Apple’s next major iPhone release, the iPhone 15 lineup, is expected to launch in mid September 2023. The iPhone 15 series is expected to consist of four models: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This mirrors the previous iPhone 14 lineup in terms of naming and pricing tiers. And as is the trend these days, we technically know everything there is to know about the upcoming iPhone 15 series thanks to the numerous rumors and leaks that have flooded the internet.
However, with the hype building, is upgrading a smart move or are there reasons to wait? Let’s delve into the top reasons why you might want to consider snagging an iPhone 15, as well as some potential reasons to give it a pass.
Reasons to Buy The iPhone 15 Series
1. USB-C Charging Coming to The iPhone 15 Series
After years of being tethered to Lightning cables, Apple is finally adopting the USB Type-C standard. This transition not only unifies charging cables across your devices but also brings faster charging capabilities. USB Type-C cables have the potential to carry significantly higher electric currents, ranging from 3A and potentially reaching up to 5A.
In contrast, the Lightning standard falls short with a maximum power throughput of only 2.4A, severely curbing the fast-charging capabilities of the iPhone lineup up until now. Additionally, data transfer speeds are significantly enhanced, ensuring smoother and quicker file transfers.
2. The iPhone Will Finally Get a Periscope Camera With The 15 Series
Another marquee addition coming to the iPhone 15 series is a periscope camera with extended optical zoom range. The iPhone 15 Pro Max will be the first to feature this technology. Rumors point to a 5.0X and 6.0X optical zoom from the periscope lens. This will greatly improve image quality at higher zoom levels compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 3x telephoto camera.
According to the rumors, the periscope camera of the iPhone 15 Pro Max will use a folded lens mechanism. This will be similar to the periscope lenses used on rivals like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and others. The iPhone 15 Pro Max will also potentially let you zoom up to 50X. This is impressive but still falls behind the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which offer up to 100X of hybrid (optical+digital) zoom.
3. Fastest Smartphone Chip in The Game
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to feature Apple’s latest A17 Bionic chip. Manufactured using an advanced 3nm process, the A17 will deliver significant performance and efficiency gains. The 3nm manufacturing process allows Apple to pack billions more transistors into the A17 Bionic chip compared to its predecessor. This dramatic increase in density unlocks significant gains in processing performance and power efficiency.
Also Read: iPhone 16 lineup: Here’s what we know so far
Specifically, the A17 will be able to perform vastly more calculations per second than the A16 Bionic. Remarkably, it can achieve these speed improvements while using the same or even less battery power. By squeezing more performance out of each watt of power, the A17 enables iPhones to operate much faster without sacrificing battery life. Users should experience both smoother performance and longer endurance per charge when powering demanding apps and tasks.
In essence, the 3nm process lets Apple have its cake and eat it too – faster speeds without the battery life penalty. This emphasizes the advantages of being at the leading edge of chip fabrication technology and integrating custom silicon.
4. Notchless Design Coming to Standard iPhone 15 Models
While the iPhone 14 Pro variants got the new Dynamic Island cutout, the standard iPhone 14 models retained the familiar notch. For the iPhone 15 series, Apple is expected to bring a notchless front design to the non-Pro models as well.
The iPhone 15 Pro models are also expected to switch from stainless steel to a titanium frame design. Titanium offers a few key advantages over stainless steel:
- Lighter weight – Titanium is much less dense than steel, so it can reduce the overall heft of the phone for better comfort and portability. This is especially important for the larger Pro Max model.
- Enhanced durability – Titanium has outstanding strength-to-weight characteristics. It can better withstand impacts and bending without permanent damage. This improves the ruggedness of the premium iPhones.
- Improved signal transmission – Titanium allows radio signals like Wi-Fi and cellular to pass through with less attenuation compared to steel. This can lead to marginally better reception strength.
- Sleek aesthetic – The silver-hued gleam of titanium looks modern, sleek, and high-tech. It aligns with Apple’s premium branding.
In addition to the titanium frame, rumors suggest a shift to a slightly curved rear glass design. This could improve ergonomics and in-hand feel by reducing sharp edges. Overall, the changes to materials and design promise to elevate the durability, comfort, and style of the iPhone 15 Pro series.
5. Larger Batteries Across The Board
All iPhone 15 models are rumored to have larger battery capacities compared to their iPhone 14 counterparts. This could have significant impacts on daily usage. With the power-efficient A17 Bionic chip also expected, the combination of larger batteries and improved efficiency could substantially extend battery life. Users may experience much longer endurance between charges.
Longer battery life provides more flexibility and less worry about finding a charger during busy days. It also allows users to take full advantage of power-hungry features like the always-on display without fear of draining too quickly.
Of course, longer battery life is always a welcome improvement for smartphones. While the exact gains remain to be tested, the rumors of larger batteries have many iPhone upgraders excited at the prospects of all-day battery and beyond.
Reasons Not To Get The iPhone 15 Series
1. Escalating iPhone Costs
Apple will likely price the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models substantially higher than their predecessors, expecting customers to shell out $100+ more upfront. Trade-in offers may help soften the financial hit for some buyers. But those accustomed to paying full price for new iPhones should brace for potential sticker shock come September.
2. Recent Upgrades and Contentment
If you’ve recently upgraded to the iPhone 14 series or even the iPhone 13 models and are content with their performance, you might find little incentive to upgrade again. The improvements in the iPhone 15 series are undoubtedly significant, but if your current device meets your needs, there’s no rush to make a change.
3. Compact iPhone Longing
If you’re a fan of compact powerhouses like the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini, you might be disappointed by the lack of a similar offering in the iPhone 15 series. The discontinuation of the compact line leaves those seeking smaller devices with limited options.
4. Swayed by Android Competitors
Android devices have been stepping up their game, offering competitive features and quality. If you’re intrigued by the impressive offerings from Android manufacturers, the allure of their devices might make you think twice about committing to the iPhone 15 series.
5. Not Part of the Apple Ecosystem
For users entrenched in other ecosystems, the iPhone 15 likely holds little appeal. Even as Apple’s newest phones may seem a tempting entry point, brand loyalty runs deep. Once comfortable with a platform’s workflows and integrations, few see reason to switch.
Still, never say never. With hardware innovations like the Dynamic Island and extended battery life, even stubborn Android loyalists may feel tempted to try iPhone’s seamless iOS experience. And for those less locked-in, iPhone’s universal app support and polished design offer legitimate reasons to consider crossing over.
In Conclusion
As the release of the iPhone 15 series draws near, the decision of whether to buy or skip this iteration of Apple’s flagship devices is a personal one. While enticing features like USB Type-C compatibility, advanced chipsets, periscope cameras, refreshed designs, and improved batteries make a strong case for upgrading, factors like cost, recent upgrades, and preferences for smaller devices or alternative ecosystems also come into play. Ultimately, evaluating your needs, preferences, and long-term plans will guide your decision on whether to embrace the iPhone 15 series or wait for what’s next.
