You’ve probably seen a lot of Apple iPhone 15 leaks on the internet. Apple’s latest iPhone lineup, the iPhone 15 series, is set to deepen the divide between its standard and Pro models. In collaboration with trusted Apple insider, Unknownz21, MacRumors has obtained exclusive information on the upcoming iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. This information, sourced from leaked internal documents, highlights significant disparities in terms of specifications and design. Unknownz21 has a proven track record, having previously obtained an early version of iOS 14 well before its official launch.
The latest Apple iPhone 15 leaks
The latest revelations from the leaker are bound to disappoint budget-conscious iPhone buyers. According to MacRumors, the documents obtained by the leaker “confirm” that Apple’s cutting-edge 3nm A17 chipset will only be available on the iPhone 15 Pro models. Additionally, the Pro models will boast a re-engineered design with solid state power and volume buttons, while Wi-Fi 6E capabilities will also be limited to the Pro models – a distinction not previously indicated in previous Apple iPhone 15 leaks.
As a result of its exceptional nature, as all iPhone 14 models were equipped with Wi-Fi 6, Unknownz21 decided to make the documentation public. The leaker referred to this as “the tip of the iceberg,” promising more Apple iPhone 15 leaks, including complete images, prior to the start of the iPhone 15 series’ Engineering Validation Test phase in March.
Building upon previous Apple iPhone 15 leaks indicating the superiority of the iPhone 15 Pro models with regards to camera technology and exclusive ProMotion displays, it appears that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will have few, if any, features that match those of their more premium siblings.
Further updates have emerged regarding Apple’s 2023 iPhone roadmap, specifically regarding what will not take place. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revised his prior forecast of a foldable iPhone in 2023, announcing that Apple has redirected its efforts to prioritize the development of a foldable iPad instead.
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Thus, I'm taking a cautious approach to iPad shipments for 2023, predicting a YoY decline of 10-15%. Nevertheless, I'm positive about the foldable iPad in 2024 and expect this new model will boost shipments and improve the product mix.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 30, 2023
According to Kuo, Apple is crafting a foldable iPad featuring a carbon fiber kickstand, making it both lighter and more resilient. He also disclosed that Apple has secured a supplier for this component, Anje Technology. Kuo stated that the device’s release is more probable in 2024, but he expressed his positivity regarding the timeline and the device’s potential to “boost shipments and improve the product mix.”
According to a report by seasoned tech journalist Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is rumored to be developing a clamshell design for its iPad, with the bottom half serving as a keyboard for typing. Gurman’s prediction places the release of this innovative device no earlier than 2026, thereby pitting Apple against other major players in the tech industry. This news has generated anticipation among the fervent fanbase of the tech giant, who are hoping that renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s forecast proves to be accurate.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shed further light on Apple’s upcoming iPhone plans. According to Kuo, the iPhone 15 Pro Max (likely to be dubbed “Ultra”) will be the sole model among the iPhone 15 lineup to feature a periscope camera, a technology that enhances optical zoom capabilities.
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Only one/the highest-end model of the new 2H24 iPhone 16 series may have a periscope camera, not the two models of market expectation. It's detrimental to Largan and Genius since the demand for lens upgrades will fall below expectations.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 31, 2023
This latest revelation supports Kuo’s prior Apple iPhone 15 leaks, but the significant development is his assertion that this will not signal a larger shift towards periscope cameras across the entire iPhone range in the near future:
“As previously predicted, the highest-end model of the 2H23 new iPhone 15 model (15 Pro Max or 15 Ultra) will adopt the periscope camera. The market expected that adding periscope cameras to more iPhone models would drive demand for lens upgrades in 2023-2024. But my latest survey indicates only one/highest-end new iPhone 16 model in 2H24 will have the periscope camera, not the two models the market expected.”
This news will come as a surprise to fans of the iPhone, as periscope cameras have become a widely adopted feature in rival high-end smartphones. Additionally, it suggests that Apple is looking to further distinguish itself by offering unique features even within its Pro models.
The iPhone Pro Max’s extended battery life is a well-known advantage that is attributed to its substantial size, rather than an intentional effort from Apple to diminish the capabilities of the Pro model. Nevertheless, periscope cameras do not necessitate a form factor on par with the Pro Max. Historically, Apple has not differentiated between product lines through intentional design variations, as seen with their iPad Pro and MacBook Pro ranges.
It’s worth noting that Apple’s last attempt at differentiation through design was the dual and single rear camera setup of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus in 2017, where the latter served as the predecessor to today’s Pro models. Apple is renowned for their strategic product segmentation, but this strategy does carry certain risks, particularly in light of the rumored global price hikes for the upcoming iPhone 15 series, expected to be launched later in the year.
Apple’s recent decision to differentiate the design of their new iPhone models carries a significant degree of risk. The sales performance of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus has fallen below expectations, with consumers opting to spread the cost of the Pro models over their carrier contracts to take advantage of their additional features.
The planned widening of this gap between models is expected to have limited impact on the sales of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. Apple iPhone 15 leaks suggest that the Cupertino firm is employing a classic incentive and deterrent approach, offering the Dynamic Island design as an attractive incentive for the standard models, while simultaneously raising the prices of the iPhone 15 Pro. Whether this gambit will be successful remains to be seen.
This is everything you need to know regarding the latest Apple iPhone 15 leaks. Check out our special guide to read design-related rumors about iPhone 15!
