Apple will launch the iPhone 15 on September 12 at the Wonderlust event, but you don’t have to wait — leaks have revealed plenty of details already. This year’s models will allegedly be faster in multiple ways, plus there’ll be design changes, including USB-C and the Dynamic Island for everyone.
Here’s everything we’re expected from Apple’s new-for-2023 iPhone lineup.
Done’t wait until Tuesday for iPhone 15 specs
Very early leaks about iPhone specifications aren’t 100% reliable. Sometimes that’s because Apple changes the spaces of the upcoming device in the months before the launch. But with the iPhone 15 debut expected in a couple days, the latest reports are likely to be quite accurate.
At this point, nearly all the major changes have been the subjects of repeated leaks from multiple sources. So there are’t likely to be many surprises on Tuesday.
What we’re expecting for the iPhone 15
Image: Antonio De Rosa/ADR Studio
Apple has used the same basic iPhone chassis design for three years, and the company’s previous practices indicate it’s time for a change. A tipster says we can expect rounded edges in place of the current square ones. Still, early renders show the iPhone 15 series will look much like its predecessors.
There will be four models in nearly the same sizes as the 2022 versions, but with slightly larger displays. Apple reportedly will shrink the screen bezels on the Pro models, allowing it to release two Pro versions with a 6.2- or 6.8-inch screen. The cheaper versions will have the same display sizes as last year: 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches.
All this year’s models likely will almost certainly be the first iPhones with USB-C rather than a Lightning port. That will be the beginning of the end for the Lightning connector, as all Apple devices, from Mac to iPad to iPhone and their accessories, go to USB-C.
One effect of this might be an increase in charging speed to 35W. As another part of that change, the cable that ships with the iPhone 15 could be more colorful and durable than its predecessors, if not faster.
Other changes in Apple’s next handsets might include greater support for reverse wireless charging and Wi-Fi 6E. Plus, Apple reportedly will add a new U2 ultrawide-band chip to this year’s iPhones. That should make Apple’s Find My network for locating lost devices even more powerful.
There’s good news and bad news about pricing. The standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are currently expected to stay at $799 and $899. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will allegedly see an increase because it’s getting so many new features. It could cost $1,199, respectively. Or even more. The Pro might or might not jump up in price.
Photo: Sonny Dickson/Cult of Mac
More new features for both Pro and non-Pro models
The iPhone Pro models always offer more features than the cheaper options, and Apple made the differences more stark with the iPhone 14 series. But leaks indicate that one of the most obvious differences between the 2022 lineups will go away in 2023: All four upcoming handsets are expected to feature the Dynamic Island, not just the Pro models.
All four iPhone 15 models should utilize a 48MP camera sensor, similar to the one in the 2022 iPhone Pro models. That should significantly boost the lower-end iPhone’s photographic capabilities.
But there will be plenty of new differences between the more affordable and the pricier models. Leaks point to the Pro Max featuring a periscope lens that bends incoming light before it reaches the sensor. The change would enable a more powerful telephoto lens without increasing the size of the handset’s camera hump.
Bit the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max allegedly will be powered by an Apple A17 chip made with a cutting-edge 3nm process that will boost the performance and significantly increase battery life. But the other two will use the same A16 from the iPhone 14 Pro series.
The mute switch is reportedly going to be replaced by a programmable action button on the two Pro models. Touching it can mute the device as in the past, or the user can set it to open the Camera app, run a shortcut, record a voice memo or perform other functions.
Also, the USB-C port in the iPhone 15 Pro might support Thunderbolt for ultra-fast data transfers. If true, that should help move large video files off the handset.
Apple supposedly will put titanium in the casing of at least one of the Pro models.
Early rumors pointed to solid-state volume buttons rather than traditional ones for the two Pro models. However, more recent reports indicate that engineers couldn’t work out the bugs, so Apple shelved the idea.
iPhone 15 presales begin soon
With the iPhone 15 during Apple’s September 12 Wonderlust event, expect preorders to begin on Friday September 15. The products should reach customers around September 22.
That said, the iPhone 15 Pro Max model could be hard to find immediately after its debut. It might not even start reaching customers for several additional weeks, because of problems producing its premium display.
We originally published this article on July 9. We updated it with additional information.
