iPhone 15: These 8 features are currently under discussion
The iPhone 15 is said to bring more innovations than the iPhone 14 last did – including some features that Apple fans have been asking for for years. We summarize for you which properties and functions are currently under discussion.
When it will come is more or less clear, everything else about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro is currently still speculation. However, since the first rumors about the upcoming Apple smartphones already existed before the iPhone 14 appeared, it is already worth taking a look at the new features that are likely to come. Even if one or the other feature could of course be added before the official unveiling in September 2023.
Possible name change
Will the Pro Max model be called Ultra in the future? Image: © YouTube/MoeKit 2022
In September 2022, Apple presented four iPhone models: the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. We are again expecting four different models for the coming year – but one with a new name. According to Bloomberg editor Mark Gurman, a name change is planned for the flagship model. The most expensive and best-equipped model is to appear as the "iPhone 15 Ultra" – in line with the name of the smartwatch top model, the Apple Watch Ultra. With an Ultra in the name, Apple allegedly wants to describe the exclusive features planned for the flagship.
display sizes
On the other hand, we don't expect anything new in terms of the display sizes. Even if the top model may have a different name, it will probably continue to appear with a 6.7-inch display, as will the iPhone 15 Pro. A display diagonal of 6.1 inches should remain for the standard models. So there are unlikely to be any major design changes in the coming year.
Dynamic Island for all models
It is desirable that Apple equips all iPhone 15 models with the Dynamic Island. Image: © Apple 2022
In 2023, buyers of the standard models can probably look forward to a feature introduced with the Pro models in 2022: Apple's Dynamic Island. This interactive area at the top of the display, present on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, with a cut-out for the front camera and Face ID sensors, shows information such as the charging status of paired AirPods, the Apple Maps route or incoming calls displayed. When playing music, the Dynamic Island becomes a media player. By the time the iPhone 15 is released, many other apps should also support this feature.
Solid state instead of mechanical buttons
The mechanical buttons on the iPhone 15 are to be replaced by solid-state buttons. Picture:
The iPhone 15 could also appear without mechanical buttons. As the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims via Twitter , Apple wants to equip the next generation of smartphones with so-called solid-state buttons for switching on and off and for volume control. These virtual buttons should be reminiscent of the Mac trackpads or the home button on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8. They cannot be pressed mechanically, but offer haptic feedback through a short vibration.
Big advantage of the solid-state buttons: This allows the case to be better protected against the ingress of water. So the iPhone 15 could get a higher IP certification.
USB-C instead of Lightning
Due to an EU regulation, Apple has to replace the Lightning connector with USB-C. Image: © YouTube/Matt Talks Tech 2022
Goodbye Lightning connector: Since the EU passed a law that stipulates USB-C as the charging connector for all new electronic devices from 2024, Apple must act. The switch from Lightning to USB-C, which is said to have been planned for a long time, will probably be completed with the iPhone 15 in the coming year. In the future, all current Macs, iPads and iPhones will have the same charging connection and can be charged with the same plug.
It is still unclear whether Apple will only make this change with special iPhone models for the EU or worldwide. In theory, the manufacturer could stick to the Lightning port in other markets or only equip all iPhones with wireless charging technology.
3 nanometer A17 chip
The A16 Bionic chip featured in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max will be followed by the A17 Bionic for the iPhone 15 Pro. According to rumors, Apple only wants to equip the Pro models with a new chip in the coming year, the standard models should have the A16 on board.
The upcoming A17 chip is said to be the first chip to be manufactured by Apple supplier TSMC using the 3-nanometer process. The chipset is said to offer a performance upgrade of ten to 15 percent and consume up to 30 percent less energy than the A16 Bionic, which is manufactured using the 4-nanometer process.
More RAM
When it comes to RAM, there will probably be differences between the standard and pro models again. Only the more expensive Pro versions should get a RAM upgrade to 8 GB. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, on the other hand, are said to come with 6GB of RAM. Like the use of different processors, this would fit with Apple's plans to emphasize the differences between the Standard and Pro versions more in the future.
Camera with periscope technology
A schematic of Oppo's 2017 prototype periscope camera. Image: © Oppo 2022
For the same reason, only the Pro models or even only the iPhone 15 Pro Max aka iPhone 15 Ultra should get the feature that has been speculated about for several years: a periscope camera. Cameras with periscope technology offer better opportunities for optical zoom – without the photo quality suffering as with digital zoom.
There are already some Android smartphones with a periscope camera, and Apple could follow suit in 2023. A periscope camera with 5x or even 10x optical zoom is under discussion for the iPhone 15 Ultra. The current iPhone 14 only has a triple optical zoom with its telephoto lens.
But beware: we are still many months away from the iPhone 15 release. Even the rumors about the upcoming Apple smartphone could paint a completely different picture in the future.
