The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are here. I’ve been to the shop, I’ve bought one, and now I’ve got my first impressions. I’ve had the phone for less than two hours at the time of writing, so this is not some exhaustive feature list or review, but rather a quick rundown of things that I’ve been immediately struck by as I’ve pulled it from the box. Consider it a helpful guide for those on the fence of opening weekend.
There are a couple of things that stick out with the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. As you might expect, these are largely design changes, as I’ve not had a chance to really put the phone through its paces yet.
(Image credit: Future)
Weight
(Image credit: Future)
Apple’s new Titanium chassis for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max shaves off nearly 20 grams of weight compared to the old iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max respectively. That might not sound like a lot, but the phone only weighed 206/240 grams to begin with. Reducing the weight of the handset by 10% is a significant change.
This year, I’ve upgraded from the Pro to the Pro Max, yet the weight difference between the two is almost indistinguishable. It’s pretty marvelous that I’ve gone from a 6.1-inch to a 6.7-inch display, yet the iPhone feels pretty much the same in hand. It feels bigger, as you might expect, but not obviously heavier.
There’s something more to it as well, beyond just feeling lighter. It’s as if there’s been a weight redistribution, with more mass shifted to the bottom of the device. That means it doesn’t feel top-heavy. Admittedly, I didn’t have the iPhone 14 Pro Max to compare, but given my colleague’s complaints of its odd weight distribution, it certainly feels like there’s been a concerted effort to improve the balance of the device.
Titanium
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve chosen Black Titanium, and this might have been an error. I didn’t get hands-on time with any of the other colors in the store, but I’m starting to get the feeling that the natural option might be the best way to go if you want to experience the glory of the new brushed matte finish.
The black doesn’t look much different from my 14 Pro, and honestly doesn’t feel that much different either. One thing that is noticeable, however, is the fingerprints. I’ve had the phone in hand for maybe an hour, and it already has more fingerprints than a Sherlock Holmes anthology.
I’d seen fingerprint hysteria post-event following the hands-on at Apple Park, but this was to be expected when there were hundreds of hungry influencers trying to get hands-on with the new device. I didn’t expect them to be so obvious so quickly on my own device. Again, the black finish might be showing these up more, so I’ll reserve judgment until we see more colors out in the wild. Confirming my worst fears, however, multiple colleagues with Natural Titanium have told me that the problem isn’t nearly as bad on their devices. Apple has already warned users their new iPhone might change color because of the oil from their skin. This is definitely true, and it’s most noticeable around the volume controls and the new Action Button.
I’m not only suffering death by a thousand fingerprints, my iPhone is also an oily grey.
USB-C
(Image credit: Future)
While generally, USB-C definitely counts as an upgrade to the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro this year, making the switch has immediately drawn my attention to a couple of fixed charging points in my home that I’m going to have to upgrade to USB-C in short order. I probably have the cables I need lying around, but there’s no doubt that the USB-C transition will not be seamless for everyone. As we noted in our iPhone 15 and 15 Pro rundown of what’s in the box, if you don’t have a wall adapter with a USB-C connection, the cable you get in the box won’t fit it, so you’ll need a new USB-C-enabled plug.
The Action Button
(Image credit: Future)
The Action Button is far too discreet and uneventful for something called an “Action Button.” I’ve set mine to mute/ring, but this is definitely not the best setting for it. You have to hold the button to move between the two states, presumably so you don’t do it by accident, but it’s not as tactile or convenient as the old mute switch. However, the trade-off is the button can now do a whole host of things, most notably running Shortcuts on iOS. That means you can tailor the button to open basically any app you want or do any number of innumerable tasks available to Shortcuts users. On the Pro Max, at least, the Action Button is definitely quite hard to reach, which might negate its usefulness, somewhat.
5x zoom
This being the iPhone 15 Pro Max, one of the first things I did was crack out the 5x zoom in the camera app. I’ve always been skeptical about how useful zooming into anything up to 5x is for taking photos, but the iPhone seems to retain plenty of detail in 5x mode. It’s also remarkably stable. It’s a bit jumpier in video mode, but turning on Action Mode yields some pleasantly stable footage.
All in all, I love my new iPhone 15 Pro Max, but I reckon that I won’t unlock the true depths of this upgrade until start to put the A17 Pro through its paces and can start doing some proper photography. Apple’s new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are now available at Apple.com and in stores around the world.
Apple’s Wonderlust event seems a distant memory now, but with Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 now here, you may be wondering which Apple Watch to pick up.
We’d estimate many prospective Apple Watch buyers don’t upgrade every year, meaning there’s every chance you could be moving from a Series 4 or 5 to a Series 9, or an Ultra 2.
There really is no such thing as a bad Apple Watch, but this year’s mainline entry lacks big new features. In fact, we’d argue that if you’re desperate for a new Apple Watch this year, we’d have to opt for the Ultra 2 (with some caveats we’ll touch on soon) — or its predecessor. Here’s why.
Before we begin:
It’s worth noting that there’s a $400 gap between the 41mm Series 9 and the Ultra 2, something we’re well aware of. Naturally, your budget will likely dictate which model you go for.
There are also plenty of similarities between the two – the Series 9 and the Ultra 2 both add the new “Double Tap” gesture and offer the same S9 chip. Still, there are some reasons we’d go for the Ultra 2 — or even the Ultra 1 — if you can.
Battery life
Our biggest issue with the Apple Watch was one we felt was finally about to be rectified at the Wonderlust event. With Apple introducing its S9 chip, we waited with bated breath for the reveal that it would be more power-efficient and extend battery life.
Sadly, no such announcement came, meaning we’re still waiting for a jump in battery life. We’ll be the first to acknowledge that the Apple Watch does a lot more than most fitness trackers and smartwatches when it comes to offering a variety of apps, constant communication with the iPhone, and much more, but we’ve been on the same day and a half battery life since it debuted in 2015.
On the Ultra, battery life is essentially doubled, and while that does require a chunkier chassis, we’d still rather that – especially if you’re interested in sleep tracking.
Robust design
(Image credit: Apple)
We love the Apple Watch Series 9 design, we really do – but we’re a little bored of it in all honesty. The Series 7 saw the display start to spill over the edge of the body a little, but with a rumored Apple Watch Series X overhaul expected this year, nothing has changed this time around outside of the new pink color.
While the same can be said of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, that design is only a year old. While we’d have liked to have seen a black titanium version, it remains a great-looking watch that, if the lack of damage on the first generation is anything to go by, is almost bulletproof.
The Series 9 will be a tough device, but smack it against a doorknob accidentally and you may wish you’d plumped for the Ultra 2.
Larger display
(Image credit: Joe Wituschek)
Apple Watch Series 8 didn’t feel like it needed a brighter display, but Apple upped it to 2,000 nits for good measure anyway. The Ultra 2 offers a retina-searingly bright 3,000 nits which is overkill for most, but it’s the size of the display that’s the real draw here.
It’s not that it’s dramatically larger – it’s 49mm vs 45mm on the larger Series 9, but those fractions matter when it comes to watchOS 10. We’ve written at length about how Apple’s latest update makes better use of the display, but it’s worth repeating — the new interface deserves to be displayed on a larger canvas.
The ‘Ultra’ features
(Image credit: Apple)
There are other features, too, but they’re likely only of interest to the adventurous types. And yet, if you see yourself becoming a marathon runner, deep sea diver, or hiker in the coming months and years, why not get the tech for it early?
The siren, triple microphone array, and dive computer are likely overkill for the vast majority of users, but isn’t it better to have the option? There’s also the Backtrack tool to lead you back to the path if you get lost – you never know when you may need that.
Apple announced the M2 Ultra Mac Pro back at WWDC in June 2023 to complete the transition away from Intel chips. It’s an expensive machine to be sure, but buyers can now choose to buy from Apple’s refurbished store to save some money instead of buying new.
That’s after Apple added the new M2 Mac Pro to its refurbished store for the first time, offering it to the growing list of refurbished options for those who would rather save some cash than buy new.
Like all of Apple’s refurbished products, the new Mac Pro is available with a discount when compared to new — and each computer is checked and repackaged to ensure you’ll get a machine that appears new.
Up to $1,500 off
The new refurbished Mac Pros were first spotted by MacRumors, with customers able to save up to $1,500 off the price people would pay when buying a new model. Discounts tend to be around the 15% mark, and you’ll also receive the same accessories as if you were buying a brand-new model. That means you’ll get a power cable, a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and a mouse.
You’ll get a warranty, too, spanning a full year. You’ll also get a 14-day return window and AppleCare Plus can also be added if you need the extra peace of mind as well.
As for the Mac Pro itself, the base model comes with a 24-core CPU and a 60-core GPU, while 64GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD round out the main specifications. It also comes with seven PCIe expansion slots while users can connect up to six Pro Display XDRs should they want to. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are also supported out of the box, too. A pair of 10Gb Ethernet ports round out the connectivity while a headphone hack with high-impendence support is also included.
Yes, your old Apple Watch case should work for your Apple Watch Series 9 as long as it is the Apple Watch Series 7 or later. The Series 7 has slightly bigger sizes than the 6 and the bezels are different so Series 6 cases won’t work. If you have a 7 or 8 case right now, it should be able to work with no problem.
Will Apple Watch Series 9 fit your old band?
This answer depends on which version of the Apple Watch Series 9 you have bought. The 41mm version of the Apple Watch is compatible with any of the previous bands that are for the 38mm, 40mm, or 41mm watches. If you have the 45m Apple Watch Series 9, any 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm bands are compatible with it.
(Image credit: Apple)
Can the Watch Ultra band fit your Apple Watch Series 9?
Yes, as long as you have the 45mm Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra band will work with it. The same can be said for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which can use the bigger watch bands from the Series 9. If you happen to have both of the new watches and picked the 45mm Series 9, they can share the same watch bands.
The future of the Apple Watch
Apple Watches have been relatively uniform since their launch. Though the bezels change, allowing for a slightly bigger screen, most of the accessories have remained compatible between generations. Unlike the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can throw most cases on and they tend to work without worries. This is unlikely to change in the future.
We have recently heard rumors of a different band system for the Apple Watch X but this doesn’t mean older bands won’t be compatible in some form. However, a different design will likely mean you will have to buy a case for Apple’s next major watch.
It might not be the biggest new show to arrive on Apple TV Plus in terms of media attention, but The Changeling is already proving to be a popular one among viewers.
Since premiering on Friday, September 8. The Changeling was able to find itself in the top ten of the most popular TV shows and movies of the week. And not just in the top ten — it managed to take the fourth spot in the chart after beating out some big names to that position.
The most popular of all? That was One Piece, now available to stream on Netflix while Dinsey Plus Star Wars show Ahsoka and Peacock’s Asteroid City rounded out the top three shows of the week.
Must-watch TV
This is all according to the streaming content watchers at Reelgood and their weekly chart of the most popular shows and movies of the week running from September 7 through September 13.
The full rundown of the top ten includes other streaming services like HBO’s Max, Starz, and Amazon Prime Video not to mention Hulu.
One Piece — Netflix
Ahsoka — Disney Plus
Asteroid City — Peacock
The Changeling — Apple TV Plus
The Little Mermaid — Disney Plus
Only Murders in the Building — Hulu
The Wheel of Time — Prime Video
The Equalizer — Starz
Who is Erin Carter? — Netflix
The Nun — Max
As for The Changeling, it’s based on the bestselling book of the same name by Victor LaValle and is described as a fairytale for grownups. “A horror story, a parenthood fable, and a perilous odyssey through a New York City you didn’t know existed,” Apple explains.
The show stars LaKeith Stanfield, Clark Backo, Adina Porter, Samuel T. Herring, Alexis Louder, Jared Abrahamson, and special guest star Malcolm Barrett.
You can of course start watching The Changeling on Apple TV Plus right now on a whole range of devices, not just the Apple TV 4K.
If you’re all set on buying a new iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, the hardest decision you have left to make is a familiar one — which color should you choose?
That’s a quandary that even Apple CEO Tim Cook has to deal with so it’s interesting to see which iPhone 15 Pro color he chose when picking a model out for himself.
Sometimes we don’t know which iPhones Apple executives carry around, but we need wonder no more after Cook shared the details in an interview posted to the social network X.
He chose that?
In the interview, we learn that Cook did have a decision to make and that the head honcho didn’t immediately land on one color. But, as you’ll see below, he did finally land on a color that perhaps won’t be everyone’s first choice — Natural Titanium. We had him down as more of a stealth Black Titanium guy.
Tim Cook’s favourite iPhone 15 Pro color is Natural Titanium! 👀But when the guy replied, 𝗢𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲, to Tim Cook saying it was a hard decision cracked me up a bit 😭 pic.twitter.com/LOZEWNOkV0September 14, 2023
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If Cook did struggle to choose a color, we can be pretty sure of one thing — he won’t have been up at 05:00 am to try and place a preorder. We know that some who did get up at the crack of dawn found that Apple’s online store and Apple Store app weren’t behaving as well as they could. Hopefully, everyone who wanted to order a new Natural Titanium iPhone of their own was able to do so at this point.
If you haven’t placed your order yet you could be waiting weeks for your new iPhone to arrive, unfortunately.
We’re covering all the Apple iPhone 15 event news and reactions now that Wonderlust is over. Don’t miss all our iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iOS 17and watchOS 10 coverage so far.
Before Apple announced the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro earlier this week there were rumors that they would come with bigger batteries. Apple didn’t say anything about those batteries during its Wonderlust event, but it turns out it was keeping a secret all along.
While Apple’s product pages for the new iPhones don’t make mention of upgraded batteries it turns out that they are actually there. Although you’re unlikely to notice any difference in how long those batteries actually last.
In fact, the difference between the old and new batteries is so marginal, that it’s perhaps understandable Apple kept it to itself.
Small gains
With Apple keeping quiet about the new batteries it was left to MySmartPrice to spot them in a Chinese regulatory database.
That regulatory database confirms that the new iPhones do indeed have bigger batteries than their older counterparts, although the difference is very small indeed.
Here’s what iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro buyers are getting under the hood.
iPhone 15 Pro Max — 4422mAh
iPhone 15 Pro — 3274mAh
iPhone 15 Plus — 4384mAh
iPhone 15 — 3349mAh
That doesn’t mean all that much in isolation, we’ll admit. So let’s take a look at what batteries Apple used in the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro devices as well.
iPhone 14 Pro Max — 4323mAh
iPhone 14 Pro — 3200mAh
iPhone 14 Plus — 4325mAh
iPhone 14 — 3279mAh
While those differences aren’t all that big. they’re obviously welcome.
The biggest question some will have is whether these new batteries will stay healthy for longer. Many people with iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models reported their battery health was particularly bad after less than a year of ownership.
We’re covering all the Apple iPhone 15 event news and reactions now that Wonderlust is over. Don’t miss all our iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iOS 17and watchOS 10 coverage so far.
Apple’s brand new FineWoven cases for iPhone 15 are starting to arrive in the hands of customers, and aside from the odd complement, the vast majority of buyers are not impressed with the new outing.
In case you missed it, alongside the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro this week, Apple unveiled its new FineWoven accessories, set to replace leather as a more eco-friendly iPhone companion. The material is made of 68 percent post-consumer recycled content and has “significantly lower emissions compared to leather.”
They still cost $60 however, yet Apple fans hoping for a premium alternative to its beloved leather cases could be in for a big shock.
FineWoven reactions
Prominent Apple YouTube Aaron Zollo took to X with his new purchase stating “As someone who is very big on texture and how objects feel, the new FineWoven cases are unpleasant feeling to me. Showed my wife and daughters and all said the same.”
“Same, not crazy about it”, said Stephen Robles, who said elsewhere he was “probably sticking with silicone” and that the edges “feel plasticky.”
One user said it feels “like a 90’s nylon windbreaker and it sounds like one too if you run your fingernail over it,” while Parker Ortolani said, “the texture is unlike most other fabrics and it’s definitely not as nice as leather… the edges feel like plastic, overall less premium.”
While there are definitely some split opinions, generally the reaction seems to be quite negative, which is a shame given the push for more eco-friendly accessories is a welcome and noble one.
The FineWoven part feels nice. But the fact that the sides are different — faux leather? — feels a bit cheap, tbh. pic.twitter.com/NoLf8HJEfvSeptember 14, 2023
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We’re covering all the Apple iPhone 15 event news and reactions now that Wonderlust is over. Don’t miss all our iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iOS 17and watchOS 10 coverage so far.
Now that the dust has settled on Apple’s highly-anticipated ‘Wonderlust’ event, we know all about the products that are heading our way, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch Series 9. From their key specs and new features, it’s time to sit back and ask: what’s really worth getting excited about?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Apple events – especially iPhone launches – aren’t as ground-breaking as they once used to be.
And yet, I think there are several new features and improvements on offer from these latest announcements that caught my eye. And these could very well tempt me once they’ve launched – but there are also a few announcements that I’m wary about.
The future’s bright
(Image credit: Apple)
The upgrades to the new Apple Watch Series 9 might seem small at first, but I think that’s only because the design has remained largely unchanged. Well, unless you’re interested in the new pink shade, which is actually subtle and very wearable.
Despite the fact my Apple Watch Series 8 already serves up an impressive 1000 nits of brightness, I still struggle to see it properly sometimes – especially on bright days – and so the fact we’re now getting double that amount with the Series 9 is a welcome change.
Interestingly, the Apple Watch Series 9 won’t just fare better in bright situations with the add nits, but in low light environments, too, getting down to just a single nit if you’re in a dark space, like a movie theater.
And if you thought that was impressive, the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 2 is going to be capable of a whopping 3000 nits. I’m all about better and brighter screens, but I can’t imagine in what kind of scenario you’d need a screen that bright unless you were journeying to the surface of the sun.
But it’s not just Apple’s wearables that got a brightness boost. The new iPhone 15 offers 2000 nits of brightness, which is double that of the iPhone 14. The more our devices can adapt, whether you’re using them in an incredibly bright space or a dark one, the better.
All the better to see you with
(Image credit: Apple)
The iPhone 15 has had a bunch of significant improvements, like USB-C (!), some design changes, and several new shades added to the line-up.
But what I’m most excited about is that the camera sensor on the iPhone 15 is getting a major boost. From 12 megapixels in the iPhone 14 to a whopping 48 megapixels here in the latest flagship handset. This feels like a significant leap, and one of the biggest in camera tech I believe we’ve experienced in a new iPhone handset for some time.
You’ll also find a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens that brings telephoto, as well as a bunch of improvements to portrait mode. It looks like you won’t have to manually select portrait mode either, which is another small change but an incredibly handy one if you’re often flicking between the regular camera mode and the portrait one.
All under control
(Image credit: Apple)
Under the hood of both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, there’s Apple’s new S9 chip, which promises to improve the performance of the latest Apple Watches over previous versions. We’re talking longer battery life, and a four-core neural engine that not only makes Siri smarter but processes data from the sensors in the wearable and your hand better than ever before.
This is what enables what Apple is calling a Double Tap gesture. This works by tapping the thumb and forefinger of the hand you’re wearing the watch on together twice to perform a number of tasks – no need to touch the screen.
This sounds exciting, though I’d need to try it IRL to know for sure whether it’s going to be a brand new way to interact with our wearables or not work half the time so you forget to do it.
If it’s done well, it could be the next step in normalizing in-air gestures that don’t require us to interact physically with a screen. It’s these kinds of gestures that we might be using in the not-so-distant future to control more advanced wearables, as well as virtual and augmented reality technologies. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Dynamic I’ll need convincing
(Image credit: Apple)
The one change I’m most wary about? The Dynamic Island. This is the small, pill-shaped black bar at the top of the screen that debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. The thinking is this bar helps you to better manage apps and notifications, which is why it’s now going to feature on all of the iPhone 15 models.
My problem with it? I’m simply a dynamic island hater. After upgrading to the iPhone 14 Pro, I don’t understand why it’s there and have never once gotten any use out of it.
Apparently, in the jump from iPhone 14 Pro to iPhone 15, it will be more useful and be able to show you more information. I’ll happily take a look at how that works, but to me, it’s just taking up valuable screen real estate.
A subtle but significant night
(Image credit: Apple)
The main headline of the iPhone 15 launch event was the addition of the USB-C port – a long time coming and a welcome change. Other than that, the event felt like a largely expected and still exciting affair.
For me, it was the smaller upgrades I’ve listed above that have made me the most hopeful for Apple’s newest tech. Ones that I realize are all related to making the experience we have with our devices better rather than adding shiny and exciting new features for the sake of it.
A better camera, a brighter screen, and new and streamlined ways to control our tech, are all welcome additions. And I really hope they deliver when we get to try them out for ourselves.
The next generation of Apple Watch has been announced, and it’s a beauty for sure. The Apple Watch Series 9 has more processing power and faster on-device Siri with a new S9 SiP and more precise iPhone location with its UWB chip. The 2000 nit display is twice as bright as the previous model. You’ll want a brand-new gorgeous band to show off that brand new Apple Watch. Here are some of our favorite Apple Watch Series 9 bands out there.
The Modern Buckle is back and it’s as gorgeous as ever. It comes in three great colors and it’s made from Apple’s new FineWoven faux leather. If you missed out on the Modern Buckle last time around, now’s your chance. Note that it’s made only for the smaller Apple Watch, but does come in three wrist sizes.
Show off your personal style with a custom design from CASETiFY. Made from recycled plastics, the soft, flexible, water-resistant band has a pin-and-tuck closure that allows for a wide range of wrist sizes.
Even after reviewing this band, I find myself wearing it frequently, and it would sure look great with the pink Apple Watch Series 9. The U by UAG Apple Watch Band super durable and comfortable, similar to Apple’s Sport Band. It comes in a bunch of color options, not just pink.
4. Wearlizer X-Link Bracelet Series Apple Watch Band
For your upscale occasion
When I reviewed the Wearlizer X-Link Bracelet Series Apple Watch Band, I noted that it comes in many colorways so you can match it to your Apple Watch or other jewelry. It’s comfortable and super easy to adjust to your size.
Apple may have discontinued its leather Apple Watch bands, but leather is Nomad’s bread and butter. High quality full-grain leather surrounds your wrist and your Apple Watch in luxury. The band comes in several color options and will develop a warm patina over time.
Stand out from the crowd with this unique Hermés Single Tour band. It does come in several colorways. While you may think of leather when you think of Hermés, this one is clearly not. Rather, it’s hand-braided Polyamide Yarn in a delightful chevron pattern.
Q & A
Will my old bands fit the Apple Watch Series 9?
You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.
Yes, your current band collection is safe. All Apple Watch bands from every generation are interchangeable within their size category and the band-switching mechanism remains the same as it’s always been.
Which Apple Watch Series 9 band should I get?
It’s not often that Apple brings back a discontinued item. If you’re one of the folks that had wanted a Modern Buckle band back in the day, now’s your chance. The colors this time are muted but ultra classy. The vegan leather looks great, and this is a band you’re sure to enjoy.
Apple’s next event finally has a date and a name, with ‘Wonderlust’ expected to showcase all the goodies we’ll be playing with through to next year. The iPhone 15 is a given, and a USB-C AirPods Pro 2 case is likely.
But many have been surprised by reports suggesting a second Apple Watch Ultra could make its debut – just a year after the original.
I’ve already opined about how watchOS 10 has me falling head over heels for the first Ultra, but I’m struggling to find any genuine excitement – although that may change with the reported Titanium Black colorway.
The reason I’m less enthused, short of not being in a hurry to drop $750 for another smartwatch, actually has more to do with the Apple Watch Series 9. Why? Join me, as we take a walk back to 2017.
X gave it to us
(Image credit: Apple)
Back in 2017, the iPhone 7 had hardly set the world alight, with Apple nixing the headphone jack and offering an even blacker Jet Black color (OK, I’ll admit, I miss this shade) and very little else of substance.
The iPhone 8 was revealed a year later, and as solid a performer as it was, it simply didn’t resonate with the same kind of excitement. Was the iPhone finally about to start trending downwards? No sooner had the iPhone 8 been announced, though, and Apple revealed it’s one more thing, in the same event no less – the iPhone X.
The phone would retail at $999, which now feels decidedly less impressive given prices today, and revamped things with the all-screen front and a new design paradigm that would continue until, well, today.
Why do I bring this up? Well, as the Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 felt a little pedestrian to me, the Ultra showed that the company still has a little of that wild glint in its proverbial eye. Customizable action button? Sure, why not? A siren? We got it. A deep sea dive computer? You got it, champ, knock yourself out.
In the aftermath of the iPhone X, Apple moved to bring much of its tech to the wider product line. The iPhone XR dropped the home button, shaking up the entire setup. It stands to reason, then, that the Apple Watch lineup could do the same.
Special, but not too special
The balancing act for Apple, though, is keeping the Ultra feeling like the bigger, badder, Apple Watch, while still innovating on the base model – with one eye on the reported revamp for the Apple Watch X.
For that reason, there’s a good chance the Apple Watch Series 9 will be a little more reserved in terms of big updates, teeing up next year’s overhaul to wow us.
And yet, there’s plenty the Series 9 could borrow from the Ultra. I’ve written at length about the Action Button, but improved battery length should be forefront in Apple’s mind – especially if reports are correct that the chassis is about to get much slimmer in next year’s revamp.
There’s also the curious notion about the name of the next Apple Watch. The number ‘9’ itself is considered bad luck in some cultures, notably in Japan. Could Apple just skip over the Series 9 entirely? Unlikely, but given it skipped the iPhone 9, it’s possible it’ll get a different name.
While watchOS 10 is certainly a great experience (most notably on the Apple Watch Ultra), it doesn’t provide many clues as to what comes next, at least not in the way iOS updates can hint at fresh tweaks coming to the iPhone.
When it comes down to it, the Apple Watch segment of the Wanderlust event is likely to be an exciting one for those wanting an upgrade from their Series 6 regardless. But I’ll be waiting to see what Apple shows for the Ultra 2, and when I’ll be able to pre-order.
The next Apple event is hours away at this point, and we all know what’s coming — the iPhone 15. After a relatively lukewarm year with the iPhone 14 despite the introduction of a few standout features, the next iPhone is set to appear at Apple’s ‘Wonderlust’ event on Tuesday.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are both expected to come with even more features, as well as a new design, with the Pro Max set to get a periscope camera. Expected features for the iPhone 15 include a USB-C port, Dynamic Island, an A16 chip first seen in the iPhone 14 Pro, and a much-awaited upgrade to a 48MP camera. It’s set to be a sizable upgrade to the standard iPhone model
With all this in mind, here’s everything we know about the iPhone 15 so far.
iPhone 15: The headlines
What is it? Apple’s next mainstream iPhone.
When will it be announced? September 12
Pre-orders: September 15
Release date: September 22
Price? Price increase expected: Starting at $849-$899
Stephen Warwick is iMore’s News Editor and has six years of industry experience covering Apple, as well as a lifetime tracking developments in mobile technology. He is also a former Apple employee and one of the web’s foremost authorities on iPhone rumors and news.
iPhone 15 models
Here’s what we expect from the iPhone 15 lineup based on all the rumors out there, including specs and new features.
Entry-level power
iPhone 15 / 15 PlusThe people’s iPhone, without the bells and whistles.
Apple has confirmed its iPhone 15 event, “Wonderlust”, will take place on September 12 at 10 am PT / 6 PM BST.
That means we’d expect pre-orders to go live on September 15, with a release date the following week on September 22.
iPhone 15: Specs
We’ve heard a few rumors about some of the iPhone 15 specs we might get to see with the new release this year. Below, we’ve lined up the iPhone 14’s specs and rumored changes coming to give you a comparison idea, check it out!
Just remember, some of these might not change year-to-year, and some rumored changes may not come to pass.
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Category
iPhone 14
iPhone 15 (RUMORED)
Operating System
iOS 16
iOS 17
Display
6.1 inches, 2532 x 1170 (460 ppi) resolution, Super Retina XDR OLED display (iPhone 14) | 6.7 inches, 2778 x 1284 (458 ppi) resolution, Super Retina XDR OLED display (iPhone 14 Plus)
6.1 inches, 2532 x 1170 (460 ppi) resolution, Super Retina XDR OLED display (iPhone 15) | 6.7 inches, 2778 x 1284 (458 ppi) resolution, Super Retina XDR OLED display (iPhone 15 Plus)
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80mm, 172g (iPhone 14) | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.80mm, 203g (iPhone 14 Plus)
Expected to be identical
Colors
Starlight | Midnight | Blue | Purple | (PRODUCT)Red
Black | Pink | Green | Pink | Yellow
iPhone 15: A16 Processor
(Image credit: Apple)
If Apple follows the same path it set out on with iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro we can expect the iPhone 15 to use the same A16 Bionic as the iPhone 14 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro, however, is likely to benefit from an all-new A17 chip, continuing the differentiation between Pro and non-Pro models.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has revealed that “the regular iPhone 15 models [are] getting last year’s A16 processor”.
Those A17 chips are expected to use new 3nm chips from long-time chip supplier TSMC, likely improving power consumption and reducing the amount of heat they generate during use. The 3nm process offers chips with speed boosts of up to 15% using the same amount of power, or power savings of 30% at the same speed as 5nm.
Alongside A17, reports have indicated the iPhone 15 Pro line could get a major upgrade with 8GB of RAM.
iPhone 15: Display & sizes
(Image credit: iMore / Stephen Warwick)
Rumors as of September 2022 have Apple bringing the Dynamic Island to all iPhone 15 models, not just the Pro as was the case with iPhone 14. That’s according to DSCC analyst Ross Young, who has actually predicted previous details about the iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and other products including the Mac.
On July 30, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also confirmed that “the standard iPhone 15 models will trade in the notch for the Dynamic Island” this year.
Who needs half-baked renders when you have the real thing?Here’s an early base model iPhone 15.(More info exclusively via @MacRumors, for now 😊) pic.twitter.com/LKPzJ8YwfEFebruary 22, 2023
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That doesn’t mean that the base iPhone 15 models will get a 120Hz refresh rate or an Always-On Display, though. For that, you’re going to want iPhone 15 Pro.
If Apple follows the precedent set with the iPhone 14 lineup, we can expect a 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro to be joined by a 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Unless leaked CAD renders in February 2023 have anything to say about it! According to those renders, it appears that Apple might actually shrink the bezel on the iPhone 15 models, giving users even more screen real estate. New leaks also show these bezels in action, and if they’re real, then we’re in for a real treat!
Those bezels were leaked again in July, with an image showing a series of thinner bezels across the entire iPhone 15 lineup. Thinner bezels mean a more vibrant and nicer display with less clutter and distraction as you’re viewing.
(Image credit: Ice Universe)
The iPhone 15’s OLED display could also feature a new display driver that could make the display more power efficient. The report also notes that moving from the old 40nm process to what is expected to be a 28nm process will also “improve performance,” but it wouldn’t say exactly what that will look like.
According to The Elec, Apple will use an upgraded M12 OLED process for all of its iPhones this year.
iPhone 15: Design
(Image credit: Stephen Warwick / iMore)
The iPhone 15 is expected to look very similar to the iPhone 14 in terms of size and shape. That means we can expect the same bezels and squared edges, as well as rounded corners. The only major design change touted for iPhone 15 is the new Dynamic Island, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro last year.
Previous rumors of the return of Touch ID seem to be unfounded, at least in terms of iPhone 15. It might return in the future, but Face ID is expected to be the only biometric authentication system offered in 2023.
Another major change coming to iPhone was the end of physical buttons. A report claims that Apple will do away with buttons in favor of Taptic Engines like those on its current iPhone SE Home Button for both volume and power. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, writing in late July, has revealed that this feature has been pushed back.
Apple is also expected to move the proximity sensor from the iPhone into the Dynamic Island with iPhone 15.
With iPhone 14, Apple removed the SIM card tray in the U.S., making eSIM the only connectivity option on the iPhone. With iPhone 15 Apple may roll this change out to more territories, with one report suggesting that at least France (and likely other countries in Europe) could get the same design. CAD renders and leaks of the device do include a SIM tray, however, suggesting some countries will retain it.
A recent rumor claims the iPhone 15’s rear glass will feature the same frosted premium finish as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, upgrading from this year’s glossy back.
iPhone 15: Will it have USB-C?
(Image credit: Future)
In a huge development, Apple has confirmed it will have to comply with EU laws mandating USB-C chargers on its iPhone.
Both Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have suggested a switch is on the way, with the EU and potentially even Brazil set to mandate a common connector for all phones and similar accessories, including AirPods.
“Apple Inc. is testing future iPhone models that replace the current Lightning charging port with the more prevalent USB-C connector, according to people with knowledge of the situation, a move that could help the company conform with looming European regulations,” Gurman says. He further repeated this in late July stating “the iPhone 15 is moving to USB-C,” enabling “faster data transfer speeds for those who still sync with a cable.”
While USB-C will make charging easier, better data transfer speeds may be reserved for the Pro models. Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will get USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 for high-speed wired transfers. However, the iPhone 15 is expected to retain the same USB 2.0 speeds as the old models, despite the USB-C port. That rumor was echoed by leaked images in February 2023 that also show the iPhone 15 with a USB-C port.
In mid-August, another report suggested USB-C could support transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps through Thunderbolt.
Another rumored restriction of the iPhone 15’s USB-C port will be Made for iPhone compatibility. We expect that you’ll have to buy official MFi cables from Apple or third-party retailers in order to enjoy full compatibility, the best speeds, and the fastest charging.
Apple is reportedly preparing to sell some 70 million new chargers in 2023 when iPhone 15 drops as folks make the switch to USB-C. Apple will reportedly offer faster through its 20W charger, however, the company has not included chargers in its iPhone boxes for some time.
iPhone 15: 5G modem and Wi-Fi chip
(Image credit: Apple)
We’ve been hearing for years that Apple would switch to 5G modems designed in-house around 2023, but that now seems unlikely to happen in time for iPhone 15. A new report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple’s 5G modem “may have failed,” meaning it will stick with Qualcomm in 2023. Further reports by analyst Jeff Pu back that up, with Qualcomm parts now expected to be used for iPhone 15 and iPhone 16.
Kuo goes on to say that Apple will continue to work on getting its own 5G modem ready with the aim of replacing Qualcomm eventually.
The iPhone 15 is also expected to upgrade from the Wi-Fi 6 chip that comes in the iPhone 14 lineup for Wi-Fi 6E. The latest generation of Wi-Fi, due to its ability to take advantage of the 6GHz band, is faster, more reliable, and able to cover greater distances than its predecessors. One recent report claims Apple will limit Wi-Fi 6E to just the iPhone 15 Pro models, keeping Wi-Fi 6 for the iPhone 14.
iPhone 15: Cameras
(Image credit: Patently Apple)
We don’t yet know everything there is to know about the iPhone 15 cameras, but we’re being told to expect Apple’s first periscope camera in at least the Pro models — possibly just the iPhone 15 Pro Max. That comes via analyst Jeff Pu who claims that the switch would allow 5x optical zoom. It’s possible that the technology could allow for even 10x zoom, however.
Companies like Samsung already use periscope cameras in their flagship phones to offer increased zoom capabilities. Periscope cameras work by increasing the distance between the camera’s lens and sensor working in much the same way as a periscope in a submarine. Having the two components at such a distance in a traditional configuration would require the iPhone 15 to be significantly thicker, something Apple doesn’t want, and a periscope design negates.
At least one sensor in the new iPhone 15 is expected to be a new state-of-the-art sensor from Sony that will double the saturation signal in each pixel, capturing more light and reducing underexposure and overexposure in certain settings. This will be particularly important for improved portrait photos and headshots.
iPhone 15: Battery
(Image credit: iMore)
According to a major leak in July, Apple is going to massively increase the capacity of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus battery. The iPhone 15 will have a capacity of 3877 mAh, and the iPhone 15 Plus will have an enormous 4912 mAh battery. That’s up from 3279 and 4325 mAh respectively, making for a 20% increase.
Apple is also expected to leverage battery stacking technology, the kind used in electric vehicles, to create much denser batteries that could be the key to these increased sized.
That stacked technology and USB-C could also power some pretty excellent new charging speeds. There’s one rumor out there suggesting Apple is working on 40W wired charging for iPhone, along with 20W support for MagSafe. That would be a significant speed boost for both methods and could mean even better fast-charging on iPhone.
iPhone 15: Colors
(Image credit: Apple)
Though we have conflicting reports and rumors, it seems like Apple will offer the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in Black, Pink, Green, Yellow, and Orange.
Apple will also likely debut a new color midway through the iPhone 15’s life cycle. In March 2023 Apple unveiled its banana-yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. That color is expected to be retained in the lineup from September so we could see a new color in the middle of the iPhone 15 cycle, perhaps the return of (PRODUCT) RED
The most recent rumors suggest green for 2023 could be a stunning mint green that was first rolled out with the iPhone 12.
iPhone 15: Storage
(Image credit: Future)
Apple’s storage plans will likely depend on various things, not least the cost of parts by the time we get closer to a release.
The real question is whether the lower-end option will change. Expect that to largely be controlled by any data-hungry camera features that are added to the new models. Recently, a report indicated that the iPhone 15 Pro might come with a whopping 2TB of storage, but we haven’t heard anything concrete about the regular iPhone lineup.
iPhone 15: Price
We’ve heard recently that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max could be more expensive than last year’s model, and now rumors indicate that a price hike might actually apply across the board.
In his Power on Newsletter on July 30, seen by iMore, Mark Gurman writes “I would look out for at least minor price increases across all four models outside of the US. I also wouldn’t rule out a price increase in the US — at least for some of the pro models — given the move to titanium and the costlier camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. For context: Apple charges $100 more for titanium watches than their stainless-steel counterparts.”
While a Pro price increase would be less of a shock, upping the cost of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus could be a big blow to some consumers.
Further news about this came in on September 8, where the only price increase is now expected to affect the Pro Max model. Due to its exclusive periscope lens, a $100 increase could be coming.
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Estimated iPhone 15 pricing
Storage
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 15 (RUMORED)
iPhone 15 Plus (RUMORED)
128GB
$799
$899
$849 est.
$949 est.
256GB
$899
$999
$949 est.
$1,049 est.
512GB
$1,099
$1,199
$1,149 est.
$1,149 est.
iPhone 15: Will there be a Flip?
(Image credit: Future)
We know Apple is working on a folding iPhone, and we know that the company seems to have settled on a clamshell design, as pictured above. According to Patently Apple, a patent was granted to Apple back in April 2022 for foldable iPhone displays that could feature transparent panels at the point where the display bends, giving the illusion that there are no hinges around this part of the display.
But don’t expect a folding iPhone this year, whether you call it an iPhone Air or the iPhone Flip. Word on the street is that the foldable iPhone flip is still a few years away. A patent granted in Feb. 2023 suggests that a release date of September 2025 could be likely.
iOS 17
Apple unveiled iOS 17 at WWDC 2023 in June, teasing some of the software updates coming to iPhone 15 and the rest of Apple’s lineup later this year. iOS 17 is bringing some cool updates to the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages apps, as well as AirDrop, and autocorrect. There’s a great new mode called StandBy for landscape charging, a new Journal app to help your mental health, and changes to Safari.
iPhone 15: Questions and answers
When is the iPhone 15 event
Apple has confirmed the iPhone 15 event will take place on September 12.
Which iPhone should I buy in 2023?
The best iPhone you can buy right now is the iPhone 14 Pro, closely followed by the iPhone 14. The iPhone SE 3 is also a superb option for those on a budget or for people who like the old Touch ID/Home Button design.
When is the iPhone 15 coming out?
We can likely expect the new iPhone 15 to be unveiled in early September, with a release date around September 22.
Will iPhone 15 have SIM card slot?
There are some rumors that Apple could eliminate the SIM card slot from its entire iPhone lineup for 2023. Apple already does this for the iPhone 14 in the U.S.
Will iPhone 15 have USB-C?
Yes, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro have been tipped to include USB-C by multiple insiders with strong track records. By law, Apple will have to sell the iPhone with a USB-C slot from 2024 anyway.
Will there be an iPhone 16?
Absolutely, Apple has stuck to a yearly iPhone release cycle for a number of years now. Rumored early features of the iPhone 16 include under-display Face ID and improvements to the camera. Apple is also expected to make its own 5G chip for connectivity, rather than using a Qualcomm component.
How much will the iPhone 15 cost?
The current iPhone 14 starts at $799, but it is widely expected that Apple will raise the price of the iPhone 15 to account for its more significant upgrades, possibly to $849 or even $899.
Will the iPhone 15 be bigger?
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to be identical in size to the current iPhone 14 lineup. However, they may have slightly thinner bezels thanks to new display technology. Likewise, the Pro and Pro Max will be the same size as the current models.
What colors will the iPhone 15 come in?
According to the most recent iPhone 15 color leak, Apple will offer the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in Pink, Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Black.
Which month is iPhone 15 coming out?
According to all the latest information, the iPhone 15 will be released in September.
Will the iPhone 15 change shape?
Though the iPhone 15 will likely be very similar to previous years, it is likely to come with an action button on the side and a Dynamic Island at the top.
Is it worth waiting for the iPhone 15?
At this point, absolutely. Even if you have decided the iPhone 15 isn’t for you after the Apple event, it is worth waiting until it launches to get older phones for cheaper than beforehand.
Will the iPhone 15 have the Dynamic Island
Though we don’t have official confirmation just yet, it seems very likely that the standard, Pro, and Pro Max versions of the iPhone 15 will have the Dynamic Island.
iOS 17 is on its way to the masses, with developer and public beta programs of the upcoming software updates currently available, while expected to debut soon after the September 12 event.
But aside from the changes coming to your iPhone later this month, iOS 17 also brings all-new software features to AirPods, and they’re made possible by Apple silicon.
If you’re an Apple user who owns a Mac computer, you’ve probably heard the term ‘Apple silicon’ before. Apple ditched Intel processors on the Mac lineup back in 2020 in favor of its own in-house systems-on-a-chip (SoC), which are referred to by the umbrella term of Apple silicon.
However, Apple has made custom chips for its products for more than a decade, starting long before it brought Apple Silicon to the Mac. Its first-ever SoC, the A4 chip, was designed for the iPhone 4 and the original iPad.
Apple still makes powerful A-series chips for iPhones, but the company also branched out to develop custom silicon for its other products. It has an S-series chip for the Apple Watch and M-series chips for iPads and Macs. What might come as a surprise to some Apple fans is that the company makes its own audio processors for AirPods, and these chips are the reason why some of the earbuds’ best features even exist.
The custom audio chips found within AirPods
(Image credit: Future / Apple)
The first AirPods, released in 2016, featured a W1 chip that facilitated many of the earbuds’ features that were considered groundbreaking at the time. This includes automatic pairing, truly wireless connectivity, and battery life efficiency. Aside from the original AirPods, the W1 chip made its way to some Beats headphones, like the Beats Solo 3.
The second-generation AirPods brought a new processor in tow, this time featuring an H1 chip. It’s unclear why Apple altered the naming scheme between processor generations, but the H-series moniker is the one it stuck with. Compared to the prior W1 chip, the newer H1 chip featured Bluetooth 5.0 instead of Bluetooth 4.2.
In practical use, AirPods that used the H1 chip could switch between devices at a two times faster rate than before. Latency and connection speeds for phone calls, streaming, and gaming were also improved thanks to the H1 chip.
Plus, if you have AirPods with an H1 chip, you can activate Siri by only using your voice. Battery life is also better on the H1 platform, and you’ll get double the talk time on H1 than you’d find on W1.
Fast-forward to the second-generation AirPods Pro that debuted at the end of 2022, and you’ll find the newest Apple Silicon audio chip available, H2. The H2 chip brought improvements to Spatial Audio, active noise-canceling, and transparency modes. Apple says that the processor runs computational audio algorithms tailored to your specific ear shape, provided you use Personalized Spatial Audio.
At the time, we thought that was all the changes brought by the H2 chip, but WWDC 2023 shed some more light on the upgrades.
The H2 chip is making AirPods Pro even better on iOS 17
(Image credit: Apple)
With iOS 17, second-generation AirPods Pro can take advantage of new features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Adaptive Audio serves as an option between active noise-canceling and transparency mode, automatically blending the two together based on environmental conditions.
This is tied with Conversation Awareness, which can lower the music volume and enhance voices when AirPods detect that you are speaking. There’s also Personalized Volume, which uses machine learning to adjust the sound profile of your AirPods.
These three features are limited to AirPods Pro 2 and are reliant on the H2 chip.
For people who use AirPods Pro often, the upcoming features set to debut this fall could be game-changing, and they’re a direct result of Apple Silicon’s presence in the earbuds.
As we wait to see what Apple will announce at its ‘Wonderlust’ event on September 12, self-employed users and business owners will be looking at how new features will impact them over the coming months.
iOS 17 is almost a grab-bag of features, such as StandBy mode that transforms your iPhone into a helpful alarm clock. Widgets finally come to the desktop in macOS Sonoma, and watchOS 10 gives Apple Watch the biggest redesign since its launch in 2015.
But you may be carrying an Apple device for the workplace that may be locked down. Simply updating to these latest versions may require approval from the IT department, holding you back from trying out these new improvements.
With this in mind, we go through the features that businesses will benefit the most from, and where the iPhone 15 may factor into this.
Workplace features in iOS 17
While several new features in iOS 17 are consumer-focused, they can also benefit business users, which can be specific to certain iPhones used in the workplace.
The list of consumer additions bringing the most business value includes:
AirDrop’s support for completing large transfers over the Internet, is something that will be useful in meetings, conferences, and any other venue where you encounter colleagues that you don’t typically see in the office.
Part of AirDrop’s new features this year as well is NameDrop. It’s a quick and easy way to exchange contact information between two iPhones or Apple Watches – think a 21st-century version of exchanging business cards.
(Image credit: Apple)
Profiles in Safari are also coming to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, which offer a convenient and powerful way to separate how you browse at work and at home. This can separate tabs and bookmarks between profiles, so you can easily switch off from work when needed in Apple’s web browser.
Better AirPlay support at hotels and other venues was teased at WWDC 2023, which includes a partnership with LG to make it easier for travelers, presenters, and business folks to easily display content wherever they are and to cut down on the cables they need to carry.
All of these add up to enhancing that work visit as you plan to network and trade contact details with potential partners. But the improvements also extend to how a company’s IT department manages a group of Apple devices and Apple accounts.
(Image credit: iMore)
Filing a request for IT
The biggest news for IT departments revolves around Managed Apple IDs. Similar to your personal Apple ID, these allow you to access various parts of Apple’s ecosystem but in this case, the Apple ID is matched to the account you use to log in to work computers, apps, and websites.
If you work someplace that offers and maintains many Apple devices, you probably have a Managed Apple ID already, but don’t use it much, or even know it’s there. In the past, they’ve been quite limited for IT departments than users in how they could be managed and controlled. But iOS 17 is a game changer for these second Apple IDs because they now work with parts of iCloud.
(Image credit: Future)
One area where you’ll see the benefit here is passwords and passkeys. You’ll now be able to have separate iCloud Keychains for your personal and work life, so you can sync up work-related passwords across work devices, with no worries about getting them mixed up. Other iCloud features are coming too, such as iCloud Drive storage and the ability to sync/backup the section of your device that involves your work, from notes to messages and media.
Apple IDs are key to Apple’s Continuity features for shifting between Apple devices. If you have multiple devices associated with work for instance, they’ll now support Continuity features like Sidecar, Continuity Camera, Handoff, Instant Hotspot, and Universal Control.
These features should be able to work just as easily as with your personal Apple ID. But we recommend checking with your IT department that this is indeed the case, and there won’t be any potential glitches once some of these features are enabled.
But what about the iPhone 15?
(Image credit: Future / Apple)
Granted, iOS 17 is a big benefit for business users, but what does that mean for the upcoming iPhone 15? Most business and productivity apps usually don’t require a brand-new model. iPhones that can run iOS 17 will likely meet most business needs and continue to be serviceable as before.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider an upgrade regardless, especially if you use it daily. If your iPhone is more than a couple of years old, it will run iOS 17 and virtually every app, but it won’t run these as quickly as the latest model. It likely also has a smaller storage capacity, which can be an issue if you keep a lot of work data on your phone for example. Plus its battery health will have been impacted by years of use, most likely requiring you to charge it at least twice a day.
You may also be in a line of work where things like performance, storage for taking camera shots, and other features are a bigger deal than they are for most people. If you do processor-intensive tasks, such as video editing or other media work, then you likely will want to consider buying an iPhone 15 or 15 Pro Max (Ultra).
If you also need to travel to rural areas, the SOS satellite feature introduced last year in all iPhone 14 models can be a great incentive to replace an older iPhone, just for safety alone.
But once iOS 17 launches later this month, we recommend using it on your current iPhone to start with. This way, you can see if there is any sluggishness while using your iPhone or any other pain points to see if an upgrade can be justified.
Getting a new iPhone
If your employer is providing you with a work device, it’s ultimately their discretion if or when you get a new one. If they offer a timeline for a new device or service, you’ll probably need to use your existing iPhone for a specified period of time before you receive the new model.
But if you use your own iPhone but use it on a company plan with a separate SIM card, you’ll likely face this question as well since that plan will determine when any device on it is eligible for an upgrade.
There’s also the scenario of using your personal iPhone for work tasks within your own cellular plan, where you may get a stipend or reimbursement for part of your monthly bill. But this shouldn’t have any impact on a decision to get a new device.
Yet there could be a situation where your place of work requires an upgrade. There are situations where a company may depreciate an iPhone model and a version of iOS where they don’t support the apps that your place of business offers. This could also be down to security reasons too.
Should you spend the money on an unlocked phone?
Unlocked phones can be used on any carrier, allowing you to switch whenever you choose. For business travelers they also let you use a local carrier whenever you leave your home country, which can be a massive cost savings.
The challenge, of course, is that this means you need to pay the full price of the phone upfront and that you can no longer use Apple Card financing for the purchase.
Final thoughts: Ask your place of work
(Image credit: iMore)
Ultimately, it’s down to the company you work for and the type of work you’re involved in. Most departments will ask for a ‘business case’ in a support ticket, which is a good place to explain the benefits of iOS 17 and the upcoming iPhone 15.
Asking to upgrade just because you prefer the Dynamic Island to the notch won’t be a good reason for your place of work. But if other aspects help the business, yourself, and your colleagues, then that’s going to benefit everyone.
I’ve been testing iOS 17 since the first beta released in June, but it wasn’t until my latest trip to the grocery store that I found that standout feature that I think I’d use every day.
If you’re anything like me, grocery shopping can be a massive source of stress and anxiety that often ends with purchasing far too much food and often unhealthy options. Recently, I bought a Costco membership card, which means even more opportunities for impulsive bulk purchases of food that aren’t good for my gut health. Seriously, I left Costco with 24 cookies and an entire chocolate cake, which I deemed acceptable as I’d give some to my colleagues — I work remotely, so I’ll let you put two and two together.
The trick to healthy food shopping, budgeting, and removing any source of anxiety is a grocery list that prevents impulsive purchases and leaves you in control of your weekly food shop. When I do try to plan my grocery shop, I usually use the Notes app and write a long list of items as they come into my brain. It helps a little, but having the items so scattered means I still end up browsing far too much for that next tasty treat.
(Image credit: Future / Apple)
John-Anthony Disotto
“Maybe with iOS 17 I’ll finally feel in control of my grocery list thanks to the great quality of life improvements in Reminders.”
For this week’s grocery shop, my partner decided to take control and, without realizing what she was about to uncover, opted to use Apple’s Reminders app. It was to our surprise that in iOS 17, Reminders is better than ever when it comes to grocery lists and could genuinely be a life-changer for many people.
Basically, Reminders in iOS 17 allows you to add food items and automatically sorts them based on their food type and, subsequently, their location in a grocery store. With iOS 17, I no longer need to worry about running between sections at the grocery store, which often leads to my wandering eyes finding a new Ben & Jerry’s flavor or a tasty new bag of chips.
When I wrote my preview of iOS 17 with my favorite ten features, I mentioned the improvements to Visual Look Up, which now can work for food and allows you to find new and exciting recipes. Combined with these grocery list improvements in Reminders, the foodies at Apple HQ have made iOS 17 the best update for those who love to wine and dine since the iPhone launched in 2007.
As always with Apple’s app development, there will already be some kind of third-party app that has provided a similar experience when writing your grocery list for years. But Apple providing an option like this in a first-party app is the kind of feature many people could start to rely on because it’s so accessible and pre-installed on your device.
As the How To expert at iMore, I knew that iOS 17 improved grocery lists in Reminders, but my partner definitely did not. Seeing her surprise and delight as she noticed that iOS 17 had solved a problem that we commonly have in our lives is what makes new operating systems so exciting. iOS 17 is likely to launch soon with Apple’s iPhone 15 event on September 12, and before we know it, you might see everyone in your local Walmart with Reminders and a neatly organized grocery list.
