Talking Tech

Thu Sep 14 2023

Michelle Maltais | Managing Editor/Money and Consumer News

@mmaltaisLA

Happy Thursday. I'm Michelle Maltais, managing editor of the Money & Consumer News team at USA TODAY. If you haven't heard, there were a few announcements from Apple this week, and even my Android heart beat a little faster Tuesday, and not just because I was sucking down a pumpkin spice latte, as we had eyes on Cupertino's "Wonderland" for the answer to "what next?" from the tech giant.

In its slick recorded presentation that was livestreamed, Apple unveiled its latest products, including the new iPhone 15 models and Series 9 Apple Watch. (For those who just can't wait, they go on pre-sale Friday and columnist Marc Saltzman weighed in on whether iPhone 15 is a gotta buy for those plugged into the iOS universe.)

And after the unveiling of more than 30 iPhone models , yes, millions of people still tune in for these Apple events. With more than 1.2 billion iPhones sold, Apple products "have become a core part of people's lives around the world," according to Wedbush Securities technology analyst Dan Ives. "Many consumers view their priorities as bread, water, family and iPhone."

The new iPhone 15 lineup

Four new models of Apple's flagship iPhone are coming out this month. The iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will each see aesthetic changes and technological updates, while significant changes are coming to the device's charging cord. Yes, no more Lightning cable — it's all USB-C now.

The new iPhone lineup will have starting costs ranging from $799 to $1,199.

What's new with iOS 17

There also was more news on updates for Apple's mobile operating system.

Apple's iOS 17 is slated to be released on Sept. 18 and will bring new features to a range of iPhones, including the iPhone 15.

The update spans across the iPhone's functions from the phone, messaging and apps. And iOS 17 will also introduce new features and modes to both the iPhone and AirPods Pro. You can see more details from the Apple event in our full recap.

Does the new iPhone really mark a big enough change?

Sometimes, it really is the little things that matter , writes columnist Bob O'Donnell. That is, as long as there are a lot of them. While I and my Android-using ilk may dismiss the multiple relatively minor changes in the device lineup that individually may not be noteworthy, O'Donnell says collectively, they "represent a positive step forward – particularly for people with 3- or 4-year-old phones who are ready for an upgrade."

Wait, what's going on with iPhone 12?

While iPhone 15 is in the limelight this week, iPhone 12 is getting a mais non in Paris. A French watchdog agency says Apple's iPhone 12 emits too much electromagnetic radiation and should be withdrawn from the market, a claim that Apple disputes. But here's why experts say you don't need to fret.

And for more tech news, Apple-related and beyond, see below.