Apple’s Wonderlust Event Today: What to Expect from iPhone 15 Series in India

Apple is set to unveil its latest products and software updates at its annual September event, which will take place today at 10:30 PM IST. The event, which has been teased with the tagline “Wonderlust”, is expected to showcase the new iPhone 15 series, along with the iOS 17 operating system, the Apple Watch Series 9, and possibly some new AirPods. Here is a breakdown of what we can expect from the event and how it will impact the Indian market.

iPhone 15 Series: USB-C Charging, A17 Chip, and More

The highlight of the event will be the launch of the iPhone 15 series, which will reportedly feature four variants: the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The new iPhones are expected to introduce some major changes to the design and performance of the device, such as:

USB-C charging: For the first time, Apple is likely to adopt USB-C charging for its smartphones, replacing the proprietary Lightning port. This will make it easier and faster for users to charge their iPhones with compatible devices and accessories from other brands. USB-C charging is already available on some of Apple’s products, such as the iPad Pro and the MacBook.
A17 Bionic chip: The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to be powered by the A17 Bionic chip, which will offer improved performance and efficiency. The A17 chip is said to be based on a 5-nanometer process and feature a six-core CPU, a four-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The standard iPhone 15 models will likely feature the A16 chip, which will also offer some upgrades over the previous generation.
Larger screens and slimmer bezels: The new iPhones are expected to have larger screens with slimmer bezels, giving users more display area and a sleeker look. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to have 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch OLED screens respectively, while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to have 6.2-inch and 6.8-inch OLED screens respectively. The screens are also expected to support a higher refresh rate of 120Hz for smoother scrolling and gaming.
Dynamic Island feature: The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to have a unique feature called Dynamic Island, which will allow users to customize their home screen with widgets and app icons that change according to their location, time, or activity. For example, users can have different Dynamic Islands for work, home, travel, or entertainment.
Titanium finish and periscope lens: The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have a premium titanium finish, which will make them more durable and resistant to scratches. The Pro models are also expected to have a periscope lens for their rear camera system, which will enable them to achieve up to 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom.
Action button: The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to replace the mute switch button with an action button, which will allow users to perform various functions with a single press or a long press. For example, users can use the action button to launch Siri, take screenshots, toggle flashlight, or access shortcuts.

iOS 17: New Features and Improvements

Along with the new iPhones, Apple is expected to announce the release date of iOS 17, the latest version of its operating system for mobile devices. iOS 17 is expected to bring some new features and improvements to enhance the user experience, such as:

FaceTime enhancements: iOS 17 is expected to make FaceTime more interactive and engaging by adding features such as spatial audio, portrait mode, grid view, SharePlay, and FaceTime links. Spatial audio will create a more realistic sound experience by adjusting the volume and direction of each speaker’s voice according to their position on the screen. Portrait mode will blur the background of each participant’s video to create a more focused look. Grid view will show all participants in equal-sized tiles on the screen. SharePlay will allow users to watch movies, listen to music, or play games together on FaceTime. FaceTime links will allow users to invite anyone to join a FaceTime call via a web link, even if they don’t have an Apple device.
Focus mode: iOS 17 is expected to introduce Focus mode, which will help users reduce distractions and stay focused on their tasks. Focus mode will allow users to create different profiles for different situations, such as work, personal, sleep, or gaming. Each profile will have its own set of notifications, apps, and widgets that are allowed or blocked. Users can also set their status to let others know when they are in Focus mode and when they are available.
Live Text and Visual Lookup: iOS 17 is expected to add Live Text and Visual Lookup features, which will allow users to extract and interact with text and information from images. Live Text will enable users to copy, paste, translate, or search for text from photos, screenshots, or the camera app. Visual Lookup will enable users to identify and learn more about objects, animals, plants, landmarks, or art from photos or the camera app.
Safari redesign: iOS 17 is expected to redesign Safari, the default web browser for Apple devices. The new Safari will have a more minimalist and compact look, with the address bar and tabs moved to the bottom of the screen for easier access. Users will also be able to create tab groups to organize their browsing sessions and sync them across devices. Safari will also support web extensions, which will allow users to add more functionality and customization to their browser.

Apple Watch Series 9 and AirPods Pro 2

Besides the iPhone 15 series and iOS 17, Apple is expected to unveil some other products at the Wonderlust event, such as:

Apple Watch Series 9: The new Apple Watch is expected to feature some upgrades such as the S9 processor, which will offer faster performance and longer battery life. The Apple Watch Series 9 is also expected to have new 3D printed components, which will make it lighter and more comfortable to wear. The Apple Watch Series 9 is expected to retain the same design and size as the previous generation, with a 40mm and a 44mm option.
AirPods Pro 2: The new AirPods Pro are expected to feature a USB-C charging case, which will match the iPhone 15’s charging system. The AirPods Pro 2 are also expected to have some improvements in sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and water resistance. The AirPods Pro 2 are expected to have a similar design as the current model, with silicone ear tips and a stem.

Impact on the Indian Market

The Wonderlust event is likely to have a significant impact on the Indian market, as Apple has been expanding its presence and popularity in the country. According to a report by Counterpoint Research¹, Apple was the fastest-growing smartphone brand in India in the second quarter of 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 144%. Apple also captured the second spot in the premium smartphone segment in India, with a market share of 29%, behind OnePlus.

One of the main factors that has boosted Apple’s growth in India is its local manufacturing strategy, which has helped it reduce costs and offer more affordable prices. According to Bloomberg, Apple intends to release the Made-in-India iPhone 15 in India and select global markets on the day of its launch. This will make it easier for Indian consumers to access the latest iPhone without any delay or extra charges.

Another factor that has increased Apple’s appeal in India is its ecosystem of products and services, which offer seamless integration and convenience. With the launch of the iPhone 15 series, iOS 17, the Apple Watch Series 9, and the AirPods Pro 2, Apple is likely to attract more customers who want to enjoy the benefits of its ecosystem.

The Wonderlust event is expected to be one of the most exciting and important events for Apple and its fans in India. The event will showcase Apple’s innovation and vision for its products and software, as well as its commitment and potential for the Indian market.