The most significant change to the iPhone this year is due to an EU mandate rather than Apple's innovation. Adopting USB-C is a welcome move, but it's far from the innovations of the past.
Another year, another iPhone, with Apple claiming huge improvements making it the best one yet. With the iPhone 15, there are noticeable enhancements for those who upgrade annually.
The regular and plus-sized handsets have a faster processor and improved camera, replacing their notches with the dynamic island from last year's pro phones. This year's pro phones feature a lighter titanium body and an even more powerful processor.
However, Apple changing the charging port is less common. The iPhone 15 swaps lightning for USB-C, offering numerous benefits. You can charge iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods with the same cable; plug in external storage devices; and enjoy faster file transfer speeds on pro models.
The convenience of using one cable for various devices is a great perk. However, Apple's adoption of USB-C is due to European regulators rather than innovation.
USB-C is arguably the most meaningful change to the iPhone for most users. A survey suggests over 60% of iPhone owners would be influenced to buy an upgrade because of USB-C, and 44% of Android owners might switch.
The fact that this new feature has been forced upon Apple by politicians reveals much about modern smartphones where iteration dominates innovation. Major leaps forward are now rarer, with rivals Samsung and Google struggling to make foldable smartphones mainstream.
For technophiles, an annual phone upgrade remains attractive. But for everyone else, a new phone is likely borne out of necessity rather than excitement – fittingly exemplified by the iPhone 15's most notable update.
Incrementally innovative iPhone 15