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Apple’s highly anticipated September 12 event will see the launch of iPhone 15. Rumours have been swirling about the specific specs of the device, but for the exact picture, we will have to wait till September 12.
However, the tech market is rife with various rumours about the iPhone 15. In this comprehensive article, we’ll visit some of these rumours so that you can get an idea of what the tech will be.
iPhone 15 release date and availability
The countdown to the iPhone 15 series release is nearly over. Apple’s September 2023 event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, is poised to be the stage for unveiling the next generation of iPhones.
Following the event, customers can anticipate iPhone 15 pre-orders kicking off on Friday, September 15. Shipping dates are set to follow a week later, commencing on Friday, September 22. While there were concerns about potential delays in shipping, the latest reports suggest that all four iPhone 15 models are on track for a September 2023 release.
This release will be particularly interesting for Apple enthusiasts in India as the rumours are that the iPhone India launch could be on the same day as the global release.
iPhone 15 lineup
The iPhone 15 series is expected to consist of four models: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max (or potentially iPhone 15 Ultra). These models aim to cater to various user preferences and budgets.
According to Techradar, these should be the specifications of the models:
iPhone 15 (rumoured) | iPhone 15 Pro (rumoured) | iPhone 15 Pro Max (rumoured) | iPhone 15 Pro Max (rumored) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display: | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED |
| Resolution: | iPhone 15 Plus (rumoured) | 1284 x 2778 pixels | 1179 x 2556 pixels | 1290 x 2796 pixels |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz | 60Hz | Adaptive 1-120Hz | Adaptive 1-120Hz |
| Chipset: | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A17 Bionic | A17 Bionic |
| Rear cameras: | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide | 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom | 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto with 6x variable zoom |
| Front camera: | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP dual-lens |
| RAM: | 6GB | 6GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage: | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Battery: | 3,877mAh | 4,912mAh | 3,650mAh | 4,852mAh |
If you believe Appleinsider’s Andrew O’Hara, Apple will use the iPhone 15 Ultra moniker instead of the iPhone Pro Max.
iPhone 15 price
One of the burning questions surrounding the iPhone 15 is its price point. While the official prices are yet to be revealed, informed estimates can be made based on a combination of rumours and the pricing patterns of previous iPhone models. The potential price range of the iPhone 15 includes:
- 128GB: $799 / £849 / AU$1,339
- 256GB: $899 / £959 / AU$1,579
- 512GB: $1,099 / £1,179 / AU$1,899
This price range aligns with the sources of Digitimes claiming a $100-$200 price jump.
Initial expectations were that the iPhone 15 would maintain the starting price of $799, akin to the iPhone 14. However, the industry analysts later reversed their positions and predicted a price hike.
iPhone 15 Pro: The flagship experience
One of the most anticipated features of the iPhone 15 Pro is the new A17 Bionic processor, promising faster and more efficient performance. Additionally, it is rumoured to feature a stronger and lighter titanium frame, providing both durability and a sleek design. For photography enthusiasts, there are reports of an exclusive periscope zoom lens, a feature that could take iPhone photography to new heights.
That being said, the standard iPhone 15 should not be overlooked. While the Pro models steal the spotlight, the standard iPhone 15 is expected to offer some compelling upgrades. Drawing inspiration from last year’s iPhone 14 Pro lineup, it is rumoured to feature a Dynamic Island cutout and a main 48MP camera.
At its core, the standard iPhone 15 will likely inherit the A16 Bionic chipset from the iPhone 14 Pro, ensuring excellent performance. While this chip should provide snappy performance, an A17 Bionic chipset is expected to debut with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, potentially offering even more power.
Qualcomm will likely supply the 5G modem again, with the Snapdragon X70 expected to replace the Snapdragon X65 used in the iPhone 14. The Pro models may increase RAM to 8GB, and Wi-Fi 6E support could be reserved for the Pro versions.
Colours and design tweaks of iPhone 15
Apple is known for offering various colour options, and the iPhone 15 series is no exception. The Pro models are rumoured to introduce Titan Grey and dark blue variants, though this could mean the absence of a gold option.
Meanwhile, the standard models may come in black, pink, yellow, blue and green. Additionally, there is speculation of a frosted glass back for the iPhone 15.
Furthermore, reports do suggest that customers will get a colour-matched USB-C cable.
Design changes and USB-C adoption
Apple might be revising its design philosophy by introducing curved edges reminiscent of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 series is also expected to include repositioning buttons and introducing a customisable Action button, which could replace the mute switch on certain models.
As a part of Apple’s ongoing transition, the iPhone 15 is expected to bid farewell to the Lighting port in favour of the more versatile USB-C one adhering to the EU guidelines.
The camera bump is another area of significant change. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to receive a new camera bump design, as indicated by the unofficial renders on case specifications. This alternation hints at improved camera capabilities and possible new features.
iPhone 15 camera
Photography enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the iPhone 15 is set to elevate its camera game. The device is poised to feature a 48MP main sensor, a significant upgrade from the iPhone 14’s 12MP main sensor. This enhancement promises improved photography capabilities and compelling users to consider upgrading to the iPhone 15.
However, the camera gap between the iPhone 15 and its Pro counterparts is expected to remain substantial. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models are rumoured to feature periscope cameras and larger sensors, promising even more significant improvements in photography. The selfie camera on the standard iPhone 15 is expected to retain the 12MP configuration in the iPhone 14.
iPhone 15 battery performance
Another noteworthy development is the improvement in battery capacity. Recent rumours suggest that the iPhone 15 lineup will feature significantly larger batteries, with the standard iPhone 15 expected to include an 18% larger battery than the iPhone 14, bringing its capacity to 3,877mAh. This upgrade hints at better battery life. Additionally, there’s speculation that the batteries might adopt stacked technology similar to that used in electric vehicles.
Reverse wireless charging, a feature that allows the iPhone 15 to charge other Apple devices wirelessly, is another exciting rumour. However, this capability may be exclusive to the Pro models.
iPhone 15 screen size and display
It is rumoured that Apple would adhere to its usual pattern and introduce four models that align with the current iPhone lineup. These would consist of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, sporting 6.1-inch OLED screens, and the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max, featuring larger 6.7-inch displays.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max should come with a 2,500-nit display. This surpasses the 2,000 nits of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, potentially making it the brightest screen ever on a smartphone.
However, the anticipation for the ProMotion adaptive refresh rate on the standard iPhone 15 model may be in vain. Ross Young suggests that the non-Pro models won’t adopt the fluid LTPO displays until at least 2025, despite their initial introduction on the iPhone 13 Pro.
This decision might be disappointing for some, given that numerous leading Android phones now offer displays with refresh rates ranging from 90Hz to 120Hz. Many hoped the iPhone 15 could address this by including a 120Hz display as standard, but we aren’t holding our breath.
iPhone 15: Performance
The rumours are that the A17 Bionic chip will be used in the iPhone 15, although not across the entire lineup. Following the precedent set last year, where only the iPhone 14 Pro models received the all-new chipset, while the standard iPhone used a slightly upgraded A15, we expect a similar pattern for the iPhone 15 series. The iPhone 15 Pro models will likely feature the A17, while the regular iPhone 15 might adopt an improved iteration of the A16.
According to a TrendForce report, Apple intends to increase the RAM capacity and specifications for the iPhone 15. For eh Pro models, this could mean 8GB of RAM. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 might transition to the faster LPDDR5 standard while retaining an 8GB capacity.
Recent rumours, stemming from observations within a tvOS beta release, suggest that Apple may not augment the RAM in the Pro models. However, the A17 chip could introduce a sixth GPU core, enhancing graphics performance.
Unknownz21 indicates that Apple has experimented with both 6GB and 8GB variants of the iPhone 15 Pro, and the RAM capacity in a particular model might be tied to the selected storage option.
These details don’t provide exhaustive insights into performance. Still, the A17 is expected to be the first chip manufactured using the advanced 3nmj process, which holds significant promise for speed and efficiency. Specifically, chip manufacturer TMSC predicts a 35% improvement in power efficiency, which bodes well for the battery life of the iPhone 15 Pro.
In conclusion, Apple’s iPhone 15 promises to be a great device for its customers. However, the exact specifications will only be revealed on September 12th.
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