Despite the fact that we’re still six months away from a potential iPhone event, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning. It’s the same thing that happens every year, as an iPhone gets released, software updates arrive, things get quiet, and then everything ramps back up heading into the Spring.
If you’re interested in learning what to expect from iPhone 15 Pro, you’re in luck. Things are shaping up to be quite different than what the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max had to offer.
Thinner Bezels
When you look around at the entire smartphone market, it’s pretty obvious that there’s a reason why Apple stands above the pack. It’s design and hardware uniformity are second to none, and that includes things like the bezel surrounding the display.
One of the more minor complaints that we’ve seen about the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max is that the bezel just seems a bit too big. However, according to recent CAD renders that were leaked, Apple could be making a change.
The renders reveal bezels that are slightly thinner, resulting in the “body of the device” being “a few mm smaller”. Despite these changes, they won’t be enough to warrant larger screen sizes. Instead, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and 6.8-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max are said to be equipped with a “slightly smaller body.”
Finally Moving To USB-C
The Lightning charging port has overstayed its welcome, as the rest of the world has since moved onto USB-C. There’s nothing inherently wrong with using Lightning for charging, but it offers slow transfer speeds and is already being phased out from other Apple products. A move to USB-C would be huge, as this would bring it in line with the latest iPad models, along with the various MacBooks that Apple is currently selling.
But it’s important to note that this isn’t a move that Apple is doing willingly, as recent EU regulations are stipulating that any future iPhone model will be required to have USB-C by 2024. Technically, Apple could wait until the iPhone 16, but many reports claim that Apple will be making the transition with the iPhone 15 instead of holding out for another year.
Higher Price Tag
While most of the world is dealing with layoffs and a recession-like economy, Apple could end up looking the other way. A recent report claims that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will cost more than their predecessors.
The report doesn’t go so far as to say just how much more expensive Apple’s flagship iPhone models will cost. However, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the base model comes in at $100 higher.
Changes To The Volume Buttons
Did you know that the current generation of iPhone models still rely on “clicky” Side and Volume buttons? If a rumor from Ming-Chi Kuo is to be believed, there are some big changes on the horizon. According to Kuo, Apple will switch to using “solid-state buttons” with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which will work in tandem with the Taptic Engine to make it feel like you’re still pressing a physical button.
“My latest survey indicates that high-end iPhone 15 models will feature solid-state buttons and will equip with additional Taptic Engines to simulate the feel of physical buttons’ force feedback.
Cirrus Logic is the primary winner for canceling physical buttons and the change to adopt solid-state buttons on the 2H23 high-end iPhone 15 models.
As the exclusive supplier of Taptic Engine’s controller IC for solid-state buttons, Cirrus Logic stands to benefit markedly from this new design. If users respond well to this new design, I think it may be adopted in other high-end models of product lines in the future.”
This technology isn’t ground-breaking, as it’s the same feature that you’ll find with Apple’s Magic Trackpad. Every time you push down and click using the trackpad, you’re not actually moving the trackpad. Instead, it’s a simulated experience and one that removes the concern for the potential of dust or other particles rendering your trackpad useless. Additionally, Kuo claims that these solid-state buttons would likely make their way to future iPhone releases, depending on the “reception” of this implementation with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
No More Ringer Switch
Besides some of the basic features of a smartphone, along with the Apple logo on the back, the only hardware feature that has been on every single iPhone released is the ringer switch. This is found on the left side of the phone placed above the volume rocker and allows you to quickly silence your iPhone without actually unlocking it.
However, according to CAD files that were revealed by 9to5Mac, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (or Ultra) could introduce a drastic change. As noted by the 9to5Mac report, “the iPhone 15 Pro models will ditch the separate volume up and volume down buttons for a new single button that works both ways depending on where the user presses it.”
What makes this even weirder is that those CAD renders show a cutout specifically for the ringer switch. But perhaps Apple just plans to have a long and slim button on the left side to control everything from the volume levels to the ringer switch.
Replacing the Pro Max With the iPhone 15 Ultra
There have been rumors about an “Ultra” iPhone for the past few years. Until recently, we expected this to be a fifth option added to the yearly upgrade cycle, but recent reports claim that won’t be the case. Instead, Apple is expected to replace the iPhone 15 Pro Max with the iPhone 15 Ultra, and it’s also possible that this means there are more differences between the Pro and Ultra than just screen size. However, it’s not currently clear what those differences could be.
There are even rumors that Apple is working on a “portless” iPhone, which would solely rely on wireless charging via MagSafe. This would definitely be a sticking point for those who rely on plugging their iPhone’s in to transfer files, so we would suggest taking this rumor with a grain (or bucket) of salt.
Even Better Zoom
For the first time in what feels like forever, Apple upgraded the camera hardware on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Instead of using a slightly-tweaked and updated 12MP lens, the main camera on the Pro and Pro Max models now use a 48MP sensor. While we aren’t sure whether Apple will be upgrading the main camera again with the iPhone 15 Pro lineup, there are claims that Apple will implement a periscope camera.
It’s possible that this periscope camera will replace the existing 3x telephoto lens, while also aligning the iPhone with the latest Android handsets that already have a periscope lens for greater zoom capabilities.
Other Design Changes
The design first introduced with the iPhone 12 was applauded as it reminded everyone of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S with flat edges, along with a flat back panel. Three iterations later and we still have the same design with the iPhone 14 lineup, with the exception of the Dynamic Island and larger camera housing.
According to ShrimpApplePro and others, Apple is considering making a slight, yet welcome, change to the design for the iPhone 15 lineup. In this latest report, Apple would return to having curved edges on the side rails and back, invoking nostalgia for the iPhone 5C.
This would make the iPhone more comfortable to hold in the hand, without feeling like the edges of your iPhone are digging into your palms. However, it’s also possible that these design changes are going to come to the iPhone 15 as there are issues with the supply chain in regard to the way Apple implements MagSafe wireless charging.
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
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