New charging port, double-tap feature: What's new on Apple's new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch
Apple unveiled Tuesday new versions of some of its most popular products, including the new iPhone 15 and Apple Watch.
The company has hosted unveilings for new features of its main product line since 2007, when the launch of the first iPhone.
Tuesday's online presentation, called "Wonderlust," revealed some major changes to the new iPhone and Apple Watch. What are they? And more importantly, how much will they cost? Here's what we found out:
iPhone 15 titanium exterior
The new iPhone has four new models: the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
The 15 model will have the Dynamic Island feature (a small notch at the top of the screen that displays alerts and notifications of all kinds), which was first introduced for the iPhone 14 pro model last year. The new version has some expanded uses, allowing users to check a food delivery status, a game score and GPS directions.
The new iPhone 15 comes in five different colors: pink, yellow, green, blue and black. All models will have a new titanium exterior, replacing the stainless steel used since the iPhone X.
The new camera will include several new functions, the highlight of which includes a greater optical zoom with a 48-megapixel main camera sensor — last year's iPhone 14's sensor has 12 megapixels. The Pro Max model will even have a 5X optical zoom.
The company also promised the new model will continue with its "all-day battery life," with the 15 Plus and Pro models with even longer-lasting batteries.
The iPhone 15 is $799, while the 15 Plus is $899, the 15 Pro is $999, and the Pro Max starts at $1,199. Models will be available for preorder on Sept. 15 and then sold online and in stores on Sept. 22.
New USB-C charging port
Perhaps the most significant of changes to the iPhone is the switch from Lightning to USB-C charging.
The cable that typically charged MacBook laptops, iPads and other devices will now charge the iPhone, too, as well as second generation AirPods 2. Earbuds will also have the USB-C cable to accommodate the change.
This change comes after the European Union's decision last year to require USB-C for all electronic devices.
Apple Watch double tap is a new feature
The presentation also featured several changes to the Apple Watch.
The new Series 9 model has a new processing chip, S9-Sip, which Apple said is faster than previous editions of the watch.
But the most exciting change is the "double-tap" feature. It when receiving a call, you simply have to tap your thumb and index finger twice to both answer and end a call.
Other changes include faster Siri functionality and brighter screen display.
The Apple Watch Series 9 goes on sale Sept. 22 and costs $399.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Apple announces new iPhone 15, Apple Watch models. What's new?
