Hooray! The iPhone 15 finally gets USB-C
It's been a long time coming.
It’s been a long time coming.
But a regulation passed in 2022 in the EU that required all devices sold there to be compatible with USB-C probably made Apple switch to the standardized port a lot quicker.
However, it’s not like Apple wasn’t already in bed with the port, since it uses USB-C on their excellent iPads, MacBooks, and now, even the AirPods Pro 2 charging case. The switch does mean it may lose out on the revenue from MFI certification for Lighting cables, and USB-C cables are commonplace and cheap. Still, having less cable clutter can only be good for the environment.
And interestingly enough, Apple talked a great deal about the environment in its keynote, particularly about how the new Apple Watch Series 9 will be carbon neutral, and how it uses 75% recycled aluminium in the iPhone 15 enclosure, as well as 100% recycled cobalt and copper. It’s all part of Apple’s aim to have every product be carbon neutral by 2030.
Of course, you’re probably curious about the new iPhones, so here’s the quick breakdown. The iPhone 15 (starting S$1,299), 15 Plus (starting S$1,449), 15 Pro (starting S$1,649), and 15 Pro Max (starting S$1,999) will be available for pre-order this Friday (Sep 15), and be available Sep 22. Note the the Pro Max price has increased by S$200, while the 15 Plus is S$50 cheaper. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will feature last year’s A16 Bionic chip, get an upgraded 48MP rear cameras. Basically, last year’s Pro features.
Meanwhile, the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max get the new A17 Pro Bionic, an improved 48MP camera with a slightly bigger sensor, and the 15 Pro Max gets 5x zoom versus the 3x of the 15 Pro. All iPhones also get Ultra Wideband chips, turning them into AirTags.
Lastly, the new Apple Watch Series 9 (starting S$599) get a new S9 chip, which allows for a super cool Double Tap gesture that you can activate by just double-tapping your index finger with your thumb to control the Watch. It looks pretty darn magical, if you ask me. Oh, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (S$1,199) gets a brighter 3,000 nits display, perfect for your outdoor adventures.
We’re looking forward to review the new Apple gadgets, but in the meantime, be sure so check out our latest reviews which feature a TV/monitor from Samsung, Sony’s new vlog camera, and probably the best role-playing game this year.
No space for both a TV and a monitor? Then you’ll need the Samsung Smart Monitor M8, which is decent for a TV, and adequate as a monitor. This 2-in-1 device even has a detachable webcam. A perfect screen for those who want a big monitor with a hefty side of entertainment.
Content creators looking to shoot good videos should consider the Sony ZV-1M2, a small compact camera that excels at 4K videos. And it’s not just for the 4K video quality, this camera has a directional microphone with a wind muff. Overall, it’s just a great point-and-shoot for vlogging.
Baldur’s Gate 3 already looks like a shoo-in for the game of the year, thanks to its great writing, excellent voice acting, and memorable quests. The game also encourages experimentation as you can tackle problems via multiple avenues. Whichever path you decide will affect the ending, too. It’s just a great game that will keep you entertained for hours.