Apple usually reserves its September event to release its latest iPhones, and this year is no different. At its “Wonderlust” event in 2023, Tim Cook announced the latest iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models.
So, what new features are we getting with the latest iPhones, when are we getting them, and how much will they cost? We’ll discuss everything below.
What’s New With the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus?
The biggest rumor about the iPhone 15 was its switch from Lightning toa USB-C port—and this proved true when Apple showed it during the event.
But besides the USB-C upgrade, the iPhone 15 is getting a slew of other features. For instance, Apple launched Emergency SOS via satellite for the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro in 2022. In 2023, the company is expanding that with Roadside Assistance via satellite. That way, you can request car rescue before it becomes an actual emergency, even if you’re outside of cellular coverage.
The iPhone 15 is also getting a better camera experience, with its main sensor now upgraded to 48MP. And, like the iPhone 14 Pro, it gets the 12MP 2x telephoto option, so you effectively have three zoom levels—0.5x, 1x, and 2x—on the dual-camera iPhone.
Of course, we cannot forget about the physical changes on the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 is finally gettingthe Dynamic Island cutout that debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro. Furthermore, its display can now deliver up to 2,000 nits of brightness under bright sunlight. It’s also available in five colors—Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink.
What’s New With the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Like the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Pro also features a USB-C port. But Apple is taking it a step further by giving the Pro model USB 3.0 speeds. This means transferring files via the USB-C port is faster than ever.
Both the Pro models are powered by an all-new 3nm A17 Pro chip with 6 GPU cores, which supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing. It can run full-blown console games such as Death Stranding, Resident Evil Village, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
The iPhone 15 Pro also lets you record video directly to an external hard drive, so filmmakers can record 4K/60FPS ProRes video without worrying about running out of storage space.
And if you’re getting the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you’re in for a treat. The phone’s telephoto lens now gets a 5x zoom with a 120mm-equivalent lens using a tetraprism design, allowing it to zoom in close without the bulk of a wide-aperture telephoto lens.
Another feature Apple changed on the iPhone 15 Pro is the Ring/Silent switch. Ever since the original iPhone, this switch has been there to set the phone to mute quickly. But, on the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple is changing this to the Action button—much like the one you’d find on the Apple Watch Ultra.
Aside from putting the phone on Silent or Ring modes, you may change the Action button to turn on the camera or flashlight, record voice memos, turn on translate, or even activate some accessibility features. You can even use it torun iOS Shortcuts, like launching your favorite app or performing other custom tasks.
Lastly, the iPhone 15 Pro is getting a new titanium band to increase its strength without adding more weight. Instead of the glossy stainless steel frame on the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will get a brushed titanium frame with contoured edges, making it far easier and more comfortable to hold.
How Much Will the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Cost?
One of the biggest questions everyone asks during an iPhone launch is how much it will cost. So, these are the prices Apple revealed during its “Wonderlust” event:
Apple is also offering up to $800 off on the iPhone 15 and up to $1,000 off on the iPhone 15 Proif you trade in your current iPhone.
When Can You Buy the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro?
If you’ve decided to buy Apple’s latest iPhones, you’ll be happy to know you don’t have to wait too long. Apple will list all iPhone 15 models for pre-order on Friday, September 15, and you’re able to buy it from store shelves a week later, starting July 16, 2025.
The iPhone 15 Marks a New Era for iPhones
After over a decade, Apple has finally retired the Lightning port to bring USB-C to its flagship iPhones. It has also ditched the iconic Ring/Silent switch on the Pro models in favor of a versatile Action button. While these changes are a significant departure from what we’re used to with Apple, they’re also good for consumers as they give us more options.
And, with the introduction of the Dynamic Island on standard iPhones, Apple is slowly but surely changing the shape of the iPhone as we know it. And even though we no longer get a design overhaul every three years (with the current design entering its fourth year), these changes are enough to warrant a second look for those looking to upgrade their current iPhones.
