At Apple's September 12th event, the Iphone 15 lineup was unveiled, surprising everyone with unexpectedly lower prices contrary to rumors of an increase. Pre-orders for the iPhone 15 started on September 15th, and the devices hit the shelves on September 22nd. The standout feature of the iPhone 15 Pro models (Pro and Pro Max) is their construction using aerospace-grade titanium, ensuring remarkable durability and unprecedented lightness, a claim made by Apple. All models feature contoured edges, but only the Pro and Pro Max come with a novel customizable action button, replacing the traditional side switch for silent mode. This button allows users to assign various functions such as starting voice memos, launching the camera, or using shortcuts, reducing the likelihood of accidentally muting the phone.
Features:
The iPhone 15 variants now have the feature of Newphoria's Dynamic Island and its powerful 48MP main camera featuring 2x telephoto capabilities. Users can now experience the convenience of USB-C connectivity, alongside the latest iOS 17 features.
Models:
The latest iPhone 15 variant comes in four different models to choose from:
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Sizes:
The four different iPhone 15 variants come in two distinctive sizes, with no particular differences in their dimensions.
The iPhone 15 is 6.1 inches.
The iPhone 15 Plus is 6.7 inches.
The iPhone 15 Pro is 6.1 inches.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is 6.7 inches.
Colors:
iPhone 15 - Pink, Yellow, Blue, Black, and Green
iPhone 15 Plus - Pink, Yellow, Blue, Black, and Green
iPhone 15 Pro - Black titanium, White titanium, Blue titanium, and Natural titanium
iPhone 15 Pro Max - Black titanium, White titanium, Blue titanium, and Natural titanium
Better phone:
The iPhone 15 variants vary in features and prices. The biggest difference is between the Pro and non-Pro versions. iPhone 15 Pro Max has the best features but is costly. iPhone 15 and 15 Plus now have more features, making them better choices. iPhone 15 Pro has similar features to Pro Max but is smaller and cheaper.
Why is the iPhone 15 expensive in India?
Apple has announced that iPhone 15 models will be assembled in India from the launch day, although this doesn't guarantee special pricing for local customers. In India, these devices start at Rs 79,900 and Rs 1,34,900. The government has imposed a 22% import duty, including a 2% "social welfare surcharge," on smartphones since FY21. When combined with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 18%, the total tax on an Iphone Pro model increases to nearly 40%. Consequently, a significant portion of India's iPhone price consists of government-imposed taxes.
When examining the pricing, the iPhone 15, which is priced at $799 in the U.S., is being sold in India for Rs 79,900, equivalent to $965. The iPhone 15 Pro, priced at $999, is sold at Rs 1,34,900, approximately $1,628. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, priced at $1,199, is available in India for a record price of Rs 1,59,900, around $1,930. This stark difference in pricing illustrates the higher cost of these iPhones in India compared to their prices in the United States.
The term "made in India" in the context of iPhones refers to the assembly process that takes place within the country. While the assembly occurs in India, the components used in this process are often imported from various parts of the world. These imported components are integral to the iPhone, and the supply chain relies on them to create the finished product. In summary, while iPhones are assembled in India, the devices are not entirely produced from scratch within the country, and the supply chain still depends on imported components. This distinction is crucial as it influences factors such as manufacturing costs, import duties, and the overall pricing of iPhones in the Indian market.
Why is there a USB-C cable?
Consumers can now use a USB-C connector to charge a variety of gadgets such as iPads, MacBooks, gaming devices, and headphones. However, the previous iPhone 15 variants and AirPods still use Lightning connectors. The shift towards USB-C is significant because it will eventually phase out all previous versions of charging cables. This means that people will only need to carry one type of cable (USB-C) instead of multiple cables for different devices. This simplifies charging and makes it more convenient for consumers, reducing clutter and the need to carry various cables for different gadgets.
Can we use any kind of USB-C cable?
Certain viral videos suggested that using an Android USB-C cable to charge the iPhone 15 could damage the device. However, all USB-C cables share a common feature: they can charge any device, including the new iPhone 15 series models. Regardless of the specific pins they support, USB-C cables are universally compatible for charging various devices. While some tech repair experts warn about the potential risks of plugging a low-quality charger into a high-voltage outlet, these issues are generally avoidable. Using a dedicated USB-C charger from a reputable manufacturer is considered safe for most gadgets. In essence, as long as you use a quality USB-C charger and avoid low-quality or mismatched adapters, your devices, including the iPhone 15, should be charged safely without any damage.
