Apple Event 2023: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and everything else announced
From iPhone 15 to Apple Watch Series 9, here's everything that was announced at Apple's 'Wanderlust' event
The Apple 'Wanderlust' event has just finished, and we're expecting to see the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, along with the swish new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
We also saw the Apple Watch Series 9, and a new Apple Watch Ultra 2 too. Plus, we AirPods Pro 2 has made the move over to USB-C too (after Apple's spat with the EU). Here's all the detail about every single announcement!
I'm the Content Editor for Laptop Mag, and your tour guide through all things Apple. Join me as we get into the nitty gritty of every announcement at today's iPhone 15 event!
Every product announced at the Apple 'Wanderlust' September event
- Welcome to the post-show
- Annnd that's a wrap!
- iPhone 15 Pro keeps the same pricing as 14 Pro...Sort of
- Spatial video comes to iPhone 15 Pro
- Peri...wait what? Tetraprism!?
- RESIDENT EVIL VILLAGE AND 4 REMAKE COME TO IPHONE!?!
- Hardware-based ray tracing comes to iPhone 15 Pro
- Bye Bionic! A17 Pro is here
- The Action Button is here!
- Time to go Pro with the Grade-5 titanium iPhone 15 Pro!
- And that's the iPhone 15...
- Ding dong! Lightning's dead!
- Can't call AAA? Roadside assistance with Satellite comes to iPhone 15
- Another leak is proven right... A16 Bionic comes to iPhone 15
- Next generation portraits?
- Snap happy — 48MP main camera comes to the iPhone 15
- GO TIME! iPhone 15 is up to bat
- Apple Watch lineup pricing remains the same!
- Full Apple Watch Ultra 2 specs here
- Time to go Ultra! Apple Watch Ultra 2 is here
- Here's everything you need to know about Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple is replacing leather with FineWoven
- Introducing Apple 2030 — Cupertino cuts down big
- Well this took an interesting turn...
- Double Tap revolutionizes single-handed Apple Watch usage
- Precision finding and a 2,000-nit screen on Apple Watch Series 9
- Meet Apple Watch Series 9!
- Showtime!
- Take your seats! The show is about to start...
- Last minute Apple Watch Series 9 rumors
- Last minute Apple Watch Ultra 2 rumors
- Last minute iPhone 15 Pro rumors
- T-Minus one hour until the main event!
- Let's talk cameras
- USB-C ya soon, Tim!
- ICYMI — the exact dimensions and weight of iPhone 15 lineup were leaked!
- This leaker needs to be stopped!
- StandBy Mode is easily my favorite iOS 17 feature — so much so it's kind of frustrating
- Bad news! There may not be a new iPad this year...
- Could the iPhone 15 Pro Max be Apple's LAST!?
- Apple's online store is offline... Gee! I wonder why?
- Will 3D printing come to more than just Apple Watch Ultra 2?
- Hit the ground running in iOS 17 with these guides!
- Apple's USB-C swap-out: Thunderbolt for Lightning?
- Expect iOS 17 news alongside other Apple OS updates
- Happy Apple event day!
- Beware the eSIM future
- What would entice you to go for the iPhone 15?
- Late-breaking iPhone 15 Pro storage and RAM rumors
- Apple Watch Series 9
- iPhone 15 Pro or no?
- This might be your last chance to buy an iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone's are going to have Qualcomm inside through 2026
- What is the 'periscope zoom' on the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
- Are we getting an iPad mini 7?
- iPhone 15 battery life is set to get a whole lot better
- Let's talk pricing (it's not good news for your bank account)
- Should you really be waiting for the Apple Watch Series X?
- AirPods may also be making the jump to USB-C
- iPhone 15 and 15 Pro dimensions have been leaked
- Let's talk Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Let's start with the star of the show...
Let's start with the star of the show...
Welcome to Laptop Mag's Apple 'Wanderlust' event live blog! Keep checking in here for the latest news, analysis, and maybe a cheeky meme or two about everything the Cupertino chums announce!
Let's start by talking about one of the more dead cert announcements that will take all the headlines tomorrow — the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
There have been numerous rumors rolling out about these new top tier blowers from Apple, and we've got them all documented just below.
- iPhone 15 Pro leak shows its lost a lot of weight — here's why (report)
- A new Bloomberg report reaffirms multiple rumors regarding the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, including colors and feature updates.
- Apple's September event is official with invites confirming Sept. 12 date
- The technical specs of the A17 Bionic in iPhone 15 Pro have been leaked.
- iPhone 15 Pro looks set to support Thunderbolt charging and data speeds, but you will have to pay for an additional cable.
- The iPhone 15 Pro models will reportedly get a new storage capacity: 2TB
- In-the-know journalist claims release date leak suggests there will be no delays to the iPhone lineup this year.
- New renders showcase how much slimmer the bezels are on the iPhone 15 Pro models compared to the iPhone 14 Pro models.
- A new 9to5Mac report reaffirms our prediction that the Apple September event will be on September 13 with the iPhone 15 Pro release date on September 22.
- The iPhone 15 Pro OLED displays have gone into production at Samsung and LG per The Elec's supply chain sources
- The iPhone 15 battery is set to get a whole lot better, as Apple is moving to stacking battery layers — greatly expanding the capacity.
- iPhone 15 Pro charging speed will improve, iPhone still won't charge as quickly as many Android phones.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max is getting a camera layout change, but it won't look much different from its predecessor.
Let's talk Apple Watch Ultra 2
You already know that we love the Apple Watch Ultra. From the bold, utilitarian design to the impressive battery life, this is an ideal watch for pro athletes and average Joes with a little money for sure!
The rumors are circling a new model dropping at tomorrow's event, so let's take a closer look at what we can expect from Apple Watch Ultra 2.
- A new 3D printing process created in-house by Apple means that the company is able to get a tighter control on manufacturing internal components and make the device lighter.
- There may be a new dark titanium finish
- The power is being beefed up with a new S9 chip — based on Apple's A15 Bionic.
iPhone 15 and 15 Pro dimensions have been leaked
We've heard a lot of rumors, but today, MacRumors gave us a clear view of the dimensions and weight of the new iPhones.
In short, the iPhone 15 isn't changing much at all, and the iPhone 15 Pro models are benefitting from smaller bezels and a titanium frame that reduces the weight by up to 10%.
Phone | iPhone 15 | iPhone 14 | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
Size | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm | 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.85 mm | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm |
Weight | 171 grams | 172 grams | 188 grams | 206 grams | 221 grams | 240 grams |
AirPods may also be making the jump to USB-C
USB-C has basically been confirmed many times over for the new iPhone 15 models, given the hardware leaks and the need for Apple to abide by EU's new rules.
But another device may be making the transition too, as rumors suggest AirPods will be reintroduced with the new port at tomorrow's 'WonderLust' event.
This claim relates to the standard AirPods, and it is unclear whether AirPods Pro will be making the switch over (unless the company quietly changes it on the website after the event).
However, Gurman has previously reported on Apple possibly releasing a USB-C AirPods Pro case alongside the iPhone 15. Elsewhere, expectations are being set for a hearing test-esque feature in the software, which will “play different tones and sounds” to help determine how well a person can hear.
Should you really be waiting for the Apple Watch Series X?
We already know Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are getting announced at the event tomorrow. However, based on what’s coming in 2024, you may want to skip this minor upgrade.
According to Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch X is set to bring a huge redesign that changes everything about the wearable, and the secret sauce is magnets.
Apple has stuck rigidly to a mechanical system for attaching watch straps, and it’s been great for maintaining the reusability of old straps. But they have been awkward for the company to workaround, as they are taking up a lot of space.
That’s where the magnets will come in. According to these leaks, watch straps will attach magnetically, which enables Apple to both make the Watch X smaller, and stuff it with more battery/improving the internal components.
Let's talk pricing (it's not good news for your bank account)
It started with the iPhone 14 lineup getting an unexpected price bump in the UK and EU (thanks to inflation), but the US looks set to see the 15 lineage get its increase too.
Several rumors are pointing to the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max getting a $100 bump. The reasoning behind this seems to be two fold — reduced demand and the cost of expensive materials like titanium.
This means we can wave goodbye to the $999 Pro iPhone.
iPhone 15 battery life is set to get a whole lot better
We love the iPhone, but battery life is a common complaint across all our reviews. Apple is set to tackle this problem with a huge hardware upgrade in the iPhone 15!
According to Twitter user “RGcloudS,” the company is moving the new iPhones over to a stacked battery technology, which will not only increase the energy capacity, but make the battery keep performing at its best for a whole lot longer too. For context, here's the predicted capacities.
- iPhone 15: 3,877mAh (+15%)
- iPhone 15 Plus: 4,912mAh (+12%)
- iPhone 15 Pro: 3,650mAh (+12%)
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4,852mAh (+11%)
That’s a big jump up, which is definitely needed. Each version of Apple’s own silicon may be getting some improvements in power efficiency, but there’s no avoiding the fact they get a little more power-hungry too.
Are we getting an iPad mini 7?
One wildcard device for tomorrow's event is the iPad mini 7. We've seen Mark Gurman of Bloomberg and trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicate that the smallest iPad won't get an update until early 2024, while ShrimpApplePro, another popular Apple leaker, hinted that the iPad mini 7 is due to be released later this year.
At this point we are leaning toward it not appearing tomorrow as the leaks have quieted down, while details regarding the rest of the devices known to be coming tomorrow have continued to spike. The fact that it sounds like a fairly iterative update with an upgrade to potentially the A17 Bionic chipset and a base storage bump means Apple could easily just quietly announce it in a press release in October rather than taking up time during the September event.
Either way, we'll know soon enough.
What is the 'periscope zoom' on the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
One of the major upgrades expected exclusively for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the addition of a "periscope zoom" lens. If you want a deep dive into the question then read our full coverage on what is a periscope zoom, but if you want the TL;DR version it is essentially is reflecting light through a prism set at 90-degrees in order to allow for multiple stacked lenses within the camera array that wouldn't otherwise fit in the body of a phone.
The end result is that we are anticipating the iPhone 15 Pro Max to offer a 6x optical zoom compared to 3x on the iPhone 15 Pro. Now whether you think that's important may be another matter. I've made my case for why you need a telephoto zoom on a phone before, but it's certainly a matter of personal preference and your actual mobile photography usage.
Regardless, I certainly hope this rumor is true, as I can't wait to do a telephoto face-off with the Android competition that isn't completely stacked in Samsung's favor.
iPhone's are going to have Qualcomm inside through 2026
What does the iPhone 15 have to do with Qualcomm? While Apple produces the Bionic A17 that we expect to see inside the iPhone 15, Qualcomm still makes the modem that gives your iPhone its cellular connection.
We weren't expecting a change for the iPhone 15, Apple indicated it was targeting 2024 to move to its own modem, but just today Qualcomm announced that it is locked in to produce 5G chips for Apple's products through 2026, meaning the iPhone 18 would be the first to feature all-Apple chips.
The only connectivity feature we'll be curious to keep an eye on tomorrow is whether Apple has any improvements to its emergency satellite SOS with the news that Google may have a better rival feature coming soon.
This might be your last chance to buy an iPhone 13 mini
One iPhone 15 model you won't be seeing of course is a mini. Last year the iPhone 14 Plus replaced the mini in the lineup and after using it for a year one of our staunchest Android fans was won over by several features.
However, while the mini may not have gotten a new model, the iPhone 13 mini did get to stick around on the Apple Store at a new more affordable price, offering small phone fans a chance to snap up the mighty mite of a phone. Well with the iPhone 15 arriving the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are destined to hit the Apple Store discount bin and that will likely mean the end of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini availability.
So if you've been holding out on that iPhone 13 mini purchase and just can't stand going with a 6+ inch phone then this might be your last chance.
iPhone 15 Pro or no?
The question of whether to go with the "Pro" iPhone model has become increasingly difficult in recent years with the vast majority of the upgrades going exclusively to the pricier models. The question of whether to go with the iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro will be no different and we recently took a thorough look at the widening inequality gap between the options with an eye to the iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro.
It increasingly feels like you are getting last year's phone if you don't opt for the Pro model. Now last year's iPhone is nothing to sneeze at, but when you are buying a brand-new phone it does feel like a bit of a bait and switch. The catch is that Apple doesn't continue to offer the previous year's Pro models, so your choice is to get the brand-new iPhone 15 or 15 Plus, which is a lesser version of last year's iPhone 14 Pro or you can save money by getting an iPhone 14 or 14 Plus, which is essentially a lesser iPhone 13 Pro.
If you don't particularly care about having the best phone then by all means just find a good deal and go with that, but if you value the best phone experience possible, save up for a Pro model even if it means skipping another year.
Apple Watch Series 9
We've already given you an overview of what to expect with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but for those who can't see spending $799+ on an Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 9 should offer some upgrades of its own.
While the overall design is expected to remain the rumored move to an A15 Bionic-based chipset should deliver both improved performance and efficiency. This would be the first upgrade to the chipset since the Apple Watch Series 6, so if you've sat out the last couple of generations this isn't a bad time to jump in.
However, before you put that pre-order in you may want to take a look at some of the rumors regarding the Apple Watch Series X.
Late-breaking iPhone 15 Pro storage and RAM rumors
According to a new report from MacRumors, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max won't get the previously rumored upgrade from 128GB to 256GB of base storage. That bump was making the projected $200 price increase for this year feel slightly more palatable, so we'll keep our fingers crossed that MacRumors is wrong, but we wouldn't bet on it.
However, they aren't quite ready to dump water on another internal upgrade rumor as while their sources confirmed that Apple tested iPhone 15 Pro models with 6GB and 8GB of RAM, it was still unclear which made it into the final shipping product. While Apple gets by just fine from a performance standpoint without the kind of RAM we see in flagship Android phones, we are expecting OnePlus and others to deliver phones with 24GB of RAM this year, so 8GB on the top-end iPhone 15 models seems reasonable.
Apple doesn't reveal the RAM in the iPhones, so this one will have to wait for a teardown for the real answer.
What would entice you to go for the iPhone 15?
So if the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are getting most of the major upgrades, what may win over buyers to the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus?
If you are considering picking up the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus after the iPhone 15 announcement to save some money there are some reasons to consider going for the latest (if not greatest).
One reason would be the Dynamic Island, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus should be adopting the design element that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. We're still a bit disappointed in the Dynamic Island, but it's clear that it isn't going away and Apple will continue to add features and functionality to it, so you don't want to be left out of that.
Another reason is the upgraded primary camera. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus should be jumping to a 48MP sensor similar to what we saw in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max last year. We'll need to see if it really offers similar performance as that sensor, but it's a safe bet that it's going to be a solid upgrade from the 12MP sensor regardless.
Finally, while the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are only bumping up to the A16 Bionic and not the 3nm A17 Bionic, so we aren't looking at a big efficiency leap there, but rumors all point to a considerable boost in battery size this year that should add hours to their battery longevity with roughly a 3,877 mAh for iPhone 15, 4,912 mAh for Phone 15 Plus 3,279 mAh for iPhone 14, 4,325 mAh for iPhone 14 Plus
- 3,877 mAh for iPhone 15 vs. 3,279 mAh for iPhone 14
- 4,912 mAh for Phone 15 Plus vs. 4,325 mAh for iPhone 14 Plus
Beware the eSIM future
If you didn't make the leap to the iPhone 14 last year then one new reality of the iPhone 15 lineup for you is that they are eSIM-only. Hopefully, things go better this time around, but after my recent eSIM disaster, I'm not so confident.
In my case, they accidentally swapped two phones on my account and then it took them hours to get it sorted out with multiple calls to the national support line as the individual stores have no capacity to resolve eSIM issues at a certain level.
I was hardly alone though, many experienced getting basically locked out of their phone line at least temporarily as their number got stuck in eSIM purgatory after switching it off their current phone, but not having it complete the transfer to the new phone.
When it goes off without a hitch eSIM is great, no worrying about a special tool to get the SIM tray out and no fumbling with the now tiny nanoSIM cards, but I miss the ease of swapping my phone with a SIM card and knowing without a doubt that it would work.
I'm not trying to scare you, chances are the eSIM swap will go fine, but maybe hold off on the swap until you can comfortably be without your phone for a few hours, just in case.
Happy Apple event day!
The big day is here, and just like usual, Apple is pulling out its own custom like animation on X (Twitter). Have a go on our own post just below!
Happy #AppleEvent day!❤️ this for a surprise (and keep up to date on our live blog https://t.co/YWyfFfZcZY) pic.twitter.com/b70JEUKQojSeptember 12, 2023
Expect iOS 17 news alongside other Apple OS updates
Today's breaking news won't exclusively focus on Apple's latest iPhone hardware. With the iOS 17, iPadOS 17, MacOS Sonoma, and WatchOS 10 Betas in full-swing, we expect to hear more about when we can get out hands on the full update today!
Featuring Stand By mode, Personal Voice, interactive Widgets, Contact Posters, Live Voicemail and more, iOS 17 stands to be one of the better OS releases in years.
Similarly MacOS Sonoma has been wowing testers for its impressive gaming potential thanks to the new Game Porting Toolkit, and iPadOS 17 will see a number of features make their way to Apple's slates such as offline Maps, felxable layouts, predictive text, and FaceTime video voicemail. No Stand By for iPad just yet, but Apple's tablet seems like a dead cert for it this time next year.
Apple's USB-C swap-out: Thunderbolt for Lightning?
Today looks set to be the day Apple lay the Lightning port to rest in favor of the more widely-adopted USB-C connection.
However, there could be more to the story as recent reports seem to show that the adoption of USB-C could see iPhone 15 Pro models receive a dramatic boost in wired charging to 35W and a huge increase in data transfer speeds thanks to Thunderbolt tech.
Rumors of Thunderbolt making its way to iPhone began circulating after a Retimer chip was seen as part of leaked images of the iPhone 15's USB-C port. Though some still believe this could some sort of Made For iPhone (MFi) verification point that limits the speeds and charge rates for non-Apple manufactured USB-C cables.
Time will tell which way Apple swings on this one...
Hit the ground running in iOS 17 with these guides!
If Apple mimic last year's iPhone release schedule, then we could be less than a week away from a full iOS 17 release!
Want to hit the ground running with Apple's latest platform update? Check out our selection of handy how-to guides on getting to grips with iOS 17's latest and greatest features!
Will 3D printing come to more than just Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Rumors are rife that Apple Watch Ultra 2 is going to be the first product to adopt the company's new 3D printing method. The benefits are that manufacturing costs go down as the Cupertino chums have a far tighter control over creating tiny titanium parts for the device.
Not only that, but it could very well reduce the weight of the watch too — something that was a common issue with the original Apple Watch Ultra. But let's think big for a second. If this is successful, imagine just how this process could help trim the iPhone's weight, and even go bigger!
It's no stretch of the imagination to say it could be a very real prospect.
Apple's online store is offline... Gee! I wonder why?
As is customary, with hours left until Apple's September event, the online store is down. You can expect it back a few minutes after the event ends — stuffed full of info about the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and (maybe) the new iPad mini.
Could the iPhone 15 Pro Max be Apple's LAST!?
Now hold up. I'm getting a little dramatic. Apple is not going to retire the big screen Pro iPhone. Instead, the company is probably going to change the name from "Pro Max" to "Ultra."
As reported by Rael Hornby, we've seen a ton of reports that the iPhone 16 will come with a branding change to the Ultra, as to further differentiate the phones and possibly get more consumers interested in trading up!
But this year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max could be the last of its namesake, but it’s retiring with a bang and not a whimper.
Not only will the device make the switch to a titanium frame, it will likely be outfitted by Apple’s 3nm A17 Bionic processor, feature an upgraded telephoto (Periscope) lens and LiDAR sensor, a new U2 ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, USB-C connectivity is 35W of charging and Thunderbolt data transfer speeds, an all-new Action Button in lieu of the tradition mute switch, and LIPO manufactured ultra-slim bezels.
Bad news! There may not be a new iPad this year...
We were hearing rumblings on the run up to today's event that we may be seeing a new iPad Mini. But Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has doused those fires with a report that claims we are "unlikely" to see a new iPad introduced before the end of the year.
Not only that, but Kuo has also claimed that we won't see M3 MacBooks in 2023 too! This may be Apple's only big announcement of the fall, so savour it.
StandBy Mode is easily my favorite iOS 17 feature — so much so it's kind of frustrating
iOS 17 brings a ton of new features to the iPhone, and we're set to hear about them all at today's Apple event! But my favorite one by far is StandBy Mode.
It's weird because this is one of the more gimmicky additions — a nightstand-esque experience that turns your landscape iPhone on a MagSafe charger into a full screen presentation of widgets, photos and the clock.
But it has fundamentally changed the way I use my iPhone. Read more to find out why.
This leaker needs to be stopped!
Just hours away from the Apple event, we're getting a ridiculous amount of information from @leaks_legit on X — confirming such bombshells as the iPhone 15 being able to make calls, send text messages and take pictures with a camera.
Seriously, this person needs to be stopped or else I'm going to have nothing to report on! Eat your heart out, Mark Gurman!
iPhone 15 will be capable of sending text messages pic.twitter.com/TKvao3PUtYSeptember 11, 2023
ICYMI — the exact dimensions and weight of iPhone 15 lineup were leaked!
We’ve heard a lot about the new titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro, but whether this would actually make the phone lighter has been a question on everybody’s lips. Now, we have an answer.
MacRumors has obtained dimensions of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max — all of which lines up with what Mark Gurman recently said about the phones. Namely, don’t expect any drastic changes on the 15, but the Pro and Pro Max have had a glow up.
Phone | iPhone 15 | iPhone 14 | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
Size | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm | 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.85 mm | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm |
Weight | 171 grams | 172 grams | 188 grams | 206 grams | 221 grams | 240 grams |
USB-C ya soon, Tim!
It’s almost Time! See ya soon! #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/gy47f9ZBjUSeptember 12, 2023
Why Tim didn't bother to use the very obvious wordplay here is beyond me! But we are T-Minus 2 hours away from the big event!
Let's talk cameras
One of the key things that everybody loves about an iPhone is its camera system. Ever since the iPhone 4, it’s become a point of focus for Apple’s big announcements.
The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro look set to take another impressive leap forward in photography and videography. Here is what we expect to see at the big September keynote.
iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
---|---|---|---|
48MP wide (24mm f/2.8) | 48MP wide (24mm f/2.8) | 48MP wide (24mm f/2.8) | 48MP wide (24mm f/2.8) with updated 1-inch sensor |
12MP Ultra Wide (13mm f/2.4) | 12MP Ultra Wide (13mm f/2.4) | 12MP ultrawide (13mm f/2.2) | 12MP ultrawide (13mm f/2.2) |
Row 2 - Cell 0 | Row 2 - Cell 1 | 12MP telephoto (77mm f/2.8) w/ 3x optical zoom | 12MP periscope telephoto w/ 6x optical zoom |
These upcoming camera upgrades look mighty interesting. The sensor upgrade in the standard iPhone may be the cherry on top of what seems to be a sundae of minor upgrades. But it’s the Pro Max that seems to be getting all the special treatment this year.
T-Minus one hour until the main event!
We are just 60 minutes away from the Wonderlust event, where we will hear all about the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the Apple Watch Series 9!
Stick around for all the latest news and in-depth coverage from Laptop Mag (and the occasional meme).
Last minute iPhone 15 Pro rumors
We're just 45 minutes away from the Apple event kicking off, so let's run through the last minute rumors and leaks about the main attraction — the iPhone 15 Pro.
- iPhone 15 Pro leak shows its lost a lot of weight — here's why (report)
- A new Bloomberg report reaffirms multiple rumors regarding the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, including colors and feature updates.
- Apple's September event is official with invites confirming Sept. 12 date
- The technical specs of the A17 Bionic in iPhone 15 Pro have been leaked.
- iPhone 15 Pro looks set to support Thunderbolt charging and data speeds, but you will have to pay for an additional cable.
- The iPhone 15 Pro models will reportedly get a new storage capacity: 2TB
- In-the-know journalist claims release date leak suggests there will be no delays to the iPhone lineup this year.
- New renders showcase how much slimmer the bezels are on the iPhone 15 Pro models compared to the iPhone 14 Pro models.
- The iPhone 15 Pro OLED displays have gone into production at Samsung and LG per The Elec's supply chain sources
- The iPhone 15 battery is set to get a whole lot better, as Apple is moving to stacking battery layers — greatly expanding the capacity.
- iPhone 15 Pro charging speed will improve, iPhone still won't charge as quickly as many Android phones.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max is getting a camera layout change, but it won't look much different from its predecessor.
Last minute Apple Watch Ultra 2 rumors
News around a brand new Apple Watch Ultra has been swirling faster and faster, and it's reached a boiling point just 30 minutes before the Wonderlust event.
We loved the first generation, and we can't wait for number 2 — here's what to expect.
Last minute Apple Watch Series 9 rumors
The Apple Watch Series 9 looks set to be announced in just 15 minutes time! Here are all the last minute rumors... Wait were you expecting a list? Turns out the rumor mill has been largely quiet because nobody is expecting any big developments beyond the S9 chip.
Which begs one simple question. Is Apple Watch Series X the one you should really be waiting for?
Take your seats! The show is about to start...
And we’re in! #iPhone15Pro reveal coming up at the Apple event pic.twitter.com/srdzOPIWpTSeptember 12, 2023
The Steve Jobs Theater is packed out and the countdown has begun. Settle in!
Showtime!
Tim Cook is here and after confirming Apple Vision Pro is on track to launch early next year, we're kicking off with the Apple Watch!
Meet Apple Watch Series 9!
The design remains the same, but the internals have been upgraded with a beasty S9 chip that offers up to a 2x increase in speed. Not only that, but the built-in neural engine is now able to run Siri requests entirely on the device!
Precision finding and a 2,000-nit screen on Apple Watch Series 9
Two big additions coming to the Apple Watch Series 9 are out in the wild! Thanks to a 2nd generation ultra wide band chip, you can use precision finding entirely on your watch to find your iPhone.
On top of that, the display is incredibly versatile — going from 2,000 nits in bright environments to just 1 nit.
Double Tap revolutionizes single-handed Apple Watch usage
Double Tap is a brand new feature coming to the Apple Watch Series 9! Rather than needing to use your free hand to interact with it, the S9 chip is able to detect finite changes in your blood pressure to detect when you double tap your thumb and index finger together.
This means you can take calls, silence alarms and perform a whole lot of interactions while keeping your hands free.
Well this took an interesting turn...
The Apple event is getting meta, as we're now seeing some sort of SNL-esque skit talking all about the company's environmental bragging points. Octavia Spencer seems impressed!
Introducing Apple 2030 — Cupertino cuts down big
Apple's carbon emission-reducing program has an official name: Apple 2030. Watch Series 9 is the first product from the company to benefit from being completely Carbon neutral.
How exactly did the team do this? It starts with 100% recycled materials inside Apple Watch Series 9, including 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. The Sport band has been reworked to use 82% recycled yarn.
On top of that, Apple is matching any predicted costs you pay for charging your Apple Watch with an equal amount of investment into emission reducing programs across the world.
Apple is replacing leather with FineWoven
This is the new material that Apple will use from today to replace any use of leather. Made using 60% PCR materials, it is a far more environmentally friendly choice of fabric.
Here's everything you need to know about Apple Watch Series 9
Time to go Ultra! Apple Watch Ultra 2 is here
Don't blink! Apple is running through these announcements fast, as we hit the Watch Ultra 2.
Using the same S9 SiP chipset, we'll see the same performance as Watch Series 9. On top of that, the display stack has been updated to support up to 3,000 nits total brightness. Stand by for pricing...
Full Apple Watch Ultra 2 specs here
Apple Watch lineup pricing remains the same!
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in at $799 (no second color though - boo!)
- Apple Watch Series 9 from $399
- Apple Watch SE 2 from $249
GO TIME! iPhone 15 is up to bat
As expected, the standard iPhone 15 is also taking a trip to the Dynamic Island! We'll update these further as we see them. The glass itself is color infused, meaning the camera bump is not a separate piece of glass. It is all one single piece.
Snap happy — 48MP main camera comes to the iPhone 15
The leaks were true! The iPhone 14 Pro's 48MP shooter is coming to the standard iPhone 15. We're looking at a 26mm focal length with f/1.6 aperture. With 2x Pixel Binning, you get a 24MP resolution photo.
Next generation portraits?
Portrait mode has been given a few small but significant upgrades! Firstly, it will now work on pets (fellow dog lovers, rejoice). Second, iPhone will now recognize if a person is in the scene, and react by automatically by activating portrait mode. Third, you can adjust focus and depth control after the photo has been taken.
Another leak is proven right... A16 Bionic comes to iPhone 15
This will enable a lot of the computational photography, and the many machine learning-driven features like clearer calls!
Can't call AAA? Roadside assistance with Satellite comes to iPhone 15
Beyond Satellite assistance for SOS, you can now call a tow truck or engineer.
Ding dong! Lightning's dead!
It's the announcement you (and the EU) have been waiting for. Apple's just confirmed that the iPhone 15 is making the jump over to USB-C!
And that's the iPhone 15...
No real surprises — all the leaks were correct! Pricing remains the same:
- $799 for iPhone 15
- $899 for iPhone 15 Plus
Time to go Pro with the Grade-5 titanium iPhone 15 Pro!
Man this is a good looking phone! The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has a sand blasted titanium finish around the edges and ultra-thin bezels. Not only that, but repairability has been improved too thanks to a new internal structure.
The Action Button is here!
As predicted, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are packing a new Action Button. On top of that, you can customize it with certain context-aware actions.
Bye Bionic! A17 Pro is here
Apple's announced its brand new 3 nanometer chipset for iPhone 15 Pro, and it comes with a new name. The Bionic has been dropped, and its replaced with A17 Pro!
With a six-core CPU, six-core GPU, revamped neural engine and a USB 3 controller for 10Gbps data transfer speeds, you're looking at an up to 20% improvement in performance across the board.
Hardware-based ray tracing comes to iPhone 15 Pro
RESIDENT EVIL VILLAGE AND 4 REMAKE COME TO IPHONE!?!
Ok, Apple. I'll give you that. This is a surprise. Thanks to A17 Pro, RE Village and 4 Remake is coming to iPhone 15 Pro later this year!
Peri...wait what? Tetraprism!?
This is a periscope lens — don't get it twisted. But the iPhone 15 Pro Max now sports a 120mm zoom, thanks to the new tetraprism telephoto lens.
Spatial video comes to iPhone 15 Pro
Take that, those who thought this feature was just coming to iPhone 16. The slightly altered lens layout is allowing users to capture 3D video content to be enjoyed on the Apple Vision Pro.
iPhone 15 Pro keeps the same pricing as 14 Pro...Sort of
Take that, doubters! The standard iPhone 15 Pro keeps that $999 price tag. But what's that? The Pro Max has made a jump by $100 to starting at $1,199.
Pre-orders start this Friday, and the phones will launch on September 22.
Annnd that's a wrap!
But we're not done! Keep an eye on this live blog for all of our post-event coverage coming up real soon...
Welcome to the post-show
Did you enjoy it? We certainly did! We've been busy working on all the post-event coverage you could possibly want.
And while you're here, why not tell us what peaked your interest the most by voting in our poll just below.
Tell us! What peaked your interest the most from the #AppleEvent?September 12, 2023
Post-show coverage
- iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 14 Pro: Is it worth the upgrade?
- iPhone 15: 3 biggest upgrades
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro: Inequality keeps widening over the years
- iPhone 15 Pro Max price is $100 more — here's why
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Ultra: Is it worth the upgrade?
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Bigger, but not better