Summary
At Wonderlust on September 12, 2023, Apple announced four iPhone 15 models. It also announced Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 and AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case. The iPhone 15 started at $799 in the U.S. This recap covers original U.S. launch prices and dates, key changes, and software updates.
Introduction
This is a dated recap of Apple’s September 2023 event. Prices below are original U.S. launch prices, not current listings.
iPhone 15 models and launch details
Apple announced four models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Dynamic Island came to iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. It is a small area at the top of the screen for alerts and live updates. It first appeared on iPhone 14 Pro models.
Chips and cameras
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus use the A16 Bionic chip, the part that runs apps and handles tasks. The 15 Pro and Pro Max use A17 Pro. The 15 and 15 Plus have a 48-megapixel main camera (a measure of photo size) and a 2x zoom option.
USB-C, price, and availability
All four iPhone 15 models use a USB-C plug instead of Apple’s older Lightning plug. Apple said one USB-C cable could charge iPhone, Mac, iPad, and updated AirPods Pro. The cable could also transfer files between them.
At launch in the U.S., iPhone 15 started at $799, iPhone 15 Plus at $899, iPhone 15 Pro at $999, and iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,199. Preorders opened September 15, 2023, and availability began September 22.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
Apple Watch Series 9 introduced the S9 chip, which runs the watch’s apps. Its screen can reach 2,000 nits. Nits measure screen brightness. The watch also added a double-tap feature. Apple said double tap would arrive in a software update in October 2023.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 also uses the S9 chip and has a screen rated up to 3,000 nits. Its U.S. launch price was $799.
Apple called some 2023 Watch and band combinations carbon neutral. It said it removed or avoided carbon pollution. These actions balanced emissions from the named combinations. The claim applied to specific combinations, not every watch and band.
AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
Apple added a USB-C case to AirPods Pro 2. The earbuds also gained dust resistance. With iOS 17, AirPods Pro gained Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Adaptive Audio adjusts the balance between noise cancellation and outside sound. Conversation Awareness lowers audio when you start speaking. Active Noise Cancellation reduces outside noise. Transparency mode lets you hear surrounding sounds.
Software and other announcements
Apple announced iOS 17 for iPhone and iPadOS 17 for iPad. It also announced watchOS 10 for Apple Watch. All three updates arrived on September 18, 2023. Apple set the Mac (macOS Sonoma) update for September 26. The event also introduced 6TB and 12TB iCloud+ plans for online storage. Apple replaced its leather accessories with FineWoven fabric versions. See our posts on iOS 17 for entrepreneurs and businesses and watchOS 10 for business use.
AirPods Pro 2 product link
Apple’s 2023 update added a USB-C case and dust resistance. Check Apple’s current specifications for charging options, compatibility, and battery-life details before buying.
One customer review states, “I cannot praise the AirPods Pro Gen 2 enough. Apple has truly outdone themselves with this remarkable product.”
Official product announcements
- Apple’s iPhone 15 announcement
- Apple Watch Series 9 announcement
- Apple’s carbon-neutral Apple Watch configurations
- AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C announcement
- macOS Sonoma availability
