Quite possibly the most anticipated event of the year, tech geek or not—the yearly affair of Apple’s new launches presentation cooks up a buzz like no other. A display of the tech giant’s capabilities as the pioneers of innovation, the recent launch event was a showcase of Apple guarding their top spot in the game.
From the latest iPhone model, to the updated Apple Watch and AirPods, here’s a round-up of all the new launches you need to know about.
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
Debuting the newest model of the iPhone, Apple has finally heard all our prayers and blessed us with a new colour of pink, quite possibly the aftermath of the Barbie-mania that swept the world. But aesthetics aside, the biggest update of the latest iteration of the iPhone is undeniably the improved performance camera. Now with capabilities to capture super-high-resolution images, and a new 2x Telephoto option that mimics the effect of having a 3rd camera. Portrait mode has also been given a power up of more vivid colouration, and improved low-light performance—meaning now you can get those OOTD pics in even without golden hour on your side.
The improved camera presents an alluring case, but hardware improvements aside, Apple makes it a home run with the NameDrop function, a new way to use AirDrop by simply bringing two phone togethers—sharing pictures after a function has never been easier.
iOS 17 is certainly an upgrade. From new message sticker capabilities and audio transcriptions, to a Journal app for practicing gratitude and overall mindfulness—the new iOS has been curated to predict your every need.
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
The model that’s built to last, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the rugged cousins to the pastel toned iPhone 15s’. Made with lightweight titanium, the same premium alloy thats used to build spacecrafts—the latest iPhone Pro series is by far the lighted lineup to date featuring a chic brushed finished, contoured edges and the thinnest borders yet. As the first of its kind, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are powered by the A17 Pro, the industry’s first 3-nanometer chip. Meaning? Higher performance and immense improvements in energy efficient.
Inside of the mute switch at the side, you’ll notice that it’s been replaced with an ‘Action’ switch—a brand new addition with multiple options for quick accessibility functions like the trusty flashlight, focus mode options, voice memos and other shortcuts.
And of course, the camera of the iPhone Pro and Pro Max has always been the preferred smartphone of choice for creatives and filmmakers, and rightfully so. In the newest models, users can now get up to 20 times faster transfer speeds and ProRes videos can be recorded directly into external storage for seamless editing. And the cherry on top of it all? The iPhone 15 Pro is the first smartphone in the world to support ACES, the Academy Colour Encoding System, a global standard for colour workflows.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra gets a revamp this year, while offering all the features we know and love about the Ultra. New additions to the techie timepiece includes, brightened displays, expanded altitude range, and precision finding for iPhone and advanced water capabilities for land and aquatic adventures. Quite possibly the most fascinating update of all, the new double tap gesture will allow users to control the watch without having to touch the display—simply tap the index finger and thumb of the watch-wearing hand will allow users to perform common actions on the watch.
For the thrill seekers, there’s truly no better match made in heaven. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has been tested and designed to endure the largest range of altitudes across the entire Apple product range to withstand pressures from 500 meteres below sea level and up to 9,000 meters above sea level to explore the world’s tallest peaks. Even in the crashing waves while surfing and wakeboarding, down to scuba diving 40 meters—the Oceanic app can save dive session logs to perfect each dip in the ocean.
Apple Watch Series 9
Undeniably the world’s most popular watch, the Apple Watch Series 9 users will also get to the enjoy the new double tap gesture as the Ultra 2 users, and packaged in the more adorable new watch faces including Snoopy, Palette and Solar Analog. Pushing boundaries in wellness has also been at the forefront of the update, as the watch will include additional tools to support mental health with the state of mind logging in the Mindfulness app—a feature we can all benefit from beyond the physical fitness functions we know and love.
Quite possibly the most exciting part of the Apple Watch Series 9 launch—the bands. Apple is now introducing FineWoven, a luxurious and durable microtwill that feels just like suede. And in good news: the Apple will no longer use leather in any new Apple product. Joining the tech company to produce stylish yet functional watch bands are Nike and Hermès. Check the full range of bands below.
