The iPhone 14 Pro was one of the most feature-packed device upgrades Apple has ever brought us. Showcasing an A16 Bionic chip, car crash detection and satellite messaging – Apple gave us a little more than we could chew last year at the unveiling of the 14 Pro, but who doesn’t like seconds? Needless to say, the bar for the iPhone 15 range has been set astronomically high, so will they manage to vault it this year?
Models
There’s a tonne to expect from this year’s iPhone 15 range, the first being the most notable change, the addition of an Ultra iPhone series. Since the Apple Watch Ultra was such a hit with smartwatch enthusiasts, Apple may well be topping the “Pro” version of the iPhone with a new “Ultra” model, which would sit at the top of the Apple ecosystem, stealing the crown from the long-reigning “Pro” series. Depending on how this pans out, it’s plausible that Apple may decide just to integrate Ultra models into more of their product lines. In terms of models, the iPhone 15 will likely have three, which is a step down from the four variants of the iPhone 14. So, in theory, we should be receiving a regular iPhone 15, an iPhone 15 Pro and a new iPhone 15 Ultra, which, by our inclination, will replace what would’ve been the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Technology
Another big change will be that the iPhone 15 is set to be the first ever iPhone with USB-C charging in compliance with the new EU Regulations. Whilst we hate to see the lightning port go, we love to see it leave because USB-C technology will mean faster charging, faster file transfer speeds and the potential for thunderbolt integration. One core standout feature on the iPhone 14 Pro models was the dynamic island, which is the interactive hub centred around the camera and face-ID sensors. Whilst this was a Pro exclusive feature on last year’s range, the dynamic island is set to be featured across the range on the iPhone 15.
Design
Many other features, such as camera configurations, are set to stay the same this year. Of course, we’ll be receiving the new 3nm A17 Bionic chip, which is a given – on top of the introduction of IOS 17. Pro and Ultra exclusive features for this year may include a titanium chassis, and it would be brilliant to see the technology brought over from the smartwatches and into the iPhones. Another rumoured Pro and Ultra exclusive is the inclusion of solid state volume and power buttons. We’re all used to the traditional Apple depressible power and volume rockers; however, Apple is looking to replace these with the same technology we all loved in the iPhone 7’s haptic feedback home button. These buttons will have the same functionality and effect and would theoretically protect the device against water ingress, which then leads to our next assumption of these models receiving a higher IP rating.
Release Date
The iPhone 15 range will likely be announced in September, with a market release in October this year. However, according to 9to5Mac, the initial product announcement may, in fact, be postponed to October as a shortage of Sony chips has meant that Apple is up to four weeks behind schedule.
Whatever the future holds for Apple, if one thing’s for sure, it’s that we’re in for a rollercoaster of a ride with this new range. Let us know your thoughts on what you think Apple will bring this year and whether you agree with our hypothesis – and don’t forget to share the article!
