Apple is set to spring larger-than-usual surprises at its flagship annual September event, where the tech giant is preparing to unveil its iPhone 15 lineup. The launch, kicked off by the cryptic tagline "wonderlust," will take place at Apple's base in Cupertino, California, and will livestream on the company's website beginning at 10 a.m. local time.
This year promises to break the cycle of predictable iPhone advancements such as camera updates and minor display touch-ups. Apple is reportedly incorporating USB-C charging in its smartphones for the first time, which could revolutionize the charging process across diverse devices and manufacturers. However, amid falling sales, Apple will need to impress customers with more than just charger improvements to encourage device upgrades.
A major pivot towards USB-C technology is in the air, following the adaptation seen in Apple's iPads and MacBooks. This aligns with a similar direction by the European Union, requiring most digital devices to feature USB-C charging by 2024. "This is arguably the biggest disruption to iPhone design for several years, but in reality, it is hardly a dramatic move," stated analyst Ben Wood from CCS Insight.
Despite Apple's Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, previously highlighting the merits of the Lightning charger, he noted that compliance with the EU's mandate is a necessity. Along with the USB-C transition might come a wave of fresh charging accessories, notably different sized USB-C wall adapter, which could lead to increased costs for users.
Subsequent leaks about the iPhone 15 suggest several major developments. The next-generation Pro iPhone models may feature a periscope lens allowing for enhanced optical zoom, a lighter titanium casing, and Apple’s new A17 chip, promising faster processing and increased battery life. Furthermore, anticipations of fresh shades for the iPhone are floating around, potentially to include navy, white, gray, and silver.
Apple tossed a curveball in June by launching the Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset being hailed as a stride toward a new phase of "spatial computing." Yoram Wurmser, an analyst at Insider Intelligence, speculates that Apple might reveal novel features for the Vision Pro to stir interest ahead of the product's 2024 release.
Alongside the iPhone, Apple's customary practice is to showcase its latest watches, so the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 9 and possibly an Ultra 2 Smartwatch is anticipated. Apple's next-gen AirPods, slated to gear up with USB-C charging, are also expected to make an appearance, along with the announcement of release dates for updated operating systems for various Apple devices. An array of features for iOS 17 was teased in May, offering tools including improved autocorrect, real-time voicemail transcription, and enhanced contact sharing.
Nevertheless, analysts believe the new iPhone will be the undisputed star of the show, suggesting that new iPads or Mac computers won't be introduced until October. Even as competitors Samsung and Google double down on foldable devices, no similar move is expected from Apple this fall.
