IPHONE 15
Apple recently released the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, but we've been hearing rumors about the iPhone 15 before the new iPhones even came out.
The iPhone 15, which will switch from Lightning to USB C in 2023, features an arrow
The iPhone 15 is about a year away, so nothing has been carved out yet, but USB-C, periscope camera technology and a Qualcomm modem chip have been suggested. This roundup covers everything we've heard so far about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, but keep in mind that it's early in the development cycle and Apple's plans are subject to change.
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iPhone 15 Ultra?
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple could potentially replace the "Pro Max" version of the iPhone 15 with a new "Ultra" model. Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022 and also used the "Ultra" designation for the top-of-the-line version of the M1.
It stands to reason that the highest available iPhone, often the "Pro Max," could be renamed the iPhone 15 Ultra.
Design
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 models will look similar to the iPhone 14 models, but the pill-and-hole design will be extended to the entire range. This means that all iPhone 15 models would have no notch, instead adopting the Dynamic Island introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro models.
iPhone 14 Fake pill and thumb hole
Since no major design changes are expected, Apple will likely continue to offer 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. . The "Pro" models will have higher-end features and be more expensive, while the standard iPhone 15 models will be cheaper.
Fixed volume and power buttons
The iPhone 15 Pro models could feature solid-state volume and power buttons similar to the Home button on the iPhone 7. From now on, iPhones use a mechanical button that is physically pressed, but the solid-state button will use haptic feedback that mimics the feel instead pressing a button.
If Apple adds solid-state buttons, the iPhone 15 Pro models could have two additional Taptic Engines on the left and right sides of the device. Two new Taptic Engines would join the existing Taptic Engine.
A solid-state design could possibly protect against water ingress, but that would likely require new iPhone case designs that offer physical access to the volume and power buttons at all times.
No Touch ID
While there are constant rumors that Apple is considering returning Touch ID to its flagship iPhones with an under-display solution, the iPhone 15 models are not expected to feature 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 2025. Instead, the iPhone 15 will continue to use Dynamic Island in 2023, which Apple could expand to all models instead of just the Pro models.
USB-C
Apple is considering replacing the Lightning port on iPhone 15 devices with a USB-C port, which would allow it to comply with European regulations that are in the process of approval. These regulations would require Apple to manufacture iPhones with USB-C ports in Europe, so Apple must either make a global design change or develop special iPhones for sale in Europe.
The iPhone 15 will switch from Lightning to USB C in 2023
Reliable sources that include Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have said that Apple is on the way to making a switch, so it's a strong possibility at the moment. Of course, Apple's plans are subject to change.
Periscopic lens technology
There have been several rumors about Apple working on telephoto "periscope" lens technology, and this type of lens could be introduced in 2023 iPhones, most likely in the iPhone 15 Pro models. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, only the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max will get a periscope camera lens, so it's possible that it will be limited to the highest and most expensive model.
iPhone 13 Pro light blue side features
Periscope lens technology offers optical zoom capabilities that exceed those of a standard telephoto lens, allowing for 5x or even 10x optical zoom. A periscopic lens would greatly improve the iPhone's zoom capabilities, as current Pro models are limited to 3x zoom.
Apple's competitor Samsung has come up with smartphones that use periscopic lens technology that allows for 4x to 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom.
Qualcomm modem chips
Apple will use Qualcomm's 5G modem chips for the 2023 iPhone 15 series, as it has done since the 5G iPhones were introduced. There have been rumors suggesting that Apple could use its own modem chips as early as 2023, but the technology isn't ready yet.
Apple is working to overcome heat-related issues with the modem chips it makes, and Apple-designed modem chips won't be ready for use in iPhones until at least 2024.
A series chips
The iPhone 15 models could be the first with an A-series chip built on a 3-nanometer next-generation node from Apple supplier TSMC. The 3nm chip technology is expected to increase processing performance by 10 to 15 percent while reducing power consumption by up to 30 percent.
3nm apple silicon element
Apple chip supplier TSMC is rumored to be backing away from plans for 3nm chips after losing an order from Intel. It's unclear whether the disruption will affect Apple's 3nm chip production, but TSMC makes the 3nm A17 chips expected to be used in the iPhone 15 models.
RAM
According to Taiwanese research company TrendForce, the iPhone 15 Pro models could have an increased 8GB of RAM. Current iPhone 14 Pro models offer 6GB of RAM.
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