More recycled materials and better cameras were among the key announcements as Apple unveiled the new iPhone and Apple Watch ranges.
The US tech giant confirmed the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max would go on sale next week alongside the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
iPhone 15
Across the four new handsets in the iPhone 15 range, there has been a noticeable push to improve the camera systems for users.
On the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, Apple has improved the optical zoom options for users, as well as introduced an automatic Portrait mode, meaning the cameras will capture the data required to create depth-effect on a photo automatically for the first time, when a subject is detected in an image.
On the premium iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, Apple has introduced a titanium frame for the first time, making the devices lighter, as well as reducing the border to enlarge the screen space.
The Pro and Pro Max models have also seen the long-standing ring/silence switch on the side of the device replaced with an Action button, which users can program to quickly complete a single task, such as switching the phone to silent or launching an app, when pressed.
And as widely rumoured, Apple confirmed the introduction of the USB-C connected across all the new iPhones.
Apple Watch
The new versions of the two flagship Apple Watch devices – the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 have seen incremental updates, but notably have become Apple’s first devices to be certified as carbon-neutral.
Both devices have been given improved, brighter screens and a striking new form of gesture control, where the user is able to control the Watch simply by double tapping their forefinger and thumb together, with the Watch using its array of sensors to detect this gesture and respond.
Environmental milestones
The first carbon-neutral devices were part of a major theme to the announcements by the tech giant during its event, as it focused heavily on its sustainability pledges in the wake of the e-waste debate around the USB-C connector switch.
Apple’s environmental lead, Lisa Jackson, and a number of other executives who spoke during the event highlighted the increased amount of recycled materials being used in the product range, including 100% recycled cobalt being used in the batteries of the new iPhone and Apple Watch ranges.
The company also confirmed it was ending the use of leather across its entire product line.
“At Apple, we have a long-standing and proven commitment to leading the fight against climate change. Our focus on renewable energy and low-carbon design has already driven industry-leading emissions reductions, and we’re not slowing down,” Ms Jackson said.
“We’ve achieved an important milestone in making the world’s most popular watch carbon neutral — and we will keep innovating to meet the urgency of the moment.”
