Apple made significant modifications to the iPhone 14 Pro, and the improvements appear to be continuing in 2023 with the iPhone 15 Pro. Of course, there are speculations of an iPhone 15 Ultra, which some belief will build on the legacy of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Right now, it appears that some of the Ultra rumors also apply to the iPhone 15 Pro. Some of the features include things like solid-state buttons, USB-C, and higher data transfer speeds, but Apple might create a greater separation between its models, even the Pros — similar to what happened with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Here are a few things to look forward to with the iPhone 15 Pro. We also have a roundup of iPhone 15 rumors.
iPhone 15 Pro: Possible price and release date
Because Apple prefers to introduce iPhones in September, we’d guess the iPhone 15 Pro will arrive around mid-September 2023, with one analyst predicting a September 22/23 retail launch date. The iPhone 14 Pro went on sale on September 16, 2022, and the iPhone 13 Pro went on sale on September 24, 2021.
In terms of pricing, we won’t know much until the run-up to Apple’s announcement, and even then, you should be cautious until we have official pricing information. That’s because rumors can be false, as was the case with reports of price increases for the iPhone 14 series.
That, obviously, never happened. We don’t know, but we’re guessing the iPhone 15 Pro will cost $999, exactly like its predecessors. However, one leaker appears to be hinting at price increases, at least for the high-end iPhone 15 models. Leaks The iPhone 15 Ultra is expected to cost between $100 and $200 more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s unclear whether the iPhone 15 Pro will experience a similar price increase or if Apple would keep the pricing at just under $1,000.
iPhone 15 Pro: Design and Display
The iPhone 14 Pro significantly altered the distinctive design of the iPhone. Thanks to iOS 16 capabilities like Live Activities and others, Dynamic Island replaces the dreaded notch with a responsive UI. We anticipate that Dynamic Island will be here for a long time. (In fact, according to one rumor, the Dynamic Island will be available on all iPhone 15 models.)
There’s no reason to think Apple will adjust the screen size of the iPhone 15 Pro. The 6.1-inch form factor has weathered the test of time and is popular with many (including some Tom’s Guide staff). And the always-on display is almost certainly here to stay.
It might be possible to make a big change to the design. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple changes its iPhone design every three years or so. Our current flat-edged look dates back to the iPhone 12, which is three generations older than the upcoming iPhone 15.
So, what will the new look be like in 2023? The iPhone 15 Pro might return to rounded edges, which are more ergonomic, especially when combined with modern iPhones’ weight. This might also offer a slimmer look to the 15 Pro. And the chassis might be made of titanium, a long-rumored feature for iPhones.
However, according to the most recent speculations from LeaksApplePro, the iPhone 15 series may not get a rounded design after all. Apple may remain with its existing flat-back design due to supply chain concerns and design constraints linked to wireless charging.
According to another recent report from Ming-Chi Kuo, “two high-end iPhone 15s” will include solid-state buttons. Replacing mechanical buttons with ones that have no moving components and instead employ haptic feedback (perhaps with the assistance of additional Taptic Engine motors) could result in a more durable phone that lasts longer and is more protected from water and debris. If you want an example of this, consider the iPhone 7’s home button, which was made totally haptic.
Read Also; Apple iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max News and Features
Cameras
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are among the greatest camera phones available, thanks in part to the upgraded 48MP primary sensor. It can capture some excellent pictures and even use all 48 megapixels in RAW photos.
However, we currently know very little about the iPhone 15 Pro’s cameras. According to reports, Apple will use Sony’s new “state-of-the-art” sensor on the iPhone 15. This sensor has the potential to double pixel saturation levels, thus boosting over- and under-exposure compensation on the iPhone 15 Pro. This would be fantastic, given the iPhone 14 Pro suffers from exposure control in difficult situations.
For a long time, we’ve heard about a periscope telephoto lens in an iPhone, and 2023 could be the year it happens. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 15 Pro will finally acquire this periscope telephoto capability, allowing it to compete with the likes of Samsung and Google in terms of zoom performance. However, it is possible that it will be reserved for the iPhone 15 Ultra, though a recent iPhone 15 Pro render includes it in the design.
Another Kuo rumor suggests that the iPhone 15 Pro will include an 8P main lens to eliminate distortion in wider-angle images, but given that Apple only recently switched to a 7P lens for the iPhone 14 Pro, we’d take this with a grain of salt.
See Also; iPhone Flip: Apple’s Foldable Phone Intentions.
USB-C Charging
Many people, like ourselves, believe that 2023 will be the year when Apple officially removes the Lightning port on the iPhone, replacing it with USB-C, as specified by the European Union and enforceable beginning in December 2024. Of course, it’s possible that Apple may release a portless iPhone this year, but it’s a wild guess at best.
The top-end iPhones will apparently have greater data transfer speeds from their USB-C ports, while the ordinary versions will be limited to the same speed as Lightning, which is similar to the ancient USB 2.0 standard. This is one of the reasons why the inclusion of USB-C will be significant for the iPhone 15 series.
Performance
Analysts predicted that Apple will utilize different processors for its various phones in the future even before the iPhone 14 was released, which is exactly what happened. That means the iPhone 15 Pro will almost certainly ship with a new chipset.
It’s safe to believe this is the A17 Bionic. According to TrendForce, the iPhone 15 Pro series will include the expected A17 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will retain the older A16 Bionic chipset.
The A17 Bionic, in fact, is said to be made utilizing a 3nm process, which would theoretically enhance both performance and power efficiency. So, while the A16 Bionic is great, its sequel maybe even better. In reality, TSMC, which manufactures Apple’s silicon and has launched mass production on its new 3nm chip, expects that the 3nm process would boost power efficiency by 35%. That speaks well for the battery life of the iPhone 15 Pro.
It has long been reported that Apple intends to build its own modems for the iPhone to break away from Qualcomm. Cupertino’s phone maker even bought Intel’s ailing modem business in 2019. It has been said that Apple modems will finally be available in 2023, but that may not be the case.
Qualcomm says it will supply the “vast majority” of Apple’s modems by 2023, and Apple apparently just placed a big order with Qualcomm for 5G modems, so we’re more willing to back it than analyst predictions. If that’s the case, we think the iPhone 15 Pro will use the X70 modem.
Read Also; Apple iPhone 14 tips and tricks: 16 features to try
Outlook
September 2023 is still a long time away, so expect many more iPhone 15 Pro rumors and leaks. If there is a difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Ultra, we may hear about it – and we desperately hope there isn’t.
The Pro variants, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro, are sturdy smartphones. But let’s hope we continue to see significant improvements to the small phone with a big punch. But there’s more we’d want to see, starting with 256GB of base storage and faster charging speeds. Furthermore, Apple must address battery life for the iPhone 15 Pro, which will suffer a significant decrease in 2022.
The iPhone 15 Pro will be unveiled in the coming months, so stay tuned.
