Although Apple hasn’t yet unveiled the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models, it seems that these handsets will get a more minor makeover than we’ve seen recently. In years ago, they most likely would have been referred to as “iPhone 13s.” Because of this, there have already been speculations regarding the iPhone 15, and at the moment some significant modifications are being discussed.
Since the iPhone 15 is still more than a year away, nothing is confirmed, but rumours include USB-C, periscope camera technology, and an Apple-designed modem chip. This summary summarizes all of the information we currently know about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, however it is still early in the development cycle, so Apple’s intentions are subject to change.
Design
The iPhone 15 models, according to rumours, will resemble the iPhone 14 models, but the pill-and-hole cutout will be present on every model. The two cutout design reported for the iPhone 14 Pro models would be used instead of the notch on all iPhone 15 models.
It’s uncertain whether the information about the introduction of an under-display Face ID system in the iPhone 15 Pro models in 2023 is true since other sources, like display expert Ross Young, have said that under-screen Face ID won’t be available until at least 2024. Young predicts that with the iPhone 16 Pro models, Apple will add an under-display Face ID arrangement, with the functionality appearing on all models by 2025.
Apple will probably 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. This is because no significant design changes are anticipated. The ordinary iPhone 15 models will cost less, while the “pro” variants will cost more and include additional high-end capabilities.
USB-C
In order to meet with upcoming European rules, Apple is thinking of replacing the Lightning connector on the iPhone 15 models with a USB-C port. Due to these laws, Apple would have to create iPhones in Europe with USB-C connections, necessitating either a global design change or the creation of unique iPhones for the European market.
This is now a high likelihood since credible sources like Bloomberg’s Mark German and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuok have said that Apple is planning to make the switch. Apple’s ambitions might, of course, alter.
Periscope Lens Innovation
The development of “periscope” telephoto lenses by Apple has been the subject of several speculations; these lenses are expected to appear in the iPhone 15 Pro variants in 2023. The periscope camera lens will only be available on the bigger iPhone 15 Pro Max, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuok, therefore it’s probable that it will only be available on the most costly and high-end model.
The optical zoom capabilities of periscope lenses are greater than those attainable with normal telephoto lenses, enabling 5x or even 10x optical zoom. The iPhone’s zoom capabilities would be greatly improved with a periscope lens since the current Pro versions are only capable of 3x magnification.
Samsung, an Apple rival, has released smartphones with periscope lens technology, which allows for up to 100x digital magnification and 4x to 10x optical zoom.
A modem chip made by Apple?
It has been rumoured that 2023 might be the year when Apple-designed modem chips emerge, but it is not yet clear when the modem chips will be ready. For the last several years, Apple has been striving to produce modem chips internally.
Apple won’t be able to utilize its own semiconductors in the 2023 iPhones, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuok, who previously claimed that Apple’s attempts to develop a 5G modem chip had “failed.” For the iPhone 15 models, the business will have to depend on Qualcomm.
The A-Series Chips
The iPhone 15 models may be the first to use an A-series processor manufactured using TSMC’s third-generation 3-nanometer node, an Apple supplier. The use of 3nm chip technology is predicted to result in processing performance increases of 10 to 15% and power savings of up to 30%.
After losing an order from Intel, Apple chip maker TSMC is said to be reducing its ambitions for 3-nanometer processors. The 3nm A17 chips likely to be utilized in the iPhone 15 models are being produced by TSMC, although it is unclear if the interruption would affect Apple’s 3nm chip manufacturing.
Launch Date
If Apple sticks to its usual September release schedule, the iPhone 15 models will most likely be available in September 2023.