Apple recently released the iPhone 14, and 14 Pro models. However, rumors about the iPhone 15 have been circulating since the new iPhones were even introduced.
Although the iPhone 15 is still a year away from release, some suggestions exist. These include USB-C, Qualcomm modem chip, and periscope camera technology. This summary covers all we know about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. However, Apple could change its plans at any time.
iPhone 15 Ultra
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claims that Apple could replace the iPhone 15’s “Pro Max” model with an “Ultra” one. Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022. It also used the “Ultra” name for the most expensive version of the M1.
The iPhone 15 Ultra, the most expensive iPhone currently available, could be renamed from the iPhone Pro Max.
Design
iPhone 15 models will be similar to iPhone 14 models. However, the cutout for the pill-and-hole will extend to the entire range. This means all iPhone 15 models will have no notch and adopt the Dynamic Island introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro models.
Apple will continue to offer four models, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max. There are no expected design changes. The pro models will offer higher-end features but cost more than the standard iPhone 15 models.
Solid-State Volume & Power Buttons
The iPhone 15 Pro models may have solid-state volume and power buttons similar to the iPhone 7’s Home button. The iPhones currently have a mechanical button that physically presses. However, the solid-state button would utilize haptic feedback to reduce the feeling of pressing a button.
Apple could add solid-state buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro models. This would allow for two additional Taptic engines at the left and right of the device.
Solid-state designs could protect against water ingress but require new iPhone cases that provide physical access to volume and power buttons at all times.
No Touch ID
Although it is suggested Apple may consider bringing Touch ID back on its flagship iPhones with an under-display solution, the iPhone 15 models will not include Touch ID. Instead, they will use Face ID.
Apple is currently working on the under-display of Face ID, but it won’t be available until 2025. The iPhone 15 will instead continue to use Dynamic Island in 2023. Apple could also expand it to other models rather than just Pro ones.
USB-C
Apple may swap the Lightning port from the iPhone 15 devices to a USB-C connector, enabling it to conform with European regulations. After that, however, Apple would have to produce iPhones in Europe with USB-C ports. This means that Apple will need to either make a global design swap or create unique iPhones for Europe.
Reliable sources include Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Apple analyst MingChi Kuo. They both claim that Apple will make the swap. This is an extremely strong possibility at this time. However, apple’s plans may change.
Data Transfer Speeds
iPhone 15 Pro models with USB C ports will enable faster data transfer speeds, while standard iPhone 15 models will still support USB 2.0 speeds. Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, says that the iPhone 15 Pro smartphones can transfer data at “at least” USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 3. The iPhone 15 Pro models will be able to transfer video and other file types much faster with the upgrade. USB 2.0 transfer speeds are limited to 480Mb/s, while USB 3.2 allows up to 20Gb/s. Thunderbolt 3 support is available for iPhone 15 Pro models. Data transfer speeds of up to 40Gb/s could be possible if Apple offers Thunderbolt 3.
Periscope Camera Lens Technology
Multiple rumors about Apple’s work in “periscope” Telephoto Lens Technology have circulated. This lens could be introduced in 2023 iPhones, most likely in the iPhone 15 Pro models. However, Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, believes that only the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max will get the periscope lens. It may also be restricted to the most expensive and highest-end models.
Periscope lens technology allows for optical zoom capabilities beyond standard telephoto lenses. This includes zooms of 5x and even 10x. A periscope lens will significantly enhance the iPhone’s zoom capabilities. Current Pro models only allow for 3x zoom.
Samsung, an Apple competitor, has released smartphones with periscope lens technology. This allows for 4x-10x optical zoom and a maximum of 100x digital zoom.
Qualcomm Modem Chips
Apple will continue to use Qualcomm’s 5G modem chip for its 2023 iPhone 15 line, just as it has since the introduction of 5G iPhones. Rumors suggested that Apple might use its modem chips in 2023. However, the technology has yet to be fully developed.
Apple is currently working to address heat-related issues in the modem chips it is creating. The Apple-designed modem chip will not yet be ready to use in iPhones before at least 2024.
RAM
According to Taiwanese research company TrendForce, the iPhone 15 Pro models may feature an enhanced 8GB RAM. The current iPhone 14 Pro models have 6GB RAM.
Release Date
If Apple continues to follow its September launch schedule, the iPhone 15 models will be available in September 2023.
