Our reactions to iPhone 15 Pro, Max, Ultra 2, AirPods Pro 2 & ALL Wonderlust announcements! (CultCast #612)
Sep 15, 2023
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In this podcast, the hosts react to Apple's Wonderlust event and discuss the iPhone 15 Pro and Max, Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods Pro 2, and more. They cover topics like price changes, new camera features, Tim Cook's performance, differences between Apple Watch models, the shift away from leather bands, and their predictions for the iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The Apple Watch Series 9 introduces a new S9 chip, providing significant performance improvements and a double-tap gesture for easier navigation.
The Apple Watch Ultra offers enhanced features such as a larger screen, bigger battery, dual-band GPS, titanium enclosure, and advanced design.
Apple announced expanded iCloud Plus storage capacities, ranging from 12TB to 200GB, with prices starting from $0.99 per month.
Deep dives
Apple Watch Series 9: Faster performance and improved Siri
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes with the new S9 chip, which boosts performance and makes Siri more usable. The chip has 5.6 billion transistors and a 30% faster GPU. The watch also features a double-tap gesture for easier navigation, a brighter display of up to 2,000 nits, and an improved on-device Siri. The Series 9 also includes a second-generation ultra-wideband chip, enabling more accurate location tracking. Overall, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers significant upgrades in performance and usability.
Apple Watch Ultra: Enhanced features and aesthetics
The Apple Watch Ultra offers similar features to the Series 9 but includes additional improvements. It has a larger, more vibrant screen and a bigger battery for extended use. The Ultra also features a dual-band GPS for more accurate location tracking. With a titanium enclosure, the Ultra has a distinct aesthetic appeal. While the Series 9 and Ultra offer similar functionality, the Ultra stands out with its enhanced design and advanced features.
Apple introduces new iCloud storage capacities
During the podcast episode, Apple announced the expansion of iCloud Plus storage capacities. Users can now choose from 12 terabytes, 6 terabytes, 2 terabytes, or 200 gigabytes of storage. The prices range from $0.99 to $9.99 per month.
The new iPhone 15 Pro models and Apple Watch Ultra
The podcast episode discussed the new iPhone 15 Pro models and the Apple Watch Ultra. Key points include the improved camera on the iPhone 15 Pro models, the USB-C charging capabilities, and the availability of new watch faces. The Apple Watch Ultra offers faster performance and the ability to operate with Apple Vision Pro.
Apple's move away from leather
The podcast episode highlighted Apple's decision to phase out leather and replace it with fine woven material in their cases and bands. The reasons behind this decision were discussed, and although the fine woven material was noted to be aesthetically pleasing, concerns were raised about its sustainability compared to leather.
This week: we're reacting and deep-diving into everything Apple announced at this week's Wonderlust event, including iPhone 15 Pro and Max, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 9, AirPods Pro 2 and more!
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Predictions that both iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max would see price increases turned out to be partly true. iPhone 15 Pro remains at $999, like like iPhone 14 Pro. But iPhone 15 Max, with its major camera upgrades, goes up from to $1,099 to $1,199.
Apple Watch Series 9 brings a faster S9 chip that the company says will boost performance, make Siri more usable, and enable an entirely new “double tap” gesture.
The front is dominated by a 1.92-inch LTPO OLED panel that now gets brighter than before. It can now reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, an increase of 1,000 nits from the first-gen Ultra.
Small tweaks to the AirPods Pro 2 include USB C, an improved IP54 rating for improved dust resistance and lossless audio if you pair the earbuds to an Apple Vision Pro (which Apple confirmed is shipping early next year).
You'll need an appropriate cable to charge with an iPhone, such as a USB-C to USB-C cable for the new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Charging Case, or a USB-C Apple Watch charging puck (which will probably come in the box with those products)
The new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max all support DisplayPort for up to 4K HDR video mirroring and video output to an external display or TV, according to Apple's tech specs for the devices.
To make its products more eco-friendly, Apple introduced a new material it calls “FineWoven” today. This material, which Apple says has a “suedelike” feel, will replace the company’s existing leather accessories for the iPhone and Apple Watch.