Apple’s next-generation iPhone is on the horizon, with whispers of a September release hinting that the highly anticipated iPhone 15 is merely months away.
After the somewhat underwhelming iPhone 14, expectations are high for a remarkable leap in features, especially given the stellar performance of the iPhone 14 Pro. Promisingly, the A16 chip and Dynamic Island are anticipated to make their debut in the more budget-friendly models this year.
Rumor has it that the iPhone 15 lineup will consist of four models in two sizes, just like its predecessor – two 6.1-inch models and two larger 6.7-inch devices, each with a standard and Pro variant. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are poised for significant upgrades, but what can we expect for the rest of the series? With a potential shift to USB-C, this might be the most noteworthy non-Pro iPhone update in recent memory. So, what have we learned thus far?
Here’s a rundown of the latest iPhone 15 speculations.
When will the iPhone 15 be released?
The iPhone 15 is predicted to be unveiled in early September, possibly on Tuesday the 5th or 12th, with a release date of either September 15th or 22nd. All indications suggest an early September launch window for this year’s iPhone.
Looking back at the iPhone 14 timeline, Apple announced the lineup on September 6th, opened pre-orders on September 9th, and launched sales on September 16th. Extrapolating from this pattern, we might see the iPhone 15 launch on September 5th and hit the shelves on September 15th. Alternatively, Apple could opt for a September 12th announcement and a September 22nd release. The September window for the iPhone unveiling seems consistent this year.
iPhone 15 spec predictions
Numerous speculations have surfaced regarding the iPhone 15’s specifications. We’ve compiled a list of the iPhone 14’s specs alongside rumored changes to offer a point of comparison. Keep in mind that some of these aspects may remain unchanged, and not all rumored alterations may come to fruition.
iPhone 15 processor
Following the precedent set by the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, we can anticipate the iPhone 15 employing the same A16 Bionic chip as its Pro counterpart. However, the iPhone 15 Pro will likely receive a cutting-edge A17 chip, further distinguishing the Pro from the non-Pro models.
These A17 chips are projected to use new 3nm technology from long-time supplier TSMC, which should enhance power efficiency and reduce heat generation during operation. The 3nm process offers chips with up to 15% speed improvement using the same power, or power savings of 30% at the same speed as 5nm.
Alongside the A17, reports suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro lineup could receive a substantial upgrade with 8GB of RAM.
iPhone 15 display & sizes
As of September 2022, there have been whispers of Apple extending the Dynamic Island feature to all iPhone 15 models, not just the Pro version like in the iPhone 14. This claim comes from DSCC analyst Ross Young, who has accurately predicted details about the iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and other Apple products.
Leaked images from February 2023 indicate that even the base model iPhone 15 might receive this feature. Although the images reportedly show an “early iPhone 15,” it’s still a possibility. However, this doesn’t guarantee that the base iPhone 15 models will have a 120Hz refresh rate or an Always-On Display. For those features, the iPhone 15 Pro would be the preferred choice.
iPhone 15 design
The iPhone 15’s design is expected to closely resemble that of the iPhone 14 in terms of size and shape. This implies the same bezels, squared edges, and rounded corners. The primary design change rumored for the iPhone 15 is the new Dynamic Island, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro last year.
Previous speculations about the return of Touch ID seem to be baseless, at least for the iPhone 15. While it may return in the future, Face ID is predicted to be the sole biometric authentication system offered in 2023.
Another significant change reportedly coming to the iPhone is the elimination of physical buttons. A report claims that Apple will replace buttons with Taptic Engines, similar to those on the current iPhone SE Home Button, for both volume and power. However, this feature will likely be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple is also expected to integrate the proximity sensor into the Dynamic Island with the iPhone 15.
With the iPhone 14, Apple removed the SIM card tray in the U.S., making eSIM the only connectivity option on the iPhone. The iPhone 15 may extend this change to other regions, with one report suggesting that at least France (and possibly other European countries) could adopt this design. CAD renders and leaked images of the device do include a SIM tray, though, implying some countries will retain it.
A recent rumor indicates that the iPhone 15’s rear glass will feature the same frosted premium finish as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, upgrading from this year’s glossy back.
iPhone 15 cameras
Although full details about the iPhone 15 cameras are not yet available, it is rumored that Apple’s first periscope camera will be included in at least the Pro models — possibly just the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Analyst Jeff Pu claims that this switch would enable 5x optical zoom, with the potential for up to 10x zoom.
Companies like Samsung already utilize periscope cameras in their flagship phones to offer enhanced zoom capabilities. Periscope cameras function by increasing the distance between the camera’s lens and sensor, similar to a submarine periscope. A traditional configuration with such distance between the components would necessitate a thicker iPhone 15, which Apple wants to avoid. A periscope design solves this issue.
At least one sensor in the new iPhone 15 is expected to be a state-of-the-art sensor from Sony, doubling the saturation signal in each pixel. This will capture more light and reduce underexposure and overexposure in certain settings, which is particularly crucial for improved portrait photos and headshots.
iPhone 15 colors
Little is known about the iPhone 15’s color options, but we can draw from past iPhones to make educated guesses.
If Apple follows its usual pattern, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature more subdued colors, such as black, gray, silver, and gold. One additional color will likely join them — for the iPhone 13 Pro, that was Sierra Blue; for the iPhone 14 Pro, it was Deep Purple.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to showcase more vibrant colors, including a (Product) RED option that consistently looks stunning, regardless of the iPhone model.
iPhone 15 price
While it’s still too early for Apple to reveal the iPhone 15’s pricing, we can anticipate price points similar to previous high-end iPhones. This suggests a starting price of around $1,000 for the Pro models and approximately $800 for the standard models.
However, economic fluctuations and inflation may impact Apple’s plans as we approach the release date. Although Apple did increase the price of the iPhone 14 over the iPhone 13 in the United Kingdom, international markets also experienced a price hike due to local exchange rates against the dollar.
As of now, no reputable rumors suggest the iPhone 15’s price will increase over previous models.
In conclusion, the iPhone 15 is shaping up to be an impressive addition to Apple’s smartphone lineup, with a variety of exciting features and upgrades. These include the new A16 and A17 chips, Dynamic Island, potentially improved cameras with periscope technology, and a possible switch to USB-C. As we approach the anticipated September release date, we can expect to learn more about the iPhone 15’s specifications, design, and pricing. Stay tuned for more updates and rumors as they become available.