The 2023 iPhone 15

Apple on September 20, 2022 launched its iPhone 14 as well as the iPhone 14 as well as Pro models. In September 2022, Apple released the iPhone 14 and Pro variants, however we’ve heard rumors about  iPhone 15 since well before the iPhone 15 was released to purchase. As the launch date approaches and rumors are growing, and we have a good amount about what we can be expecting this year.

Apple plans to release the total of 4 iPhone 15 models in the same dimensions like iPhone 14 models. iPhone 14 versions, which include two 6.1-inch iPhones and two 6.7-inch iPhones. A model of 6.1-inch iphones is the normal iPhone 15 and some among those 6.7-inch model will become the iPhone 15 “Plus.” Additionally, the 6.1 as well as 6.7-inch iPhones will be higher-end and more expensive “Pro” models and could be more expensive this year.

Similar to Apple’s iPhone 14 and14 Pro model the most advanced features will be reserved for iPhone 15 Pro models to justify the cost of it.
The rumors so far suggest that we could see the USB-C port to replace the Lightning port across all iPhone 15 models, and the Dynamic Island will be available on both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus as well as those with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. That’s a sign that Apple will do away from the notch that has been used since the launch of the iPhone X in the top of the line iPhone range to give it a cleaner more minimalist design.

Apple plans to make use of Qualcomm modem chips in the new models, as their own chips for modems which are under development but aren’t fully functional, but we’re anticipating the arrival of new UWB chips to be integrated into Vision Pro headsets. Vision Pro headset. The basic iPhone 15 models will get an upgrade to the chip, which was used included in earlier iPhone 14 Pro models, and those with the iPhone 15 Pro models will utilize higher-performance and faster 3-nanometer A17 chips. The Pro model is also likely to get upgrades to frames made of titanium, thinner bezels, and a few minor design tweaks, including more curvaceous edges on the device and The iPhone 15 Pro Max is also expected to feature lenses with periscopes for improved zoom capabilities.

The pricing for iPhone 15 models iPhone 15 models is expected to stay the same starting with the entry-level 6.1-inch device priced at $799, and an upgraded 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus starting at $899.
This overview covers everything we’ve read concerning this model of the iPhone 15, and full description of the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro models can be included within the distinct iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max roundup.
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Design

It is expected that the iPhone 15 models are believed to have a similar design like the iPhone 14 models, but the pill-and hole cutout will be extended to cover the entire range. This means the majority of iPhone 15 models will be without a notch instead of using an angled design of the Dynamic Island that was introduced with iPhone 14 Pro models. iPhone 14 Pro models.

Since there aren’t any significant design changes coming in the future, Apple will continue to provide 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. Pro models “pro” versions will feature premium features and will cost more and the regular iPhone 15 models will be more affordable.

The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus will have a USB-C port. iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus the design changes will be the USB-C port, instead of the Lightning port, and the change from the notch to an Dynamic Island. We first got a glimpse of the port USB-C via a leak of an picture that is believed to be of one of the iPhone 15 Pro.

Alongside the Dynamic Island and the Dynamic Island, every iPhone 15 models could be equipped with the more energy-efficient OLED driver chipset which is manufactured using the 28nm process, which allows to reduce power consumption, which could eventually lead to better battery life throughout the entire range.

The basic iPhone 15 models will do not feature ProMotion technology, nor will they have in-display technology, regardless of the switch for Dynamic Island. Dynamic Island. Apple will keep these features exclusively for Pro devices.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Dynamic Island is anticipated to sport a new design that includes the built-in proximity sensor however, this upgrade is not likely to bring significant modifications to the appearance or function or functionality of Dynamic Island. The cost of components will be changed and could be a step Apple is making to cut the cost of its devices.

Color Options

It is possible that the iPhone 15 models could be offered in dark blue and light pink colors. Apple typically offers regular iPhone versions in a variety of vibrant colors, and this year’s model is no different.

The vibrant blue and pink shades are expected to be available along with the traditional black white, white, and PRODUCT(RED) colors which were made available in previous years.

iPhone 15 Pro Exclusive Design

Although the majority of iPhone 15 models are going to be using USB-C ports, there’s a few features that are unique for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro models will come with thinner, more curvaceous bezels as compared to models of iPhone 14 Pro models, that can be evident in renders of the phone using information from the internet. These curved edges are limited to iPhone 15 Pro models, and the iPhone 15 models will continue to resemble iPhone 14 models with flatter edges, a frame made of aluminum as well as the front and back of the device are glass. We’re not expecting to see the same slimmer bezels on the regular iPhone 15 models.

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro lineup is likely to have more curved glass on the front which will be able to blend better into the frame. Additionally, Apple will likely to utilize the titanium material as opposed to stainless steel to make the frame. These iPhone 15 Pro models will also come with an “Action” button which can replace the muted switch and be capable to perform a variety of tasks such as activate Shortcuts switch on the camera or the flashlight, switch on silent mode, and many more.

Frosted Glass?

An unconfirmed rumor from Weibo has suggested that the iPhone 15 models could feature a frosted glass back, which has previously been a design detail that Apple has limited to the Pro models. Standard models typically have a glossy black, while the frosted glass is reserved for the more expensive models.

If accurate, both the standard iPhone 15 models and the iPhone 15 Pro models will use frosted glass for the back of the device.

Case Fit

A set of 3D printed iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models offers some insight into how prior-generation iPhone 14 cases will fit, and it appears that older cases will not be able to be used with the new iPhones.

Small changes in the dimensions to the iPhone 15 lineup will prevent the cases from fitting for the most part, though the iPhone 15 Plus is able to fit inside an iPhone 14 Plus. The larger rear camera housing of the Pro models prevents iPhone 14 Pro cases from working properly, as does the more curved design and changes to the buttons.

Part Leaks and Renders

Leaked images of the iPhone 15 confirm many of the rumors that we’ve heard about the device, including the Dynamic Island and the USB-C port.

The leaked photos depict the Dynamic Island, which will expand to all iPhone 15 models in 2023, and they also confirm that the iPhone 15 will have a design that is similar to the iPhone 14 with few changes.

Major updates include the transition to USB-C and the addition of the Dynamic Island instead of the notch that’s on the iPhone 14. Other design changes like a deeper curve at the edges and a titanium frame will be limited to iPhone 15 Pro models. Leaked renders have, however, suggested that there could be a very slight change to the display size.

Based on CAD drawings of the iPhone 15, the renders from 9to5Mac suggest a display size of 6.2 inches, up slightly from 6.1 inches. There are no other notable design updates, with Apple using the same body design and camera setup.

Renders of the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus suggest that it will feature some minor design updates compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, including the Dynamic Island and slight tweaks to the size and thickness of the device.

iPhone 14 Plus on left, iPhone 15 Plus on right

It will feature a Dynamic Island instead of a notch, along with a USB-C port. The camera bump is expected to be thicker, and it could feature slightly rounded edges with a more curved design that allows for a smoother transition from front to back.

iPhone 15 Pro case leaks confirm that the new models will feature slightly repositioned power and volume buttons, with the buttons just a bit lower than they are on the iPhone 14 Pro models. The cases feature a larger cutout at the bottom to accommodate the USB-C port.

The cases have a cutout for the Action button that will replace the mute switch. Since it does not need to be gripped like a switch, it requires a smaller cutout.

Images of the USB-C connector parts designed for the next-generation iPhone models leaked in August, further confirming Apple’s transition to USB-C charging technology.

No Touch ID

Though there have been ongoing rumors suggesting Apple has considered bringing Touch ID back to its flagship iPhones using an under-display solution, the iPhone 15 models are not expected to include Touch ID and will continue to use Face ID.

Apple is working on an under-display Face ID feature, but it won’t be ready until at least 2025. Instead, in 2023, the iPhone 15 will continue to use the Dynamic Island, which Apple is expected to expand to all models instead of just the Pro models.

USB-C

Apple is swapping the Lightning port on the iPhone 15 devices for a USB-C port, which will allow it to comply with new regulations implemented in Europe. These regulations require Apple to produce iPhones with USB-C ports in Europe, so Apple either needs to make a worldwide design swap or develop special iPhones for sale in Europe.

Reliable sources that include Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, and others, have said that Apple is going to make the change, adopting a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port for charging purposes.

With this transition, the Mac, iPhone, and iPad will all charge using USB-C, allowing Apple customers to charge their devices with one charging standard.

USB-C Data Transfer Speeds

The iPhone 15 Pro models with USB-C ports will support higher-speed data transfers, while the standard iPhone 15 models will continue to feature USB 2.0 speeds, the same as Lightning, giving the Pro models an edge.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 15 Pro models will support “at least” USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3. With the upgrade, iPhone 15 Pro models would be able to transfer video and other file types at much quicker speeds. USB 2.0 transfer speeds are limited to 480Mb/s, while USB 3.2 supports speeds up to 20Gb/s. If Apple offers Thunderbolt 3 support for the iPhone 15 Pro models, data transfer speeds could be up to 40Gb/s.

USB-C Limitations

Leaker ShrimpApplePro has said that iPhone 15 models will only officially support USB-C accessories certified by the Apple Made for iPhone (MFi) program. Apple supplier Foxconn is allegedly producing accessories like EarPods and cables with USB-C connectors that are MFi certified.

The MFi USB-C certification could be used to limit features like fast charging and high-speed data transfers to Apple-approved accessories. ShrimpApplePro says that cables with no MFi certification will be limited in data and charging speed. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also suggested that Apple will require Made for iPhone certification for USB-C chargers that are able to fast charge the iPhone.

Wireless Charging

The iPhone 15 models will support both MagSafe charging and the new Qi2 standard, allowing for 15W charging from non-MagSafe third-party accessories. That will allow for faster wireless charging even from accessories that do not officially support MagSafe, as long as those accessories use Qi2.

Camera Updates

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will adopt a 48-megapixel camera, technology Apple introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. A new stacked sensor design will allow the lens to capture more light for an improvement in low-light camera performance. Analyst Jeff Pu has also said that the upcoming standard iPhone 15 models will use the 48-megapixel lens.

A second rumor says the iPhone 15 will include a glass-plastic hybrid lens with an f/1.7 aperture. The lens will reportedly feature a single glass element and six plastic elements, and while the f/1.7 aperture would be an improvement over the f/1.79 aperture used in the iPhone 14 Pro models, it would be a slight downgrade compared to the f/1.5 aperture featured in the iPhone 14 Plus, but an increase in megapixels if the 48-megapixel camera rumor is correct.

Though the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are expected to adopt the same 48-megapixel sensor that Apple used in the iPhone 14 Pro models, they could continue to have a smaller sensor. According to a rumor posted on Weibo, the 48-megapixel camera upgrade will not include the same sensor, and the standard iPhone 15 models may continue to have a smaller stacked CMOS image sensor than the Pro sensor, but it will be an improvement over the sensor in the iPhone 14 models.

Apple is expected to adopt Sony’s latest “state of the art” image sensors for some of the iPhone 15 models. Compared to standard sensors, Sony’s image sensor doubles the saturation signal in each pixel, allowing it to capture more light to cut down on underexposure and overexposure. The sensor will allow for improvements in portraits and other images even when strong backlighting is an issue.

Sony is using semiconductor architecture that puts photodiodes and transistors in separate layers, allowing for more photodiodes. It is not clear if all of the iPhone 15 models will use the new sensor technology, or if Apple will limit it to the higher-end “Pro” iPhone 15 models.

Periscope Lens Technology for iPhone 15 Pro Max

You’ve probably heard rumors about Apple’s plan to adopt a periscope zoom lens for the iPhone 15, but it will be limited to the larger-sized iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro will get a standard zoom lens, and the iPhone 15 models will be limited to the Wide and Ultra Wide lenses.

Periscope lens technology offers optical zoom capabilities that exceed those possible with a standard telephoto lens, allowing for 5x or even 10x optical zoom. With a periscope lens, the iPhone’s zoom capabilities would be significantly enhanced as the current Pro models are limited to 3x zoom.

With a periscope lens, light is reflected by an angled mirror toward the image sensor in the camera. The directional shift allows for a “folded” telephoto lens system for improved optical zoom capabilities without the blurriness that comes with digital zoom.

Apple competitor Samsung has come out with smartphones that use periscope lens technology that enables 4x to 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple will implement 6x optical zoom technology when it adopts the periscope lens.

Qualcomm Modem Chips

Apple will use Qualcomm’s 5G modem chips for the 2023 iPhone 15 lineup, as it has done since 5G iPhones were introduced. There were rumors suggesting that Apple could use its own in-house modem chips as soon as 2023, but the technology won’t be ready until 2024 at the earliest.

All iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models will use the same Qualcomm modem chip, likely the X70. Qualcomm’s X70 chip offers improved AI for faster processing speeds, a better coverage range, improved signal, lower latency, and up to 60 percent improved power efficiency.

SIM Card Tray

Apple with the launch of the iPhone 14 models removed the SIM card tray in devices sold in the United States. With the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, the SIM tray could be removed in additional countries.

Rumors right now suggest that it will be eliminated in France, and if that’s the case, it could be removed in iPhones sold in other countries sold in Europe like Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the UK.

Wi-Fi 6E and UWB

Leaked iPhone 15 Wi-Fi chip diagrams confirm that Apple is upgrading to Wi-Fi 6E, but it is a feature that will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature Wi-Fi 6E, but the standard iPhone 15 models will continue to use Wi-Fi 6.

Compared to Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E offers more bandwidth, providing faster connectivity speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity. Wi-Fi 6E provides 1.2GHz more spectrum in the 6GHz band, and it can support whole home gigabit coverage, multi-gigabit connectivity for venues, and it has the bandwidth for higher data streams like those used for AR and VR experiences.

The iPhone 15 models are expected to include a next-generation Ultra Wideband chip that will integrate with the Vision Pro headset. The processor used for the chip will be upgraded to 7nm, a change that will allow for improved performance and/or reduced energy consumption.

A-Series Chips

The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to be the first to feature an A-series chip built on Apple supplier TSMC’s next-generation 3-nanometer node. 3nm chip technology is expected to increase processing performance by 10 to 15 percent, while also reducing power consumption by up to 35 percent.

The faster A17 chips will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, while the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will adopt the 4-nanometer A16 chip that was first used in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Code found in tvOS 17 has confirmed that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will get the A16 chip rather than the A17 chip.

RAM

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to feature 6GB RAM, which is the same amount of RAM that is in the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus.

Repairability

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models will be easier to repair this year. With the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, Apple added a chassis redesign that makes them easier to open for swapping the back glass.

This change will persist in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and rumors suggest Apple will use the new chassis design for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, all of the iPhone models will be able to be opened from the front and back sides, resulting in lower repair fees for damaged back glass.

Right now, for example, it costs $169 to repair the back glass of an iPhone 14, but $499 to repair the back glass of a 14 Pro because of the need to pull out the display to get to the back glass. The simpler repairs will bring lower repair fees even for Pro models.

Pricing

Apple might raise the price for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. Price increases have also been suggested by analyst Jeff Pu, who believes Apple could price the iPhone 15 Pro starting at $1,099, up from the $999 of the iPhone 14 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro Max would be priced starting at $1,199 if Pu’s prediction is accurate. Another analyst has suggested the iPhone 15 Pro Max could have a starting price that is up to $200 more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

No pricing increase is expected for the standard iPhone 15 models, and the entry level iPhone 15 model should be priced starting at $799.

Release Date

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are expected to be unveiled at a September event, which is expected to be held on either Tuesday, September 12. With that timing, pre-orders would take place on Friday, September 15, with a launch to follow on Friday, September 22.

Manufacturing and Availability

The standard iPhone 15 models are expected to be readily available when the devices go up for pre-order, but based on the rumors we’re hearing, supplies of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max could be could potentially be constrained. There were issues with display manufacturing, but at least one source says those problems have been overcome.

Samsung has started mass producing OLED displays for use in all four iPhone 15 models. LG Display and BOE also plan to produce display panels for the devices, with LG creating iPhone 15 Pro displays and BOE manufacturing iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus displays.

Beyond the iPhone 15

Apple is planning to implement under-display Face ID technology in the 2024 iPhone 16 models, according to The Elec. The shift will provide more usable display area, and when not in use, the TrueDepth Camera for Face ID will not be visible as it will be under the display. Analyst Ross Young does not believe under-display Face ID will be introduced until 2025 with the iPhone 17 lineup.

The Dynamic Island is not likely to be eliminated because the iPhone will still need a front-facing camera. Periscope lens technology is expected to continue to be limited to the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says it will not come to the standard iPhone 16 Pro.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has said that he believes Apple could introduce a 5G modem chip for the iPhone as soon as 2024, which would see Apple including it in the 2024 iPhone models. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says it is “undetermined” whether Apple’s iPhone 16 models will include an Apple-designed modem chip.

More information on what’s coming to future iPhone models can be found in our dedicated iPhone 16 roundup.

iPhone 15 Roundup Changelog

• August 10 – Narrowed down release date, added info on A16 chip.
• August 8 – Added pictures of USB-C component said to be for iPhone 15.
• August 7 – Updated with info on possible September event dates..
• August 4 – General streamlining, updated wording around dates, added camera info.
• August 1 – Added information about display production.
• July 31 – Included information on repairability in the new Repairability section.
• July 27 – Added new details about the camera sensor and iPhone 15 Pro bezels.
• July 26 – Updated information about potential supply issues.
• July 25 – Added information on pricing, availability, and camera lenses.
• July 17 – Included new details about possible stacked battery technology for iPhone 15 models.
• July 6 – Added information about pricing on iPhone 15 Pro models.
• June 19 – New details about upgraded Ultrawide Band chip were added.
• May 16 – Included a rumor about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus adopting a 48-megapixel rear main camera
• April 17 – Added information about a possible frosted glass back.
• March 24 – Added details on rumored updates to the Dynamic Island proximity sensor.
• March 13 – Added information on case fit.
• February 23 – Added information on the iPhone 15 color options.