Leaks Abound

The iPhone 15 is on the horizon. In recent weeks, I've explored Apple's long-awaited silicon Mac Pro and their AR/VR headset, but I haven't yet focused on the iPhone 15.

With the pandemic's impact behind us, it's reasonable to expect the new model to arrive in late September, as per tradition.

Reports from the Economic Daily News suggest that Engineering Validation Testing (EVT) is already underway. This indicates that the device is in its final stages of development and is nearly ready for production.

EVT is a critical phase in Apple's testing process, where the company evaluates the device's production capabilities to address any potential issues before full-scale manufacturing begins.

Despite being six months from launch, we have gathered a surprising amount of information about this year's model.

The Chipset

It appears that the iPhone 15 will be the first to feature the new A17 Bionic chip built on a 3 nanometer architecture. This advancement is expected to lead to notable improvements in speed, battery life, and overall chip efficiency, although these enhancements will likely be exclusive to the Pro models.

There had been speculation about a premium "Ultra" version, but it seems this will not be introduced until the iPhone 16.

This year's lineup will include the familiar 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, with model names remaining the same: iPhone 15, 15 Plus, and 15 Pro/Pro Max.

A New Connector

A significant change everyone has been anticipating is the shift from Apple's outdated Lightning connector to a USB-C port. However, there will be distinctions between the Pro and non-Pro models. For the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the USB-C port will primarily serve to comply with EU regulations regarding universal charging standards.

Unfortunately, these models will only support USB 2.0 speeds, leaving data transfer rates unchanged.

In contrast, the Pro models will benefit from Thunderbolt speeds, offering data transfer rates ranging from 5 to 20 Gbps—approximately ten times faster than the previous standard. This improvement will facilitate quicker transfers of large ProRes video files.

There are indications that Apple may implement a unique encryption method for the new ports. To unlock the full charging and data speeds, users might need to purchase certified Apple cables or those approved through the MFi (Made for iPhone) program.

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will come with 6GB of RAM, while the Pro variants will include 8GB, marking another distinction between the models.

Reverse Charging Possibilities

Since the iPhone 12, there have been hints of reverse charging capabilities. This functionality could already be integrated into the device, waiting to be activated. Could this mean that users will finally be able to charge their AirPods wirelessly using their iPhones?

The Dynamic Island feature will be available across all models this year.

Camera Innovations

The camera remains a major attraction with each new iPhone release. This year, particularly in the Pro and Pro Max models, we may see a periscope telephoto lens boasting either 6x or 10x optical zoom. The primary camera will still be 48MP, though it's uncertain if it will feature a 3 or 4 lens array.

Given the potential increase in lens weight, Apple might compensate by using a titanium frame for the Pro versions instead of the current stainless steel.

Durability Enhancements

The front of the iPhone will feature 2.5D glass, providing a slight curvature at the edges while maintaining a flat screen. This design resembles that of the Apple Watch 8. Although the screen dimensions remain the same, the slimmer bezels will create an illusion of a larger display.

The edges of the phone will be more rounded, moving away from the squared-off designs of recent models. The glass will still be Ceramic Shield, ensuring durability and resilience.

Solid-State Buttons

The iPhone 15 will eliminate physical buttons in favor of solid-state pads, similar to the home buttons on earlier iPhone models. These will provide Taptic Engine feedback upon use.

This shift to solid-state buttons offers two long-term benefits: improved waterproofing due to fewer entry points for water and greater durability, as there are no moving parts that can fail.

The Pro models will feature a remarkably bright display, utilizing next-generation Samsung panels that surpass even the latest Samsung S23. The iPhone 15 could achieve a maximum brightness of 2500 nits, although this may be limited to peak outdoor conditions due to power consumption.

Faster Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6E will also be introduced with the iPhone this year, promising enhanced speed and performance. This upgrade aims to alleviate congestion on 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, but it will only be available on the Pro models, requiring users to have an updated 6E router.

As the divide between Pro and non-Pro models deepens, we must also consider pricing. Since 2009, iPhone prices have surged by 66%. CEO Tim Cook believes loyal customers will be willing to pay more for the next model. He stated during a recent earnings call:

"I think people are willing to really stretch to get the best they can afford in that category."

Whether this will result in a price increase remains uncertain, especially given the current economic climate.

Are you planning to upgrade your iPhone this year, and if so, which model will you be replacing? What features are you most excited about, and would you be willing to pay a premium for them? Is the concept of an Ultra model appealing or not?

Conclusion

Each year, we seem to receive more detailed and accurate leaks about upcoming iPhones, and this year is no different. The iPhone 14 has not met Apple's sales expectations, impacted by supply chain disruptions during crucial periods.

Given the pressures on Apple, ensuring the iPhone 15's success is critical. This challenge is compounded by a stretched workforce due to the development of the headset.

As Apple navigates these complexities, it remains to be seen whether they will implement price increases this year.

Getting Involved...

Would you like to receive my weekly video newsletter?

It’s free and easy to subscribe. Just provide your details, and I’ll send you updates every Sunday.

If you enjoy my daily articles and blogs, you can help support them! By clicking this link, you can join Medium and get my blogs as soon as they are published, along with email notifications. A single click can make a significant difference for both of us!

And Finally...

I am now on Vero — follow me here: https://www.vero.co/dtalkingtech

Originally published at https://talkingtechandaudio.com on February 16, 2023.