iPhone 15: release date, price, cameras, features and much more
All You need to know about Iphone 15
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 in September 2023.
The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max have been rumored for months, with analysts and leakers providing consistent information about the phones’ specifications, pricing, and availability.
Originally, there were rumors that Apple would release an iPhone 15 Ultra in place of the Pro Max, but those rumors have since subsided. It is now expected that Apple will release four familiar-sized iPhone 15 models in 2023.
Here is a table summarizing the rumored specifications of the iPhone 15 models:
| Model | Display Size | Chipset | Rear Cameras | Front Camera | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | 6.1 inches | A16 Bionic | Dual-lens rear camera system | 12MP front camera | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Starting at $799 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 6.7 inches | A16 Bionic | Dual-lens rear camera system | 12MP front camera | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Starting at $899 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 6.1 inches | A16 Bionic | Triple-lens rear camera system | 12MP front camera | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Starting at $999 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7 inches | A16 Bionic | Triple-lens rear camera system | 12MP front camera | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Starting at $1,099 |
These are just rumors, so it is possible that the actual specifications and pricing of the iPhone 15 models will be different. However, this is a good overview of what we can expect from Apple’s next generation of iPhones.
MODEL COMPARISON + PRICES
The majority of this guide focuses on the standard iPhone 15 model. However, it is anticipated that Apple will also introduce the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max in September. Initially, there was speculation that the latter might be named the iPhone 15 Ultra, but recent information suggests that we will have to wait until next year for Apple’s first Ultra-grade iPhone.
In the table below, you will find all the rumored specifications for the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. For more detailed information about the latter two models, please visit our dedicated hubs on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Plus is expected to offer similar specifications to the standard model, with the exception of battery capacity. Therefore, we have excluded that device from the table below.
Initially, it was anticipated that the iPhone 15 would have a similar price to the iPhone 14, starting at $799 / £849 / AU$1,339. However, recent predictions from analysts suggest that the iPhone 15 will be priced higher than its predecessor due to increased production costs for Apple.
If these predictions are accurate, it would be the first series-wide price increase for the iPhone in the US since 2017. International markets experienced price increases as recently as the release of the iPhone 14 line last year.
Additionally, Apple might choose to eliminate the 128GB storage option for the iPhone 15 this year, following the example of other manufacturers like Samsung and Oppo with their flagship models for 2023. However, we anticipate that this decision will be limited to the next generation of Apple’s Pro models.
| iPhone 15 (rumored) | iPhone 15 Pro (rumored) | iPhone 15 Pro Max (rumored) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display: | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED |
| Resolution: | 2532 x 1170 pixels | 1179 x 2556 pixels | 1290 x 2796 pixels |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz | Adaptive 1-120Hz | Adaptive 1-120Hz |
| Chipset: | A16 Bionic | A17 Bionic | A17 Bionic |
| Rear cameras: | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide | 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom | 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto with 6x variable zoom |
| Front camera: | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP dual-lens |
| RAM: | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage: | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery: | 3,877mAh | 3,650mAh | 4,852mAh |
IPHONE 15 RELEASE DATE + PRICES
- Sources are in agreement over potential September launch dates
- Actual shipping dates will likely come a week or so later
As we approach Apple’s presumed September launch event, rumors about the release date of the iPhone 15 are gaining momentum, although no official confirmation has been provided yet.
Traditionally, Apple announces the official date for its iPhone events in late August 2023. However, through a combination of rumors and analysis of previous Apple events, we can make an educated estimate of when this year’s event might take place and when the iPhone 15 may become available for purchase.
In summary, it is expected that Apple’s September 2023 event will occur either on Tuesday, September 12, or Wednesday, September 13. Pre-orders for the new iPhones are likely to commence a few days later, on Friday, September 15, with shipping dates expected approximately a week later, on Friday, September 22.
According to a recent report from 9to5Mac, Apple has allegedly instructed its employees not to take time off on Wednesday, September 13, in anticipation of a “major smartphone announcement.” Furthermore, Bloomberg’s Apple expert, Mark Gurman, has indicated that Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 15 line during the second full week of September 2023.
Considering that Labor Day falls on Monday, September 4 this year, it is reasonable to speculate that Tuesday, September 12 is the most probable launch date for the iPhone 15 line. However, if 9to5Mac’s claim regarding employee time off holds true, then Wednesday, September 13 becomes the more likely date. Regardless, it seems highly probable that the iPhone 15 will be launched during the second full week of September.
IPHONE 15 COLORS
Going by rumors and previous iPhone models, Apple will likely offer five iPhone 15 colors at launch. We’ve heard much talk about a green iPhone 15 and a pink iPhone 15, but any of the six shades listed below could make the cut:
- Cyan / Green
- Light blue
- Pink
- Midnight
- Starlight
- Product (RED)
The iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max will most likely be offered in a different selection of shades to the iPhone 15, but in the same colors as each other. We’re expecting four different color options in total:
- Dark red
- Silver
- Gold
- Graphite, Space Gray, or Space Black
IPHONE 15 DESIGN
- All four models could get iPhone 11-style curved edges
- iPhone 15 rumored to feature textured matte glass rear panel
- USB-C charging ports expected
The rumors surrounding the design of the iPhone 15 are quite intriguing, especially because they suggest notable differences between the upcoming base model and the iPhone 14.
One prominent design rumor indicates that all four iPhone 15 models will feature slightly curved edges, giving them a resemblance to the design of the iPhone 11. In contrast, the iPhone 14 adopts a straight-sided aesthetic reminiscent of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
Additionally, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to sport a new camera bump. This rumor gains further support from unofficial iPhone 15 renders based on case specifications obtained by 9to5Mac.
Furthermore, a design feature previously seen on the iPhone 14 Pro might make its way to the standard iPhone 15. According to a Weibo user who accurately leaked the existence of the yellow iPhone 14, the standard iPhone 15 will feature a textured matte glass rear panel akin to the iPhone 14 Pro, departing from the traditional glossy rear panel used in its predecessor.
These design rumors provide an exciting glimpse into the potential visual changes and enhancements that may be introduced with the iPhone 15.
According to rumors, the iPhone 15 is expected to feature a USB-C charging port instead of the Lightning port found in previous iPhone models, including the iPhone 14. The European Union (EU) has mandated that Apple include USB-C charging ports in iPhones starting from 2024, but indications point toward Apple adopting the new charging standard in 2023.
Some of these rumors are supported by dummy iPhone 15 units that MacRumors has obtained. These units provide a visual representation of how the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are likely to appear.
Additional renders of the iPhone 15 Plus, which surfaced in February 2023, showcase more of the aforementioned design changes, including the presence of a USB-C port, more rounded edges, and the inclusion of the Dynamic Island feature in the lower-cost models (details about this feature can be found in the ‘screen sizes’ section of relevant sources).
Regarding the dimensions of the iPhone 15 handsets, they are expected to be similar to their iPhone 14 counterparts, although minor differences may exist in the size of the camera bumps.
It appears that the exclusive design features such as titanium sides and thinner bezels will be reserved for the Pro models of the iPhone 15 series, while the base models may not receive these upgrades. This aligns with Apple’s recent trend of differentiating features between its standard and Pro iPhone models.
In terms of connectivity, there are indications that Apple may be transitioning to eSIM technology for the iPhone 15 in countries outside the US. Reports suggest that eSIMs could be introduced in the next generation of Apple’s flagship iPhones in France. This development could have significant implications for prospective iPhone 15 buyers in countries like the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and others, as Apple typically sells the same iPhone models across most of Europe.
While it is unlikely that Apple will immediately eliminate the SIM card tray for all iPhone 15 models sold in Europe in September, given the extensive integration required with mobile carriers, it seems that major markets like the UK are ready to embrace eSIM technology alongside France.
The adoption of eSIMs in the iPhone 15 would offer advantages such as easier switching between carriers and the ability to activate cellular service without a physical SIM card.
IPHONE 15 CAMERA
- Will likely ship with a 48MP main sensor
- Might use a different 48MP sensor to the Pro models
The iPhone 14’s rear camera boasts the following dual-sensor setup:
- 12MP main (26mm, f/1.5)
- 12MP ultra-wide (13mm, f/2.4)
According to rumors, the camera setup of the iPhone 15 is expected to consist of two sensors. However, unlike the vanilla iPhone 14, which features a 12MP main sensor, the iPhone 15 is rumored to inherit the 48MP main sensor found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. This upgrade would provide vanilla iPhone users with a tangible reason to consider upgrading to the iPhone 15, as the camera improvements would be more substantial compared to previous iterations.
While the iPhone 15 is set to receive camera enhancements, the gap between the vanilla model and its Pro counterparts is expected to remain significant. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are rumored to undergo substantial camera upgrades, potentially including periscope cameras and the largest iPhone camera sensors ever. There are even suggestions that the iPhone 15 Pro Max could feature a telephoto camera with a variable zoom lens, further enhancing its photography capabilities.
It’s worth noting that leaks indicate the iPhone 15’s 48MP camera may use a different, smaller sensor compared to the Pro models, which could result in slightly lower photo quality.
On the front camera side, the rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 will retain the 12MP selfie camera from the vanilla iPhone 14, indicating no significant changes in the selfie-snapping capabilities of the base model.
IPHONE 15 FEATURES
- Expected to inherit the iPhone 14 Pro’s A16 Bionic chipset
- All four phones might get USB-C, but faster transfer speeds for Pro models
- Larger batteries tipped across the board
- AI could play a big role in functionality
Based on the information available, it is highly likely that the standard iPhone 15 will be equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, which is currently found in the iPhone 14 Pro. This follows the pattern set by Apple in previous generations, where the standard iPhone model inherits the previous generation’s Pro chip. It would come as a surprise if Apple deviates from this trend when it releases the iPhone 15 in September.
The inclusion of the A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 15 would technically result in a snappier performance compared to the iPhone 14, although the latter is already a high-performing device. However, it’s worth noting that rumors suggest Apple may introduce the A17 Bionic chip alongside the iPhone 15, but this more advanced chip is expected to be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models.
While the iPhone 14 is already capable of delivering excellent performance for most users, the additional power of the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip will ensure smooth and seamless experiences in streaming, swiping, photography, and gaming applications.
Based on reports, it is likely that Qualcomm will supply the 5G modem for the iPhone 15, with the Snapdragon X70 being a strong contender. The Snapdragon X70 modem is expected to offer improved performance compared to the Snapdragon X65 modem found in the iPhone 14.
In terms of other specifications, predictions suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro models may receive an upgrade to 8GB of RAM, distinguishing them from the non-Pro models. Additionally, the Pro models may support Wi-Fi 6E, which offers enhanced connectivity capabilities.
Regarding the USB-C port, there are indications that it may be included in all iPhone 15 models, but reports suggest that only the Pro models will offer upgraded data transfer speeds. Multiple sources have mentioned this distinction, stating that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max could support data transfer speeds of either 20Gbps or 40Gbps, while the standard iPhone 15 may be limited to the same 480Mbps speeds as the current models.
A photo showing an iPhone with a USB-C port has surfaced, further supporting the likelihood of its inclusion. Apple has confirmed that it will switch to USB-C, at least in Europe, as mandated by the EU. However, it remains unclear whether this change will be implemented globally or which iPhone model will be the first to feature USB-C. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has mentioned that Apple’s proprietary USB-C chargers will offer faster charging speeds for the iPhone 15 compared to accessories produced by other manufacturers. However, the EU has recently warned Apple against such a move.
It’s important to note that while these predictions and reports provide valuable insights, the final specifications and features of the iPhone 15 will only be confirmed by Apple upon its official announcement.
Recent rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 lineup, including the standard model, will feature significantly larger batteries compared to their predecessors. Specifically, the iPhone 15 is rumored to have an 18% larger battery with a capacity of 3,877mAh, which would theoretically result in improved battery life compared to the iPhone 14. There are also suggestions that Apple might switch to stacked battery technology, similar to what is used in electric vehicles.
Additionally, there have been rumors about the potential inclusion of reverse wireless charging in the iPhone 15 line. This feature would allow the vanilla iPhone 15 to wirelessly charge other Apple devices, which is not available in the current iPhone 14. However, the certainty of this prediction is lower, and if it does materialize, it is likely to be exclusive to the Pro models of the iPhone 15.
It’s important to note that while these rumors provide insights into possible battery improvements and features, the actual details will only be confirmed by Apple upon the official announcement of the iPhone 15.
According to the information provided, the iPhone 15 is expected to feature an upgraded Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, replacing the current U1 chip. This new UWB chip is rumored to be built on a more compact 7nm process, which would improve performance and reduce power consumption. The improved UWB chip could enhance the functionality of Apple’s Vision Pro headset and enable real-time sharing of media and experiences.
The iPhone 15 is also anticipated to introduce Apple’s next developments in artificial intelligence (AI). The Health app is speculated to be the first beneficiary of this AI integration, potentially offering tailored lifestyle recommendations based on health data such as heart rate, sleep, diet, and breathing. This would be a notable advancement compared to existing iPhone models.
IPHONE 15 SCREEN SIZE
- Will likely use the same 6.1-inch Super XDR OLED display
- Every model expected to get the Dynamic Island
In terms of display, the standard iPhone 15 is expected to feature a 6.1-inch Super XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, similar to the iPhone 14. However, the iPhone 15 is likely to inherit the Dynamic Island screen cutout from the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which would give it a more premium look. Leaked videos have shown front glass panels of the iPhone 15 models with Dynamic Islands and slightly curved bezels, with the Pro models having smaller bezels than the standard models.
Goôd morning! Here’s is the real life video of the front glass panel of the iPhone 15 series, i was able to confirm its authenticity with my source. It’s real! pic.twitter.com/5BkI0OFgz9March 5, 2023
It’s worth noting that the Dynamic Island implementation in the iPhone 15 may differ slightly from the current iPhone 14 Pro models. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the proximity sensor in the iPhone 15 will be integrated within the Dynamic Island itself, rather than positioned below it as in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. This change is not expected to have a significant impact on appearance or functionality but represents a technical advancement.
Regarding the display’s refresh rate, while the iPhone 14 Pro models feature ProMotion with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate, it seems that the iPhone 15 will retain the static 60Hz refresh rate of the iPhone 14.
It’s important to note that while these details are based on rumors and leaks, the official specifications and features of the iPhone 15 will be confirmed by Apple upon its official announcement.
