- iPhone 15 release date is still away, but rumors about its design change are circulating around the internet.
- According to iPhone 15 leaks, Apple is expected to make at least four major design changes to its latest iPhone models.
- The 2023 iPhone 15 models are rumored to feature solid-state volume and power buttons, USB-C instead of Lightning, a Dynamic Island, new camera technology, and more.
The upcoming iPhone 15 has us tracking all the recent gossip and leaks. Word has it that Apple might at last embrace USB-C charging and part ways with the Lightning connector. The iPhone 15 could also feature a more ergonomic, rounded design for improved handling.
However, the gap between the standard and Pro models will continue, as only the iPhone 15 Pro series is rumored to be equipped with an advanced periscope zoom lens. There are even whispers of a potential iPhone 15 Ultra with a titanium construction for maximum sturdiness. On the downside, some reports indicate that the iPhone Ultra might not be available until 2024.
Below, we have shared everything we know about iPhone 15, from its release date to its features and price. So, let's dive right in.
The 2023 iPhone 15 Roundup
Apple released the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models in September 2022, but rumors about the iPhone 15 had already been circulating before their release. The iPhone 15 is expected to be available in four models, two of which will have a 6.1-inch display and two with a 6.7-inch display. The standard iPhone 15 will have a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 15 Plus will have a 6.7-inch display.
According to rumors, all iPhone 15 models will have a USB-C port instead of the Lightning port. The Dynamic Island feature will be available on all models, unlike the iPhone 14 series, where it was only available on the Pro models. This design change will eliminate the notch that has been present in the flagship iPhone lineup since the iPhone X.
Apple's own modem chips are still in development, and it plans to use Qualcomm modem chips for the iPhone 15 models. The standard iPhone 15 models will be equipped with the A16 chip from the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, while the iPhone 15 Pro models will have faster and more efficient 3-nanometer A17 chips. The iPhone 15 Pro models may have a titanium frame and slightly curved edges and could also feature periscope lens technology for improved zoom capabilities.
The iPhone 15 price is expected to be the same as the iPhone 14 models, with the entry-level 6.1-inch device starting at $799 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus starting at $899.
iPhone 15 Design
Rumors about the iPhone 15 suggest a curved design with thinner bezels, possibly no buttons, and USB-C ports. Apple plans to equip the iPhone 15 models with USB-type C ports, as per its statement about complying with new European standards. However, this update is not expected to be available until the release of the 2023 iPhones. There is also a possibility of reverse wireless charging.
The Dynamic Island feature introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro models is expanding to the entire lineup. So, there won't be a notch on any iPhone 15 model. Also, Dynamic Island is expected to feature an updated design with an integrated proximity sensor, which could lower device costs.
All iPhone 15 models could also have a more power-efficient OLED display driver chip for improved battery life. However, the standard models will not have ProMotion or always-on display technology.
There is a possibility that the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Ultra will be without buttons. This potential feature would lead to significant design changes. Some leaked renders show the flagship phone may feature solid-state haptic buttons.
Face ID will be the only biometric authentication option on iPhone 15 models, but the back panel design is uncertain. There is conflicting information about the rounded design due to supply chain and wireless charging constraints.
As far as the iPhone 15 colors are concerned, we may get dark pink and light blue in addition to the standard black, white, and PRODUCT(RED) color options.
iPhone 15 Camera
Exciting rumors have been circulating about potential camera upgrades for the iPhone 15. Reports suggest the basic model could receive a Pro-level camera featuring a 48MP main camera with a 1/1.5" image sensor. This is a significant improvement from the 12MP camera on the iPhone 14 but slightly smaller than the 48MP sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro.
Additionally, there have been talks of a periscope camera being included in the iPhone 15 to improve long-range photography and zoom capabilities.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may reserve some unique features for the Pro models. It's possible that the periscope camera could be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max to entice customers to buy the larger 6.7-inch handset.
Furthermore, a report from Nikkei suggests Apple will partner with Sony to develop the main camera for the iPhone 15. The camera will use Sony's new state-of-the-art sensor, which doubles pixel saturation and potentially leads to better exposure controls on the iPhone 15. The report did not mention whether this feature would only be available on the Pro or Ultra models.
When Will the iPhone 15 be Released?
The iPhone 15 will probably release in September 2023 if Apple sticks to tradition. Apple typically releases a new iPhone model every year, usually in September. Last year, the iPhone 14 was released on September 7.
However, Apple's release schedule can vary depending on various factors, such as production delays, changes in the market, and other unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it is best to keep an eye on official announcements and news from Apple regarding the release date of the iPhone 15.
Will There Be an iPhone 15 Ultra?
Rumors have circulated about Apple potentially deviating from their usual Pro Max model and releasing an iPhone 15 Ultra instead. Previously, there were rumors about a fifth iPhone, but it seems unlikely now.
Some have suggested that Apple wants to distinguish the iPhone 15 Ultra from the Pro by providing more than just a larger screen size. Nonetheless, details about these differences remain unknown, particularly since it has been speculated that all iPhone 15 models will include features like USB-C.
However, if Apple follows Gurman's recommendation, there may not be a high-end Ultra phone until 2024.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 15 is rumored to feature several significant design changes and camera upgrades, possibly a new iPhone 15 Ultra model. The shift to USB-C charging and the removal of the notch are among the most anticipated design changes. The camera upgrades could include a periscope lens for improved zoom capabilities and a 48MP sensor for the basic model.
While these rumors are exciting, they are just that – rumors. We had plenty of rumors and accidental leaks about previous models, too, but we weren't sure until we saw the iPhone 14 for sale online and in stores.
The point is Apple's plans could change, and we won't know for sure what the iPhone 15 will look like until its official release, likely in September 2023. Nonetheless, these rumors give us a glimpse into what we can expect from Apple's latest flagship phone.
