So all the speculation was largely on target.
At its big Tuesday event, not only did Apple unveil its new iPhone 15 and 15 Pro line-ups, but it stressed environmental bona fides and its efforts toward becoming carbon neutral by 2030. It also introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, an Apple Watch Ultra 2, and offered noteworthy commitments regarding its future corporate environmental responsibility.
In other news, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and HomePod 17 will be available as free updates on Sept. 18; macOS Sonoma ships a little later, on Sept. 26.And as expected, Apple’s iPhones, watches, and AirPods Pro will be among the first of its mobile products to be equipped with USB-C, in line with EU regulation. EarPods will also migrate to USB-C.
Before digging into the iPhone details, let’s talk sustainability, which Apple chose to highlight.
‘An urgent responsibility’
Not only did Apple confirm that more than 300 manufacturers in its supply chain have committed to using 100% clean energy in Apple product production by 2030, but it also introduced its first fully carbon neutral product in the Apple Watch Series 9.
The company also promised:
To remove all plastic in packaging by the end of year.
To use even more recycled aluminium and other elements in all products.
And to cut transportation emissions by 95% through use of surface transport.
“As we experience record temperatures and devastating storms, we all have an urgent responsibility to reduce emissions and protect against the worst impacts of climate change,” said Sarah Chandler, Apple’s vice president of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation. “At Apple, we’re proud that so many of our suppliers are taking action as we drive progress toward a carbon-neutral future.”
Apple didn’t stop there. Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi noted Apple even dispensed with plastic and introduced recycled materials for the Apple Park event entry badge given to guests at the launch in Cupertino. This may seem a small step, but it’s a significant high-profile nod toward what’s coming.
Environment and accessories
Apple went further than the EU required. Not only did it adopt USB-C for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro to help reduce e-Waste, but it also withdrew some of the less planet-friendly accessories from its range.
In this case, that means no more phone cases in silicon or leather as it moves to a more climate-friendly synthetic material that makes great use of recycled materials it calls FineWoven. The material is made from 68 percent post-consumer recycled content and has significantly lower carbon emissions compared to leather.
Apple is introducing a new FineWoven Case with MagSafe and FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe. In addition:
FineWoven cases are now available with iPhone 15 and Apple Watch S9.
Four new straps that use materials other than leather are available with Hermes.
It’s working with Nike on bands that use less fresh…
2023-09-14 14:00:04
Source from www.computerworld.com rnrn