New iPhones & Apple Watches, It’s iOS 17, iPadOS 17, & watchOS 10 Day!

Last week, Apple held its big Wonderlust event and here is what you need to know. Overall, it wasn’t the most exciting Apple event ever, but it’s a high bar to expect that each event will be. There are new Apple Watches and iPhones, but should you upgrade? I’ll help you determine that. Plus, there are new operating systems out today! Let’s go!

⌚️ Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2

Apple introduced updated versions of the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra. Highlights of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 include:

• Faster S9 SiP (processor package)

• Brighter displays (2000 nits on Series 9, 3000 nits on Ultra 2)

• A new Double Tap gesture to control the interface

• On-Device Siri that Apple says will be more reliable

• A new Modular Ultra watch face for Ultra 2 (and Ultra 1 in watchOS 10)

• New pink aluminum color for the Series 9

• New bands for all watches

You can find all the details on Apple’s site. The new models are available to order now and will be in stores on September 22nd.

Should You Buy One?

If you don’t have an Apple Watch and have been waiting to buy until after the event, now’s the time. The Series 9 is the best pick for most people, and the Ultra is excellent if you need longer battery life, will push the watch in more extreme conditions, or prefer its size and styling.

If you already have a watch, but it is Series 5 or older, the Series 9 will be a very nice upgrade. You’ll get a brighter screen, on-device Siri, an always-on display, and better battery life. If you have a Series 6 or newer, it’s a minor update, and with the rumors of the Series 10 seeing a significant design update, I’d wait it out.

If you have the first-generation Ultra, I don’t see any reason to upgrade unless you have the cash to burn and always want the latest and greatest. I’m not upgrading my Ultra to an Ultra 2.

📱 iPhone 15 and 15 Pro

The main event, of course, was the unveiling of the new iPhones. We have two new models, the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro. No surprise there. Here’s what you need to know:

• The Dynamic Island has arrived on the iPhone 15 (it was only on the Pro model)

• Always-on display now on the 15 (was only on the Pro model)

• 48-megapixel main camera on 15 and 15 Pro

• 2x optical zoom on the 15, 5x optical zoom on the Pro Max (loses the 3x though)

• New Titanium case on the Pro, will be lighter

• USB-C replaces the Lightning port (you’ll need new cables)

• Five colors for the 15, four for the 15 Pro (shown above)

• Action button on the 15 Pro (where the silencer switch has been)

Both models can be ordered now and will be in stores on September 22. Delivery of specific models has already slipped into October or later.

Should you upgrade?

Both the 15 and 15 Pro are nice phones. With the iPhone 15 getting the always-on display and Dynamic Island, being available in various pastel colors, and having a nice camera system, it’s a great starting point. If you want the premium experience and don’t mind paying extra, there’s the 15 Pro with the new Titanium case, Action button, and different, relatively dull colors.

If you already have an iPhone 13 or newer, it won’t feel like a significant update, aside from the zoom options for the cameras and always-on display if you don’t have that. Coming from a 12 or older, it should be a nice upgrade. I won’t be upgrading from my iPhone 14 Pro.

🆕 iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 Released Today

After a summer of beta versions, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10 were released by Apple today. Before you update, back up your device so you're prepared should something go off the rails.

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Have a look at the new features:

• iOS 17

• iPadOS 17

• watchOS 10

tvOS 17 and HomePod 17 were also released today. What about macOS? Apple says Sonoma is coming on September 26.

🎙️ Basic AF: Apple Event: New Apple Watches & iPhones, Buying Recommendations

In this episode, we do a deep-dive on the Apple event and cover all of the new products and the decision by Apple to no longer use leather in their products. If you’re looking for more details on the devices, plus an in-depth discussion on buying recommendations, give it a listen.

Listen now at basicafshow.com and in all the podcast apps, as well as on YouTube and YouTube Music.