iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus: Prices, Features and Release Dates

Apple's major Wonderlust event would not have been complete without the brand-new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the American company's pioneering new models, which bring a host of significant changes.

Starting with the display, this year even the standard iPhone 15 models include Dynamic Island. This is a key feature that first appeared on last year's iPhone 14 Pro models, allowing the "notch" to adapt to the current activity and notifications. So, instead of the bulky "notch" on the iPhone 14, a more discreet one now occupies the top of the screen. It is worth noting that despite featuring Dynamic Island, their displays do not offer Always-On technology.

As for the displays, the new iPhones feature Super Retina XDR panels with slimmer bezels. Their brightness has also increased dramatically compared with last year, reaching 1600 nits for HDR video playback, with a peak of 2000 nits. The iPhone 15 has a 6,1-inch display, while the iPhone 15 Plus has a 6,7-inch display. The devices are made from aluminium, with more rounded edges for a better, more comfortable feel in the hand. Their "Ceramic Shield" front glass is exceptionally durable. The new iPhones will be available in five colours: pink, black, yellow, lime green and light blue. They will also come with iOS 17 pre-installed.

One of the most significant innovations compared with last year is the inclusion of a USB-C port. The iPhones are officially leaving the Lightning port behind and adopting USB-C for charging, data transfer and audio. Apple plans to update all related accessories, including earphones and chargers, starting with the Pro version of the AirPods.

As for the camera, the main sensor on the back of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus has a resolution of 48 megapixel with an f/1.6 aperture, alongside a 12 megapixel ultra-wide sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. This is an impressive step up from the previous iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, as those models had 12MP sensors for both the main and ultra-wide cameras.

Apple has also developed technology that uses the central 12MP of the main camera to offer 2x optical zoom. In practice, this is like having a third 2x telephoto sensor in the camera system. The company also promises improved portraits, with Smart HDR striking the perfect balance between light and detail, better night-time shots and many other innovations thanks to the Photonic Engine.

In terms of performance, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus adopt the exceptionally powerful A16 Bionic processor, the same one used in last year's Pro models. This is a 5nm processor with 6 CPU cores and a unique Apple-designed GPU with 5 cores, as well as dedicated hardware for capturing photos and video.

Of course, a more efficient processor also means longer battery life, with Apple promising that the standard iPhone 15 can last a whole day, while the iPhone 15 Plus has an even larger battery than the previous version.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the company has included a new-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which allows, for example, two iPhone users to locate each other with great precision in a crowded space. Naturally, 5G technology is also supported, while calls will be clearer than ever, with a machine learning model delivering better call quality with less noise. Apple has also improved SOS calls via satellite and is preparing a new feature that allows drivers to call for assistance in remote areas with no signal.

Pricing for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in the US market will remain at the same level as their predecessors. Specifically:

The iPhone 15 will start at $799.

The iPhone 15 Plus will have a starting price of $899.

The release date for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus is 22 September 2023.