Everything Apple Announced at Its “Wonderlust” September Event
Here's a quick recap of all the products Apple showcased at its "Wonderlust" event in September 2023.
Apple held its “Wonderlust” event on September 12, 2023, to announce its latest iPhone and Apple Watch models, with a pre-recorded presentation streamed online for everyone to watch. There was limited in-person attendance for select journalists to try out the new products. If you didn’t have the time to watch the full keynote or would like a quick rundown on the new products, here’s a quick recap of everything Apple announced at the event.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
The biggest visual change on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models is the Dynamic Island cutout that Apple first introduced alongside the iPhone 14 Pro. As for the screen itself, it’s twice as bright outdoors, capable of peak brightness levels of 2,000 nits.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus colors lineupImage Credit: Apple
As many industry experts predicted, Apple has finally ditched the Lightning port and replaced it with USB-C. However, it’s still limited to USB 2.0 speeds, just like Lightning. As for performance, the iPhone 15 is powered by A16 Bionic, the same chip that powered the iPhone 14 Pro models.
On the camera front, an all-new 48MP camera will up your mobile photography game with 4x sharper photos and better low-light performance. And for the first time, the standard iPhone 15 models offer a 2x telephoto option with three optical zoom levels: 0.5x, 1x, and 2x.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in Black, Green, Blue, Yellow, and a new Pink color option. They cost the same as 2022’s iPhone 14 models, starting at $799 for the iPhone 15 and $899 for the iPhone 15 Plus, each with 128GB of base storage.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple has redesigned the iPhone 15 Pro models with a lighter titanium build and contoured edges. It has replaced the iconic Silent/Ring switch with a programmable Action button to trigger custom actions—like on the Apple Watch Ultra.
Whereas the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 is limited to USB 2.0 speeds, the iPhone 15 Pro models get USB 3 speeds, which is up to 20x faster than Lightning. Apple’s 2023 flagships are powered by a 3nm A17 Pro chip, which can run console-quality games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Resident Evil Village, and Death Stranding.
The camera upgrades are also pretty significant. The iPhone 15 Pro models can now shoot 48MP HEIF photos, which is a huge improvement over its predecessors. Both models can also shoot spatial photos and videos that you can view on the Vision Pro headset. The iPhone 15 Pro Max gets an all-new telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, thanks to Apple’s “tetraprism” design.
The iPhone 15 Pro lineup colorsImage Credit: Apple
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max start at $999 and $1199 for the base models, respectively. Apple offers the iPhone 15 Pro models in four colors: Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, Blue Titanium, and White Titanium.
The Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is an iterative refresh, the biggest change being the new Apple S9 SiP, which allows for on-device Siri processing and an all-new double-tap gesture. You can now tap your index finger and thumb twice to perform actions like answering or ending calls, playing or pausing music, scrolling through widgets, and more.
The S9 includes a second-gen Ultra Wideband chip, which unlocks Precision Finding when used with the iPhone 15 models. If you use your Apple Watch outside often, you’ll also appreciate a substantially brighter display that’s up to twice as bright outdoors.
Apple Watch Series 9 colors lineupImage Credit: Apple
Apple offers the Apple Watch Series 9 in Silver, Midnight, Starlight, PRODUCT(RED), and a new Pink color option. You can, of course, choose between stainless steel and aluminum case options. Like before, the device starts at $399 and will go on sale on September 22.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2
The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra is also powered by the S9 chip, meaning it supports the same features as the Apple Watch Series 9, like the new double-tap gesture, on-device Siri, and more precise tracking.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 on a male’s hand performing a double tap finger gestureImage Credit: Apple
And the 50% brighter display boosts readability in harsh sunlight significantly. In an Apple Newsroom post, the company also mentions smaller improvements such as “advanced capabilities for water adventures” and “expanded altitude range.” The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799, just like its predecessor.
Cases and Watch Bands
Apple’s watch bands and protective iPhone cases have switched from natural leather to an eco-friendly material dubbed FineWoven. Apple describes the material as “microtwill with a soft, suede-like feel.”
Apple’s FineWoven Modern Buckle band for the Apple WatchImage Credit: Apple
FineWoven for Apple Watch is available with the Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle bands. As for iPhones, FineWoven is offered in MagSafe cases and wallets. Apple has also collaborated with Nike and Hermès on eco-friendly watch bands.
Despite the sustainability move, however, Apple continues to offer clear and silicone cases for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.
All the new Apple Watch bands and iPhone cases are available to order now, including new colors for the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Band.
It’s the Season for New Apple Products
This was another hardware launch event in a typical Apple fashion, with lots of iterative features and a few surprises. Thankfully, Apple hasn’t jacked up prices as the rumors predicted!
While it’s true that Apple builds premium products that cost money, installment plans and carrier offers should help ease the pain on your wallet. The real question is whether any of these new Apple products are compelling enough to make you hit the Buy button.
