Apple unveils new iPhones and ditches the Lightning connector
Like every year around this time, Apple announced new products on Tuesday, including its iPhone 15 models and updates to its Apple Watch.
In a polished video presentation, Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executives talked about the features, specifications, inner workings and other details of faster processors, better cameras and the physical characteristics of the Iphone. The phone features more rounded edges and an “action button” on its higher-end model that turns what was once the mute switch into a multi-function switch for things like turning on the flashlight, recording a voice memo or open a favorite app.
They announced that their standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will now receive the same A16 processor that Apple introduced last year for its Pro models. The Pro now uses the even faster A17 chip. This extra performance reminds me of Tesla’s Performance Model 3s which can go 162 miles per hour compared to the paltry 145 miles per hour on its cheapest cars. To be fair, a faster chip can improve some processor-intensive mobile games, as Apple and some of its game developers pointed out during the presentation.
As usual, I came away initially impressed with what I saw. Apple has always had a knack for introducing its new products in a tantalizing manner, leaving the audience impressed and eager to purchase the latest version. Steve Jobs was a master at this, a bit like a circus barker urging the public to see the “greatest show on earth”.
Incremental improvements
In the early days of any technology, you often see significant improvement from year to year. This was once the case for PCs and phones, as these technologies matured beyond their infancy. But like that entry-level Tesla, last year’s iPhone is more than fast enough for most users, so even if this year’s is faster, most people won’t notice much difference .
One of the areas where the iPhone and all other mobile phones are improving is in camera quality, but for most people, the cameras on last year’s phones are more than adequate. Over time, we start to notice major improvements, but they tend to be gradual. For this reason, it’s hard to justify buying a new phone every year, or even every two or three years. I know plenty of people who are happy with their 4 or 5 year old smartphones, even though waiting that long deprives you of some notable performance improvements, useful new features, and better cameras.
New standardized USB-C connector
Ironically, one of the biggest improvements to the new iPhones is a feature that Apple didn’t want to implement. The company is ditching its proprietary Lightning connector for charging and data transfer to USB-C. Although Apple used their presentation to tout the many benefits of USB-C, the real reason they did so was because it is now a law in Europe that will require all phones Mobiles, tablets and cameras sold in the European Union use USB-C. by the end of 2024. By 2026, this will also include laptops.
I’m sure some iPhone users will be annoyed at having to throw away their Lightning connectors and buy new USB cables for additional chargers, but I’m excited that Apple is now joining Google and most other Android manufacturers in offering a only non-proprietary charger. cable. For those who own Macs, iPads and new iPhones, this means they can use the same charger for all their devices. But it’s also true now for those of us who own Android devices, many brands of laptops, and even things like Bluetooth speakers. This may not seem like a big deal, but having a USB connector is, for me, a must-have when buying a new device. This will also reduce clutter at home because I won’t need different cables for different devices. I now have both a USB-C charger and a Lightning charger in my guest room, since the friends and family who stay at my house don’t all have the same type of mobile devices.
USB-C isn’t just for charging. It’s also a faster way to transfer data, and it can be used for headphones, speakers, and other devices. So, at least in theory, it may be possible to use the same peripherals on iPhones as on Android phones and tablets, Macs. , PC and other devices. This is already the case for chargers. I sometimes use my HP USB-C laptop charger on my Lenovo tablet and Google phone. Apple also calls this an environmental win because you’ll need few chargers and charging cables.
Prices and new Android phones
The new iPhones will arrive in stores on September 22. You can pre-order starting Friday at 5:00 a.m. PDT. Prices start at $799 for the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, $899 for the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus, $999 for the iPhone Pro, and $1,199 for the iPhone Pro Plus 6. 7 inches.
And if you’re ready to get an Android phone, know that Google will likely unveil its next generation of Pixel phones and watch it on October 4.
Larry Magid is a technology journalist and internet safety activist.
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