MacRumors

While the new AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case are still classified as second-generation AirPods Pro, the earbuds have a few other new features.

AirPods USB C Port
In a press release today, Apple announced that the updated second-generation AirPods Pro will support 20-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with ultra-low latency when the earbuds are connected to Apple's new Vision Pro headset launching in early 2024.

"When Apple Vision Pro is available early next year in the U.S., customers will be able to enjoy the most advanced wireless audio experience in the industry with the new AirPods Pro for exceptional entertainment, gaming, FaceTime calls, and so much more," said Apple.

Apple also said the updated AirPods Pro have additional IP54-rated dust resistance for both the earbuds and the charging case.

The updated AirPods Pro are available to order starting today for $249, and will be available in stores beginning Friday, September 22. Apple is not selling the USB-C charging case separately, and it has discontinued the AirPods Pro with a Lightning case. The standard third-generation AirPods and the AirPods Max were not updated today.

Related Roundups: AirPods Pro, Apple Vision Pro
Related Forums: AirPods, Apple Vision Pro

Now that the iPhone 15 models have a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, it is possible to use an ‌iPhone 15‌ to charge the AirPods or Apple Watch directly.

iPhone 15 USB C Port Event Still
You'll need an appropriate cable to charge with an iPhone, such as a USB-C to USB-C cable for the new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Charging Case, or a USB-C Apple Watch charging puck, but it's a useful function that wasn't available with Lightning.

Apple highlighted the new functionality in its iPhone 15 Pro announcement and it makes sense because USB-C Macs can be used for charging the AirPods and Apple Watch, but it is novel because we aren't accustomed to charging accessories with an ‌iPhone‌.

If your AirPods or Apple Watch run out of battery while you don't have access to a charger, it is convenient to be able to use the ‌iPhone‌'s battery for a little extra juice rather than carrying around a battery pack.

USB-C brings other conveniences, such as the ability to use the same charging cable for Macs, iPads, iPhones, and other USB-C accessories. On the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro models, it also brings faster USB 3 transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s, provided you're using the right cable. ‌iPhone 15‌ models are limited to USB 2 charging speeds, the same as the Lighting port.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

Apple today held its "Wonderlust" fall event, introducing the iPhone 15, ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus, ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. It took Apple an hour and a half to introduce all of the new devices, but we've recapped everything in a super quick six minute video for our readers who want a short but detailed overview of all of the new announcements.


We've also rounded up all of our event coverage, so make sure to take a look at our articles to avoid missing any new details about Apple's latest devices.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Software

Cases and Accessories

Other Announcements

The Apple Watch Series 9 and ‌Apple Watch Ultra 2‌ can be preordered starting today. Preorders for the ‌iPhone 15‌ models will take place on Friday, September 15. All of the new devices are set to launch on Friday, September 22.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

Following the introduction of the iPhone 15, ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus, ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, Apple is letting customers prepare for pre-orders, which are set to begin on Friday, September 15 at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

iphone 15 get ready apple
Prospective ‌iPhone 15‌ buyers can use the Apple Store app to select their preferred phone, confirm their status with their carrier, add accessories, choose an AppleCare+ plan, and add a preferred payment method ahead of when pre-orders go live. Payment in full and other payment options are supported.

iPhone Upgrade Program members are able to select their iPhones and complete pre-approval steps like checking upgrade eligibility, securing credit lines, and confirming shipping details.

The "Get Ready" feature is designed to allow customers to pre-order their iPhones with the tap of a button to make the purchasing process quicker.

The ‌iPhone 15‌ is priced starting at $799, while the ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus is priced starting at $899. The ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro is priced starting at $999, and the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max is priced starting at $1,199. After pre-orders take place on September 15, a launch will follow on Friday, September 22.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

Following today's keynote event that saw Apple introducing the new iPhone 15, ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus, ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, Apple allowed members of the media in attendance to spend some hands-on time with the new devices. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera was at Apple Park for the event, so he's able to give us an early look at the ‌iPhone 15‌ lineup, as well as his first thoughts.


The ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro models are made from titanium, and they are noticeably lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro models. There are contoured edges that improve the feel of the ‌iPhone‌ in the hand, and the Pro models are overall much more comfortable to hold. Apple also cut down on bezel size for even more display than ever, and the Action Button that replaces the Mute Switch is super convenient.

Apple added a 5x zoom lens to the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max and at its 120mm focal length, you can get great portrait shots. There are options on both Pro models to change the focal length of the Main camera, which you can do just by tapping. It can be set to 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm, and the ability to change focal length is useful for pro photographers.

As for the standard ‌iPhone 15‌ models, they're more Pro-like than ever with the addition of the Dynamic Island and the new matte glass back. Apple say it is using back glass that has color infused throughout the material, and it's a nice look, especially with the pastel color options.

For more on what Dan thought of the ‌iPhone 15‌ models, make sure to check out his full video, and for more of our coverage, visit our 2023 Apple Event hub.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

Apple today shared in-depth lists of all new features coming with the iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma software updates, which are all set to be released later this month. The lists are available as PDFs on Apple's website.

General iOS 17 Feature Orange Purple
A key new feature of iOS 17 is StandBy, a new full-screen view that provides glanceable information designed to be viewed from a distance when an iPhone is on its side and charging. The customizable interface can show a clock in various styles, a calendar, favorite photos, the weather forecast, music playback controls, widgets, and more.

Additional new features on iOS 17 include Contact Posters, NameDrop, Live Voicemail, Check In, the ability to download Apple Maps for offline use, and much more, with a full overview of the update available in our iOS 17 roundup.

iPadOS 17 has many of the same features as iOS 17, plus adds widgets on the Lock Screen, Live Activities support, a Health app for the iPad, and more. For a comprehensive look at everything new for the iPad, read our iPadOS 17 roundup.

macOS Sonoma has an assortment of new features and enhancements for the Mac, including interactive widgets on the desktop, Apple TV-like aerial screensavers, enhancements to apps like Messages and Safari, a new Game mode that prioritizes CPU and GPU performance for gaming, and more, with more details available in our macOS Sonoma roundup.

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will be released on Monday, September 18, while macOS Sonoma will be released on Tuesday, September 26, according to Apple.

Related Forums: iOS 17, iPadOS 17

The iPhone 15 Pro and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max include support for the Thread mesh networking protocol. Thread networking technology is listed as a new feature for the Pro models, but it is not included in the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus.

iphone 15 pro gray
Apple says that the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro is the first smartphone with a Thread radio, which can be used to directly control Thread-enabled smart home products. Thread has previously been added to the HomePod mini and Apple TV, but no other Apple devices have Thread connectivity.

In the press release for the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro models, Apple explains that Thread opens up "future opportunities for Home app integrations."

Thread is a mesh smart home network system that improves the connectivity and responsiveness of connected products.

The iPhone 15 Pro and the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max are the first iPhones to support next-generation Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, with the standard ‌iPhone 15‌ models continuing to be limited to Wi-Fi 6.

apple iphone 15 white titanium
With Wi-Fi 6E support, the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro and Pro Max can connect to the 6GHz band offered by Wi-Fi 6E routers for faster speeds, improved latency, and less interference from other devices.

Connecting to Wi-Fi 6E does require a Wi-Fi 6E router, but there are multiple options on the market now. There are still a limited number of devices that have Wi-Fi 6E support, so for now, the 6GHz band has a lot less congestion.

Apple has been adding Wi-Fi 6E support to its devices since 2022. It is available in the latest iPad Pro models, the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro, the Mac mini, the Mac Studio, and the Mac Pro machines.

At today's iPhone 15 event, Apple introduced an add-on feature to Emergency SOS via Satellite called Roadside Assistance via Satellite. The feature is similar to Emergency SOS, but it allows iPhone users to contact roadside assistance if they have car trouble in an area without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.

apple roadside assistance
Roadside Assistance via Satellite is available for the ‌iPhone 15‌ models, but it is also a feature that is retroactively available for the ‌iPhone‌ 14 lineup. Available in the United States, roadside assistance is being offered through a partnership with AAA.

The functionality is included in an AAA membership, but Apple said that ‌iPhone‌ users can also get access separately. The company did not provide details on what it would cost without an AAA membership, but AAA is priced starting at $65 per year.

As with Emergency SOS via Satellite, you can text roadside assistance and choose what you need help with. Options demonstrated at the event included flat tire, no fuel, locked out, vehicle stuck, and vehicle does not start.

Apple includes two years of Emergency SOS via Satellite and Roadside Assistance via Satellite connectivity for free with the purchase of an ‌iPhone‌ 14 or ‌iPhone 15‌. Note that in the case of Roadside Assistance, you need the satellite connectivity and to pay the additional fee to AAA.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a new Telephoto lens that uses a tetraprism design to enable 5x optical zoom, an improvement over the 3x zoom that's available in the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro and the prior-generation iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models.

iphone 15 pro max camera
5x optical zoom allows for 25x digital zoom, and while that's the most zoom an Apple device has offered, it still falls below the competition.

Samsung's latest Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone has 100x Space Zoom that can capture images from 330 feet away. The Pixel 7 Pro has 30x digital "Super Res Zoom" with its 5x optical zoom lens. Apple has never leaned into digital zoom because the quality is poor. Optical zoom provides a crisp, clear image using the camera hardware, but digital zoom uses software enhancement to crop in.

5x optical zoom is an ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max-specific feature that is not available on the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro. Both devices share other camera improvements, though. The 48-megapixel main camera has a larger sensor that lets in more light, and it can be set to 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm focal lengths.

There's also an updated 13mm Ultra Wide camera, and second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization.

Apple's new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max models all remain equipped with a physical SIM card tray outside of the United States, as a rumored eSIM-only expansion with the devices failed to materialize.

iPhone 15 SIM Tray
Tech specs on Apple's website confirm that all four iPhone 15 models remain compatible with nano-SIM cards in countries such as the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Singapore, Turkey, and everywhere else they are sold. In most countries, the devices also continue to support eSIM as well, allowing for dual-SIM functionality with cellular networks.

Apple removed the SIM card tray from all iPhone 14 models in the U.S. last year, forcing customers to use an eSIM, a digital SIM that allows users to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical nano-SIM card. Apple has a support document with a list of carriers that support eSIM technology around the world.

When the iPhone 14 series launched in the U.S., Apple promoted eSIMs as being more secure than a physical SIM since they cannot be removed from an iPhone that is lost or stolen. Apple added that up to eight eSIMs can be managed in the iPhone's Settings app, eliminating the need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards while traveling. iPhone 13 and newer models can have two eSIMs active at the same time.

With eSIM availability expanding, the SIM card tray might eventually be removed from iPhones sold outside of the U.S., but for now it lives another year.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

During Apple's "Wonderlust" event today the company unveiled new models of the Apple Watch and iPhone, and as is customary, we're also getting a fresh batch of accessories to match the new hardware. We've already covered all of the iPhone cases that debuted today, and this article will focus on Apple Watch bands.

Apple Watch Series 9
Starting with the Sport Loop ($49.00), the new 2023 colors include Cypress, Winter Blue, Midnight, Starlight, and Light Pink.

sport loop 2023
Sport Band ($49.00) colors include Winter Blue, Mulberry, Storm Blue, Clay, and Light Pink.

new sport bands
Apple's new FineWoven material comes in two options for Apple Watch bands: Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle. You can get the Magnetic Link ($99.00) in Taupe, Evergreen, and Pacific Blue; Modern Buckle ($149.00) is available in Mulberry, Tan, and Lavender Blue.

finewoven bands 2023
For Apple Watch Ultra band options, there's the Alpine Loop ($99.00) in Indigo, Blue, and Olive; the Trail Loop ($99.00) in Blue/Black, Green/Gray, and Orange/Beige; and the Ocean Band ($99.00) in Blue and Orange.

ultra bands 2023
Moving to the Nike band options, you can get the Nike Sport Loop ($49.00) in Game Royal/Orange, Starlight/Pink, Sequoia/Orange, Black/Blue, and Bright Green/Blue.

The Nike Sport Band ($49.00) is available in Blue Flame, Desert Stone, Magic Ember, Midnight Sky, Cargo Khaki, and Pure Platinum.

nike bands 2023
New Solo Loop ($49.00) colors include Cypress, Orange Sorbet, Winter Blue, and Light Pink.

New Braided Solo Loop ($99.00) colors include Storm Blue, Guava, Beige, and Clay.

solo loop 2023
Last are all of the new Hermès bands Apple debuted today, including the Single Tour ($349.00) in Gold/Ecru, Vert/Noir, and Denim/Noir.

The Twill Jump Single Tour ($349.00) is available in Orange/Rose Mexico, Noir/Gold, Navy/Rouge, and Orange/Kaki.

hermes bands 2023
The Bridon Single Tour ($349.00) is available in Rouge, Navy, Kaki, and Noir.

The last Hermès band is the Kilim Single Tour ($349.00) in Rouge, Orange, Navy, Kaki, and Noir.

We're still covering news out of today's event, so be sure to check out all of our posts including those for the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and iPhone 15 Pro.

Related Forum: Apple Watch

When the iPhone 15 and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro models were introduced today, Apple's Kaiann Drance mentioned that they support the next-generation Qi2 charging standard, but that apparently does not mean that Qi charging will be faster.

magsafe charger blue
Apple's technical specifications page for the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro models says that Qi-based charging is still limited to 7.5W, while MagSafe charging is 15W.

Qi2 is a new wireless charging standard built on ‌MagSafe‌ charging technology supplied by Apple. It includes a Magnetic Power Profile that ensures that smartphones are "perfectly aligned with charging devices" and it is meant to offer "improved energy efficiency and faster charging."

Some companies have announced Qi2 chargers that can charge at up to 15W, the same as ‌MagSafe‌, but it does not appear that Apple's iPhones will support the faster 15W Qi2 charging functionality.

There have been no improvements to ‌MagSafe‌ charging speeds either, and rumors that suggested we could see quicker wired charging may also be incorrect. 9to5Mac said that the ‌iPhone 15‌ models could support faster charging speeds using a 35W charger, but Apple's technical specifications page doesn't list any improvement to fast charging.

The ‌iPhone 15‌ models will continue to charge to 50 percent in around 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. It is possible that using a 35W or higher charger will speed up charging, but that will need to be figured out once the devices are released.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

Apple today discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger immediately following its iPhone 15 event. Both accessories are no longer available to order on Apple's online store, with the product listings completely removed.

magsafe purple
Both the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger were equipped with a Lightning port, so it is not too surprising that they were discontinued after Apple introduced four new iPhone 15 models with USB-C ports. Last year, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had predicted that the MagSafe Battery Pack would transition to USB-C eventually, but it's unclear if that will ever happen or if the accessory has been retired for good.

Released in 2021, the ‌MagSafe Battery Pack‌ was priced at $99 and attaches magnetically to the back of the iPhone 12 and newer, providing hours of additional battery life. Meanwhile, the MagSafe Duo was a $129 foldable charging mat with both a MagSafe charger for iPhones and an Apple Watch magnetic charging puck.

Apple did release some other new USB-C accessories, including updated AirPods Pro and EarPods, while the Apple TV's Siri Remote gained a USB-C port last year.

Ahead of the launch of the iPhone 15 and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro models, rumors from leakers like Majin Bu and Kosutami suggested that the new iPhones would be sold with color-matched braided USB-C to USB-C cables, but that didn't happen.

iphone 15 charging cable

The cable that comes with the new ‌iPhone 15‌

Apple did update the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro with a USB-C port, but they are sold with standard, plain white braided USB-C to USB-C cables.

Images of the supposed "color-matched" cables were in the soft pastel colors that the iPhones were rumored to come in, but looking back, the colors were slightly off. Leaks also suggested that the cables could be 50 percent longer at 1.5m in length, but that was also incorrect.

iphone 15 color matched cables

The rumored color-matched cables that turned out to be fake

All of the ‌iPhone 15‌ models are sold with a USB-C to USB-C cable that is one meter in length, but the cables are indeed braided for additional durability. Apple is selling no braided USB-C to USB-C cables in colors that match the iPhones, though there is a 1-meter black Thunderbolt 4 cable that enables USB 3.2 transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s on the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

Following today's "Wonderlust" Apple event, singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo released the first music video shot on Apple's all-new iPhone 15 Pro. The video is for Rodrigo's song "get him back!", from her sophomore album "GUTS," which released last week.

The ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max feature an improved camera system, including a main camera with a larger sensor, a new coating to reduce lens flare, and better low light performance for Portraits and Night mode. The main camera allows users to switch between three focal lengths (24mm, 28mm, and 35mm) and choose one as a new default.

The ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro features a 3x Telephoto camera, while the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max has the longest optical zoom ever seen on an iPhone: 5x at 120mm. Apple said that thanks to optical image stabilization, an autofocus 3D sensor-shift module, and a tetraprism design, the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max camera is the company's most advanced stabilization system yet.

The new camera also has an updated Smart HDR system that will capture subjects and backgrounds with more true-to-life renderings of skin tones, ensuring photos have brighter highlights, richer midtones, and deeper shadows. All of these upgrades come from Apple's new A17 Pro chip.

For more details about the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro and Pro Max, be sure to read our announcement article on the smartphones.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 feature 64GB of storage, double the amount of previous generations.

Apple Watch Series 9
As listed on Apple's specifications page, all versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 and ‌Apple Watch Ultra 2‌ feature twice as much storage as their predecessors. The increase offers substantially more space for apps and media, and is presumably related to the all-new S9 chip, which brings significant performance and efficiency improvements to the Apple Watch.

The original Apple Watch, Series 2, and Series 3, had just 8GB of storage, increasing to 16GB on the Apple Watch Series 4. The Apple Watch Series 5 increased storage once more to 32GB, where it has remained through the Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8, making the Series 9 the first time the Apple has increased the device's storage in five years.

It is worth noting that only a proportion of the Apple Watch's storage is available for media like music and podcasts, since Apple caps it at 25% of the device's total storage pool. This means recent models have been unable to store more than 8GB of media. With the Apple Watch Series 9 and ‌Apple Watch Ultra 2‌, users will be able to store 16GB of media.

Related Forum: Apple Watch

Ahead of the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro models, there were rumors that said both devices would see a price increase. It was speculated that the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro could start at $1,099 and the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max could start at $1,199, which, as it turns out, isn't quite right.

iphone 15 pro
Apple did not change the price of the ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro, and it is still priced starting at $999 for 128GB of storage.

The ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max is priced starting at $1,199, but that's only because Apple has eliminated the 128GB storage tier for that device. It now starts at 256GB, and $1,199 is the same price Apple charged for the 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Apple is charging $1,399 for the 512GB ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max and $1,599 for the 1TB ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max, so the pricing is the same as the ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro Max for all storage capacities.

The standard ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus models have not changed in price. The ‌iPhone 15‌ is priced starting at $799 and the ‌iPhone 15‌ Plus is priced starting at $899.