iPhones 15 and 15 Pro, Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2: the recap of Apple’s announcements 🍏

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Like every year, Apple held its traditional back-to-school event. As usual, iPhones were in the spotlight, along with the new Apple Watch. Let’s a closer look.

iPhones 15 and 15 Plus finally switch to USB-C ⚡

Even if Apple hasn’t really emphasized this aspect, it’s certainly the novelty that will get everyone talking. After the European Union forced its hand (to understand everything, click here), Apple has finally decided to switch to USB-C with the iPhones 15 and 15 Plus. This late adoption of USB is actually quite surprising. Indeed, MacBooks and iPads had already adopted this standard years ago.

Another visual novelty is the presence of Dynamic Island on these new iPhones 15 and 15 Plus. Following in the footsteps of last year’s iPhone 14 Pro, the notch on these iPhones has been replaced by a bubble. It’s not the only feature from the iPhone 14 Pro that the iPhones 15 recycle. The 48 MP wide-angle camera and the 2022 A16 chip are also part of the package.

As for the rest, it remains fairly classic, with slight improvements over the previous generation. Screen sizes remain similar to the previous year, with 6.1 inches for the iPhone 15 and 6.7 inches for the iPhone 15 Plus. These iPhones benefit from brighter screens, more resistant materials and a better sensor for finding nearby objects. As far as photography is concerned, you’ll be able to choose the focus area in portrait mode, AFTER you’ve taken the photo, which is very practical.

If you’re interested in these iPhones, you can pre-order them from September 15. And they’ll be available from September 22nd in 5 colors. Prices start at €969 for the iPhone 15 and €1119 for the iPhone 15 Plus. This represents a price reduction of at least €50, depending on storage, compared with the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus.

iPhones 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max introduce an Action Button ✨

Although they don’t differ much visually from last year’s iPhones 14 Pro, the new iPhones 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are lighter and more resistant thanks to their new brushed-look titanium body. Like the iPhones 15, the iPhones 15 Pro also switch to USB-C, but a little faster. But these aren’t the only changes.

As for the rest, it’s the same as every year: a new, more powerful A17 Pro chip (new branding), thinner edges, brighter screens, Always-On Display, 3 improved photo sensors (wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, telephoto). The iPhone 15 Pro Max is also getting a little something new this year: it can zoom in x5, compared with only x3 for the 15 Pro.

You can pre-order these iPhones from September 15, and they will be available from September 22 in 4 colors. Prices start at €969 for the iPhone 15 and €1119 for the iPhone 15 Plus, which is €100 less than the iPhones 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.

Control your Apple Watch with a double finger-tap 🤌🏾

This is not the year for a revolution or drastic change in Apple Watch design. The 2023 models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, retain the same design and essentially make do with a new, faster chip and a new, brighter screen. In terms of functionality, Siri is faster and can now provide health information. The Watch Series 9 comes in new colors. As for the Watch Ultra 2, it offers new straps and a new watch face.

But you’ll be pleased to know that a new gesture has been introduced: double-tap with the thumb and forefinger, without touching the screen. This gesture can be used to validate actions in applications. You can answer a call or start a stopwatch, all without touching the screen. Just tap twice with your thumb and forefinger, and that’s it.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are now available for pre-order on September 22. The Watch Series 9 is available from €449 in 5 colors for the aluminum version. The stainless steel version starts at €799 in 3 colors.

What do you think of these new Apple products? Are you impressed or disappointed? Share your thoughts in the comments.