iPhone 15 - page 2

Check how many times your iPhone 15 battery has cycled

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iPhone 15 battery cycle count
Look in Settings to see the iPhone 15 battery cycle count.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 15 series shows the battery cycle count, helping users track the long-term “health” of the battery. Displaying this data is simple, though it’s somewhat hidden.

In addition, it’s also possible to see when the device was manufactured and first activated.

How Apple muffed the iPhone 15 Pro’s new Action button

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Promo shot of iPhone 15 Pro with the Action button reversed to the opposite side
The Action button would be easier to reach for right-handed phone holders.
Photo: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

I’ve been using my new iPhone 15 Pro for a couple of weeks now, but I still haven’t gotten used to the new Action button.

The Action button can be configured to give easy, one-button access to a range of functions, from launching the flashlight to opening a Tesla car door.

I have mine set up to open the Camera app and then act as the shutter button. But it’s kinda useless for two reasons.

8 super-cool things you can do with the iPhone 15 Pro Action button

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What Else Can You Use It For?
The Action button opens a world of possibilities.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

What can you do with the iPhone 15 Pro’s new Action button? Lots of things, if you customize it: You can make a fart sound, or get ChatGPT to help you write an email.

Apple lets you assign the iPhone’s Action button to one of eight preassigned things — or, if you set it to Shortcuts, you can do a lot more. Shortcuts are a way for you to reach inside an app and automatically run a feature without opening it. With the Action button, you have a physical button you can press no matter where you are, adding an extra layer of convenience.

Let me show you what some power users are doing with Apple’s latest hardware innovation — and how you can trick your phone into assigning two or more Shortcuts to the single Action button.

Enter to win a protective and stylish iPhone 15 bundle from Laut [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Premium iPhone case, that is built to protect and has a great sleek look.
This week's giveaway pairs a premium iPhone case with a screen protector for maximum protection.
Photo: Laut

We teamed up with Laut this week to give three lucky winners a great accessory bundle featuring new products designed to protect the iPhone 15 series.

This bundle includes an iPhone 15 case and a screen protector to ensure all-around protection for your precious new phone. It’s free and easy to enter!

Next year’s standard iPhone won’t get a hand-me-down chip

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In a break, Apple may use
In a break, Apple may use "A18" chips in all four iPhone 16 handsets.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Rather than holding over iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro chip for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the full upcoming iPhone 16 lineup will carry A18 and A18 Pro chips running on an updated TSMC 3-nanometer production process, according to an analyst.

iPhone 15 Pro Max is and isn’t easy to repair

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iPhone 15 Pro Max teardown
Accessing the iPhone 15 Pro Max components is easier. But troubles await.
Photo: iFixit

Apple designed the internal iPhone 15 Pro series to be much easier to work on than previous models, but iFixit did a teardown and found that replacing several broken components is a hassle.

In the end, the latest iOS handset got a fairly low repairablity score from iFixit.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: Pro features for less [Review]

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iPhone 15 and 15 Plus review: Pro features for less
A brighter screen is just one of many improvements in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Those who were jealous of the Dynamic Island and 48MP camera in the iPhone 14 Pro can relax — the just-launched iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include the best features of last year’s Pro models. This makes them significant upgrades for anyone with an older handset … even one from 2022.

And dumping the old Lightning port in favor of USB-C is icing on the cake.

iPhone 15: How pro can Apple go? [The CultCast]

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The CultCast episode 613: iPhone 15 Pro is so pro ...
Titanium FTW!
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: The first reviews of iPhone 15 Pro rave about everything from the phenomenal titanium finish to the fantastic 5x zoom. Sounds like Tim Cook has another winner on his hands.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Loads of great new iOS 17 and iPhone 15 features fly below the radar. We discuss some of our faves.
  • Apple’s new FineWoven cases, on the other hand, sound like a huge, synthetic miss.
  • Some haters are trying to get “Printgate” started, but we can’t believe iPhone 15 Pro’s sweet titanium frame is gonna be a fingerprint magnet.
  • With tvOS 17, the Apple TV finally gets a no-brainer capability: FaceTime calls.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Shield your iPhone 15 with Zagg’s toughest screen protector yet [Cult of Mac giveaway]

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Zagg XTR3 screen protector box. Edge to edge protection protecting your screen from any accidental drops.
The XTR3's edge-to-edge protection shields your iPhone screen from damaging drops.
Photo: Zagg

The much-anticipated iPhone 15 is here! If you’re one of the lucky owners, you’ll want to ensure it’s fully protected. In collaboration with Zagg, Cult of Mac is thrilled to present this week’s giveaway, offering three fortunate individuals the opportunity to keep their screens immaculate with the new Glass XTR3 Screen Protector.

It’s Zagg’s toughest screen protector yet!

Best MagSafe cables and chargers for iPhone 15

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These are the best MagSafe cables and chargers for iPhone 15.
MagSafe is the best way to charge your new iPhone.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

There’s no better way to charge your new iPhone 15 than with MagSafe. Sure, it might not be the fastest charging method, but it’s certainly the simplest and most convenient. And, let’s face it, plugging in a cable is nowhere near as satisfying as that snap you hear when slapping a MagSafe accessory onto the back of your iPhone.

If you’ll be experiencing MagSafe for the first time with iPhone 15, it’s time to stock up on cables, charging stations and battery packs. Here are the best available right now.

Best USB-C cables and chargers for iPhone 15

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These are the best USB-C cables and chargers for iPhone 15.
You can never have too many cables.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

One of the best things about iPhone 15 is arguably its USB-C port, which makes connectivity a whole lot simpler. It means you can finally charge your iPhone with the same cables and chargers you might use for other devices, like iPad Pro, MacBook Air, Nintendo Switch and lots more.

If you don’t own any of those and you need to stock up on USB-C accessories, fear not. We rounded up the best USB-C cables and chargers you can buy right now for iPhone 15.

Warning: Update iPhone 15 to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data

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If you got a new iPhone 15 series phone, install iOS 17.0.2 right away.
If you got a new iPhone 15 series phone, install iOS 17.0.2 right away.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple advised iPhone 15 buyers Friday that they need to install the latest software update, iOS 17.0.2, before transferring data during the device setup process. The update fixes a problem that could prevent the data transfer and freeze up the new iPhone.

Scuffles and massive lines as iPhone 15 goes on sale worldwide

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iPhone 15 launch day photo from Apple Sydney Store
Apple's newest iPhones are on sale now!
Photo: Apple

A disorderly scuffle broke out at a Dubai mall Friday as shoppers rushed to get the iPhone 15, as stores around the world saw massive lines for the new handsets.

Footage on TikTok shows a big crowd scuffling at Mall of the Emirates to be first in line for the new iPhone. Security guards struggle to hold back the rowdy crowd and several people fall. Other videos show the crowd jostling each other as they scramble to be first inside.

Elsewhere around the world, first-day crowds were more orderly as thousands of people lined up to get the new iPhones.

Best screen protectors for iPhone 15

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Best iPhone 15 screen protectors
These are the best screen protectors you can buy right now for iPhone 15.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

If you’re getting a new iPhone, the very first thing you should do right out of the box is slap a screen protector on it. Even though Apple calls the iPhone 15 lineup’s Ceramic Shield glass screens the toughest ever, they can and will shatter when dropped.

Plus, no matter how much you baby your new smartphone, it’s going to rub up against dirt and debris in your pocket or while rolling around in your bag. That can lead to unsightly scratches.

Keep your iPhone 15‘s screen in superb shape with a quality screen protector. Here are the best options you can buy right now.

Best cases you can buy today for iPhone 15

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These are the best cases you can buy for iPhone 15 right now.
From as little as $14.99.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Got an iPhone 15 or 15 Pro on preorder? It’s time to start thinking about protection. No matter how badly you want to show off your handset’s pretty paint job or its tough titanium chassis, you’re going to regret not covering it up if you drop it onto a hard surface and break it within a week. But don’t worry — there are already a bunch of excellent case options to choose from.

Whether you want a sleek fit that complements iPhone 15’s slim design, extreme impact-resistance for the most damaging drops, or luxurious leather that only gets better with age, there’s an iPhone 15 case right up your alley.

We rounded up the best options you can buy right now, with prices starting from a mere $14.99.

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15: Which one should you buy?

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iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 comparison
Should you spend the $200 extra and get the iPhone 15 Pro this year?
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh

This year’s iPhone 15 lineup packs some big upgrades, including 48MP cameras, USB-C connectors and faster chips on both models, and a titanium frame on the Pro. But between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15, which one should you pick?

The two iPhones might appear nearly the same at first glance, but as per usual, the Pro benefits from high-end features. It is also $200 more expensive. So, should you buy the iPhone 15 Pro over the regular iPhone 15? Find out in this comparison.

First iPhone 15/Plus reviews: Pro features get more affordable

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iPhone 15 in hand
iPhone 15 includes the Dynamic Island and other features that were formerly for Pro only.
Screenshot: Apple

Initial reviews of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus praise the addition of the Dynamic Island and 48MP camera, saying they make the new handsets feel like a significant upgrade for users of older models. They also applaud the switch to USB-C and the new ultra-wideband chip.

The two iOS 17 devices reach store shelves this Friday.

Protect iPhone 15’s screen with tough new UltraGlass 2

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iPhone 15 models have tough screens, but you can never be too careful.
iPhone 15 models have tough screens, but you can never be too careful.
Photo: Belkin

Belkin’s new ScreenForce UltraGlass 2 Treated Screen Protectors for iPhone 15 models are made of its strongest and most durable glass yet, the company said Thursday.

You can pick up the protectors at either Belkin.com or Apple.com. And when they arrive by the end of the month in Apple Store locations, you can take advantage of a free precision fitting service.

Apple sees strong demand for iPhone 15 Pro Max

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The Pro lineup color choices.
Apple is seeing strong demand for the iPhone 15 Pro Max this year.
Photo: Apple

Initial orders for the iPhone 15 Pro Max show “robust” demand, outpacing last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max, according to TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Demand for the regular iPhone 15 looks similar to 2022’s models, the analyst said.

Whose ‘Wonderlust’ predictions came true? [The CultCast]

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Wonderlust event hits and misses - The CultCast episode 612
What we got right -- and wrong -- about Apple's big "Wonderlust" event.
Image: Cult of Mac
Wonderlust 2023

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We dissect all the biggest reveals from Apple’s “Wonderlust” event, which brought us new iPhones, Apple Watches and more. And we stare unafraid at the results of our Wonderlust predictions. We have a winner!

Also on The CultCast:

  • Yes, we got new iCloud+ storage plans. And Erfon’s still complaining?!?
  • The new iPhone colors are … 🤷
  • The iPhone’s USB-C enables some cool new stuff.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

iPhone 15 USB-C port doesn’t hide any nasty secrets

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A mockup of a blue braided cable.
The iPhone 15 doesn't care if you use an Apple USB-C cable or one made by some other company.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple didn’t tinker with the USB-C port in the iPhone 15 series to disadvantage standard cables. Instead, the port handles charging and data transfers like any other USB-C port.

This throws cold water on suspicions that the new iPhones would require special MFi cables to get the maximum data or charging rates.

Elegant new 3-in-1 MagSafe charging stand is perfect for Standby Mode

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The premium charger is perfect for your nightstand, with an iPhone in Standby Mode like a classic alarm clock.
The premium charger is perfect for your nightstand, with an iPhone in Standby Mode like a classic alarm clock.
Photo: Twelve South

With the iPhone 15 series and new Apple Watches now out, the accessories floodgates are open. One of the first products through is an updated Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe charging stand. And it’s made for MagSafe and ideal for iOS 17’s Standby Mode.

So you can turn your iPhone into a classic bedside alarm clock or smart display with various widgets. And you can charge it alongside Apple Watch and AirPods.

iPhone 15 Pro demand overwhelms Apple [Updated]

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The Pro lineup color choices.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are already in short supply.
Photo: Apple

Anyone who even slightly delayed ordering the new iPhone 15 Pro models when they went on sale Friday morning faces a lengthy wait for their devices to be delivered. The delays extend into November for some handsets and configurations.

In addition, problems marred the preorder process via the online Apple Store, possibly due to high demand for the new titanium Pro phones.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro preorders go live [Updated]

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The iPhone 15 Pro models feature a strong and lightweight new titanium design.
Time to place your iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro preorder.
Photo: Apple

Apple began accepting preorders for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series early Friday morning. The company showcased the devices earlier this week during its “Wonderlust” event.

Unlike last year, when Apple staggered the iPhone release dates, the entire iPhone 15 lineup will begin shipping a week from now on September 22.