Apple has unveiled its new lineup of iPhones: the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. With new colors, materials, and ports, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into the unboxing experience and initial thoughts on these new devices.
Unboxing the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Starting with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, we have the new blue color, which I’ve aptly renamed “Barely Blue” due to its subtle hints of blue. The side rails also reflect this understated hue, consistent with the overall subtle color theme this year.
In the box, you’ll find the usual paperwork, a single white Apple sticker, and notably, no SIM card ejector tool, as all models in the US now use eSIM. The standout addition is the new white braided USB-C to USB-C cable, marking a first for iPhones and promising higher quality and durability compared to previous cables.
The iPhone 15 Plus comes in a similarly understated color, this time an incredibly pale yellow. Under perfect lighting, it appeared more vibrant, but in typical conditions, it looks very faint.
Unboxing the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
Moving on to the Pro models, the iPhone 15 Pro comes in a new dark blue color, which, like the standard 15, could also be called “Barely Blue” but darker and bordering on gray in certain lighting. The contents of the box are similar, including the paperwork, Apple sticker, and braided USB-C cable.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces the new natural titanium color, which I believe will be a popular choice due to its appealing appearance in person.
Design and Build
After testing these phones for about six days, several interesting details and quirks have emerged. The pale colors may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those who carry their phones without a case, Apple has implemented a new softer touch satin finish on the back.
The Pro models have switched from shiny stainless steel to brushed titanium for the rails, making the phones about 10% lighter. While I initially thought this brushed finish would reduce fingerprints, it turns out fingerprints are still visible, especially on darker colors. Additionally, the new PVD coating, while promising, may reveal the lighter natural titanium color underneath if scratched deeply.
Ergonomics and Usability
The bezels on the Pro models are slightly thinner, which is noticeable initially but fades into the background quickly. More prominent are the softer curves around the edges of the new iPhones, making them more comfortable to hold compared to the sharper edges of the previous models.
USB-C Functionality
The switch to USB-C brings new functionality. You can now charge accessories directly from the iPhone using a USB-C cable, such as AirPods or an Apple Watch MagSafe charger. Plugging two USB-C iPhones together results in a handshake that determines which phone has a lower battery and charges accordingly. This feature also works with some Android phones equipped with USB power delivery (USB-PD), although it can be inconsistent with others.
The New Action Button
The new action button on the Pro models is highly customizable and versatile. While it defaults to the mute switch function, it can be programmed to perform various tasks, from opening the camera to triggering Siri shortcuts. This level of customization is a welcome addition and reminiscent of features seen on some Android phones in the past.
Cases and Accessories
Testing the new action button with a case, such as the dbrand ghost case, revealed that the button remains responsive. The ghost case promises to remain clear without yellowing over time, backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Camera Performance
I’ve started testing the new cameras, and while I will be posting more photos and videos on social media, initial impressions are mixed. A new coating on the lenses was supposed to address nighttime flare issues, but unfortunately, this problem persists.
Final Thoughts (So Far)
These are just the initial impressions and unboxing experiences of the iPhone 15 series. With more time and testing, further insights will emerge, particularly regarding camera performance and long-term durability.
As I continue to explore these new iPhones, I look forward to providing a comprehensive review. Your feedback is invaluable, so please let me know what specific aspects you want to see covered in the full reviews. Stay tuned for more in-depth analysis in the coming days and weeks.
