New leaks for Apple’s iPhone 15 series have revealed multiple updates, including photos of their new USB-C ports, bezels and a potential surprise upgrade for older iPhone generations as well.
First up, a pair of images showing the alleged USB-C component Apple will use across the iPhone 15 range have been published by separate sources. While the sources are new, credible insider Unknownz21 commented: “Upon closer inspection – key details match up perfectly, this looks to be the real deal.”
USB-C is a big deal for iPhone users. While Apple is being forced into the change by upcoming international legislation, the move will enable iPhone owners to finally carry a single cable for charging their iPads, iPhones and MacBooks. iPhone and Android owners will also be able to share cables for the first time.
Less discussed is the move also opens up the potential for Apple to provide faster data and charging speeds for iPhones, which have lagged behind Android rivals for some time. Early leaks claimed iPhone 15 Pro models, may ship with Thunderbolt 4 performance (40,000 megabits/sec), a stratospheric upgrade compared to the current USB 2.0 speeds (480 megabits/sec). Either way, however, the option is now open for speeds like this.
Next, popular insider Majin Bu has shared upcoming screen protectors for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which highlight their super thin bezels. They are expected to measure just 1.5mm thick, breaking the record set by the Xiaomi 13 (1.81mm). They are also approximately 20% and 30% thinner than the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro bezels, respectively.
While Apple is already being criticized for a lack of innovation in this year’s models, this is a genuinely impressive engineering achievement. It is also set to pave the way for larger displays in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max in 2024.
Last, in an eye-opening development, Apple has seemingly confirmed the existence of its iPhone 15 range, as well as new versions of the iPhone 14 in its tvOS 17 beta code.
Discovered by @aaronp613, the code references the iPhone15,4, iPhone15,5, iPhone16,1, and iPhone16,2. Apple’s version numbers refer to their chip generation rather than their model number, so the iPhone15,x uses the A16 chip (iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max) and iPhone16,x is the A17 (iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max).
Why would Apple be refreshing the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max a year after launch? One credible theory is Apple will launch the line with USB-C ports, given they are still likely to be on sale when the EU sales ban hits. Apple has also used USB-C in all its Pro-branded products, other than the iPhone, for some time now, so it would bring consistency to the ranges.
In addition to these leaks, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max buyers are expected to see upgrades to a titanium chassis, a new solid-state Action button and upgraded UWB. Standard iPhone 15 models will move to the Dynamic Island design, and the whole range is tipped to adopt smarter, cooler stacked battery technology.
Significant price rises may put off some buyers, but with stock understood to be limited at launch, anyone keen to upgrade will still have to move fast.
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