Everything You Need To Know About The Apple Wonderlust Event 2023: Key Highlights, New Launches

• Apple held its most anticipated annual product launch event ‘Wonderlust’ on 12th September 2023.
  
• The key highlights include newly launched iPhone 15 models, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and AirPods Pro 2.
  
• The iPhone 15 India price starts from Rs. 79,900 and it’ll come with USB Type C charging in all variants.

Apple’s most awaited annual launch event “Wonderlust” commenced with a keynote speech from CEO Tim Cook. It took place at the Steve Jobs Theater, named after the company’s late co-founder, at its Apple Park corporate headquarters in Cupertino, California. The event was live streamed in the wee hours of 12th September 2023 as per Indian Standard Time and is now available on Apple’s official YouTube handle.

At the event, Apple officially introduced its latest lineup, including the iPhone 15 series, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch Series 9, as well as the AirPods Pro 2. Furthermore, the tech giant is now adopting a USB-C connector for the iPhones. The starting prices for these products range from $399 (Rs. 33k approx.) for the Apple Watch Series 9 to $999 (Rs. 83k approx.) for the iPhone 15 Pro.

Apple also revealed that it would stop using leather in its watch straps and phone cases as part of its efforts to cut down its carbon emissions to zero. They have now added more recycled rare metals to the iPhone range. The tech company depicted its sustainability efforts through this brilliantly thought video.

Also Read: Know Everything That The Upcoming iOS 17 Has To Offer

iPhone 15 Series

The moment that all the iPhone lovers had been waiting for is finally here. Apple launched the iPhone 15 series globally at the “Wonderlust” event last night. With a new design, promising upgrades, and 5 gorgeous colour options, the iPhone 15 looks like quite a catch for Apple enthusiasts. Four new series of the model include, the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Plus.

Additionally, the iPhone 15 series features the Super Retina XDR display and the A16 Bionic chip. It comes in two sizes, with a new contour edge design and vibrant color options. The advanced camera system offers 48-megapixel capabilities, auto portrait mode, and 4K recording. The iPhone 15 Pro introduces titanium construction, gaming-focused software features, and a more repairable design. It also features the A17 Pro chip and a pro-level camera system with multiple lenses.

If you are looking forward to upgrading to iPhone 15 from your old iPhone, or are planning to buy an iPhone for the first time ever, read on to know all about the iPhone 15 that has just been launched:

Design and display: 

The iPhone 15 comes with a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch display. The smartphone will be available in five colour options – pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. The tech giant has retained the same design as the iPhone 14 and previous models this time as well. However, instead of the usual notch you get a Dynamic Island notch, which was a hit with the iPhone 14 Pro models last year.

Dynamic Island notch:

The feature that was the most talked about even before the launch was the Dynamic Island notch, which can adjust its size according to the notification. Apple has added this new feature to all iPhone 15 models along with more functionality features. It can now track your pizza delivery, your cab rides, match scores and more. Earlier, the Dynamic Island notch design was restricted only to the Pro models in the iPhone 14. But now with iPhone 15, even the base model will have this feature.

Camera: 

As expected, the camera has a major upgrade with a 48-megapixel primary camera sensor this time with a 2x telephoto camera. To recall, the iPhone 14 had a 12-megapixel dual camera system. Hence, comparatively, the iPhone 15 promises better low light photography and portrait shots. It also comes with Smart HDR and improved night mode. Users can record 4K videos in 60FPS. After you click a portrait, you can shift the focus of the subject in the picture and also make adjustments to the focal length and depth control options.

Battery: 

It comes with an “all-day battery life.“

Processor:

It is now powered by Apple’s A16 bionic processor which was added to the iPhone 14 Pro models last year.

USB Type C charging: 

Another feature of the phone that was much-awaited is the shift to the USB Type C charging port. Apple has completely said goodbye to the lightning port and has embraced the more commonly used USB Type C charging after new EU rules demanded the company adopt a universal standard. Hence, no need to carry your special iPhone charging cable around everywhere you go anymore. The USB-C charger is compatible with all devices and now with Apple products too.

iPhone 15 price in India

The iPhone 15 has been launched at the same price at which the iPhone 14 made its debut in India last year. The base price of the 128GB variant for the iPhone 15 is Rs. 79,900 while the 256GB variant costs Rs. 89,900. The 512GB variant will be up for grabs for Rs. 1,09,900. The new smartphone will go on sale in India from 22nd September 2023. You can also pre-order the device from 15th September 2023, 5:30 PM IST onwards.

About iPhone 15 Pro

The iPhone 15 Pro replaces the stainless steel used since the iPhone X was launched, with titanium sides. The Pro models will also have the faster A17 chip that the company claims will improve the mobile gaming experience. It will also include a customisable action button on the side of the phone, instead of its usual mute toggle which could be programmed to open up the camera, for example. There will be three cameras, similar to previous models, and a 48-megapixel main camera sensor and 5X optical zoom. The Pro models will come in 4 colours: black, dark blue, dark gray and light grey. The iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 (Rs. 83k approx), while the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199 (Rs. 1,00,000 approx.)

The NavIC System

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is a regional navigation satellite system developed by ISRO in collaboration with Qualcomm. A first for Apple, this navigation tech has been integrated into the new iPhones’ chipsets. Having NavIC in the A17 Pro chipset present in the new iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models, is being seen as a big feat in whole.

“Made In India” iPhones

A new Bloomberg report suggests that the iPhone 15s assembled in India will go on sale on the very first day; arriving at the same time as the China-made ones. This means iPhone buyers in India will not have to wait for longer periods to get their hands on the new devices. This will also mark a milestone for India’s electronics ambition and “Make in India” movement. Since 2020, Apple has been producing its flagship smartphones like the iPhone 14 in India. The Cupertino-based company is now producing 7% of its iPhones in India and is expecting to increase that figure to 25% by 2025.

What’s New With Apple Watch

• The new Apple Watch Series 9 boasts significant improvements, featuring the S9 SiP processing chip which the tech giant claims is 60% faster, coupled with a 30% faster GPU.
  
• Notably, new features include health data access with Siri, Name Drop for sharing information with nearby users, and Double Tap for watch control. This feature allows users to answer a call or control any number of actions in an app by tapping their index finger and thumb together, twice.
  
• It has a more advanced second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip that allows ‘Precision Finding’ for iPhones using the same chip. Your watch will not only guide you with distance and direction but also provide you with haptic and audible feedback to locate your misplaced iPhone.
  
• Series 9 comes in updated colors including pink, starlight and silver. The watch will also go on sale on 22nd September 2023 along with the new iPhone.

The company also announced an update to last year’s Apple Watch Ultra, with customisable watch faces and power zones for data collection during exercise. Similar to the Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will also have the “double tap” feature and the S9 SiP processor. It will have an on-device Siri, enabling faster, more accurate responses, a bright display upto 3000 nits, and a wider elevation range support. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be $799 (Rs. 66k approx).

Samsung and OnePlus Take A Dig At Apple

The age-old rivalry between tech titans Samsung and Apple has once again come to the forefront, with Samsung leading the charge in a cheeky bout of online banter. As Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 15 series, Samsung and OnePlus seized the opportunity to troll their California-based counterpart.

Last year, Samsung took a dig at Apple for the absence of a foldable phone, and this time, it’s all about the USB-C port. The tech company also took a dig at Apple’s famous catchphrase ‘One More Thing‘ saying “This one REALLY could have used “one more thing.”

While Apple products have always been considered to be pricey, OnePlus poked fun at the pricing of the Apple Watch in its tweet saying, “When you have to start a GoFundMe to get the Pro Max and Apple Watch Ultra.” They also dissed the 60Hz refresh rate in the new iPhones. The company, amongst many others, targeted the USB-C charging feature as well through a sarcastic meme, followed by a series of quippy one-liners.

Well, that was a lot of information, wasn’t it? But, we’ve got you covered on everything you need to know about the Apple “Wonderlust” event key highlights. What do you feel about the new products, features, and upgrades?