The buzz surrounding the Apple event and annual announcement on new iPhone features fills the news every fall. September 12, 2023, was no different, with multiple outlets posed to share the latest features. Apple has a number of new features planned for the iPhone 15 that small business owners can leverage to stay competitive in an increasingly digital market.
What Are the Models?
Similar to its predecessors, the Apple iPhone 15 comes in four models — the standard iPhone, 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max. The price points remain fairly high for these highly-popular smartphones:
- Standard iPhone 15: $799
- 15 Plus: $899
- iPhone 15 Pro: $999
- iPhone Pro Max: $1,199
Adding additional storage makes the cost a bit higher for each type of iPhone. The latest model comes in five colors:
- Pink
- Black
- White
- Blue
- Yellow
The new phones work on a USB-C charger that is compliant with European standards and charges batteries more quickly than the lightning cables.
When Are the New iPhones Available?
Preordering started on September 15th and the phones hit stores on September 22nd. The cost is between $100 and $200 more on most models, so whether you want to upgrade immediately or wait a few months depends on your plan, if your current phone is paid off, and any budget concerns you may have.
Some business owners prefer to wait until a new model releases and then buy the previous year’s to save a few bucks. Only you know if the new features will improve what you do as a business owner. Every company (and person) has unique needs.
What New Features Does the iPhone 15 Have?
As with each release, Apple has made some changes that may or may not seem like improvements. One of the most notable is the camera, which has improved zooming capabilities. The camera sensor goes from 12-megapixels to 48-megapixels, making close-ups crisper.
Of course, Apple also announced several other features at the Apple event that small business owners may find interesting.
iPhone 15
- The phone has a brightness feature to ease eye strain
- The edge is more contoured
- Records with 4K Voice isolation features
iPhone 15 Pro
- Better software for gamers
- Spatial videos feature
- Faster speeds, up to 10 gigabits per second
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- 120mm-equivalent lens, making distance shots less grainy
- The f-shutter features a 2.8 aperture
- Built-in telephoto lens up to five times
Many of these features are embedded into all four models. All of the new iPhones also upgrade from stainless steel sides to titanium for increased durability. The silent switch goes away, replaced with an action button. The action button lets you quickly launch the camera, record, or customize selections.
Better Battery Life
Have you ever tried to work while running to various meetings? You either have to stop and charge your phone, or put it in power-saver mode to conserve energy. Apple announced an all-day battery life for the iPhone 15 model.
People are more open to events in the metaverse, meaning many companies must be ready to embrace mobile presentations and other interactions. Keeping customers increases profits around 95%, so any small thing you can do to stay in touch is beneficial. You cannot communicate with customers if your phone’s dead, though.
It remains to be seen how long the battery will actually last with apps and high-usage items (such as GPS software) running. However, any improvement will make it easier to do business without worrying about the next charge-up.
Accessories Unveiled at the Apple Event
Although most small business owners are more interested in the iPhone’s changes at the annual Apple event, some of the accessories come in handy when conducting business on the go. Other news from Apple on September 12, 2023, included details about Apple Series 9 watches and changes in AirPods.
The biggest upgrade to the watch comes from a new microchip, which should be faster. New colors include pink, starlight, and silver. Users can now double-tap their watch to answer their phone.
Entrepreneurs are crazy busy, so it is easy to lay down your phone and forget where it is. With this new Apple accessory, you can use your watch to find your iPhone within a 20-foot radius. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a 36-hour battery life and runs around $799. The standard Apple Watch is $399.
Apple’s AirPods are gaining a USB-C connection. Users can choose from wireless AirPod or wired EarPod models. Earpods are a mere $19.99, while the AirPods start at $249.
Of course, if you are spending big bucks on your phone to upgrade the camera, you may want the convenience of earpieces that can go with you anywhere without being wired. Most business owners want the convenience of popping in an earpiece and listening to a podcast during a commute, or having the other end of a telephone conversation be private.
Why an Annual Apple Event?
Apple’s annual announcement is a stroke of marketing genius. The first Apple announcement occurred back in 2007 at the Macworld Expo, when Steve Jobs talked about the first iPhone. By 2014, Apple started the Special Event to announce the launch of the iPhone 6.
Over 30 million watched Apple's 2022 live event on YouTube. The buzz surrounding an Apple event gives the company and its products a lot of exposure, and each announcement generates excitement from business owners and consumers everywhere. How many devices sell each year shows how powerful the word-of-mouth, and buzz-generating events are for the brand.
Eleanor Hecks
Eleanor Hecks is editor-in-chief at Designerly Magazine. She was the creative director at a prominent digital marketing agency prior to becoming a full-time freelance designer. Eleanor lives in Philadelphia with her husband and pup, Bear.