by a month because of supply chain problems, particularly, delays caused by the supplier of image sensors. Whilst Apple is expected to still open its doors for orders of the Pro Max, its delivery might be delayed later than the others.

Another growing concern is the stock of ‘old’ models and accessories. Mr Gurman stated that the stock for iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 13 Mini and Pro models are running low ahead of its latest launch. This is not relatively new to the way Apple operates with new launches and has gradually discontinued models in the past.

Rumours have been making the rounds of the discontinuation of the infamous silicone phone covers. And whilst this is sad news for many, MacRumors was told that Apple will be swapping with new eco-friendly cases. This is not exclusive to cases, but also includes other accessories such as the Sport Band, Solo Loop and Air Tag loop. The leather cases are also said to be replaced by a “fine woven” material. Nonetheless, this change is expected to be more gradual.