What's New in the iPhone 15?

Design and Colors

If you already own the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, the iPhone 15 might not offer enough new features to justify an upgrade. Many of the premium features from last year's Pro models have now made their way to the standard iPhone 15. Available in a new blue colorway, the iPhone 15 introduces more pastel tones, and a new finish where the color is infused directly into the glass. The result is a matte finish that feels premium and reduces fingerprint marks.

Packaging and Accessories

The iPhone 15 comes in an all-white box featuring new bubble-themed wallpapers. The color options include blue, yellow, pink, green, and black. Apple has moved away from the starlight/white combination, opting for more neutral hues. Inside the box, you'll find the usual accessories: a SIM card tool, warranty information, and a single Apple sticker printed on biodegradable paper, aligning with Apple's sustainability goals. The iPhone 15 also includes a new braided USB-C cable, a first for Apple's iPhones, marking the end of the lightning port era.

Dynamic Island

One of the most noticeable changes in the iPhone 15 is the introduction of Dynamic Island, a feature previously exclusive to the 14 Pro and Pro Max. Dynamic Island is an interactive notch that changes based on your activities, providing useful information and shortcuts. For instance, if you set a timer, the countdown will be displayed in Dynamic Island, and tapping it will take you directly to the timer app. This feature enhances user experience, making multitasking smoother and more intuitive.

Camera Upgrades

The iPhone 15's camera system has seen a significant upgrade. The main sensor is now 48 megapixels, up from the previous 12 megapixels, offering a two-times telephoto zoom. This is the first time a standard iPhone has featured optical zoom. Additionally, the ultrawide camera remains at 12 megapixels. The enhanced camera system includes a new portrait mode that automatically detects people or pets in the frame, allowing you to add or remove the bokeh effect (blurred background) in post-editing. This feature, previously reserved for Pro models, now makes its debut on the standard iPhone line.

Display and Performance

The iPhone 15 retains the same display sizes as its predecessor: 6.1 inches for the standard model and 6.7 inches for the Plus model. The display now supports up to 2000 nits of brightness, providing a clearer and more vibrant viewing experience, especially in bright conditions. However, it's worth noting that the iPhone 15 does not include ProMotion, meaning it is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, unlike the Pro models which offer 120Hz. Both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, ensuring top-tier performance.

Build and Compatibility

The iPhone 15 features an aluminum banding around the edges, with the classic toggle switch for silent mode. For Canadian users, the SIM card slot remains, whereas US models will continue with eSIM only. The back of the phone has a new, less glossy texture, reducing fingerprints and giving it a more sophisticated look. It's important to note that cases designed for the iPhone 14 will not fit the iPhone 15 due to slight changes in the camera bump's positioning.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 15 represents a significant upgrade, especially for those coming from older models like the iPhone 12 or 13. It incorporates many features from the 14 Pro, such as the 48MP camera and Dynamic Island, while also introducing new design elements and USB-C connectivity. However, if you already own the iPhone 14 Pro, the differences might not be substantial enough to warrant an upgrade.

For those eager to upgrade, the iPhone 15 offers a blend of new features and refined design, making it a compelling choice. Stay tuned as I will be covering more on the rest of the colorways and other new devices soon.