The long-awaited iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are finally here, and they come packed with a host of innovative features and improvements that are bound to excite loyal Apple fans alike. From the adoption of USB-C on the iPhone 15 Pro to the introduction of a 3D camera and the reinvention of the portrait mode, Apple has once again pushed the boundaries of smartphone technology. Let’s take a look at the 14 most remarkable new features introduced with iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.
The Versatile “Action” Button
The iPhone 15 Pro introduces a new “Action” button, replacing the silent mode switch. While it may seem limited at first glance, this new button offers a plethora of choices by integrating shortcuts. Users can assign various automations, and upon activation, haptic feedback from the Taptic Engine and an animation on the Dynamic Island confirm that the action has been correctly executed.
USB-C Adoption
A significant change in the iPhone 15 series is the switch to USB-C. Specifically, on the iPhone 15 Pro, this change allows data transfer via USB 3 at speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s. This means that video professionals or demanding amateurs can now connect a portable SSD to the iPhone’s USB port and directly store ProRes video files in 4K at 60 fps. Additionally, it enables streaming of 4K HDR video to an external display. However, it is worth noting that on the standard iPhone 15, the USB-C port remains at the USB 2.0 standard with a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s. Nevertheless, it is DisplayPort compatible, allowing its use with various video adapters.
Wi-Fi 6E Support
In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 15 Pro stands out for its support of Wi-Fi 6E, allowing devices to connect to the 6 GHz frequency band offered by Wi-Fi 6E routers. This results in increased speeds, reduced latency, and less interference with other devices.
AV1 Codec Hardware Support
The iPhone 15 Pro now supports hardware decoding of the AV1 codec, an open video codec that is supported by other major tech companies and allows for more vivid images, deeper colors, brighter lights, and darker shadows. However, it is crucial to note that this support is limited to decoding and not encoding.
Reinvented Portrait Mode
One of the most appreciated photographic features on modern smartphones is the portrait mode, which isolates the subject and blurs the background for a bokeh effect. With the iPhone 15, Apple has revolutionized this feature by allowing users to adjust the focus after taking a photo and even activate portrait mode on an image that was not originally taken with this function. This innovation offers photographers increased flexibility and creativity, allowing them to transform the appearance of a photo well after capture.
Thread Communication Protocol
Apple has equipped the iPhone 15 Pro with a Thread radio, thanks to the A17 Pro chip. Thread is a communication protocol for smart home devices, and while it has already been integrated into products such as the HomePod mini and Apple TV, the iPhone 15 Pro is the first smartphone from the brand to offer this connectivity.
Introduction of a 3D Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max now feature a 3D camera, enabling the capture of moments in three dimensions. This feature was highlighted by Greg Joswiak during the presentation at the “Wonderlust” event, detailing how the main and ultra-wide cameras of the new Pro models create a “three-dimensional video.”
Increased Storage Capacity on the Pro Max
Apple has made a significant change for the Pro Max model of the iPhone 15 by eliminating the 128 GB version, which was once the entry-level for this high-end model. Now, the minimum storage capacity for the Pro Max starts at 256 GB.
Titanium Structure
The iPhone 15 Pro introduces titanium as the main material of its structure, significantly reducing its weight and improving comfort during prolonged use. However, this advancement comes with a slight compromise in thickness, which may be noticeable to those particularly sensitive to the thinness of their device.
eSIM and mmWave 5G for US Models
The iPhone 15 sold in the United States has made a radical break with a well-established standard by eliminating the physical SIM card slot and adopting the eSIM. Additionally, these models are the only ones compatible with millimeter-wave 5G, or “mmWave 5G,” which offers faster download speeds but has a more limited range than other 5G bands.
Mobile Charging with USB-C
The adoption of USB-C in the new iPhone 15 and 15 Pro also opens the door to new charging possibilities. Users can now charge their AirPods Pro 2 equipped with the new USB-C case directly from their iPhone, and this ability extends to the Apple Watch as well.
Improved Repairability for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
Apple has redesigned the internal design of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max to favor repairability. This includes a redesigned case that allows the back glass panel to be removed with surprising ease, simplifying many interventions related to the battery or internal components.
8 GB of RAM on the iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro, powered by the A17 Pro chip, now comes with 8 GB of RAM, enhancing its performance and user experience. While some Android smartphones boast up to 18 GB of RAM, the optimization of the operating system, background application management, and chip efficiency play a more crucial role in the overall user experience.
Qi 2 Wireless Charging Confusion
The iPhone 15 supports the Qi 2 wireless charging standard, which theoretically promises a power of 15 W. However, Apple has chosen to limit this capacity. While charging via the MagSafe protocol reaches the promised 15 W, wireless charging based on the Qi standard is still limited to 7.5 W.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro have brought several innovative features and improvements to the table, from the adoption of USB-C and the introduction of a 3D camera to the reinvention of the portrait mode and increased storage capacity on the Pro Max model. While some changes, such as the limited Qi 2 wireless charging capacity and the slightly thicker design due to the titanium structure, may raise eyebrows, the overall enhancements make these new models a compelling upgrade for many users. Apple has once again demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, offering increased flexibility, creativity, and convenience to its users.
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