Is the iPhone 15 Worth Your Investment?
Apple introduced the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in September 2023, along with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you’re contemplating whether these new models are a good fit for you, let’s take a closer look.
These are the latest models, with the iPhone 15 featuring a 6.1-inch screen and the iPhone 15 Plus offering a larger 6.7-inch display. These phones are expected to serve as Apple’s flagship devices for the next year, so you don’t need to worry about newer versions coming out in the immediate future.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus start at a price of $799, providing a balance between performance and cost. However, if you have budget constraints, Apple also offers other options like the $429 iPhone SE with older technology, as well as the previous-generation iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus starting at $699. If you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly choice, the two-year-old iPhone 13 is available starting at $599.
For those seeking enhanced features beyond what the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offer, you might want to explore the iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max. These models have the same screen sizes but come with several upgrades, including an Always-On display with ProMotion technology, a customizable Action button replacing the traditional ring/silent switch, a faster A17 Pro chip, an improved camera system with telephoto capabilities, and more.
Choosing the right iPhone is a significant decision, and we have buyer’s guides available to assist you in finding the perfect device for your needs. Additionally, you can check out our resources for finding the best prices on iPhones.
Features
- 6.1- and 6.7-inch sizes
- Dynamic Island
- A16 chip
- USB-C port
- 48-megapixel Main camera
Exploring the Features of iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
Apple’s latest consumer-oriented flagship devices, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, have made their debut, priced starting at $799. Accompanying them are the pro-focused counterparts, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which offer additional features and begin at $999.
In a fashion reminiscent of last year’s iPhone 14 lineup, the iPhone 15 family includes four models: two with 6.1-inch screens and two with 6.7-inch screens. The consumer-oriented offerings comprise the standard 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, while the more premium options are the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max.
While the most advanced features are reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro models, ensuring that they justify the higher price tag, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus still deliver strong performance.
Both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are available in a range of appealing colors: pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. A notable change in this lineup is the transition from the familiar Lightning port, which has been a fixture on iPhones for over a decade, to a USB-C port. It’s worth mentioning that data transfers on these models maintain the same USB 2.0 speeds as with the previous Lightning connection.
A noteworthy addition to the non-Pro lineup in 2023 is the Dynamic Island, initially introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro lineup a year earlier. This innovative feature replaces the former notch at the top of the display and houses the front-facing TrueDepth camera and other sensors. Clever software integration conceals these physical components within the black Dynamic Island, which seamlessly adapts to display vital information and enable user interaction.
Under the hood, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus feature the same A16 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, offering a 20 percent reduction in power consumption, improved performance, and 50 percent more memory bandwidth compared to the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus.
Camera improvements include a new 48-megapixel Main camera equipped with a quad-pixel sensor that captures 24-megapixel photos by default. This updated Main camera also introduces a 2x Telephoto option intelligently cropped from the full camera capture.
Portrait photography no longer requires the activation of Portrait mode, as the iPhone 15 automatically captures depth information when it detects a person, dog, or cat in the frame. The new camera system delivers sharper detail, more vibrant colors, and enhanced low-light performance to portraits, while Night mode has also seen improvements.
The second-generation Ultra Wideband chip extends the range of proximity-based functionality, allowing iPhones to connect to each other at three times the previous distance. The Precision Finding feature in the Find My app enables you to locate your friends even in crowded environments.
Battery life remains consistent with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus compared to their predecessors, offering up to 20 hours of video playback on the iPhone 15 and 26 hours on the iPhone 15 Plus. These models continue to support 5G connectivity (both sub-6GHz and mmWave in the United States) and utilize the new Qualcomm X70 modem. In the United States, iPhone models no longer include a physical SIM card, as carriers have transitioned to eSIM.
Emergency SOS via satellite, introduced with the iPhone 14 lineup, has expanded to include Roadside Assistance via satellite. Apple has partnered with service agencies like AAA in the United States, allowing users in areas with no cell signal to request assistance for vehicle difficulties, either through their AAA membership or on a fee basis.
The iPhone 15 models offer storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512 GB. Additionally, they support both wired charging via USB-C and wireless charging via MagSafe and Qi2. These models also embrace Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 technology.
Pricing for the iPhone 15 models remains consistent with previous models, with the standard 6.1-inch device starting at $799, and the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus beginning at $899.
How to Buy
The iPhone 15 comes at an initial cost of $799 for the base model offering 128GB of storage. In the case of the iPhone 15 Plus, the starting price is $899 with the same 128GB storage capacity. For those requiring more storage space, there are options available to upgrade to higher storage tiers, albeit at an additional expense.
To acquire the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus, you have several purchasing avenues at your disposal. These include the official online Apple Store, physical Apple retail locations, authorized carriers, and various third-party retailers.
Design
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, featuring 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays respectively (measured diagonally), retain the overall design aesthetics of their predecessors, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. However, they introduce subtle refinements such as contoured edges, enhancing the tactile experience and providing a more contemporary appearance that sets them apart from the previous models.
In terms of physical dimensions, changes are minimal. The iPhone 15 stands at 5.81 inches (147.6 mm) in height and 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) in width, while the iPhone 15 Plus measures 6.33 inches (160.9 mm) in height and 3.06 inches (77.8 mm) in width. Both devices maintain a consistent thickness of 0.31 inches (7.80 mm), with the iPhone 15 weighing 6.02 ounces (171 grams) and the iPhone 15 Plus weighing 7.09 ounces (201 grams).
Both models feature an all-glass front and a matte glass back in various colors. These elements are encased within an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, color-matched to the device. Color options encompass black, blue, green, yellow, and pink. Notably, Apple has employed a new color infusion process throughout the back glass, reinforced by a “dual-ion exchange process.”
Apple introduced the Dynamic Island in the iPhone 14 Pro lineup, which replaces the conventional notch at the top of the display. This year, the pill-shaped Dynamic Island extends to the iPhone 15 models. Occupying less space than the notch, it results in a larger viewable display area.
Antenna bands are situated along the top and sides, while the right side houses the power button, and the left side features volume buttons and a mute switch. Worth mentioning is the fact that the mute switch has been replaced with an Action button in the iPhone 15 Pro models, while the standard iPhone 15 models retain the traditional mute switch. Beneath the power button, you’ll find a 5G mmWave antenna, exclusive to iPhone 15 models sold in the United States.
The bottom of the iPhone 15 models hosts speaker holes and a microphone, along with a significant design alteration – the introduction of a USB-C port. This USB-C port replaces the Lightning port as Apple shifts to USB-C charging technology. In select regions, a SIM slot is present on the iPhone, although the physical SIM has been phased out in the United States.
The camera bump at the rear of the iPhone remains largely unchanged, housing a diagonal lens setup for the Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, complemented by a True Tone flash and a microphone.
Water and Dust Resistance
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with an IP68 rating, indicating their resistance to both water and dust infiltration. These smartphones can endure submersion in water up to a depth of six meters (approximately 19.7 feet) for a duration of up to 30 minutes.
Breaking down the IP68 rating, the ‘6’ signifies the level of dust resistance, denoting the iPhone 15’s ability to effectively fend off dirt, dust, and various particulates. Meanwhile, the ‘8’ pertains to water resistance, emphasizing the device’s capacity to withstand splashes, rain, and unintentional exposure to water. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that deliberate submersion or prolonged exposure to water should be avoided.
It’s important to acknowledge that water and dust resistance are not permanent attributes and may deteriorate over time due to regular usage. Notably, Apple’s standard warranty does not cover damage caused by liquids. Hence, exercising caution and discretion when it comes to exposure to liquids is advisable.
Display
Compared to the previous year’s iPhone models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature the same OLED Super Retina XDR display. However, there have been improvements in brightness, enhancing performance in sunlight and HDR capabilities. The typical maximum brightness has been raised from 800 to 1000 nits, and the peak HDR brightness now reaches 1600 nits, up from 1200. Additionally, the iPhone 15 models can achieve an impressive 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors, a feature introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro last year and extended to the standard iPhone 15 models this year.
The iPhone 15 boasts a resolution of 2556 by 1179 with a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch, while the iPhone 15 Plus offers a resolution of 2796 by 1290, also with a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch.
The contrast ratio remains at 2,000,000:1, and wide color support ensures vibrant and true-to-life colors. True Tone adjusts the display’s white balance based on ambient lighting conditions for a comfortable viewing experience, akin to reading from paper. The display also features a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating and supports Haptic Touch, providing tactile feedback when interacting with the screen.
The display’s durability is reinforced by a “Ceramic Shield” material, created by infusing nano-ceramic crystals into the glass. These crystals were carefully engineered to optimize clarity while maintaining toughness, in collaboration with Corning. Apple touts Ceramic Shield as the most robust smartphone glass, thanks to a dual-ion exchange process that safeguards against scratches and daily wear and tear.
It’s important to note that, unlike the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus do not incorporate the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate or Always-On display technologies.
Dynamic Island
A new addition to the iPhone 15 lineup is the Dynamic Island, which houses the TrueDepth camera sensor for Face ID and the front-facing camera. The proximity sensor for this setup has been relocated beneath the display, and smaller cutouts are used for the camera, dot protector, and other components.
The display features a small circular cutout on the right side for the camera and a pill-shaped cutout on the left side for the TrueDepth system responsible for Face ID. Apple uses software to merge these two cutouts into a single pill-shaped cutout, forming the Dynamic Island.
Apple has integrated Dynamic Island into the iPhone’s interface, utilizing it as a central hub for notifications and other at-a-glance information from apps and services. For instance, during an Apple Pay transaction, Dynamic Island expands into a square shape to confirm your Face ID scan, and during a phone call, it enlarges to offer convenient phone controls.
The Dynamic Island can display a range of information, including Maps directions, timers, Apple Music, and the status of AirPods connections. It seamlessly integrates with Live Activities, allowing you to track sports scores, Uber rides, and more directly from the top of the iPhone’s display without leaving the current app. It can also collapse or expand when tapped to provide easy access to various functions.
A16 Bionic Chip
For the iPhone 15 series, Apple has incorporated the A16 Bionic chip, which previously featured in the iPhone 14 Pro models. This chip comprises two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, offering incremental improvements compared to the A15 chip.
The A16 Bionic chip is equipped with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, achieving noteworthy performance benchmarks. It delivers a single-core score of 2522 on Geekbench and a multi-core score of 6397, ranking second only to the A17 Pro chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro models in terms of A-series chip performance.
Neural Engine and ISP
The A16 chip introduces an updated 16-core Neural Engine, capable of handling nearly 17 trillion operations per second. This upgraded Neural Engine significantly enhances the device’s machine learning capabilities.
Additionally, the A16 chip incorporates an image signal processor (ISP) responsible for powering the photographic features of the iPhone 15 models. It can perform up to four trillion operations per photo, contributing to improved image processing and computational photography.
RAM
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with 6GB of RAM, mirroring the RAM configuration found in the iPhone 14 models.
Storage Capacity
The base storage capacity for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is 128GB. However, users have the flexibility to opt for higher storage capacities of 256GB and 512GB, albeit at additional costs.
USB-C Port
The iPhone 15 models mark a significant departure from the past by introducing a plug-free USB-C port in place of the traditional Lightning port. This forward-thinking change allows for the hassle-free use of a USB-C cable for charging and connectivity. With this shift, the same cable can seamlessly charge the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case.
USB-C technology empowers the iPhone to directly charge AirPods or an Apple Watch, all without the need for additional adapters or plugs, using a USB-C cable. This versatile feature delivers a maximum power output of up to 4.5W.
It’s essential to note that the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus supports USB 2 transfer speeds of 480 Mb/s, mirroring the performance of the previous Lightning port. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models elevate your data transfer experience with faster USB 3 transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s.
TrueDepth Camera and Face ID
The iPhone 15 models continue their commitment to the groundbreaking Face ID technology, Apple’s renowned facial recognition system. In a sleek integration, Face ID is seamlessly embedded into the Dynamic Island, eliminating the need for a distinct notch, as seen on earlier iPhone 14 models.
Face ID remains at the forefront of iOS, serving as the primary authentication method for unlocking your iPhone, granting access to protected third-party apps, verifying app purchases, facilitating secure Apple Pay transactions, and more.
Face ID relies on an array of sophisticated sensors and cameras. A Dot Projector projects thousands of invisible infrared dots onto your face, creating a precise 3D facial scan that captures the unique contours and features. An infrared camera captures this scan for processing.
The facial depth map is then sent to the A16 chip, where it is transformed into a mathematical model that the iPhone uses to confirm your identity. Remarkably, Face ID operates effectively in low-light and dark conditions, effortlessly recognizing you even when wearing accessories such as hats, beards, glasses, sunglasses, scarves, masks, and more.
Front-Facing Camera
The iPhone 15 models retain the impressive 12-megapixel front-facing camera, featuring an ƒ/1.9 aperture, as introduced in the iPhone 14 lineup. This front camera offers a built-in Retina Flash and boasts nearly all the features available in the rear cameras.
Apple has incorporated impressive enhancements, including selfie Night mode, seamless integration with Smart HDR 5, Dolby Vision HDR recording, Deep Fusion for intricate detail enhancement, and a Photonic Engine for superior low-light photography. Moreover, the next-generation Portrait mode empowers you to capture standard images and later transform them into stunning portrait shots.
The front-facing camera also supports 4K video recording, QuickTake video, slow-motion video, Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, and the Photographic Styles feature, enabling you to selectively enhance your photos without the need for extra accessories or plugs.
Enhanced Dual-Lens Rear Camera
In the world of smartphone photography, Apple has taken a significant leap forward with the dual-lens camera system featured in the iPhone 15 models. A standout upgrade is the introduction of a formidable 48-megapixel Main camera, a noteworthy improvement from the 12-megapixel Main camera seen in the iPhone 14.
This advanced camera boasts a 26 mm focal length paired with an impressive ƒ/1.6 aperture, ensuring ample light absorption even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. To further enhance photo and video quality, Apple has incorporated sensor-shift optical image stabilization, reducing unwanted movement for sharper and clearer shots. The lens supports both 24-megapixel and 48-megapixel high-resolution image capture.
The 24-megapixel option employs a pixel-combining technique, merging every two pixels into one. This results in high-resolution images that exhibit remarkable detail and excel in low-light scenarios, all without generating excessively large file sizes. Moreover, the iPhone 15 now allows you to save 48-megapixel images in either RAW or HEIF format.
The introduction of the 48-megapixel lens has enabled Apple to introduce a 2x Telephoto option. This utilizes the central 12 megapixels on the sensor to produce full-resolution 2x photos without resorting to digital zoom. Notably, the iPhone 15 marks the debut of an optical zoom option on a standard iPhone.
Complementing the impressive 48-megapixel Main camera, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 feature a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, boasting an ƒ/2.4 aperture and an expansive 120º field of view. This Ultra Wide camera is identical to its counterpart in the iPhone 14 models.
Video Capabilities
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus empower users with versatile video features. They support 4K video recording across different frame rates, including 24, 25, 30, or 60 frames per second. These devices also embrace advanced functionalities like HDR recording, ProRes video, Cinematic mode, Action mode, slow-motion video, and time-lapse.
Portrait Mode Enhancement
Apple has reimagined Portrait mode within the iPhone 15 series, streamlining the process. Gone is the need for manual selection of Portrait mode before capturing an image.
Now, when you take a photo that includes a person or a pet, the device automatically gathers depth information and activates Portrait mode, delivering a captivating blurred background effect. This automatic feature also applies when you tap to focus on a specific area within an image. Additionally, you have the flexibility to enable or disable Portrait mode directly within the Photos app.
You maintain control over the level of background blur, and you can also adjust the focus between objects present in the scene, all directly within the Photos app. Apple emphasizes that Portrait images now offer enhanced detail and more vibrant colors, even in challenging scenarios like low-light conditions in Night mode.
Additional Camera Features
Over the years, Apple has introduced several supplementary camera capabilities to enhance the iPhone’s photography experience.
Smart HDR 5: This feature intelligently identifies individuals or groups in a scene and optimizes contrast, lighting, and skin tones for each person, ensuring everyone looks their best. In the iPhone 15, Smart HDR has been improved for more accurate colors and natural skin tones.
Photonic Engine: Combining the best pixels from a high-resolution image with those optimized for low light capture, the Photonic Engine produces a 24-megapixel image with exceptional detail, derived from an image with twice the resolution.
Photographic Styles: These are adjustable and intelligent filters that can enhance or mute colors without affecting skin tones. Unlike traditional filters that apply uniformly, Photographic Styles selectively impact various aspects of an image. Options include Vibrant (boosts colors), Rich Contrast (deepens shadows and enriches colors), Warm (accentuates golden undertones), or Cool (accentuates blue undertones). Tone and Warmth settings are customizable for each style, allowing precise control over the desired aesthetic.
Night Mode: This feature captures a series of images over a few seconds and combines them to enable photography in extremely low-light conditions. Night mode images feature richer colors and sharper details with the iPhone 15.
Deep Fusion: Working in medium to low-light conditions, Deep Fusion enhances image texture and detail.
Portrait Lighting: This feature offers various lighting effects for Portrait mode photos, including Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, and High-Key Mono.
True Tone Flash: Designed to match ambient lighting, the True Tone flash prevents white balance issues in photos. The iPhone 15 flash is brighter and provides more consistent lighting.
Cinematic Mode: A video mode that maintains focus on the primary subject while capturing dynamic motion.
Action Mode: Enhances image stabilization to reduce shake in handheld videos.
Panorama: Captures panoramic shots with resolutions of up to 63 megapixels.
Burst Mode: Allows for the rapid capture of a series of images simultaneously, making it ideal for capturing high-action sequences.
Battery Life
The iPhone 15 is equipped with a 3,349 mAh battery, while the iPhone 15 Plus boasts a slightly larger 4,383 mAh battery, both offering incremental capacity improvements compared to their predecessors. The iPhone 15 delivers up to 20 hours of battery life for video playback, up to 16 hours for streaming video, and up to 80 hours for audio playback.
For the iPhone 15 Plus, these numbers are extended, providing up to 26 hours of video playback, up to 20 hours for streaming video, and up to 100 hours for audio playback. All iPhone 15 models support fast charging, allowing for a 50 percent charge in approximately 30 to 35 minutes when using a 20W or higher power adapter.
5G Connectivity
The iPhone 15 lineup features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X70 modem, enabling 5G connectivity. In the United States, iPhone users can connect to both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G networks, while in other countries, the option is limited to sub-6GHz networks.
mmWave 5G networks offer the highest speeds, but they have limited coverage and can be obstructed by buildings and obstacles. Consequently, they are primarily found in major cities, urban areas, and crowded venues like stadiums and airports.
In contrast, sub-6GHz 5G is more widely available, covering urban, suburban, and rural areas in the United States and other countries. Typically, when using a 5G network, you’ll be connected to sub-6GHz 5G. It generally offers faster speeds than LTE, especially when utilizing mid-band spectrum, although it may not always deliver the ultra-high speeds associated with 5G.
5G Bands
The iPhone 15 models in the United States support more than 20 5G bands. The following bands are supported:
- Sub-6GHz 5G – 5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n66, n70, n71, n77, n78, n79)
- mmWave 5G – Bands n258, n260, n261
LTE Bands
The iPhone 15 models continue to offer Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO for connecting to LTE networks when 5G is unavailable. The following bands are supported:
- FDD-LTE – Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71
- TD-LTE – Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53
Satellite-Based Emergency SOS
All iPhone 15 models now incorporate the ability to establish satellite connections in emergency situations where traditional cellular and Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. Apple introduces the Emergency SOS via satellite feature, which enables the iPhone’s antennas to connect with satellites operated by Globalstar.
This satellite communication feature is especially valuable in scenarios where standard network connections are inaccessible. It works optimally in open, unobstructed areas, allowing the iPhone to establish a connection with satellites positioned overhead.
Apple provides a user-friendly interface to guide individuals on the proper positioning of their iPhone for satellite connectivity. To expedite communication through satellites, Apple has implemented a compressed messaging protocol. In locations with minimal obstructions, emergency messages can be transmitted in as little as 15 seconds.
Upon activation, Emergency SOS via satellite initiates a series of essential questions designed to collect vital information for emergency responders. The user’s responses are either sent directly to local emergency services if text communication is supported or relayed to Apple-trained specialists at relay centers. These specialists can then contact emergency services on the user’s behalf.
While primarily intended for emergencies, satellite connectivity can also be beneficial for updating your Find My location during activities such as camping or off-grid hiking, offering reassurance to family and friends regarding your whereabouts.
For the initial two years, Emergency SOS via satellite is provided at no cost to all iPhone 15 users. Apple has not disclosed details regarding future pricing for this feature.
Furthermore, with the iPhone 15, Apple introduces Roadside Assistance via satellite. U.S. iPhone users can now access help from AAA in case of vehicle issues in areas lacking cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. The use of satellite for Roadside Assistance is complimentary, but it requires either a AAA membership or a one-time fee for AAA assistance.
Crash Detection
The iPhone 15 models come equipped with advanced sensors, including a high dynamic range gyroscope and a dual-core accelerometer capable of detecting G-force measurements of up to 256Gs. Paired with other iPhone sensors like a barometer that can sense cabin pressure changes caused by airbag deployment, this hardware enables a Crash Detection feature.
In the event of a severe car crash, the iPhone 15 models can automatically initiate a call to emergency services if the car’s occupants are seriously injured or unable to access their phones. The iPhone’s GPS can detect changes in speed, while the microphone can identify the loud sounds associated with significant car accidents. Crash Detection is also available on the Apple Watch, and both devices work together to contact emergency services in the event of an accident.
Connectivity Features: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, and Ultra Wideband
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offer support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 4×4 MIMO, along with Bluetooth 5.3. Additionally, they feature an NFC chip with a reader mode and a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. This new Ultra Wideband chip significantly enhances spatial awareness, enabling iPhone 15 models to more accurately locate other Apple devices equipped with an Ultra Wideband chip. This chip facilitates extended connectivity between two iPhones, with a range three times greater than before.
The Ultra Wideband chip serves various purposes, including precise tracking, such as when locating AirTags. It is also employed for directional AirDrop and interactions with the HomePod mini. Furthermore, Apple has introduced a Precision Finding feature that aids in locating friends with an iPhone 15 in crowded environments.
Regarding GPS, the iPhone 15 models support various location services, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou.
MagSafe
The iPhone 15 lineup continues its support for MagSafe, featuring magnets on the rear that allow compatibility with MagSafe chargers and various magnetic accessories. Official MagSafe chargers from Apple and authorized third-party options offer wireless charging capabilities for the iPhone 15 models, delivering charging speeds of up to 15W.
While second-generation Qi-based charging remains an option, it retains a maximum charging speed of 7.5W and does not support faster charging.
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
In addition to the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models, Apple introduces the more premium iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max variants, offering substantial upgrades this year.
Compared to the iPhone 15 models, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max boast a lighter and more robust titanium frame, a swifter and more energy-efficient A17 Pro chip manufactured on an advanced 3-nanometer process, ProMotion display technology, an Always-On display feature, and Telephoto camera lenses with 3x and 5x optical zoom capabilities, respectively.
For a more comprehensive overview of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, please refer to our dedicated coverage.
Future Developments Beyond the iPhone 15
Apple is already in the early stages of development for its iPhone 16 lineup, scheduled for a 2024 release. As with the iPhone 15 series, many of the most groundbreaking advancements are expected to be geared toward the iPhone 16 Pro models. These potential upgrades encompass the possibility of larger display sizes, the introduction of a faster A18 chip, support for Wi-Fi 7, and the incorporation of a new 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera.
For the standard iPhone 16 models, we may anticipate enhancements in camera technology, the utilization of the A17 chip, and a redesigned button layout. There is also potential for Apple-designed modem chips to be integrated across all models.
For more detailed insights into forthcoming iPhone models, please explore our dedicated iPhone 16 coverage.
