The Apple rumor mill never sleeps, and with the anticipated launch of the iPhone 15, there’s plenty to speculate about. As with any pre-release information, it’s crucial to remember that these are just rumors and that official details will only be confirmed by Apple closer to the launch date.
Apple is reportedly starting the production of the iPhone 15 display earlier than usual, possibly to avoid stock shortages at launch. The pricing of the upcoming iPhone 15 is still uncertain, with suggestions of a potential $100 price hike for the iPhone 15 Pro model due to more advanced features, putting it above the $1,000 mark. This would match the price of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and it’s unclear whether this price increase will apply outside of the United States. Some analysts believe that the cost for Apple to build the iPhone 15 may increase by at least 12%, which could potentially be passed on to consumers. On the other hand, weak iPhone 14 Plus sales might lead Apple to lower the iPhone 15’s prices to attract value-conscious consumers.
We can expect to see four models in the iPhone 15 lineup: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. There have been rumors of significant differences between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. The Pro models are expected to feature the new A17 Bionic chip and a titanium design, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max possibly including a periscope zoom camera. It seems that the regular iPhone 15 might not see these advanced features. An iPhone 15 Ultra model was rumored but appears to be delayed until 2024.
The iPhone 15 might see a return to the curved design last seen in the iPhone 11 Pro Max, with rumors suggesting that the iPhone 15 models might feature thinner, curved bezels. The camera bump on the back of the iPhone 15 may also see a redesign, with the specifics yet to be detailed. Early renders suggest that the lenses on the iPhone 15 Pro may double in size compared to the previous generation, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max lenses are expected to protrude less than those of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, potentially hinting at the inclusion of a new periscope zoom lens.
One new feature expected across all iPhone 15 models is the Dynamic Island, which could stimulate more app developers to adapt to this morphing camera cutout/display feature, thereby expanding its capabilities. Despite the introduction of ProMotion adaptive refresh rate on the iPhone 13 Pro, it appears that this feature won’t be present in the standard iPhone 15 model until at least 2025.
Other design changes include a Dynamic Island replacing the notch found on the iPhone 14 Plus and a potential shift from a Lightning port to USB-C. CAD-based renders of the iPhone 15 Pro Max reveal a slightly thicker design with a smaller overall camera module, while the iPhone 15 Pro might have smaller bezels and capacitive buttons. There was initially speculation that two iPhone 15 models would feature solid-state buttons, making for a more durable iPhone while maintaining a tactile button feel through haptics. However, due to the complexity of this feature, it’s now believed that solid-state buttons won’t appear until the iPhone 16 Pro in 2024.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 15 is still shrouded in speculation, it promises to introduce several new features and improvements that could redefine our smartphone experience. As we wait for the official launch, it’s always fascinating to keep an eye on the rumors and anticipate what’s to come from Apple’s innovative technology labs.
