Apple’s iPhone 15 launch preview: What to expect

Yes, we’re already at number 15.

In a few weeks, as it typically happens in early September, Apple is about to launch new iPhones – more precisely, four variants of the iPhone 15, though the name hasn’t officially been confirmed yet. Another sure bet is upgrades to the company’s Apple Watch. There’s a small chance we’ll see new iPads and AirPods as well, and there’s always the possibility of Apple’s “one more thing.” Nothing is official until Apple says so, but thanks to a slew of rumors and reports, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect this year.

When is the event happening?

The Apple event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12. Apple typically launches new iPhones in the first half of September, so it appears this year will be no exception.

Apple sent out invites for the event two weeks in advance. The event will start at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) and will last about an hour if it is the same length as previous events. It will be streamed on Apple’s website and on YouTube.

The Dynamic Island could be standard on all four iPhone 15 versions

Last year, Apple surprised everyone with the iPhone’s Dynamic Island, a rethinking of the notch which cleverly turns the otherwise dead area of the screen into a fun and versatile feature.

But the Dynamic Island was reserved for the Pro models only, leaving the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus as one of the least interesting upgrades to iPhone’s base models in a while. This year, this is (probably) about to change.

Rumors have it that all four new iPhone models – the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max (which may be renamed to Ultra) will have the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 15 lineup of phones will have a similar face, Dynamic Island and all, but the Pro models will stand out in other ways.
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Other than that, the new iPhones will be quite similar to last year’s model, though there will be subtle differences, including a new, “action” button, slightly more curved front glass on the front and a titanium chassis on the Pro models. The action button is particularly interesting, as it will give users more options to set up custom commands, replacing the plain old mute switch.

And yes, it’s finally happening: There are numerous indications, as well as near-confirmation from Apple, that the new iPhones will come with a USB-C port this year. Goodbye, Lightning, we probably won’t miss you.

Other improvements include new A17 chips (for the Pro models only), a periscope-style telephoto camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, faster charging speeds, and overall improvements to all of the new models’ cameras.

Of course, the iPhone 15 launch will coincide with the launch of iOS 17, which is currently available as beta software.

Apple’s iPhones typically become available about a week after launch, though this year we have reason to believe that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will come a few weeks later than the other models.

Updates to Apple Watch

Last year, Apple updated the Apple Watch to Series 8, launched a new Apple Watch SE, and introduced the all-new Apple Watch Ultra. The SE typically gets updated every other year, so this year we probably won’t be getting a new one, but the Apple Watch Series 9 is a pretty safe bet, and a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra is a possibility, too.

Oddly, we know very little on what Apple has in store for its new watches. Yes, there will likely be a new chip inside, bringing faster operation and (potentially) improved battery life, but other than that, we’re in the dark. We know Apple is considering adding new sensors to the Apple Watch, including a blood pressure sensor, but that may not come until next year. One leaker claims the watch will be available in all-new Pink color, which would be cool.

Apple Watch Ultra is still pretty fresh, but there are indications that it will get an update this year.
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

As for the updated Apple Watch Ultra, if it does happen, the only thing we can be fairly certain about is that it’ll come with a faster processor and, possibly, a new “black titanium” option.

AirPods, iPads, and other possibilities

Apple’s lineup of devices has grown so large that the company practically has to lump several “minor” gadgets in with the iPhone launch. Last year, we got the new AirPods Pro, which are typically updated every three years, so it’s unlikely that they get upgraded this year. The AirPods Max haven’t been updated since their launch in 2020, so there’s a (small) chance that we’ll see a new version in September.

We’re probably not getting the Vision Pro just yet, but we may find out more about it.
Credit: Apple

Apple’s Vision Pro virtual reality headset isn’t even properly out yet (it should become available in early 2024), but Apple might share some new tidbits about it, as well as showcase new software. Finally, the iPad mini was last updated at the iPhone 13 launch in 2021, so it could see the light of day this year, though we haven’t heard much about potential changes to the device.

As always, Mashable will be attending the event in person and obsessively covering every detail.