The new iPhone has officially been launched.

Apple’s “Wonderlust” event took place this morning (5 am NZT), finally unveiling its latest iPhone models, packed with exciting features that might tempt you to upgrade. As usual, you have various choices, including the standard iPhone 15, the larger iPhone 15 Plus, and the pricier iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

USB-C Transition

Apple confirmed a widely known secret by introducing USB-C in the iPhone 15, complying with new EU regulations and aligning with industry standards. The faster Version 3 USB-C is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, offering lightning-fast data transfer speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second.

Titanium Cases

As predicted by leaks, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max now feature lighter and more robust Titanium cases. Furthermore, the new customizable action button replaces the existing mute button, enhancing the user experience with a single press.

Digital Island

The expansion of the “Digital Island” concept to encompass the entire iPhone lineup has indeed materialized. Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus now incorporate the “pill” feature, which includes animations that conceal the camera and sensor notch located at the top of the screen. This feature received favourable reviews with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, albeit its full functionality is currently limited to Apple’s native apps.

Apple Expands Satellite Services

Apple has surprisingly expanded its satellite text messaging functionalities, moving beyond just SOS messages to incorporate Roadside Assistance. Initially, this service is exclusively available in the United States, thanks to a collaboration with AAA. Much like the SOS feature, which relies on Globalstar’s satellite network, this expansion has further strengthened Globalstar’s position as Rocket Lab’s primary client. During the event, the story of those who were rescued through the iPhone 14’s SOS satellite text messaging feature, including a recent incident where it was first used to save two hikers in New Zealand’s Arthur’s Pass.

Gaming for iPhone Pro 

A key focus of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max centres around mobile gaming. This begins with the introduction of the A17 Pro chip, which Apple proudly claims is the industry’s inaugural 3-nanometer chip. The A17 chip, equipped with a 6-core CPU, promises a 10% performance enhancement, along with a 20% faster GPU.

For more information: Apple (New Zealand)