9 travel features I’m most excited about with Apple's new iPhone 15 family

13.09.2023 - 12:05 / thepointsguy.com

It's that time of the year again.

On Tuesday, Apple unveiled the newest iPhone and Apple Watch models during a hybrid virtual and in-person "Wanderlust" keynote broadcast from its Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Each fall, the tech giant shows off its newest smartphones and smartwatches, and this action-packed keynote will definitely leave many customers excited for launch day on Sept. 22.

Leading up to that day, I'm sure I'll get lots of questions about whether this is the year to splurge for an iPhone (or Apple Watch) upgrade.

Well, if you're a traveler, especially one toting an older-generation iPhone or Apple Watch, that answer is almost definitely yes. Here's why this frequent flyer is excited about the new devices.

This long-awaited upgrade is finally here: The iPhone has an all-new data and charging connector that'll undoubtedly change how we travel.

Every new iPhone 15 model is equipped with a USB-C charging port, replacing the proprietary Lightning port that's been a staple of the iPhone experience since 2012.

With the transition to USB-C (likely accelerated by the implementation of new regulatory requirements in Europe), your new iPhone will use an industry-standard charger that'll eliminate the need to travel with a separate Lightning cable.

Not only will this reduce cable clutter, but it'll also allow you to charge your AirPods or Apple Watch directly from your iPhone.

Plus, since USB-C is the international gold standard for data and charging connectivity, you shouldn't have a problem finding a cable if you forget one during your trip.

Apple's powerful Find My app is getting even more useful with the introduction of the new iPhone 15. Right now, you can use Find My to locate your devices, find your friends and track your bags, keys and wallets using AirTags.

When you get close to a lost item, you can toggle Precision Finding to help you locate it in just seconds.

This year, Apple is bringing Precision Finding to the Find My friend-finding feature with the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip built into the iPhone 15 and Watch Series 9 families. This enhanced chip will let you locate where exactly your friend is standing, no matter if you're in a crowded concert or navigating through an airport.

No more noisy phone calls screaming into the microphone to locate your loved ones.

Related: What it's really like to use Apple's AirTags to track your luggage

In recent years, Apple has focused on building potentially life-saving health and safety features into its portfolio of products.

One such feature is the new Emergency SOS via satellite service that debuted with the iPhone 14 family. This lets you connect with emergency services in 14 countries if you're out of cellular