Robert Triggs/Android Authority
Update, April 7, 2023 (10:09 a.m. ET): This hub has been updated with the latest leaks and rumors regarding the specifications and reported features of the iPhone 15 series.
Original article: We’ve become so used to the frequent launches of Apple smartphones every year that the iPhone 14 event marks one of the most exciting events in recent memory. Sure, the base model was practically identical to its predecessor, but Apple gave us the Plus instead of the Mini, and the Pro devices introduced an all-new punch-hole display.
The instantly-rememberable Dynamic Island (Apple’s fancy name for screen clipping and corresponding software improvements) is the biggest iPhone design change in years. In many ways, it made up for the lack of innovation elsewhere in Apple’s flagship lineup of phones, as many consumers decided there was no need to upgrade just yet. Will the 2023 iPhone 15 series deliver more than superficial improvements and convince more people to make the jump? Let’s find out.
Will there definitely be an iPhone 15 series?
Annual iPhone updates are just as sure as the seasons change. Even if the phones don’t really change much, we can be sure that Apple will release new versions accompanied by a great launch event and flashy marketing. 2023 will not be different, as evidenced by the rumors and leaks that are already circulating around the iPhone 15 series.
We expect four new iPhone models in 2023 with the same basic blueprint again. Just like the iPhone 14 lineup, there will likely be a regular iPhone 15 with a larger Plus display (even if sales aren’t stellar for the iPhone 14 Plus), as well as two more expensive, higher-end phones. The naming scheme may be the same, but we’ve heard whispers that Apple might consider turning the Pro Max into the iPhone Ultra. This is in line with the branding the company recently introduced for its top Apple Watch and could allow it to charge a higher price. It should be differentiated from the smaller iPhone Pro, with new materials or improved capabilities.
When will the iPhone 15 launch date be?
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The last two generations of iPhone were announced in mid-September and went on sale shortly after. There is no suggestion that Apple will exit this cycle in 2023. Barring any unforeseen circumstances or supply chain issues, we’d bet on a September 2023 launch event for the iPhone 15 range.
If Apple decides to mix things up and reveal a boosted iPhone 15 Ultra, there’s a chance it could do so at a separate event. With what we know at this point, showing a single ad still seems likely.
What features and specifications will the iPhone 15 series have?
With the introduction of the Dynamic Island changing the design of the iPhone 14 Pro models, you might expect the 2023 devices to be quite a repeat proposition. On the contrary, some major new features may be coming our way.
It goes without saying that Apple will release a completely new processor, and according to NikkiThe expected A17 Bionic could be the first built on TSMC’s new 3nm process. Hopefully this will be used across all iPhone 15 models — Apple kept its new A16 Bionic for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max while the cheaper models stuck with the last generation of silicon.
The iPhone 15 series may be upgrading in 2023. A report by research firm TrendForce claimed that “Apple will increase RAM capacity and specifications” on the iPhone 15 series. Prior to this report, the company claimed that the iPhone 15 Pro could “feature a capacity upgrade.” memory to 8 GB to match its new processor. The RAM boost may go beyond the standard and incremental model, but these devices can still be upgraded to at least LPDDR5 RAM.
USB-C or not USB-C?
Robert Triggs/Android Authority
Apple has acknowledged that it must comply with EU law and ditch its own Lightning port in favor of a USB-C connector. The mandate does not go into effect until 2024, however bloombergMark Gurman, among others, believes that Apple may tear the bandage off sooner and stick it to the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 series. If this turns out to be true, it would be a seismic event in the world of Apple devices — millions of lightning cables will no longer be useful to anyone. Someone buying a new iPhone. Like many other smartphone makers, Apple no longer includes a charging adapter in the box. So even though you’ll get a USB-C to USB-C cable with your iPhone 15 purchase, you may need to upgrade your bricked device anyway.
Despite the inconvenience faced by consumers who own several lighting accessories, this will be a positive for most of them. MacBooks and iPads have been using USB-C for years, as have most other modern tech devices, so that means one less cable to pack when you go on trips. While it’s not clear if Apple will definitely bring USB-C to the iPhone 15, it’s also not clear if it would apply to all models if it did. It can choose to update the port on Pro models only or only certain SKUs in certain regions. It’s also possible that Apple is limiting the transfer speeds of cheaper iPhone models to differentiate them. Time will tell, and it may be short-lived anyway, with rumors of a completely portless iPhone still circulating in the next few years.
Dynamic islands in all respects
Robert Triggs/Android Authority
The cut-out display for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max was the most highly anticipated feature of the current devices, but the regular iPhone 14 and the new Plus model had to make do with the old notch. Rumor has it (trans Ross Young) that all iPhone 15 variants will ship with the latest pill-shaped slot and the Dynamic Island software experience. A more advanced version of this with invisible Face ID sensors under the display and a smaller camera hole is being touted for the iPhone 15 Pro, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Better pictures
Apple has always managed to do something new with smartphone cameras every year, whether with improved hardware or smart software. In 2023, we’re expecting Sony’s latest and greatest imaging sensor to improve the performance of the main camera (maybe reserved for the Pro models). It is said to be a “state of the art” sensor that can absorb more light and double the saturation signal level in each pixel.
Another thing that can enhance the photos you take is an improved LiDAR scanner. According to a leak from Mac rumorsIt is believed that Sony will provide the majority, if not all, of the new LiDAR scanner components for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
A periscope zoom lens is a tantalizing prospect that could represent the biggest iPhone camera upgrade in years.
Even more interesting than that is the rumor that Apple will finally opt for a periscope lens capable of 5x or 6x optical zoom, although this may be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max / Ultra. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also supports this possibility stating that the periscope lens is expected to be only for the 15 Pro Max, but will eventually trickle down to the iPhone 16 Pro in 2024. Folded zoom cameras have been pioneering high-end Android for a few years even. Now, here’s another example of Apple catching up. It’s still a tantalizing prospect, though it could mark the biggest iPhone camera upgrade in years.
Embracing the curves again?
Apple moved away from curved iPhones and returned to the flat-edge aesthetic with the iPhone 12. With the iPhone 15 series, the company could mix things up again and move to rounded edges on at least one side of the device. According to the passenger ShimpApplePro, we may see something similar to the iPhone 5C, where the front is flat, but the back is curved. This may seem like an odd design direction to go in, but it could be similar to the bottom case on the latest MacBooks. Apple also often likes to offer complementary design nuances across its product lines.
The same leak also points to titanium as a frame material (maybe only for the Ultra), which we’ve heard before. This could all end up succumbing to supply chain capacity, so don’t be surprised if none of it bears fruit in time for the iPhone 15 and we get the same design all over again.
Thanks to some leaks, we now have some renders that give us a better idea of what to expect for the design.
Based on the images, it appears that Apple is sticking with the same dual-camera setup on the back of the iPhone 15. The third camera is likely reserved for the Pro models. Up front, the renders show a 6.2-inch display, which will be slightly larger than the iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch screen. The iPhone 15 Pro’s lenses also appear thicker than before, indicating an upgrade to larger sensors.
In addition, we may take a look at the changes to the volume control keys and the mute switch. According to Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo, the company can swap physical buttons for solid-state buttons. It is believed that Apple may test this on the iPhone 15 Pro. It also looks like the mute switch is getting a new design.
Smaller rumors
Other small rumor tidbits include 8K video recording and battery life improvements of up to four hours for the more expensive model. Regarding battery life, a report from Daily economic news It claims that the iPhone 15’s display driver chip — which controls the OLED screen — will be more energy efficient. Since the screen tends to be one of the biggest drains on the battery, this should make for a noticeable improvement.
There is also speculation that Touch ID may return this year. Apple has been granted a new patent for an optical imaging system that uses shortwave infrared technology. Jason England laptop mag He said he expects this patent could herald the return of Touch ID, but only for the iPhone 15 Pro.
Speaking of IDs, a leaked roadmap revealed that Apple may have been planning to implement an under-display Face ID module on the 15 Pro, but that may have gone up in smoke. This leak also revealed that the base model could have had a high refresh rate display from ProMotion, but that too has been scrapped.
Although there are reports that Apple is building its own modems (bloomberg), it doesn’t look like it will be ready for the next iPhones. Qualcomm modems should last for another year.
How much does the iPhone 15 series cost?
American consumers survived the price hike with the iPhone 14 lineup, but those across the pond aren’t so lucky. Prices have gone up to £150 in the UK and up to €200 in various European markets. This means that the flagship iPhone 14 Pro Max started at £1,200 / €1,449 (UK and Germany). In contrast, you can get a Pixel 7 Pro with the same 128GB of storage for just £849 / €899 at launch – Apple’s prices in Europe seem unreasonable by comparison.
If Apple keeps the same pricing for the iPhone 15 lineup in the US, we’d expect to see initial pricing along these lines (for 128GB):
- iPhone 15 – $799
- iPhone 15 Plus – $899
- iPhone 15 Pro – $999
- iPhone 15 Pro Max – $1,099
However, if the iPhone 15 Pro Max turns out to be a premium iPhone 15 Ultra, expect its price to match. More expensive materials like titanium and enhanced features can arrive at a starting price of $1,299 (leaks via Forbes) – That’s $200 more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. We don’t know if similar hikes will come to other iPhone models, but reports indicate that the iPhone 14 series was about 20% more expensive to produce, so we could finally see that extra cost carry over to consumers in the US as well as elsewhere. .