When and Where to Watch the iPhone 15 Launch The iPhone 15 event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, at 6 pm BST, or 10 am local time in California. You can catch the live stream on YouTube.
iPhone 15 Release Date
Traditionally, Apple announces its new iPhones on Tuesdays, followed by pre-orders on the Apple Store later in the week. Pre-orders for the iPhone 15 are expected to commence on Friday, September 15, with wider availability through networks starting on Friday, September 22.
Apple is anticipated to unveil two iPhone 15 Pro models—one standard-sized iPhone 15 Pro with a 6.1-inch display and a larger iPhone 15 Pro Max with a 6.7-inch screen. Additionally, two slightly less powerful models—the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus—are in the pipeline.
Supply chain analysts suggest that the release of the iPhone 15 Pro Max might be slightly delayed, possibly in October. There are also reports of Apple potentially renaming the “Max” version to “Ultra.”
Notable Features of the iPhone 15
Compared to previous iPhone generations, the iPhone 15 is expected to offer modest upgrades. While some competitors have reintroduced fingerprint sensors, either embedded in the screen or on the back, Apple is not likely to follow suit.
The iPhone 15 series will feature an enhanced microchip, the A17 bionic, expected to be a cutting-edge 3-nanometer processor manufactured by Taiwanese company TSMC. This more efficient chip should result in improved battery life.
The Pro models will boast a titanium frame instead of stainless steel, making them more durable and lighter. Analysts also predict that all iPhone models will adopt Apple’s “dynamic island” screen design, eliminating the “notch” and replacing it with an adaptive display around a punch-hole camera.
Camera upgrades are expected, with the entry-level iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models sporting significant improvements, including a more powerful 48MP wide camera. The advanced iPhone 15 Pro models may include a “periscope” camera lens for enhanced zoom capabilities, which could be a game-changer for photography enthusiasts.
Rendered images suggest a slightly larger camera bump on the back of the phone and a curved glass screen. There are also reports of a new “action” button to replace the current mute button, offering customizable functions.
Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 17, is expected to coincide with the iPhone 15’s launch and will introduce new features, including a journal app for writing and remembering.
Changes to iPhone 15 Charging
One significant change is the introduction of a new charging cable and port. Apple is transitioning from its proprietary “lightning” charging cables to USB-C, driven by EU regulations aimed at reducing e-waste. This change will have a global impact, not limited to the EU.
While USB-C is known for its fast-charging capabilities, it may render older cables obsolete. However, some Apple devices, such as MacBooks, already use USB-C, and the standard is common among most Android smartphones.
Apple Watch and Other Expectations Anticipated upgrades to the Apple Watch lineup include the Apple Watch Series 9 with a more powerful processor. It remains uncertain whether there will be improvements to the Apple Watch Ultra, a sportier and more durable version introduced last year.
With the transition to USB-C on iPhones, there are expectations of updates to Apple’s AirPod headphones, at the very least, in the charging case department.
Apple enthusiasts are also keeping an eye out for any new details about the Vision Pro VR headset, teased earlier in the year but not expected to be released until the following year.
Pricing Speculations While the exact pricing for the iPhone 15 is still unknown, signs suggest it could be slightly more expensive than its predecessor. The iPhone 14 was priced at £849, with the iPhone 14 Pro starting at £1,099, which generated headlines due to inflation-driven increases. Barclays analysts expect the iPhone 15 lineup to be priced higher, with an estimated increase of around $100 for the iPhone 15 Pro and between $100 to $200 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Further price adjustments due to inflation are yet to be determined.
