It doesn’t seem like that long ago that Apple was revealing Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max and those in the Steve Jobs theatre let out a little chuckle at the new feature’s name.
It’s not a new feature anymore though, and while the iPhone 14 Pro models are still the latest devices from Apple, and will be for many months to come, rumours are already flying around about the 2023 iPhones.
This is everything we have heard so far about the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the latter of which is also rumoured to be called the iPhone 15 Pro Ultra.
Apple / Pocket-lint
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
If you can’t wait for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro models to appear later this year, then the Apple iPhone 14 Pro is an excellent device. Its camera capabilities are great, the Always On Display and Dynamic Island are brilliant to use and the overall experience is a fantastic one.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro release date
In the past, the Apple iPhone launch date was fairly predictable. Aside from the year 2020, the company typically revealed the next iPhone on a Tuesday in the second week of September. For 2022 however, the launch date was a week earlier and on a Wednesday instead, putting the iPhone 14 series launch on 7 September 2022 and making it harder to predict future dates.
For now, there have been no specific rumours relating to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max launch dates, and it’s likely there won’t be for quite some time.
An educated guess would suggest we can expect the devices to be announced and made available in September 2023, but whether the announcement will be the first week of September, the second week, or a different week entirely remains to be seen for now.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro design
- IP68 rated
- Polished stainless steel frame, glass rear
- Action button to replace mute switch
Since the iPhone 12 Pro models, the iPhone has stuck to a fairly similar design. The Pro models have featured polished stainless steel bodies, matte glass rears and a large triple camera system in the top right corner of the back. They’re always a slightly different size, so you need a fancy new case each time, and that’s rumoured to remain true on the 15 series phones, too.
The iPhone 14 Pro models saw the introduction of an Always-On Display, as well as Dynamic Island, so we would expect the iPhone 15 Pro models to offer both of these technologies. Dynamic Island replaces the notch – which is still present on the standard iPhone 14 models – with a pill-shaped cut-out that expands with information.
There were many rumour suggesting the iPhone 15 Pro models would ditch the physical buttons and move to a haptic solid-state button design instead. However, that’s no longer likely to be the case. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 15 models will have physical buttons “due to unresolved technical issues before mass production.”
It’s starting to seem more likely that we’ll see an Apple Watch Ultra-style Action button in place of the mute switch, though. This multi-purpose button will be user-defined so it can be used as a shutter button for the camera, to open an app or run a shortcut. Useful stuff!
It’s also been reported that the iPhone 15 Pro models will adopt USB-C over Lightning and there have been CAD renders depicting slimmer bezels around the screen and a titanium body.
Some reports have also suggested we might see a larger camera bump on the rear, as well as a thicker build overall, even if the thickest part is rumoured to reduce slightly.
chenwen1987 / @ShrimpApplePro
Apple iPhone 15 Pro display
- Same as iPhone 14 Pro models?
- OLED
- 2000nits peak brightness
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro has a 6.1-inch OLED display, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch OLED display. It is likely Apple will stick with OLED for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro models and it’s likely we will see an Always-On Display again, as well as Dynamic Island.
Whether Apple will stick to the same screen sizes hasn’t been detailed in rumours as yet. If it does, the resolution will probably remain the same too, along with the adaptable 120Hz refresh rate.
We’d also expect the 2000nits peak brightness from the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max to carry through to the iPhone 15 Pro models. That said, it has been claimed the Pro models might use a next-generation display from Samsung capable of 2500nits, offering yet another bump. As mentioned, it’s said there will be slimmer bezels around the screen too, making for a more streamlined design overall.
Ian Zelbo for 9to5Mac
Apple iPhone 15 Pro specs and hardware
There haven’t been many rumours surrounding the hardware and specifications for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max/Ultra as yet, though they will no doubt feature a processor upgrade compared to their predecessors. With the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max running on the A16 chip, it’s likely the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will move to the A17.
A report has suggested this chip could be based on a 3nm process, though that’s unconfirmed for now. Some reports have also suggested an increase in RAM will happen, moving from 6GB to 8GB.
Elsewhere, it’s said the iPhone 15 Pro models will move to USB-C over Lightning, as mentioned above. It’s expected this will be the USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 standard if this does happen. There have also been some rumours suggesting Apple might require certified cables in order to take advantage of faster charging speeds.
In terms of software, iOS 17 is due to be next, which we will no doubt learn more about at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). This normally takes place in June and the company typically reveal many of the features coming to the new iPhones and compatible older iPhones.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro camera
- New Sony sensor?
- Periscope lens exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Upgraded LiDAR sensor
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max both have a triple rear camera setup that consists of a main camera sensor, an ultra-wide camera sensor and a telephoto camera sensor. The main camera sensor was upgraded to a 48-megapixel sensor in 2022 so it’s possible Apple will stick with this sensor again for the iPhone 15 Pro models.
There will no doubt be some extra features added – as there were with the iPhone 14 Pro models – and there has been a rumour to suggest there will be a Sony sensor on board the iPhone 15 Pro models. It’s said the sensor can double the saturation signal level in each pixel, allowing for more light capture, while also ensuring the correct exposure in different circumstances. Sounds a bit like the Exmor T sensor on the new Sony Xperia 1 V, if you ask us.
It is claimed this will allow users to take a clear photo of a person’s face even when they have a bright light source behind them, for example. For now, though, there’s no official confirmation it will be in the iPhone 15 Pro models, or what the results would be like.
Rumours suggest that a periscope-style telephoto camera will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, though it’s not yet known what the specifications will look like.
There has also been talk of an upgraded LiDAR sensor. A focus on photography is highly likely however so expect improvements over the iPhone 14 Pro models in some form in this department.
Ian Zelbo for 9to5Mac
Apple iPhone 15 Pro rumours: Everything we have heard so far
Here is everything we have heard so far about the Apple iPhone 15 Pro models.
8 May 2023: The iPhone 15 Pro Max might be the only model with a periscope camera
Twitter leaker @URedditor says they have “received independent confirmation” that the periscope camera will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max – and will not feature on other iPhone 15 models.
27 April 2023: iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button, shrunken cameras detailed in all-new CAD renders
The latest CAD renders were shared by 9to5Mac with the images showing that the familiar mute switch is gone, replaced by a new Action button, and larger cameras, too.
12 April 2023: Shock iPhone 15 Pro report claims expected new feature has been canceled
Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple has taken the decision to cancel the iPhone 15 Pro’s solid-state buttons “due to unresolved technical issues before mass production.”
10 April 2023: Insanely thin iPhone 15 Pro bezels detailed in leaked CAD image
Multiple reports have suggested that we can expect insanely thin bezels from the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but a new tweet by leaker @UniverseIce claims to show a CAD image of the larger model. And it makes for exciting viewing.
30 March 2023: iPhone 15 Pro could borrow the Apple Watch Ultra’s awesome Action button
In a post on the MacRumors forum, an anonymous user hinted that the Action button will replace the ringer switch, suggesting that people will be able to change how it functions.
27 March 2023: The iPhone 15 could go eSIM-only in the UK and other European countries
A new report claims that those in France will go eSIM-only with the iPhone 15 and, as a result, so will half of Europe including the United Kingdom.
25 March 2023: iPhone 15’s Dynamic Island could gain a whole extra sensor
“In the iPhone 15 series, the proximity sensor is situated within the dynamic island, with almost no change to the Dynamic Island area,” said Ming-Chi Kuo on Twitter
21 March 2023: iPhone 15 again tipped for USB-C fast charging but with a catch
Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that faster iPhone charging will be possible through optimisation, but only if a plug or cable carries the MFi (Made For iPhone) tick of approval.
20 March 2023: iPhone 15 Pro CAD leak shows a single volume button, no more mute switch
This latest leak comes via Twitter leaker ShrimpApplePro. The images show the one-piece volume button, as expected. And it appears that Apple is doing away with its famous mute switch for the first time.
17 March 2023: The iPhone 15 Pro is going to cost a lot of money
According to tech analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will be more expensive than previous Pro models.
13 March 2023: iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max 3D mock-ups show that’ll you’ll need a new case yet again
3D-printed dummy iPhone 15 models suggest that there will be minor design tweaks that’ll prevent case compatibility once more.
8 March 2023: The iPhone 15 Pro is tipped for a battery-saving camera upgrade
A report claimed the iPhone 15 Pro Max won’t just get a periscope camera, but could get an upgraded LiDAR sensor too.
6 March 2023: Claimed iPhone 15 front panel leak highlights thinner bezels on some models
ShrimpApplePro published a video on Twitter showing off what is thought to be panels are for the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 15. Based on the panels, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will have thinner bezels than previous models.
28 February 2023: Apple might limit the best thing about the iPhone 15’s USB-C port so you use its certified cables
Twitter leaker ShrimpApplePro believes that the Made for iPhone (MFi) program will be used to limit transfer speeds of the USB-C port with users having to use approved cables in order to get maximum speeds.
25 February 2023: The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera bump might be thinner than anyone expected
According to the numbers shared by Universe Ice, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will have a smaller camera bump (3.59mm) than the iPhone 14 Pro Max (4.18mm). That will allow the phone’s overall thickness to shrink from the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 12.03mm to a more svelte 11.84mm. The main iPhone 15 Pro Max chassis will grow though it’s claimed – 8.25mm compared to 7.85mm.
24 February 2023: New iPhone 15 colour options tipped, including dark red for Pro models
Apple will reportedly add several new colour options to its iPhone range for 2023, with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max said to be coming in a burgundy (dark red) colourway
21 February 2023: iPhone 15 lineup tipped for big RAM upgrades
A report claimed Apple could “bump up the capacity and specifications” for the new models when it comes to RAM.
17 February 2023: First iPhone 15 Pro renders show thinner bezels and new, curvier design
9to5Mac released several CAD images showing what we might be able to expect from the Apple iPhone 15 Pro.
9to5Mac
17 February 2023: Claimed iPhone 15 Pro USB-C port leaks in first real-life photo
Leaker Unknownz21 tweeted an image of what is claimed to show the real-life USB-C port on the iPhone 15 Pro.
15 February 2023: iPhone 15 Pro’s thinner bezel rumour backed up by new sources, leaker says
ShrimpApplePro – who previously claimed the iPhone 15 Pro models would have slimmer bezels around their displays – has said the same thing again, backed by extra sources.
8 February 2023: iPhone 15 Pro Max could feature brighter display
Apple will allegedly adopt a next-generation Samsung display that is capable of a peak brightness of 2,500nits for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. If true, that would be 25 per cent brighter than the screen tech in the current iPhone 14 Pro Max.
28 January 2023: iPhone 15 Pro models tipped for a big Wi-Fi upgrade
Leaker Unknownz21 claimed Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will both feature Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for improved performance.
23 Jabuary 2023: Apple’s iPhone 15 series tipped to be curvier with thinner bezels
Apple’s next phones will all have a curved bezel around their displays according to leaker ShrimpApplePro – although those displays will remain flat, it’s said. People buying the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max will also benefit from thinner bezels, it’s claimed.
11 January 2023: Confidence grows in rumoured iPhone 15 Pro’s solid-stage buttons
Rumours continue to swirl that the iPhone 15 Pro will ditch clicky buttons and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seems convinced
10 January 2023: Apple has reportedly started its production phase for the iPhone 15 (and variants)
Apple has reportedly started its production phase for the iPhone 15 (and variants)
3 January 2023: iPhone 15 Pro rumored to pack big design changes, zero buttons
Analyst Jeff Pu has claimed the iPhone 15 Pro models will feature taptic buttons over physical buttons, whilst also potentially offering a titanium frame and featuring more RAM with 8GB suggested in place of the current 6GB.
29 November 2022: Apple iPhone 15 said to switch to new “state-of-the-art” Sony image sensor
Sony will reportedly supply the image sensor for Apple’s next range of iPhones. The new sensor is alleged to double the saturation signal level in each pixel, allowing for more light capture, while also ensuring the correct exposure in different circumstances.
It is claimed this will allow users to take a clear photo of a person’s face even when they have a bright light source behind them, for example.
24 November 2022: iPhone 15 Pro’s vibrating buttons hinted at by part supplier
Cirrus Logic CEO John Forsyth told an earnings call that his company was working on a new component for the “back half of next year”. That component was confirmed in a prior shareholder letter to be a component related to Apple’s Taptic Engine vibration motors
17 November 2022: Apple’s Lightning to USB-C switch will benefit iPhone 15 Pro models most, claims analyst
Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Apple will complete its switch to USB-C from Lightning for all devices as soon as next year – long before the EU directive demands it.
His report reveals that the entire iPhone 15 line-up will ditch the Lightning port. Only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will carry the latest USB 3.2 or even Thunderbolt 3 standard though.
28 October 2022: Apple iPhone 15 Pro could ditch physical buttons altogether
Apple could ditch the volume and power buttons on its next iPhone, according to respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The report states that the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max “may adopt a solid-state button design” instead. He suggests the handsets will feature “taptic” buttons instead, which work like the home button on the iPhones 7 and 8.
26 September 2022: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max could be called iPhone 15 Ultra
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the top-of-the-range Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max could instead be called the iPhone 15 Ultra.
14 September 2022: Apple tipped to use 3nm chip tech in iPhone 15, 2023 Macs
A report claimed TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is developing 3nm-based processors, and that these will be used to build Apple’s A17 processor – which will likely power the iPhone 15 Pro.
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