Apple recently announced the release of the new iPhone 15, featuring a brighter display and a 48-megapixel camera. Additionally, the device’s battery now includes 100% recycled cobalt. This launch comes at a time when the global smartphone market is experiencing a slowdown, and Apple is facing challenges in China.
One notable feature of the iPhone 15 is its satellite connectivity, which enables users to summon roadside assistance. The American Automotive Association (AAA) will collaborate with Apple to rollout this feature in the United States.
Apple also confirmed that the iPhone 15 and the charging case of its AirPods Pro will support USB-C charging cables. This means that the same cables already used for iPads and Macs can now be used to charge these devices. The iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, a continuation of the technology used in the iPhone 14 Pro.
During the event, an Apple executive revealed that the company incorporated machine learning into the device’s camera system. This feature allows users to instantly or later transform pictures into portraits using the Photos app.
Alongside the iPhone 15, Apple unveiled the Series 9 Watch, which features a function called “double tap”. By tapping their thumb and finger together twice without touching the watch, users can perform tasks such as answering calls. The watch utilizes machine learning to detect subtle changes in blood flow when the fingers make contact.
Apple is also making changes to its product materials to align with its sustainability goals. The company will no longer use leather, replacing it with a textile called “FineWoven” that has a suede-like feel.
Furthermore, CEO Tim Cook confirmed that Apple is scheduled to launch its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset in early 2022. While the company introduces new features and products, the iPhone remains a significant contributor to Apple’s overall sales.
Despite the overall decline in the global smartphone market, Apple experienced the least decline in shipments compared to other major smartphone manufacturers. Data from Counterpoint Research shows that Apple shipped 45.3 million phones in the second quarter, down from 46.5 million the previous year.
Analysts are also anticipating any announcements regarding Apple’s plans in generative artificial intelligence, a technology trend that powers applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Apple has revealed limited information about its work in this area, with CEO Tim Cook suggesting that the company’s research spending is focused on this technology.
As Apple continues to innovate, industry observers are curious if the company will introduce an advanced version of Siri or other exciting developments in this field.