Apple is poised to unveil its newest flagship iPhone lineup in September 2023, which will consist of four models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.. Following the pattern of the iPhone 14 Pro models, the higher-tier iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will deliver exclusive features not found in the more budget-friendly iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
This overview zeroes in on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, detailing information gleaned from circulating rumors. For insights into the standard iPhone 15 models, refer to the iPhone 15 roundup. Expect the iPhone 15 Pro to boast a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max will flaunt a 6.7-inch screen, maintaining the same dimensions as the iPhone 14 Pro models.
The iPhone 15 Pro models are likely to undergo subtle design refinements. Apple appears ready to introduce slimmer, curved bezels and a fresh titanium chassis, taking over from the current stainless steel construction. An overhauled “mute” button may double as an Action button, akin to the one featured on the Apple Watch Ultra. This revamped button could serve up a range of functions beyond muting, such as activating shortcuts and triggering the flashlight.
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: Enhanced Performance and Efficiency
The upgraded 3-nanometer A17 chip, exclusively present in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, is set to enhance both performance and efficiency. This advancement could translate into accelerated speed and improved battery life. While all iPhone 15 models will incorporate the Dynamic Island, and the lineup will transition from Lightning to USB-C connections, the iPhone 15 Pro series will feature an enhanced USB-C port, boasting speedier USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 transfer rates.
More RAM is expected to accompany the A17 chip, while all iPhone 15 models will employ Qualcomm’s 5G modem chip technology for connectivity. The horizon holds a new Ultrawide Band chip, facilitating close-range interactions and integrating with the forthcoming Vision Pro headset, projected to debut in early 2024. Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will share a plethora of features, differing primarily in the inclusion of a telephoto camera lens.
Both iPhone 15 Pro models will include telephoto lens technology as part of their standard three-camera array, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max will have a new periscope lens that will enable 5x to 6x optical zoom, a notable improvement over the 3x zoom on the current iPhone 14 Pro models. Rumors suggest the iPhone 15 Pro models will come in blue, silver, space gray/black, and titanium gray.
Part Leaks and Renders
In February, an image showcasing an iPhone 15 Pro equipped with a USB-C port emerged, offering an initial glimpse into the device’s design. Subsequently, dummy models appeared in April, accompanied by numerous renders.
The USB-C port in the iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t exhibit stark dissimilarity from the Lightning port in the present iPhone 14 Pro series; however, the resemblances are intriguing. The picture showcases the more pronounced curvature that Apple is anticipated to integrate into the iPhone 15 Pro variants, featuring a brushed metal texture that aligns with speculation about a titanium chassis.
Design Details
Similar Design, Enhanced Display:
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are anticipated to share a resemblance with the iPhone 14 Pro counterparts. Their 6.1 and 6.7-inch OLED displays will include a Dynamic Island cutout accommodating the camera and Face ID hardware.
Chassis Tweaks:
Rumors hint at chassis adjustments for the Pro models. Notably, leaker ShrimpApplePro suggests the iPhone 15 Pro line will flaunt sleeker bezels compared to the iPhone 14 Pro series. Although the displays will maintain their flatness, the edges will sport a subtle curve, drawing parallels with the design seen in the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8.
Record-breaking Bezel Size:
Projections place the iPhone 15 Pro’s bezels at a mere 1.55mm, breaking the record for the thinnest smartphone bezels. By contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro features 2.17mm bezels. The standard iPhone 15 models’ bezel size, however, is not subject to rumored change.
Titanium Chassis Transition:
An intriguing shift awaits as Apple reportedly swaps stainless steel for titanium in the frame of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Titanium offers a blend of lightness and strength, though its cost is relatively higher due to its demanding workability.
Weight and Composition:
Assuming no major internal component changes, an iPhone with a titanium frame is likely to be lighter than its stainless steel predecessor. The precise weight hinges on the alloy employed, given that the devices won’t be crafted solely from pure titanium.
Colors
Elegant Color Options:
The iPhone 15 Pro lineup might feature a refined dark blue shade, reminiscent of the iPhone 12 Pro’s blue but deeper due to added gray. Apple customarily introduces a fresh color annually; prototypes for iPhone 15 Pro have showcased this blue. While rumors of a maroon or burgundy hue circulate, the odds favor the introduction of the blue variant.
Volume Buttons
Shift in Button Technology:
Initially, the iPhone 15 Pro lineup was poised to embrace solid-state buttons, supplanting the physical counterparts. Apple aimed to adopt a streamlined elongated, single-button configuration. By utilizing haptic feedback, the plan was to emulate button presses, offering tactile sensation sans the actual button.
Change in Course:
For a considerable duration in the rumor mill, Apple’s trajectory seemed fixed on this innovation. However, come April, the company made a shift. Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disclosed that due to persistent technical challenges, the notion of solid-state buttons was relinquished. Instead, Apple will revert to the traditional physical button layout. This shift involves a return to the dual-button arrangement akin to the iPhone 14 Pro models, departing from the earlier speculation of a singular button. Notably, solid-state buttons might find their way into the 2024 iPhone 16 models.
Fast USB-C
Universal USB-C Adoption:
All iPhone 15 models are anticipated to make the shift from Lightning to USB-C ports, driven by regulatory obligations in Europe. European law mandates a universal charging standard, compelling Apple to embrace USB-C universally rather than creating region-specific iPhones. This transition ensures a standardized charging experience across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other USB-C compatible devices, facilitating seamless use.
Enhanced Data Transfers for Pro Models:
Among the iPhone 15 Pro models, the USB-C port will enable expedited data transfers. These models will support USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 speeds, offering data transfer rates ranging from a minimum of 20Gb/s to potentially 40Gb/s with Thunderbolt support. In contrast, standard iPhone 15 models will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds, capping at 480Mb/s. This will lead to quicker wired transfers of photos, backups, and data between devices.
Potential for Faster Charging:
USB-C’s adoption could potentially usher in swifter wired charging speeds compared to Lightning connections, although specific details remain speculative.
USB-C Constraints:
A Weibo rumor suggests Apple might impose limitations on the iPhone’s USB-C port to curtail functionality with unapproved accessories. This approach is similar to how Apple has controlled the Lightning port. The concept involves integrating an interface in the USB-C chip to steer customers toward genuine Apple accessories, averting counterfeit and hazardous charging cables and adapters.
MFi USB-C Certification:
Leaker ShrimpApplePro suggests iPhone 15 models will endorse solely USB-C accessories certified under the Apple Made for iPhone (MFi) program. Apple’s supplier, Foxconn, is reportedly producing MFi-certified USB-C EarPods and cables. MFi certification could regulate features such as fast charging and high-speed data transfers, potentially restricting unapproved cables’ data and charging speed.
Wireless Charging Advancements:
The iPhone 15 lineup will embrace both MagSafe charging and the new Qi2 standard. This allows for 15W charging through third-party non-MagSafe accessories that adopt Qi2. Consequently, even accessories without MagSafe endorsement can facilitate swifter wireless charging as long as they are Qi2-compatible.
Periscope Lens Technology
Enhanced Camera System:
The iPhone 15 Pro lineup will introduce novel periscope camera technology. This is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This strategy marks a rare instance where Apple reserves innovative features for the larger 6.7-inch Pro iPhone. The 6.1-inch Pro iPhone receives a less advanced attribute.
Periscope Lens Unveiled:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max will incorporate the periscope lens system for its telephoto camera. This advancement permits optical zoom of 5x or 6x, surpassing the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 3x optical zoom. The decision to limit this technology to the Pro Max model likely stems from the spatial requirements of the hardware. A periscope lens system employs an angled mirror or prism to redirect light toward a second lens, enabling increased optical zoom while fitting within the smartphone’s chassis.
Innovative Light Refraction:
The optical arrangement might necessitate a square-shaped telephoto lens, distinct from the circular design of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The camera cutout could remain circular, while the lens inside takes on a square form. To ensure sharpness at higher zoom levels, Apple will likely integrate optical image stabilization to counter blurriness and movement.
Borrowing from Competitors:
Apple’s rival Samsung has employed periscope lens technology for several years, achieving up to 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom with the “Space Zoom” feature. Apple might adopt a similar approach without explicitly using the term “periscope.”
Reconfigured Camera Set-Up:
To accommodate the periscope camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s lens arrangement might be altered. Anticipate changes to the positions of the Ultra Wide and Telephoto lenses. While this shift won’t markedly affect end-users, it’s crucial to create room for the periscope lens hardware, likely positioned beneath the flash and LiDAR sensor.
Enhanced LiDAR Scanner and Lens:
The iPhone 15 Pro models could feature an upgraded rear-camera LiDAR Scanner sourced from Sony, boasting lower power consumption. This could lead to a more power-efficient scanner or enhanced performance without sacrificing power consumption. Additionally, rumors suggest a glass-plastic hybrid lens with an f/1.7 aperture, permitting improved low-light performance and shallower depth-of-field effects compared to the f/1.79 aperture in the iPhone 14 Pro models.
A17 Chip
Advanced Processing Power:
Apple’s next-generation A17 chip is set to drive the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, establishing a precedent as the first A-series chip built on a 3-nanometer process. Shifting from the A15 and A16 chips’ 5-nanometer and 4-nanometer architecture, this upgrade will shrink chip sizes due to heightened transistor density. The A17 chip will incorporate a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU, featuring one more GPU core than the A16.
3nm Process Leap:
TSMC’s intensive development of the 3nm process promises noteworthy enhancements. Anticipate a 10 to 15 percent boost in processing performance, coupled with a remarkable 30 percent reduction in power consumption. While the costlier production of 3nm chips limits their debut, the A17 chip will exclusively grace the iPhone 15 Pro models in 2023.
Allocation Confirmed by Code:
Code found within the tvOS 17 beta confirms the A17 chip’s exclusivity to the Pro models, with the standard iPhone 15 models relying on the A16 chip.
Memory and Storage Advancements:
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max might embrace 8GB RAM, an advancement from the current iPhone 14 Pro’s 6GB, although one leak suggests 6GB RAM might persist.
Amplified Storage Capacity:
Storage capabilities could elevate for the iPhone 15 Pro models, potentially supporting up to 2TB. This represents a twofold increase from the iPhone 14 Pro models, capped at 1TB. There’s a chance the iPhone 15 Pro models might commence at 256GB storage, foregoing the previous 128GB threshold.
Wi-Fi 6E, 5G and UWB
Enhanced Performance and Connectivity:
In 2023, all iPhones will harness Qualcomm’s advanced X70 chips, amplifying AI for expedited processing, extended coverage range, heightened power efficiency, and reduced latency.
Wi-Fi Advancements:
The swifter Wi-Fi 6E standard, adopted by Apple for select devices, is set to be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Distinguished by greater bandwidth compared to Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E furnishes accelerated connectivity, diminished latency, and amplified capacity. It presents an additional 1.2GHz spectrum in the 6GHz band, enabling whole-home gigabit coverage, and multi-gigabit venue connectivity, and facilitating data-heavy streams as seen in AR and VR encounters. Connectivity to a Wi-Fi 6E router is imperative to enjoy these perks.
Ultra Wideband Integration:
Anticipate the iPhone 15 models to incorporate an advanced Ultra Wideband chip that interfaces with the Vision Pro headset. The chip’s processor will migrate to 7nm fabrication, a transition poised to bolster performance and/or reduce energy consumption.
Potential SIM Card Tray Shift:
Apple’s trend of omitting the SIM card tray commenced with the iPhone 14 launch in the US. This practice might extend to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, potentially expanding beyond the US borders.
European Implications:
Reports propose that France could be the vanguard for this change. Should this hold, the elimination of the SIM tray could resonate with European counterparts like Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the UK.
Pricing
Price Adjustments in Consideration:
Apple is mulling over the possibility of raising prices for both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg notes that this move might be an attempt to bolster revenue amidst a smartphone market downturn.
Potential Cost Uptick:
Jeff Pu, an analyst, echoes the sentiment, suggesting that the iPhone 15 Pro models could surpass the price of their iPhone 14 Pro counterparts. Pu speculates that the iPhone 15 Pro might commence at $1,099, a rise from the iPhone 14 Pro’s $999 starting price. If accurate, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s initial cost might land at $1,199.
Enhanced Repairability:
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models will incorporate enhanced repairability this year. Building on the chassis redesign seen in the iPhone 14 lineup, both versions will facilitate easier opening, particularly for back glass replacement.
Consistency in Chassis Design:
Apple’s decision to persist with this chassis design change will extend to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals, all models will feature dual-sided access for repairs, leading to reduced fees for repairing damaged back glass.
Lower Repair Costs for Pro Models:
Currently, repairing the back glass of an iPhone 14 costs $169, while for the 14 Pro, it costs $499 due to display removal for accessing the back glass. Streamlined repairs will consequently result in more affordable repair fees, even for Pro models.
Release Timeline:
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models are set to be unveiled at a September event, likely taking place on Tuesday, September 12. This suggests pre-orders commencing on Friday, September 15, with the official launch scheduled for Friday, September 22.
Availability and Manufacturing Insights:
The iPhone 15 lineup is poised for a September release, potentially within the initial two weeks of the month. There are reports that supply constraints might impact the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max due to challenges in display manufacturing. These constraints could be attributed to LG displays, which feature slim bezels. However, there are conflicting sources that suggest Apple has resolved this issue.
Diverse Display Suppliers:
Samsung spearheads OLED display mass production for all iPhone 15 models. In terms of display panel manufacturing for the iPhone 15 series, both LG Display and BOE are participating. Specifically, LG Display is focusing on producing displays for the iPhone 15 Pro, while BOE is catering to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro:
Distinguishing between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, the latter exhibits a broader feature set. The Pro variants house A17 chips, advanced cameras with telephoto lenses, titanium chassis, and expedited USB-C connectivity. Although the standard iPhone 15 models offer fewer features, they maintain affordability.
conclusion
In conclusion, the anticipation for the iPhone 15 lineup is building as Apple readies to introduce its latest flagship devices. With an array of improvements, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are set to bring advancements in processing power through the A17 chip built on a 3-nanometer process, enabling enhanced performance and energy efficiency. The inclusion of periscope camera technology exclusively in the Pro Max model highlights Apple’s commitment to innovation. Additionally, the adoption of the Wi-Fi 6E standard in the Pro models promises superior connectivity speeds and increased capacity, enhancing the overall user experience.
Apple is considering price adjustments for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This reflects their strategic approach to balance revenue and market dynamics. Increased repairability across the lineup is a welcomed move. This could lead to reduced repair costs for all models. The expected release timeline aligns with Apple’s tradition of September launches. This promises a new wave of cutting-edge technology for consumers.
The iPhone 15 series brings many improvements. These include camera enhancements, processing power, and connectivity options. This reaffirms Apple’s commitment to pushing innovation boundaries. It also caters to the diverse preferences of its user base.
