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USC reacts to the iPhone 15 announcement

Students share their opinion on if the new iPhone Pro Max is worth the price.

Photo of three iPhones on display

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models are displayed during an announcement of new products on the Apple campus Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, in Cupertino, Calif. (AP/Jeff Chiu)

By Erika Driscoll

Apple’s launch event Tuesday kicked off their new iPhone 15 Pro Max - it features a USB-C, 48 pixel camera, dynamic island and an array of colors. With all the buzz, I asked USC students if the new iPhone Pro Max is really worth the hype.

Anshay Saboo who was taking a lunch break at the Tutor Campus Center wasn’t phased by the launch and believes Apple needs to amp up their game.

Anshay Saboo: There’s not really much changing from year to year. I really don’t see the point in spending 1200 dollars for a USB-C port. They’re not really doing too much cool stuff nowadays. And so, I mean, since like they changed the screen with the 14, I was pretty cool. But now it’s just literally the same phone again. So.

Pannawat Chauychoo was spotted scrolling on his current iPhone outside the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and remained true to his phone of six years.

Pannawat Chauychoo: I think the changes are too minimal to pay that much for a new iPhone. So I just don’t I don’t see the need right now to buy a 1200 dollar phone. So I’m just not going to order it. I currently have an iPhone X, so I bought it around five years ago and it’s still working well. So I don’t think there’s a need to change right now.

On the other hand, Samantha Valdovinos thinks the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a necessary accessory to fit in with the cool kids.

Samantha Valdovinos: I think soon enough I’m going to have to order the iPhone 15 to keep up with everyone else. I really like taking those pictures with a clear camera, so I kind of feel like it’s a necessity to get the new iPhone.

Most students weren’t too thrilled about the new USB-C, including film student JJ Lipman.

JJ Lipman: Nope, because I just got this 14 And well, the only real difference that sounds like an important difference to me is the usb-c. But I have a converter, so I’m good.

Cole Dubrow also thought the USB-C was more chaotic than beneficial.

Cole Dubrow: I think in the long run it’s a good change, but it’s a little frustrating to have all of these lightning cables and now have to make the switch over, and I’m assuming they won’t be providing those cables. It’s a little frustrating.

Who knows how many USC students will order the new iPhone 15 Pro Max when it goes on sale this Friday. We will have to see who is repping this new Apple swag!

For Annenberg Media I’m Erika Driscoll.