iPhone 15 Size
Apple plans to launch a total of four iPhone 14 models with the same sizes as the iPhone 15 models, including two 6.1-inch iPhones and two 6.7-inch iPhones. One of the 6.1-inch iPhones will be the standard iPhone 15, while one of the 6.7-inch models will be the iPhone 15 "Plus." The other 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch iPhones will be the higher-end and more expensive "Pro" models, which could be even pricier this year.
Just like the iPhone 14 / 14 Pro series, the best features will be reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro model, ensuring that the additional cost is justified.
The pricing of the iPhone 15 models is expected to remain unchanged, with the starting price for the standard entry-level 6.1-inch device at $799 and the starting price for the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus at $899.
Design
The iPhone 15 models are expected to bear a resemblance to the iPhone 14 models, but the pill-shaped indentations and punch-hole cutouts will be extended across the entire lineup. This implies that all iPhone 15 models will forgo the notch and instead adopt the Dynamic Island introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro model.
Due to the absence of significant design changes, Apple will continue to offer four models: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Max, and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max. The "Pro" models will feature more high-end functionalities and come at a higher price, while the standard iPhone 15 model will be more budget-friendly.
For the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, design differences will include the USB-C port instead of the Lightning port and the transition from the notch to the Dynamic Island. The USB-C port will be a new feature across all iPhone models, while Dynamic Island is being introduced for the first time with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Alongside Dynamic Island, all iPhone 15 models can be equipped with more energy-efficient OLED display driver chips manufactured using 28-nanometer process technology, reducing power consumption and ultimately significantly extending battery life.
The standard iPhone 15 model will not include ProMotion technology or Always-On Display features, despite the transition to the Dynamic Island.
Color
Current rumors indicate that the iPhone 15 models will offer colors such as blue, yellow, coral, a shade between pink and orange, white, and black. Blue and coral will be the new hues introduced this year, while yellow, black, and white will be the standard colors in the lineup.
Color-matched USB-C cables are expected to be offered in the iPhone 15 models.
iPhone 15 Pro Exclusive Design
While all iPhone 15 models will adopt the USB-C port, there are some unique design changes for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro model will feature thinner, more curved edges compared to the iPhone 14 Pro model, as visible from renderings created based on circulating details about the device. These deeper curves will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro model only, while the iPhone 15 model will continue to resemble the iPhone 14 model, featuring flatter edges, aluminum frames, and glass front and back. We do not anticipate the standard iPhone 15 model to have the same thinner edges.
Apple's iPhone 15 Pro series is expected to employ more heavily curved front glass that blends better into the frame, and the company is projected to use titanium instead of stainless steel for the chassis. The iPhone 15 Pro model will also feature an "Action" button that will replace the mute switch and can perform various actions such as activating shortcuts, opening the camera, turning on the flashlight, enabling silent mode, and more.
Frosted Glass
Unverified rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 models might feature a frosted glass back, a design detail that was previously limited to Apple's Pro models. Standard models typically come with glossy black, while frosted glass is reserved for the more premium models.
If accurate, both the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models would utilize frosted glass on the back of the devices.
Case Fit
Tech enthusiasts have gained insights into how the previous generation iPhone 14 cases might fit based on 3D-printed models of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. It appears that the old cases will likely not be compatible with the new iPhones. New iPhone 15-specific phone cases have already emerged, ensuring a 100% snug fit. For instance, the GaNinno ultra-thin iPhone15 case is set to be a top recommended choice. Tech pioneer GaNinno has made the most suitable iPhone 15 case. Make sure users take protective measures as soon as they get their iPhone 15.
Minor changes in the dimensions of the iPhone 15 series will hinder the fitting of most cases, although the iPhone 15 Plus can fit into an iPhone 14 Plus case. The larger rear camera housing of the Pro models will obstruct the proper functioning of iPhone 14 Pro protective cases, and the more curved design and changes in button placement also contribute to this.
Part Leaks and Renders
Leaked images of the iPhone 15 confirm many rumors we've heard about the device, including the Dynamic Island and the USB-C port. The leaked photos depict the Dynamic Island, which will extend to all iPhone 2023 models, confirming that the design of the iPhone 15 will bear a strong resemblance to the iPhone 14, with few changes. The major updates include the transition to USB-C and the addition of the Dynamic Island in place of the notch on the iPhone 14. Other design changes such as deeper curved edges and a titanium alloy frame will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro model.
Leaks of iPhone 15 Pro cases confirm that the new model will feature slightly repositioned power and volume buttons, with the buttons sitting just slightly lower than the iPhone 14 Pro model. The bottoms of these cases have a larger cutout to accommodate the USB-C port.
No Touch ID
Despite rumors suggesting that Apple has been considering bringing back Touch ID to its flagship iPhones using an under-display solution, the iPhone 15 models are not expected to feature Touch ID and will continue to rely on Face ID.
Apple is developing under-display Face ID capabilities, but it won't be ready until at least 2025. Instead, for 2023, the iPhone 15 will continue to utilize the Dynamic Island, which is anticipated to expand to all models, not just the Pro variants.
USB-C
Apple is in the process of replacing the Lightning port with a USB-C port on its iPhone 15 devices, aligning with new regulations being implemented in Europe. These regulations necessitate that Apple produces iPhones with USB-C ports for the European market, requiring Apple to either undergo a global design switch or develop specific iPhones for sale in Europe.
USB-C Restrictions
Leaker ShrimpApplePro has indicated that the iPhone 15 models will officially support only USB-C accessories certified under Apple's Made for iPhone (MFi) program. It's reported that Apple supplier Foxconn is manufacturing accessories like EarPods and cables with USB-C connectors that are MFi-certified.
MFi USB-C certification can be used to restrict functionalities like fast charging and high-speed data transfer, limiting them to Apple-approved accessories. ShrimpApplePro has stated that cables without MFi certification will have limitations in both data and charging speeds. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also noted that Apple will require Made for iPhone certification for USB-C chargers capable of fast-charging iPhones.
MagSafe
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 retains the magsafe, and there are rumors that the 15 will reduce the magnetic force of the Magsafe, which makes the major Magsafe accessories manufacturers have to make adjustments to their Magsafe products.
Consumers in the choice of iPhone15 Magsafe accessories at the same time also need to choose the most suitable for the new iPhone15 models. Or choose an Magsafe accessory whose magnetic force has always been strong, such as the Kick Pop or K stand, etc.
Camera Upgrades
Apple analyst suggests that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will adopt a 480,000-pixel camera, a technology introduced by Apple in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The new stacked sensor design will allow the lens to capture more light, thereby enhancing low-light camera performance. Analyst Jeff Pu also states that the upcoming standard iPhone 15 model will feature a 480,000-pixel lens.
A second rumor indicates that the iPhone 15 will include a glass-plastic hybrid lens with an f/1.7 aperture. Reportedly, this lens will have one glass element and six plastic elements. While the f/1.7 aperture will be an improvement over the f/1.79 aperture used in the iPhone 12 Pro models, it will be slightly lower compared to the f/1.514 aperture in the iPhone 12 Plus, though if the 480,000-pixel camera rumor is accurate, the megapixels will increase.
Although the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are expected to use the same 14-million-pixel sensor Apple used in the iPhone 14 Pro models, they might continue to have smaller sensors. According to rumors posted on Weibo, the 480,000-pixel camera upgrade will not include the same sensor and the standard iPhone 15 model might continue to have a smaller stacked CMOS image sensor compared to the Pro sensor, but this would be an improvement over the iPhone 14 model sensor.
Periscope Lens Innovation in iPhone 15 Pro Max
You may have heard rumors about Apple's plans to adopt periscope zoom lens technology for the iPhone 15, but it will be exclusive to the larger-sized iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro will feature a standard zoom lens, and the iPhone 15 model will be limited to wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lenses.
The optical zoom capability offered by periscope lens technology surpasses that of standard telephoto lenses, enabling 5x or even 10x optical zoom. With the use of a periscope lens, the zoom capabilities of the iPhone will be significantly enhanced, as the current Pro models are restricted to 3x optical zoom.
A-Series Chips
The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to be the first devices to feature Apple's A-series chips based on TSMC's next-generation 3nm process node. The 3nm chip technology is anticipated to boost processing performance by 10% to 15% while reducing power consumption by up to 35%.
Release Date
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are expected to debut during the September event on Tuesday, 12th. Pre-orders will commence on Friday, and the official release will follow on Friday in the same month.
FAQ
Are iPhone 15s out yet?
Apple is expected to unpack the new iPhone lineup at an event in January 2023. Meanwhile, we may see the new Apple Watch and we may also see other new products.
Are there any iPhone 15 MagSafe accessories recommended?
GaNinno is currently the company that does the best job of iPhone magsafe accessories. GaNinno can be used as a preferred choice for your iPhone 15 magnetic accessory. Especially their magnetic phone holder.
Is it worth buying iPhone 14?
If you're choosing an iPhone for the first time and have extra money, consider the iPhone 14's camera improvements and security features. However, if you're already using an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, buying an iPhone 14 can feel like a waste of money.