3 Things We Learned from the iPhone 15 Event

Kevin Kearney Sr. Staff Writer

Updated 06 December 2023

Blue iPhone 15 screen and cameras — The iPhone 15, including the popular Dynamic Island.
Credit: Apple

After many months of speculation, the day finally arrived: Apple announced its iPhone 15 series at a live-streamed event on September 12, 2023, confirming many of the rumors we'd heard over the past several months. Most importantly, we got definitive pricing on the iPhone 15 lineup:

iPhone 15 prices 2023

	MSRP
iPhone 15	$799
iPhone 15 Plus	$899
iPhone 15 Pro	$999
iPhone 15 Pro Max	$1,199

There's a lot of information to sift through before you decide whether or not to purchase, so we figured we'd try to simplify things before you reach for your credit card. Here are three big takeaways from the iPhone 15 announcement so you can decide if the smartphone's price tag is worth it.

The iPhone 15 is essentially the iPhone 14 Pro

We were impressed with the iPhone 14 when it was released, but we expressed some hesitance about dropping over $1,000 for the new smartphone, especially considering it only offered a few improvements on its predecessor, the iPhone 13. Sadly, that seems to be Apple's new operating procedure: the iPhone 15 is an improvement on the iPhone 14, but its advancements are little more than what the 14 series' premium model, the 14 Pro, offered.

So, what's that look like, exactly? The phone runs on an A16 Bionic chip and boasts an all-day battery. It's got a Super Retina XDR display that offers high-quality streaming and gaming experiences. It also includes a 48MP main camera (in addition to four other cameras) that promises more advanced photos than the iPhone 14 can offer. Solid improvements, right? Definitely! But all of them were available back in September 2022, with the release of the iPhone 14 Pro.

iPhone 15 series — The iPhone 15 comes in five colors, including pink.
Credit: Apple

The iPhone 15 does have some unique features, of course, like improved versions of Portrait Mode and Voice Isolation, as well as AAA-affiliated Roadside Assistance. Out of all the new details, though, we have a feeling the most popular will be the new colors: black, blue, green, yellow, and pink.

Apple has finally moved to USB-C

After years of resistance, Apple finally moved its products to USB-C charging. The change wasn't exactly voluntary. In 2022, the European Union mandated all phones sold in its member countries use USB-C if they had physical chargers, forcing Apple to abandon its proprietary Lightning cables. That's good news for consumers, who will be able to use one cord for all of their electronics.

The iPhone 15 Pro is a photographer's dream

Apple has now made it clear that real advancements arrive with their Pro models. That's especially true with the cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro, which Apple claims is the best camera system yet, with what the company is calling "the equivalent of seven pro lenses."

iPhone 15 Pro cameras — The iPhone 15 Pro boasts the best camera system of any iPhone.
Credit: Apple

The system is built around the 48MP main camera, which allows users to toggle between the classic focal lengths of 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm. In addition, the 15 Pro features a 3x telephoto camera and the most advanced image stabilization to appear in an iPhone.

Best iPhone deals

Every time Apple announces a new iPhone, we keep our eye on the older models, which usually drop in price following the Apple event. We're always collecting the best deals on iPhones from the likes of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Want to see more? Check out some of the most popular deals on iPhones below.

Apple

iPhone 17e 256GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

202 Plans from $0/mo + $599.99 Upfront

Choose

202 Plans from $0/mo + $599.99 Upfront

Apple

iPhone 16 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

203 Plans from $0/mo + $729.99 Upfront

Choose

203 Plans from $0/mo + $729.99 Upfront

Apple

iPhone 17e 512GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

159 Plans from $0/mo + $799.99 Upfront

Choose

159 Plans from $0/mo + $799.99 Upfront

Apple

iPhone 17 256GB

6.3 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

205 Plans from $0/mo + $829.99 Upfront

Choose

205 Plans from $0/mo + $829.99 Upfront

Apple

iPhone Air 256GB

6.5 inch display
Rear Camera: 48MP
Front Camera: 18MP

Choose

235 Plans from $0/mo + $999.99 Upfront

Choose

235 Plans from $0/mo + $999.99 Upfront

We've got an especially close eye on the iPhone 14 now that it's no longer the newest Apple phone on the market. Stay on top of the latest iPhone 14 price drops as more people seek out the iPhone 15—you can get an incredible deal on what is still one of the most tech-forward smartphones on the market.

Unlimited Welcome

Unlimited 5G speeds
Verizon 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices
No mobile hotspot data
Outright
Deal: Get $100 Verizon Gift card when you purchased this phone + $10 off this plan

$55.00/mo

+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.

+ $939.99 Upfront

View Plan

$55.00/mo

+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.

+ $939.99 Upfront

View Plan

Kevin Kearney

Sr. Staff Writer

Kevin is an experienced journalist and writer whose musings on tech, education, and culture have appeared in Stereogum, InsideHook, The Millions, and elsewhere. As a Senior Staff Writer for WhistleOut, he offers unique expertise on the inner workings of the mobile industry, and has a particular passion for emerging efficiencies within smartphone apps.

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