Apple only recently introduced the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 and 14 Pro models, but we've heard rumors about the iPhone 15 since before the new iPhones were even released.
The iPhone 15 is still a year away, so nothing is inevitable, but USB-C, periscope camera technology, and a Qualcomm modem chip have all been mentioned. This overview contains everything we've heard about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, but remember that we're still early in the development cycle, and Apple's plans are subject to change.
iPhone 15 Plus?:
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple may replace the iPhone 15's "Pro Max" variant with a new "Ultra" model. Apple debuted the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022, and the highest-end version of the M1 was similarly dubbed "Ultra."
It comes to reason that the most expensive iPhone, popularly referred to as the "Pro Max," may be the iPhone 15 Ultra.
Design:
According to design rumors, the iPhone 15 models will look identical to the iPhone 14 models but will be expanded the pill-and-hole cutout throughout the entire lineup. That suggests all iPhone 15 models will be notch-free, following the Dynamic Island design debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro models.
Apple will most likely continue to sell 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" variants will have more advanced capabilities and be more expensive, but the ordinary iPhone 15 devices will be less expensive.
Ā
Curved Edges and Titanium Chassis:
According to apple, the 2023 iPhone 15 would feature a titanium chassis with curved back edges, replacing the current squared-off design. The device's back corners will purportedly be rounded off, akin to the case of the 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro versions.
Ā
Buttons for Solid-State Volume and Power:
The iPhone 15 Pro versions may include solid-state volume and power buttons, akin to the iPhone 7's Home button. In addition, the iPhone now has a mechanical switch that physically depresses, but the solid-state controller simulates the experience of a button push with haptic feedback.
If Apple does include solid-state buttons, the iPhone 15 Pro versions may consist of two different Taptic Engines on the device's left and right sides. The two new Taptic Engines would add to the current Taptic Engine.
A solid-state architecture might guard against water infiltration, but it would almost certainly necessitate new iPhone cover designs that provide constant physical access to the volume and power buttons.
Ā
USB-C:
Apple is considering replacing the Lightning connector on the iPhone 15 with a USB-C port to comply with new European rules. However, these restrictions would compel Apple to build iPhones with USB-C connectors in Europe, which would need either a global design change or the development of specific iPhones for sale in Europe.
Apple will make a move, according to reliable sources like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo; thus, this is a strong probability at the moment. But, of course, Apple's intentions are subject to change.
Ā
Transfer Rates of Data:
The iPhone 15 Pro versions with USB-C connectors will allow faster data transfer speeds, but the ordinary iPhone 15 models will retain USB 2.0 speeds, similar to Lightning. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, the iPhone 15 Pro versions will feature "at least" USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3. The patch allowed iPhone 15 Pro devices to transmit video quickly and other file types. USB 2.0 transfer rates are restricted to 480Mb/s, but USB 3.2 provides for rates of up to 20Gb/s if Apple adds Thunderbolt 3 capability to the iPhone 15 Pro models, Then Data transfer speeds of up to 40Gb/s.Ā
Ā
Technology for Periscope Camera Lenses:
There have been rumors concerning Apple's development of "periscope" telephoto lens technology, which might be released in 2023 iPhones, most likely in iPhone 15 Pro variants. However, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the periscope camera lens will be available exclusively on the bigger iPhone 15 Pro Max; thus, it may be confined to the most costly model.
Periscope lens technology provides optical zoom capabilities that transcend those of a regular telephoto lens, enabling 5x or even 10x optical zoom with substantially improved performance. In contrast, current Pro versions are limited to 3x magnification.
Samsung, an Apple competitor, has released smartphones with periscope lens technology that allows up to 100x digital zoom & 4x to 10x optical zoom.
Ā
Modem Chips from Qualcomm
Apple, which has already debuted 5G iPhones, will employ Qualcomm's 5G modem processors for the 2023 iPhone 15 series. According to rumors, Apple may utilize its modem chips as early as 2023, but the technology must first be available.
Ā
Apple is striving to tackle heat-related concerns with the modem chips it is developing, and the modem chips built by Apple will not be ready for use in iPhones until at least 2024.
