It’s official: Apple invites you to the iPhone event on September 12th. TECHBOOK summarizes what innovations can be expected.
“Wonderlust” – this is how Apple teases the iPhone event in its invitation. The play on words is a mixture of “Wonder” and the German loan word “Wanderlust”, which, similar to the original, stands for the longing for travel. What exactly the portmanteau means in this context is not entirely clear. Usually the mottos are on Apple’s invitations but a nod to a new product or feature – and there could be plenty of those on September 12th.
iPhone 15 – the next generation of smartphones
As in the past three years, Apple will probably introduce two slimmed-down iPhone models and two Pro models on September 12th. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus get a number of features from last year’s Pro models, including the A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island and a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera. However, the design remains the same, with the angular body that Apple introduced with the iPhone 12 back in 2020.
The Pro versions of the iPhone 15, on the other hand, have some external changes. Not only should the display edges shrink significantly again. For the first time, Apple wants to use a case made of titanium. So far, the expensive devices have mainly been made of stainless steel, which leads to a higher weight. For comparison: the iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs almost a fifth more than the iPhone 14 Plus of the same size at 240 grams and is therefore quite heavy in the hand. A titanium case could solve this problem and still create a higher quality impression than the aluminum cases of the cheaper iPhone models.
The Apple logo in the invitation to the event seems to confirm the use of the metal. The flowing particles look very similar to fine titanium dust. Plus, the colors match exactly the colorways expected for the Pro models: blue, silver, titanium, and space black.
As in 2021 and 2022, only the Pro models of the iPhone 15 will get the new A17 Bionic – a powerful chip that is manufactured using the more modern 3-nanometer process. Also exclusive to the more expensive versions of the iPhone 15: a new “Action Button” that replaces the previous mute switch that has been found in every iPhone for the past 15 years. Users can freely assign functions to the button, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra. An innovation that is only supposed to come with the larger 6.7-inch model is a telephoto camera with a 5x to 6x optical zoom.
All iPhone 15 models come with a USB-C port for the first time. The reason for this is a new EU regulation for uniform charging connections, which will apply from mid-2024. So Apple is anticipating the law and is converting its last major product category to USB-C – after the iPad hasn’t come with Lightning since 2022 either.
The new Apple Watch probably brings few innovations
As a rule, Apple introduces new watches together with the iPhone, as both product categories receive annual updates. Apple Watch Series 9 and the second generation of the Apple Watch Ultra are said to come with a new chip that has more power under the hood for the first time in years. Otherwise, no major changes are planned except for new color options – these are only available with the “Apple Watch X”.
iOS 17 complements new iPhone
Of course, a new iOS version should not be missing at an iPhone presentation. Apple has been working on iOS 17 for months – Beta 8 for developers, which TECHBOOK is also testing, has been available since Tuesday. A public beta has also been available since July.
iOS 17 is full of innovations that primarily improve the basic functions of the iPhone – TECHBOOK has already reported extensively on the features. Phone, Facetime and iMessage will be thoroughly revised and get practical functions such as live voicemail. AirDrop is also getting an upgrade for the first time in a long time, which simplifies the way it works and enables easy sharing of contacts.
“Standby” turns the iPhone into a smart display when the device is placed horizontally for charging – including practical new widgets. iOS 17 also brings a new app to the iPhone that users can use to keep a diary. There is also a mood tracker on board.
Are we getting new AirPods at the Apple event?
Along with the iPhone 15, Apple could also unveil new versions of the AirPods at the September event. Since the company is now using USB-C for the iPhone, AirPods would be one of the last devices to come with Lightning.
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had already predicted in mid-2022 that all AirPods models would come with charging cases switched to USB-C. This prediction now also hasBloomberg” confirmed.
However, the “update” should only affect the charging case, no further innovations are planned. For AirPods 2nd Gen, AirPods 3rd Gen, and AirPods Pro 2nd Gen owners, that would mean they could just buy a new USB-C charging case for their existing earbuds. A complete new purchase is therefore not necessary.
Major changes in the AirPods category are only planned for 2024 – including successors for the 3rd generation and the Max model.